It may feel like summer just started, but back-to-school shopping season is already underway.<\/p>\n
Major retailers have rolled out sales weeks before students return to the classroom, giving families a chance to spread out spending and take advantage of early discounts.<\/p>\n
According to a NerdWallet survey, parents expect to spend more than $600 on back-to-school shopping this year. The good news: There are deals available on everything from notebooks and pencils to dorm room essentials.<\/p>\n
Where to save on school supplies<\/p>\n
For basic classroom supplies, Walmart and Staples are offering some of the deepest discounts of the season.<\/p>\n
Shoppers can find many items priced at $1 or less, with some supplies selling for as little as 25 cents.<\/p>\n
Target says prices on nearly all of its back-to-school supplies are lower than last year. The retailer is also advertising clothing and dorm d\u00e9cor items starting at $5.<\/p>\n
Extra discounts for college students<\/p>\n
College students can unlock additional savings through several major retailers.<\/p>\n
Amazon is offering a special Prime promotion<\/a> for young adults that includes six months of free membership, followed by a discounted rate.<\/p>\n Target is offering eligible students 20% off purchases<\/a> through its Target Circle program.<\/p>\n Walmart is also promoting a student offer<\/a> that cuts the cost of a Walmart+ membership in half for a year. The membership includes benefits such as grocery delivery and fuel discounts.<\/p>\n Technology deals are harder to find<\/p>\n Families shopping for laptops and tablets may not see the same steep discounts available on school supplies.<\/p>\n However, several major technology companies continue to offer student pricing and education discounts.<\/p>\n Apple’s Education Store<\/a> features discounted pricing for eligible shoppers, and qualifying purchases may come with a $150 gift card for a limited time.<\/p>\n Best Buy’s Student Hub<\/a> includes deals on computers, accessories and dorm room essentials such as coffee makers.<\/p>\n Microsoft<\/a> and Dell<\/a> also offer student discounts on select products, with savings that can reach 10% to 15%, depending on the item and promotion.<\/p>\n Free backpacks and school supplies available<\/p>\n Families looking for additional help may also want to check out community back-to-school events happening across the Philadelphia region in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Many of those events will distribute free backpacks and school supplies. Some require registration in advance.<\/p>\n \u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 1: PTG 9th Community Day<\/a>, Philadelphia Looking for help with a consumer issue?\u00a0Click here to submit your complaint to In Your Corner<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n
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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 13: Back 2 School Annual Event<\/a>, Mount Laurel
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 15: Back 2 School Community Day<\/a>, Philadelphia
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 15: UMBC Community Back 2 School Giveaway<\/a>, Philadelphia
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 15: Coatesville Youth Initiative’s 2026 Backpack Give Away<\/a>, Coatesville
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 15: Great Day Ministries Back-to-School Blessings<\/a>, Mount Laurel
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 15: South Jersey Coping Clinic Back to School Bash<\/a>, Evesham
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 22: Camphor Back-to-School Community Day<\/a>, Philadelphia
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 22: South Jersey Back to School Bash<\/a>, Gloucester Township
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 29: Back to School Bash<\/a>, Egg Harbor Township
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u2022 Aug. 30: Free Back-to-School Community Day<\/a>, Willow Grove<\/p>\n