The best Amazon back-to-school deals of 2020

Top deals on essential Amazon back-to-school buys, no matter what school looks like this year

Back to School sales graphic
(Image credit: Future)

Whether your kids will be distance-learning, in school full time, homeschooling, or some combination of all three, one thing's for sure: You've probably got a big list of back-to-school gear you need to hunt down before September,

Because the school year promises to be complicated enough, we've rounded up the best Amazon back-to-school buys to help you keep it simple. From the best-value laptops for Zoom classes, to standard must-haves like art supplies and lunch boxes, we're keeping an eye on all the top deals on Amazon that you can have shipped to your home. 

The best Amazon back-to-school supplies

Crayons, check. Pencils, check. Glue sticks, check. Here are the best BTS supplies you can Prime. 

Elementary School Essentials Back to School Supplies Bundle- Grades 1-4 | Was $38.99, now$22.53 at Amazon

Elementary School Essentials Back to School Supplies Bundle- Grades 1-4 | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FElementary-School-Essentials-Supplies-Bundle%2Fdp%2FB01IBW03Z0%2Fref%3Dsxin_7_ac_d_rm%3Fac_md%3D2-2-YmFjayB0byBzY2hvb2wgc3VwcGxpZXMgYnVuZGxlcw%253D%253D-ac_d_rm%26crid%3DLUQC8NLMNOUP%26cv_ct_cx%3Dback%2Bto%2Bschool%2Bsupplies%26dchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dback%2Bto%2Bschool%2Bsupplies%26pd_rd_i%3DB01IBW03Z0%26pd_rd_r%3D713af894-307c-4092-9810-724711c931f1%26pd_rd_w%3DVsjAi%26pd_rd_wg%3DRdrwm%26pf_rd_p%3De3dc9e0c-9eab-4c3e-b43a-ba36f8522e14%26pf_rd_r%3D54PWTDNTJXQ6N9E0GTD0%26psc%3D1%26qid%3D1597344239%26sprefix%3Dback%2Bto%252Caps%252C206%26sr%3D1-3-12d4272d-8adb-4121-8624-135149aa9081%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $38.99, now$22.53 at Amazon

This back-to-school bundle is perfect for younger kids. In it, you'll find: four wide rule spiral notebooks, two paper folders, one pink eraser, one pair of scissors, one ruler, two glue sticks, one liquid glue, one pack of Crayola markers, one pack of Crayola crayons, one pencil box, and eight No.2 pencils. 

Elmer's glue 12-pack | Was $7.39, now $3.92 at Amazon

Elmer's glue 12-pack | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FElmers-Disappearing-Purple-School-Washable%2Fdp%2FB003ULCZ7M%2Fref%3Dsxin_7_ac_d_rm%3Fac_md%3D1-1-ZWxtZXJzIGdsdWUgc3RpY2tz-ac_d_rm%26cv_ct_cx%3Dglue%2Bsticks%26dchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dglue%2Bsticks%26pd_rd_i%3DB003ULCZ7M%26pd_rd_r%3D5ef8b159-c397-4bcb-a2d3-2354ca693f92%26pd_rd_w%3DHpO0r%26pd_rd_wg%3D6XRDq%26pf_rd_p%3De3dc9e0c-9eab-4c3e-b43a-ba36f8522e14%26pf_rd_r%3D5BCZX6SCR2E6R6SEDA7T%26psc%3D1%26qid%3D1597345172%26sr%3D1-2-12d4272d-8adb-4121-8624-135149aa9081%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $7.39, now $3.92 at Amazon

These glue sticks start out purple, and dry clear, which is both fun and helpful for young kids just learning to use them. And? This pack costs less that 25 cents a stick. 

TOPS/Oxford 1-Subject Notebooks, 8" x 10-1/2", College Rule,&nbsp;6-Pack| $8.99 at Amazon

TOPS/Oxford 1-Subject Notebooks, 8" x 10-1/2", College Rule, 6-Pack| <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FTOPS-1-Subject-Notebooks-Assortment-65007%2Fdp%2FB00D3OR58A%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dspiral%2Bnotebook%26qid%3D1597344669%26sr%3D8-1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$8.99 at Amazon

These 70 sheet notebooks come in a pack of six, perfect for kids who need one for each subject. 

Paper Mate Write Bros Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.0mm), Black, 60 Count| $5.97 at Amazon

Paper Mate Write Bros Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point (1.0mm), Black, 60 Count| <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPaper-Mate-Write-Ballpoint-Medium%2Fdp%2FB001QAIAPU%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dpens%26qid%3D1597344816%26sr%3D8-1-spons%26psc%3D1%26spLa%3DZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOExXOENISFJLUEhGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODIwNDc3MUgxNlJQNTc1RkFFSSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDM1NDI3MjJIUDBVVlFMMzBRRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU%253D%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$5.97 at Amazon

This box of 60 black pens should last the entire family at least a year (including work-from-home parents). 

