Heading to college means stocking up on more than just textbooks. From highlighters and planners to noise-canceling headphones and tech accessories, office supplies are an essential part of any student’s toolkit. The good news? With the right timing and tools, students and parents can save big on back-to-school supplies by using cashback apps and strategic shopping methods.

Start with Big Retailers Like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy

Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy roll out major seasonal promotions during the back-to-school period. Look for bundled deals on notebooks, calculators, dorm organizers, and even printers. Many offer price-matching, student discounts, and in-store pickup—ideal for last-minute supply runs or shopping from campus.

Use Cashback Apps to Maximize Discounts

To stretch your budget even further, stack savings with these cashback platforms:

• Rakuten: Shop through the Rakuten portal to earn cashback on purchases made at stores like Dell, Office Depot, and Best Buy. Install the browser extension to get real-time deal alerts while browsing.

• Fluz: Before you check out, buy a digital gift card for retailers like OfficeMax or Office Depot. Use that gift card to pay and earn instant cashback—ideal for in-store and online purchases.

• Ibotta: Check for cashback offers on individual items like pens, sticky notes, snacks, and hygiene products—especially when shopping at Walmart or Target.

Don’t Forget Student Perks

Many major brands and retailers offer student-exclusive deals:

• Apple’s education store often bundles free accessories with eligible MacBooks or iPads

• Amazon’s Prime Student membership includes free 6-month access and Prime shipping

• Microsoft offers discounts on software and accessories through their Education Store
  

Smart Stacking Example

1. Purchase a gift card for Office Depot through Fluz

2. Use the gift card via Rakuten’s portal to access cashback from both

3. Activate Ibotta offers for items in your shopping list

4. Apply student discounts at checkout where available

Final Tip: Shop Early, Shop Smart

Back-to-school promotions start in late July and peak in August. Shopping early not only guarantees better selection but also gives you time to take advantage of multiple layers of savings—ensuring you’re well-stocked and well-prepared for the academic year ahead.