UPDATE: Jun. 28, 2022, 4:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated to reflect the latest back-to-school deals ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2023.
Prime Day is gracing us with its presence once again. It officially takes place July 11 and 12, but as you can probably guess by now, early deals have started dropping. Big categories like vacuums, headphones, and Amazon devices are seeing impressive discounts already, but not everyone is looking to drop big bucks this Prime Day season. If you're searching for some decent deals on back-to-school essentials, we've got you covered in that department as well.
While Amazon has a ton of pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, and binders listed "on sale" for its annual two-day savings event, data we examined on the price-tracking site camelcamelcamel(opens in a new tab) revealed that most of them were actually still hovering around their historical averages. The same thing happened last year, but don't worry: we've sorted out the duds from the legitimately good deals.
Keep reading for an overview of the best early Prime Day back-to-school deals that we managed to scrounge up on Amazon. New deals will continue to trickle in as we inch closer to the Big Day(s), so we'll keep an eye out and update this page regularly.
Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.
Backpack deals
Why we like it
Heavy duty, durable, and most importantly, comfortable to wear, the Champion Top Load Backpack(opens in a new tab) is a top contender for carrying around heavy books, a laptop, and more. The dark grey option is currently sitting at 44% off, dropping the price to just under $40. Keep an eye out, though, as the price dropped even lower last summer.
More early Prime Day deals on backpacks
adidas Originals Trefoil 2.0 Backpack(opens in a new tab) — $33.99
$50(save $16.01)🔥adidas Prime Backpack(opens in a new tab) — $52.50
$70(save $17.50)adidas Striker 2 Backpack(opens in a new tab) — $37.54
$45(save $7.46) ✨Under Armour Unisex Hustle 5.0 Backpack(opens in a new tab)— $40
$55(save $15)✨DELSEY Paris Maubert 2.0 Laptop Backpack(opens in a new tab) — $62.91
$79.99(save $17.08) ✨ 🔥
Tech deals
Why we like it
The 1st generation Apple Pencil(opens in a new tab) is perfect for all your sketching, painting, and note-taking needs. It's highly sensitive to pressure and tilt, which means you'll be able to adjust line weight, shading, and other artistic effects to your liking. This Apple Pencil can be instantly paired with a wide range of iPad models like the iPad Air (3rd Gen) and iPad Pro (10.5-inch), though note that you'll need the included adapter to pair it with a 10th-generation iPad.
More Prime Day deals on back-to-school tech
Apple 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB)(opens in a new tab) — $279.99
$329(save $49.01)Apple iPad (10th Generation)(opens in a new tab) — $419
$449(save $30)✨Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation)(opens in a new tab) — $469
$499(save $30)✨Microsoft Surface Go 3 (Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC)(opens in a new tab) — $312.48
$399.99(save $87.51)Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Intel Core i3, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD)(opens in a new tab) — $483.96
$749(save $265.04)HP 17-inch Laptop (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)(opens in a new tab) — $499.99
$639.99(save 22%)Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet(opens in a new tab) — $89.99
$189.99(save $100) ✨ 🔥
School supply deals
Why we like it
Solar and battery-powered, the TI-30XIIS Scientific Calculator(opens in a new tab) can easily handle one and two-variable statistical calculations. It has a two-line display, so it can show the entry and calculated result at the same time. It's ideal for general math, algebra 1 and 2, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and science. At just $9.88, Amazon currently has it listed for just $1 more than its lowest price ever(opens in a new tab).
More Prime Day deals on school supplies
BIC Brite Liner Highlighters, 5 count(opens in a new tab) — $2.19
$3.99(save $1.80)Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks (22 grams) 3 count(opens in a new tab) — $2.70
$6.99(save $4.29)Elmers Liquid School Glue (4 ounces), 12 count(opens in a new tab) — $5.28
$32.59(save $27.31)Amazon Basics Felt Tip Marker Pens, 12 count(opens in a new tab) — $5.88
$8.99(save $3.11)BIC Pencil Variety Pack, Assorted Sizes, 60 count(opens in a new tab) — $7.99
$19.99(save $12)✨BIC Brite Liner Highlighters, 12 count pack(opens in a new tab) — $3.89
$6.99(save $3.10)✨Paper Mate Gel Pens InkJoy Pens, 14 count(opens in a new tab) — $11.59
$31.99(save $20.40)✨
Honorable mention: Sign up for a free six-month trial of Amazon Prime Student(opens in a new tab)
This a friendly reminder that anyone with a .edu email address can score a six-month trial of Amazon Prime Student(opens in a new tab), which unlocks Prime Day access, free two-day shipping, and several bonus offers in addition to standard Prime benefits. (That includes free Grubhub delivery, a month's worth of homework help from Course Hero, three free months of Calm, discounts on flights and hotels from StudentUniverse, and tons of entertainment discounts). After your six months are up, you'll have to pay $7.49/month.