The best Amazon back-to-school safety gear

One thing parents everywhere have added to their back-to-school shopping lists? Safety gear. Masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes will help keep kids germ and virus free. 

Kids Reusable Cloth Cover Set, Cool Colors Bandana Face, Back to School Supplies (Multi|5 Pack + Bag) | $14.99 at Amazon

Kids Reusable Cloth Cover Set, Cool Colors Bandana Face, Back to School Supplies (Multi|5 Pack + Bag) | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FReusable-Colors-Bandana-Supplies-Multi%25EF%25BD%259C5%2Fdp%2FB08DG6Y7PR%2Fref%3Dsr_1_11%3Fcrid%3DLUQC8NLMNOUP%26dchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dback%2Bto%2Bschool%2Bsupplies%26qid%3D1597344425%26sprefix%3Dback%2Bto%252Caps%252C206%26sr%3D8-11%2B%2B%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$14.99 at Amazon

These colorful face masks are adjustable to help keep kids comfortable, which is important if your school is mandating children keep them on in the classroom. 

Hand Sanitizer Spray 12oz - USA Made| $9.94 at Amazon

Hand Sanitizer Spray 12oz - USA Made| <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FHand-Sanitizer-Spray-12oz-Non-Alcohol%2Fdp%2FB086XLM4GL%2Fref%3Dsxin_7%3FcreativeASIN%3DB086XLM4GL%26cv_ct_cx%3Dhand%2Bsanitizer%26cv_ct_id%3Damzn1.osa.dd1ddbfc-d82b-4717-958f-29d221b499a3.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US%26cv_ct_pg%3Dsearch%26cv_ct_wn%3Dosp-single-source%26dchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dhand%2Bsanitizer%26linkCode%3Doas%26pd_rd_i%3DB086XLM4GL%26pd_rd_r%3Dc0b38a96-4819-4ce0-88cf-6f40c2ea812d%26pd_rd_w%3DqSE66%26pd_rd_wg%3DyIJBv%26pf_rd_p%3D9e4ba918-f6ad-4007-841c-6563d381515f%26pf_rd_r%3DPBDFM3WJ9FT4E4DN0BN5%26qid%3D1597346381%26sr%3D1-3-72d6bf18-a4db-4490-a794-9cd9552ac58d%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$9.94 at Amazon

This hand sanitizer is alcohol-free, which means it's a safer bet for kids to tote to and from school. 

Cubcoats Kids Face Masks | Currently $14.99 at Amazon

Cubcoats Kids Face Masks |<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FCubcoats-Comfortable-Protective-Reusable-Washable%2Fdp%2FB087SLP95V%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Currently $14.99 at Amazon

Worried your little ones won’t want to keep their mask once you drop them at school? Make the experience as fun as possible! This cheeky two-pack looks more like Halloween masks than PPE thanks to its adorable Pimm the puppy and Tomo tiger prints and promise to make the whole mask-wearing situation much less scary. 

The best Amazon laptops for students

A good laptop might be the most important back-to-school buy of 2020. The ones we've chosen below all have built-in cameras and speakers to make Google hangouts a cinch. 

2020 HP 14 inch HD Laptop Newest for Business and Student, AMD Athlon Silver 3050U | Now $449 at Amazon

2020 HP 14 inch HD Laptop Newest for Business and Student, AMD Athlon Silver 3050U | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FHP-pulgadas-estudiantes-Bluetooth-accesorios%2Fdp%2FB08887591S%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2_sspa%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dlaptop%26qid%3D1597346163%26sr%3D8-2-spons%26psc%3D1%26spLa%3DZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFCR0VDQVNYUFBZVDkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NTYxNTUxSDdTRTZWSTkxUVQxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNTEyMDUyMVVZREkyU0o4S0NZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%253D%253D%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Now $449 at Amazon

This sleek laptop features a built in camera, and is just over 3 lbs. which makes it easy to tote to and from school (or between college classes). 

Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet, 7" Display, 16 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case | Was $99.99, now $79.99 at Amazon

Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablet, 7" Display, 16 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FFire-7-Kids-Edition-Tablet%2Fdp%2FB07H8WS1FT%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1_sspa%3Fcrid%3D3PESA81IV4522%26dchild%3D1%26keywords%3Dkids%2Btablet%26qid%3D1597419859%26sprefix%3Dkds%2Btabl%252Caps%252C214%26sr%3D8-1-spons%26psc%3D1%26spLa%3DZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFWVlc3QVRSMFFXU0cmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2ODYzMDMxWFFBRVNQRTkzVUlSJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3ODMyMTgySDhIVFdKWjBRS01BJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%253D%253D%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $99.99, now $79.99 at Amazon

A Fire tablet is a great spare device for families with multiple kids schooling at home. It has a built-in camera, and allows parents to manage content profiles for up to four kids. 

