School backpacks are essential bags designed for students to carry their books, supplies, and personal items conveniently and comfortably throughout the school day. Typically featuring two shoulder straps and multiple compartments, these backpacks are crafted to distribute weight evenly across the back, reducing strain and enhancing comfort. They come in various sizes, styles, and materials, often including padded straps and backs for added support, as well as features like water bottle holders, laptop sleeves, and organizational pockets. While the primary function of a school backpack is to transport educational materials, it also serves as a personal expression of style and personality, with designs ranging from plain and functional to vibrant and themed. Durability is a key factor in selecting a school backpack, as it needs to withstand daily use, including carrying heavy loads and enduring various weather conditions. Affordability and brand reputation also play significant roles in the decision-making process, as students and parents seek bags that offer both quality and value. In addition to traditional uses, school backpacks are often utilized for extracurricular activities, making them versatile tools for managing a student’s daily life. Finding the perfect school backpack that balances durability, style, and affordability can be a challenge, especially with the plethora of options available both online and in physical stores.
1. Online Marketplaces
1.1 Amazon
Amazon is one of the largest and most convenient platforms for buying school backpacks at competitive prices. With a wide range of brands, styles, and price points, you can easily find a backpack that suits your budget and needs.
- Deals and Discounts: Amazon often runs sales during back-to-school seasons, with significant discounts on backpacks. Utilizing Amazon Prime can also offer faster shipping and exclusive deals.
- Customer Reviews: Reading customer reviews on Amazon helps in making an informed purchase. You can gauge the quality and durability of the backpacks by checking ratings and feedback from other buyers.
- Price Comparison: Use tools like CamelCamelCamel or Keepa to track price history and ensure you’re getting the best deal.
1.2 eBay
eBay is another excellent online marketplace for finding cheap school backpacks, especially if you’re open to purchasing gently used or refurbished items.
- Auction and Buy-It-Now: eBay offers both auction-style listings and Buy-It-Now options. Auctions can sometimes lead to even lower prices if there aren’t many bidders.
- Wide Selection: From branded backpacks to lesser-known alternatives, eBay’s vast selection can cater to various preferences and budgets.
- Price Negotiation: Some sellers allow you to make offers below the listed price, giving you the opportunity to negotiate for an even better deal.
1.3 Walmart Online
Walmart’s online store offers a wide range of affordable school backpacks, often with the convenience of free shipping or store pickup.
- Rollbacks and Clearance: Walmart frequently has rollback prices and clearance sales, particularly during the back-to-school season.
- Bundles: Sometimes, Walmart offers backpack bundles that include school supplies, providing even more value for your money.
- Price Matching: Walmart has a price-matching policy that can be beneficial if you find the same backpack cheaper elsewhere.
1.4 Target Online
Target’s online platform is another great resource for affordable and stylish school backpacks.
- Exclusive Brands: Target carries exclusive brands like Cat & Jack, known for durable and budget-friendly options.
- Seasonal Sales: Look out for Target’s seasonal sales, especially during the back-to-school period, to score deals on backpacks.
- REDcard Savings: If you have a Target REDcard, you can save an additional 5% on every purchase, further reducing the cost of your backpack.
1.5 Wholesaleft
For those looking for extremely budget-friendly options, Wholesaleft offers a plethora of cheap school backpacks directly from manufacturers, often at a fraction of the cost found in Western stores.
- Bulk Discounts: Wholesaleft often offers discounts on bulk purchases, which can be advantageous if you’re buying for multiple children.
- Customization: Many sellers on Wholesaleft offer customization options, allowing you to get a unique backpack for less.
- Shipping Considerations: Be mindful of shipping times, as products from Wholesaleft may take several weeks to arrive.
2. Physical Stores
2.1 Walmart
Walmart’s physical stores are a go-to destination for affordable school backpacks.
- In-Store Clearance: Besides online deals, Walmart stores often have clearance sections with significantly marked-down backpacks.
- Try Before You Buy: Shopping in-store allows you to inspect the backpack’s quality and size, ensuring it meets your needs.
- Immediate Purchase: Buying in-store means no waiting for shipping, which is ideal if you need a backpack right away.
2.2 Target
Shopping at a Target store can be advantageous due to their well-organized back-to-school sections and frequent promotions.
- Weekly Ads: Target’s weekly ads often feature discounts on backpacks during the back-to-school season.
- In-Store Exclusive Sales: Sometimes, Target offers in-store exclusive sales or clearance items not available online.
- Store Layout: Target’s store layout makes it easy to compare different backpack options in one section, saving time and effort.
2.3 TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross
Discount department stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are excellent places to find name-brand backpacks at reduced prices.
- Name-Brand Discounts: These stores often carry overstock or last season’s items from popular brands like Jansport, Adidas, and Nike at heavily discounted prices.
- Regular Inventory Updates: Inventory in these stores changes frequently, so visiting multiple times may yield different backpack options.
- Seasonal Sales: During the back-to-school season, these stores typically increase their inventory of school supplies, including backpacks.
2.4 Five Below
Five Below is a great option for those looking for extremely cheap backpacks, usually priced at $5 or less.
