Spend big on their education, not their educational equipment, with these back-to-school sales.
Getting them ready for another year of school this year should be a pain-free process... for yourself and your hip pocket. There's more than a handful of back-to-school sales happening online and in-store that will save you a bundle while ensuring that the back-to-school shop is a quick and painless process.
From school shoes to stationery, these online stores can kit your kid up ready for another year of schooling.
What to buy online at back-to-school sales
School Shoes
Most schools require a pair of standard black shoes for school days and a pair of runners for sports day. Read more on where to buy school shoes here.
Boys' Earl Junior Leather School Shoes
Target Australia
ROC Rockford Multifit School Shoe
David Jones
CLARKS Intrigue Senior Mary Jane With Buckle
David Jones
CLARKS Harison Indy II Lace Up School Shoe
David Jones
Eliza Junior T-Bar Leather School Shoes
Target Australia
Kid's Lace-up Trainers
Marks and Spencer
Stationery
School utensils like workbooks, pencils and mathematical equipment are required from Kindergarten through to university. Read more on where to buy school stationery here.
Colourful Back to School Stationery
Smiggle
Jojo Siwa Stationery Set
Target Australia
Crayola 10 Pack Ultra-Clean Washable Markers
Target Australia
Value Exercise Book A4 48 Pages
Target Australia
Smiggle Playful Scented Notepad
Smiggle
Mix A6 Exercise Book Pack X3
Smiggle
School book labels
From pre-school to high school, labels are helpful in making sure books don't go astray. They always go astray. Read more on here to buy school book labels here.
Girl with Blonde Hair Crayon School Supply Label
Zazzle
Back To School Supplies Doodle Art Label
Etsy
Printable Girls Cards Labels
Etsy
Personalised Labels
Identity Direct
Owl Pre-School Label Pack
Identity Direct
Customisable Book Labels
Zazzle
What to buy online for different age groups
Preschool
Pre-schoolers thrive on creativity and colour. Equip them with a colourful backpack and colouring pencils to help encourage play.
Froggie Raincoat
David Jones
Double Decker Lunch Box
Smiggle
Sinchies Mermaids Top Spout Reusable Pouches 200ml 10pk
Lime Tree Kids
APW Pencil Set
David Jones
Basketball Backpack
Smiggle
Camelbak Eddy Kids 400ml Drink Bottle
Lime Tree Kids
Primary school
From the correct footwear and backpacks to workbooks and writing pencils, primary school children need functional, durable equipment to learn.
Faber-Castell 36 Classic Colour Pencils
Target Australia
3 Pack Tuff Turn Cuff School Socks
Target Australia
Apple and Mint-Kids Backpacks-Aqua Flamingo Big Kid Backpack
Lime Tree Kids
Penny Scallan Bento Box Big City
Lime Tree Kids
Skip Hop Zoo Bat Cutlery
Lime Tree Kids
Skip Hop Zoo Training Chopsticks
Lime Tree Kids
High school
"Cool" rules the school. Here are some cool and functional back-to-school necessities that won't embarrass them... much.
KIKKI.K Pencil Case Cat Sweet
David Jones
BURTON Kids Youth Day Hiker 20L Backpack
SurfStitch
SKECHERS Twinkle Toes Sparkle Unicorn Craze Youth
THE ICONIC
NIKE Flex Contact Pre School
THE ICONIC
BILLABONG Kids Girls Golden Sky Backpack
SurfStitch
BILLABONG Large Pencil Case
SurfStitch
University
The latest tech is what it's all about in uni. Buy a new laptop, a good phone (with a recording function) and a trendy bag to house it all in.
iPhone
Apple Store
RUSTY Dreamer Sidebag
SurfStitch
Macbook Air
Apple Store
DR. MARTENS Womens Vonda Embroided 14 Eye Boot
SurfStitch
ThinkPad T480
Lenovo
HERSCHEL Little America
THE ICONIC
Where to shop online at back-to-school sales
These shops are notorious for offering back-to-school sales and can offer you basically everything you need to get your kids ready for the new school year.