The best Amazon backpack and lunchbox deals

These picks are easy-to-clean (or in some cases, disposable), durable, and stylish enough to be student-approved. 

The North Face Women’s Surge | Was $128.55, now $55.25 at Amazon

The North Face Women’s Surge | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FNorth-Face-Womens-Surge-Heather%2Fdp%2FB086VSB5TC%2Fref%3Dredir_mobile_desktop%3Fie%3DUTF8%26aaxitk%3D7LZ0nBVNPNyfCrbPJyWfpg%26hsa_cr_id%3D9404753390301%26ref_%3Dsbx_be_s_sparkle_tsld_asin_1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $128.55, now $55.25 at Amazon

Older kids and college students will appreciate the sleek shape of this North Face backpack (it's market to women, but we think the smaller shape and neutral colors are suitable to students of either gender). It features a fleece-lined laptop compartment, and a removable waist belt for extra support when needed.

JanSport Superbreak Backpack | Now $35.95 Amazon

JanSport Superbreak Backpack | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07WDZ125X%2Fref%3Dtwister_B088KF7TPQ%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Now $35.95 Amazon

A JanSport backpack has been a back-to-school must have for decades now thanks to its high-quality and great value, so it's no wonder this classic book bag is Amazon's best-selling kids backpack. 

Wildkin 12 Inches Backpack for Toddlers, Boys and Girls | Was $27.99, now $20.99 on Amazon

Wildkin 12 Inches Backpack for Toddlers, Boys and Girls | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB00LIPM02C%2Fref%3Dtwister_B004V7PGMK%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26psc%3D1%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $27.99, now $20.99 on Amazon

This pint-size backpack is perfect for the elementary set. Big enough for a lunchbox and schoolwork, but not too big for a younger child to carry on his or her own. It comes in 10 fun prints little kids will love.

The best Amazon kids fashion deals

What's back-to-school without a little back-to-school style? A first day of school outfit will help your child feel confident stepping into an unknown year. Here are a few Amazon kids fashion staples that'll suit kindergarteners, teens, and everyone in between. 

Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Knit Sneaker | Now $40 at Amazon

Converse Kids' Chuck Taylor All Star Knit Sneaker | <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FConverse-Girls-Taylor-Sneaker-Little%2Fdp%2FB07LBS971K%2Fref%3Dsr_1_2%3Fdchild%3D1%26isTryState%3D1%26keywords%3Damazon%2Bkids%2Bconverse%26nodeID%3D14807110011%26psd%3D1%26qid%3D1597347013%26refinements%3Dp_n_is_primewardrobe%253A15121302011%26rnid%3D15121301011%26s%3Dprime-wardrobe%26sr%3D8-2%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Now $40 at Amazon

This fun knit take on a classic sneaker will be loved by boys and girls alike. Afraid your child will be the exception? Use Prime Wardrobe, and you can try the shoes (and up to seven other items) at home for free. Keep (and pay for) only what you like. 

French Toast Boys' Short Sleeve Moisture Wicking Stretch Sport Polo Shirt |Was $20, now $8.99 at Amazon

French Toast Boys' Short Sleeve Moisture Wicking Stretch Sport Polo Shirt |<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=33642&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FFrench-Toast-Short-Sleeve-Stretch%2Fdp%2FB06XYXGPSJ%2Fref%3Dsr_1_10%3Fdchild%3D1%26keywords%3DKids%2527%2BSchool%2BUniforms%26pf_rd_i%3D21229113011%26pf_rd_m%3DATVPDKIKX0DER%26pf_rd_p%3D2372bfd2-ee55-4dee-b50f-20cdb844cc00%26pf_rd_r%3DVQ8CQWAJTK5JCZ3136KD%26pf_rd_s%3Dmerchandised-search-3%26pf_rd_t%3D101%26qid%3D1597419734%26sr%3D8-10%26tag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $20, now $8.99 at Amazon

Stock up on kids uniform essentials, like this boys' polo shirt. It comes in six colors and sizes run from 4-5 to 18-20. 

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Kaitlin Madden

Kaitlin Madden Armon is a writer and editor covering all things home. In addition to Real Homes, she's written for Architectural Digest, Martha Stewart Living, Refinery29, Modern Luxury Interiors, Wayfair, The Design Network, and lots more. She graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism and currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and black lab.

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