Guide to the best sites for back to school shopping

By Sonya Davison

It’s the beginning of August and it suddently hit me, I have one kid going off to university and one off to high school. Whelp. Yes, I know we’re at mid-point of summer vacation and while I really don’t want to rush things, I'm seriously getting the case of FOMO. Back to school shopping has begun (and even done) with some families I know. Cue the tears...mine. Particularly for the university-bound kid who’s all of the sudden seems waaaay more grown up. The boy that had me carry a purse load of Hot Wheels is now driving himself and soon he'll be one of the thousands that will be moving into residence at the beginning of September.

Back to school shopping is different, as some of you may know, for university or college bound kids who will be living away from home for the first time. Living quarters will be small and they’ll need the essentials. According to his university guidelines, his personal belongings should fit into a shopping cart on move in day. Okay, sure.

We’ve begun shopping and mostly online to ease the process. Great for comparing deals and avoiding headaches of spending hours in malls. Some retailers have gone an extra step in making the shopping experience even pleasantWhether your kids are off to grade school or heading off to university, here are some great sites to get all your back to school shopping needs:

Bed, Bath and Beyond Canada:

Friends who have university students have mentioned this site for it’s well thought out layout and ease of navigation. The site offers insight into most Canadian university residents – you can look up your residence to see what is provided including size of bed in each residence building. A handy list recommends what to bring and what not to bring. There’s also a gift registry should you want to share with other family members. Free delivery over a specified amount or you can pre-order and pick up at the nearest store to the university so you won’t have to take up trunk space. Website: bedbathandbeyond.ca

 

Amazon Canada:

Two back to school categories on Amazon Canada’s site are ready for your shopping needs; Amazon Back to School and Amazon Off to University. The one-stop shops are equipped with curated product lists and deals for a seamless shopping experience. Browse by grade or most shopped categories. Post secondary students can also access all the Prime benefits for half the price with Prime Student (eligible students can also sign up for a free six-month trial to test out the fast and free shipping benefits. Prime Student members will also save 10 per cent on text book orders totally $100 or more until October 7. Website: amazon.ca

Apple:

Many students will be looking to upgrade their technology for high school, college or university. Now is the time to take advantage of educational pricing and any other special offers.  Apple offers a perk for post secondary students and their parents. For example, buy a Mac or iPad Pro, get Beats as an added bonus.  If you’re looking to upgrade your Mac, iPad, iPhone or Apple Watch you may consider trading it in for credit towards the purchase of a new one. All the details can be found on their site. Website: apple.com

Microsoft Canada:

Microsoft has complied a top picks list for students to get them started on the right foot as soon as they hit the books. Compare the different devices to decide on what suits your needs including the Surface Laptop, Pro and Go. Students and parents can also take advantage of educational pricing on laptops and other essentials (and non-essentials like deals on select Xbox One S 500 GB Consoles) for campus life. Website: microsoft.com

EBATES.ca:

If you’re online shopping anyway, you may want to compare and shop at the wildly popular Ebates.ca site where you’re rewarded with cash back offers at pretty much all of your favourite retailers. Cash back percentages vary and the rewards add up quickly. Keep an eye for 2x Cash Back offers. Great back to school sites found here include Staples, GAP, Sephora, Dell Canada, Old Navy, The Body Shop, Sport Check, and Joe Fresh. Website: ebates.ca

 

Best Buy Canada:

Yes, you may be looking at a new laptop but don’t forget about printers, power bars, smoothie blenders and other small appliances.  Easy for comparison shopping across multiple brands. Site breaks down easy to shop categories. Website: bestbuy.ca

Staples Canada:

Staples has launched a Student Living Centre with a focus on student-ready furniture, supplies, tech, accessories for university living, on or off campus. This in-store (select) and online showcase features products ctered to students living in limited space. Students and parents can find all the essentials for a typical college life experience. Staples also offers a 100% price match guarantee, free shipping and the option to buy online and pick up in store. Website: staples.ca/studentliving