David Jones
David Jones
Lime Tree Kids
Lime Tree Kids
Smiggle
Smiggle
Surfstitch
SurfStitch
Target
Target Australia
THE ICONIC
THE ICONIC
Top tips on back-to-school sales
Get organised for the back-to-school shop with these simple tips:
- Know your budget. Allocate a specific amount for school needs.
- Make a list of all the school requirements. Teachers would usually provide a list beforehand.
- Find reusable items from last year's school supplies. Remove those from the list so you don't buy them again.
- Buy in bulk. Packs of basic school supplies might be available for less.
- Compare prices. Look through different merchants and take note of deals.
- Shop for quality supplies. Do not just consider price over quality.
- Shop online. Save time, resources and enjoy the convenience of shopping online while getting the same offers.
What you need to know about discounts
The problem
As a marketing strategy, providing huge discounts is a good way to attract customers, but discounts could either be advantageous or disadvantageous on your part. While marked-down items can be very enticing, most stores only place select items on sale. Be careful: you might be buying an item for its recommended retail price as retailers have marked it up beforehand and then applied the discount for the back-to-school sale.
The solution
Be a wise shopper by taking advantage of student discounts direct from the retailer, especially when buying electronics like Kindles, Apple products, tablets, laptops or notebooks. Apple, for instance, offers students, parents of students and school staff or faculty members educational pricing plus a $100 gift card for Mac or $50 for iPad or iPhone purchases.
Offers are usually limited and are good only until stocks run out, so don't miss these deals. Browse each brand's official website to know the offers available to you, be they in the form of rebates, promo codes for a specific promo period, or free shipping.
Checking for quality
The problem
Back-to-school sales are an opportunity for retailers to get rid of stock, some of which includes low-quality items that didn't sell during the previous year.
The solution
Examine each item carefully and see if they are worth buying so as not to waste your money and time. Getting low-quality school supplies is a waste of money as you will be buying the same item once it wears out in a few months. Look for items that are highly available and have higher discount rates, as a huge stack of the same product usually signifies that it is of low quality.
Discounts may be also available for items sold in bulk or placed in budget packs. It is wiser to check how much you truly save on bulk items and take the time to consider if you need that many of that item.
Dealing with the crowds
The problem
Back-to-school sales are traffic drivers which draw in large crowds. More often than not, these crowds are indicators of where the greatest back-to-school deals can be found. However, you might think twice if it is really worth lining up for hours when there might be a more convenient shopping option available.
The solution
Promotions vary from one retailer to the next and online promotions have also been intensified. Coupons and rewards are available online so you can often get the same deals as those offered in-store.
Shop online to avoid the rush. Save time and petrol and enjoy the comfort of your own home.
Back-to-school sales for January 2019
Sunnylife
20% off Back to school collection
Tale 20% off lunch box & bags, tumblers and more with code at Sunnylife. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
David Jones
20% off full-priced kids school shoes from Clarks
Valid on selected styles at David Jones. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Sportsmans Warehouse
Buy one, get one 25% off back to school sale items
Buy one and get one 25% off back to school sale items at Sportsmans Warehouse. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Clarks
20% off all school shoes
Save 20% on all school shoes at Clarks. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Marks and Spencer
20% off schoolwear
Get 20% off school uniform, shoes, bags, accessories and more at Marks & Spencer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Typo
Buy Backpacks and Laptop Cases
Shop the trend with the coolest backpacks and laptop cases from Typo.
Last verified
Popular Back to School coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jan 2019 | 20% off Back to school collection | ******** |
| 14 Jan 2019 | 20% off full-priced kids school shoes from Clarks | ******** |
| 7 Jan 2019 | Buy one, get one 25% off back to school sale items | ******** |
| 20 Dec 2018 | 20% off all school shoes | ******** |
| 18 Dec 2018 | 20% off schoolwear | ******** |