- Basic Designs: The backpacks here are usually simple and functional, making them ideal for younger children or as a backup.
- Limited Styles: While the selection might not be vast, the price point is unbeatable for those on a tight budget.
- Seasonal Availability: Backpacks at Five Below are often seasonal, so shopping early in the back-to-school period is recommended.
2.5 Dollar Stores
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree and Dollar General occasionally carry budget-friendly backpacks.
- Very Low Prices: Backpacks at dollar stores are usually very affordable, though they may not be the most durable.
- Simple Options: These backpacks are typically basic, suitable for light use or younger children.
- Convenience: Dollar stores are widespread, making them an easy stop for picking up a cheap backpack quickly.
3. Discount Retailers and Outlets
3.1 Outlet Malls
Outlet malls can be a treasure trove for finding discounted name-brand backpacks.
- Brand-Specific Outlets: Stores like the Nike Outlet, Adidas Outlet, and others often have backpacks at significantly reduced prices compared to regular retail stores.
- Seasonal Discounts: Outlet malls often have additional sales around holidays and back-to-school time, providing even greater savings.
- Wide Selection: Outlets typically offer a wide selection of last season’s products, which are still stylish and functional.
3.2 Kohl’s
Kohl’s offers a mix of affordable and branded backpacks, often at discounted prices.
- Kohl’s Cash: Earning Kohl’s Cash on purchases can be a great way to save even more on future purchases, including backpacks.
- Clearance Section: Kohl’s clearance section frequently has backpacks at deeply discounted prices.
- Coupon Stacking: Kohl’s often allows coupon stacking, enabling you to combine multiple offers for maximum savings.
3.3 Burlington
Burlington (formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory) is another discount retailer that offers a wide variety of backpacks.
- Large Inventory: Burlington carries a wide range of backpack brands and styles, often at reduced prices.
- Frequent Sales: The store regularly hosts sales events, particularly during the back-to-school season, making it a great time to buy.
- Layaway Program: Burlington offers a layaway program, allowing you to reserve a backpack and pay for it over time.
3.4 Big Lots
Big Lots is known for offering discounted products, including school supplies and backpacks.
- Closeout Deals: Big Lots often sells closeout items, meaning you can find brand-name backpacks at significantly reduced prices.
- Reward Program: Joining Big Lots’ rewards program can lead to additional discounts and coupons, further lowering the cost of your backpack purchase.
- In-Store and Online: You can shop for backpacks both in-store and online, with the option of free in-store pickup.
4. Thrift Stores and Second-Hand Options
4.1 Goodwill
Goodwill is a popular thrift store chain where you can find second-hand backpacks at very low prices.
- Pre-Owned Quality: Many backpacks at Goodwill are gently used and still in good condition, making them a cost-effective choice.
- Frequent Donations: Since inventory is donation-based, the selection changes frequently, offering new options each time you visit.
- Community Support: Purchasing from Goodwill supports local job training programs, adding a charitable aspect to your purchase.
4.2 Salvation Army
The Salvation Army thrift stores are another excellent place to find affordable backpacks.
- Varied Selection: Like Goodwill, the Salvation Army’s inventory varies, but you can often find high-quality backpacks for a fraction of the retail price.
- Special Sales Days: Many Salvation Army stores have special sales days with additional discounts on certain items, including backpacks.
- Charitable Impact: Proceeds from your purchase help fund the Salvation Army’s community programs.
4.3 Online Thrift Stores
Online thrift stores like ThredUp and Poshmark offer the convenience of shopping for second-hand backpacks from home.
- Wide Range: These platforms have a wide range of brands and styles, often at significantly lower prices than new backpacks.
- Detailed Listings: Items are usually well-described with photos, so you can assess the condition before purchasing.
- Return Policies: Many online thrift stores offer return policies, giving you peace of mind if the backpack doesn’t meet your expectations.
5. Tips for Finding the Best Deals
5.1 Timing Your Purchase
- Back-to-School Sales: The best time to buy a school backpack is during back-to-school sales, typically from late July to early September.
- Holiday Sales: Major shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Labor Day also offer significant discounts on backpacks.
- Off-Season Shopping: Consider buying backpacks during the off-season (e.g., winter) when prices are generally lower due to reduced demand.
5.2 Utilizing Coupons and Cash Back
- Coupon Websites: Sites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and Coupons.com often have discount codes for online retailers.
- Cash Back Apps: Use cash back apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to earn money back on your purchases, further reducing the cost of your backpack.
- Store Loyalty Programs: Joining store loyalty programs can provide additional discounts, early access to sales, and special promotions.
5.3 Price Matching
- Retailers with Price Match Guarantees: Some stores, like Target and Walmart, offer price matching. If you find a backpack cheaper elsewhere, they’ll match the price.
- Online Price Comparison Tools: Use tools like Google Shopping or PriceGrabber to compare prices across multiple retailers.
5.4 Consider Quality and Durability
- Investing in Durability: While cheaper backpacks can save money upfront, investing in a slightly more expensive but durable backpack may save money in the long run.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands known for quality, even in their lower-priced options, to ensure the backpack lasts throughout the school year.