Last Updated: Monday, September 1st 5:00pm.
Whether you’re still shopping for move-in, need a few things to finish the room or solve some problems OR are looking for sweet ideas for care package and parent visits, we’ve rounded up all of the best deals from the 2025 Labor Day sales below.
If you need items by a certain time, PLEASE confirm shipping dates for your location before purchase.
Click any of the following to jump right to that section, or just scroll through the full list of finds.
Dorm Essentials (✅ = ok to buy early for 2026)
Early Holiday Gift Ideas (must see slippers!)
You have 15 minutes to check out after adding a Lightning Deal to your cart. After 15 minutes, it will revert to regular price. Lightning Deals run for 12 hours or until they sell out, whichever comes first!
⚡️ Repel Windproof Umbrella – 55% off! This is the one in our guides because it withstands heavy wind, has 1 touch open and close and weighs just over 1 lb.
⚡️ 4-Pack Clear Fridge Or Pantry Bins – 15% off plus 10% off promo code MHCJFGTMVQ8M. If you need a little help keeping each other’s groceries straight, use these bins in full-sized fridges or pantries/cabinets. You can write your name on them in dry-erase marker.
⚡️ 6’x9′ Washable Vintage Look Rug – In the $60’s plus 10% promo code 9X7Y38NVRJJB for pink, teal, light blue and neutrals. Other sizes available.
⚡️ Kitsch Satin Pillowcase – 15% off plus 10% coupon.
⚡️ Designer Look Blackout Drapes – 24% off. An interior design friend told me about these as a top secret affordable designer hack. I have them in our guest bedroom, and they look expensive, but check out the price for a PAIR. These are heavy though, so not recommended for an adhesive curtain rod solution.
⚡️ 2025-2026 Academic Planner – Under $10! If they need a little help getting organized, sometimes old school pen and paper can make a difference. Several colors available.
⚡️ Adjustable Wooden Coat Rack – 23% off plus 10-20% off promo code. If you have a little space near the door (20″ square), this is a great place to hang coats, jackets, bags, lanyards, etc.
⚡️ Bissell Compact Upright Vacuum Cleaner – 10% off. It does have the beater brush to get that long hair out of carpet.
⚡️ Gold Bar Cart – 15% off. Popular in off-campus housing and not just for “bar” stuff!
⚡️ Tabletop Jewelry Stand/Organizer – 46% off. Small footprint but lots of smart storage.
⚡️ Compact Clothes Steamer – 10% off.
⚡️ Favorite Over Door Storage Organizer – 30% off. Great for the side of vertical kitchen racks!
Up to 30% Off Sol de Janiero, Laneige, Olaplex and more!
50% Off These ULTA Beauty Daily Steals – Sunday’s deals include Lancome, Elemis, MAC and about 10 others.
Best Buy’s Deals Of The Day Great Labor Day Monday deal on a Dell Inspiron 15.6″ touch screen laptop with 16GB memory and 1TB storage.
Wayfair Deals Of The Day. 286 options today – accent furniture, beds, rugs & lots of Halloween decor.
Items that would likely be ok to purchase for Class of 2026 are indicated with a ✅. This means these are universally used and not reliant on knowing the dorm room layout or rules.
Honey Can Do Over Fridge Shelving – 18% off. The favorite affordable shelving for a vertical kitchen.
Huuger 5-Drawer Charging Nightstand – Our favorite! Not on sale, but back in stock in white and black. Check the delivery dates before purchase. 39.4″ tall perfect next to a raised/captain height dorm bed. Be sure charging furniture is permitted in your dorm. Also available in black/gray.
Bedside Caddy – 10% off. Great for fully lofted beds for a place to store water bottles and small objects. Can attach via hook or velcro loops.
41″ Tall Narrow Cabinet With Wood Drawers – 24% off. Similar to the IKEA Alex drawers but at less than half the price!
Fabric Drawer Dresser – 24% off. If you’re going for that look with all dresser under a raised/captain height bed, this is a good size dresser! It looks big in the photos, but at 30.4″ tall, it should just fit under most raised beds (please confirm with your specific dorm measurements), and you can put 2 side by side as these are 39.4″ wide, and a Twin XL mattress is 80″ long. Or just use 1 and use the back to back carts, other storage, laundry hampers, etc to complete the under bed storage plan.
Skinny 4-Tier Storage Cart – 50% off.
✅ Sterilite Rolling Foot Locker – 20% off. This is the best price for large sturdy storage that you can easily add a padlock to to keep it secure and a bike chain lock around the bed to keep it in the room. This is featured in our Locking Storage and Safes For Dorm Rooms guide.
Under Bed Storage Bags With Windows – 20% off. These work well behind your primary front of bed storage to store off-season bedding and clothes. They fold down when not in use.
8-Tier Shoe Rack With Hooks – 10% off + 5% off promo code. If you have more vertical space than floor space for shoes, this is a helpful solution. Use the hooks to hang bags or purses – you can always add more S-hooks for side storage.
Linenspa 2″ or 3″ Twin XL Mattress Topper – 7 to 10% off.
Sleepyhead Mattress Toppers – $100 off! Use code PSA100.
Threshold 400TC 100% Cotton Sheets (PRINTS) – 50% off! Love these with the double elastic in the corners to help the sheets stay put.
Please check delivery dates for any headboard purchases!
Gray or Taupe Twin Headboard – 60% off. Twin XL beds use Twin headboards – both bed sizes are the same width.
Khaki Tufted Headboard – A great price for late August. 9 left in stock. Also at Amazon.
Arched Dark Gray Headboard – 10% off.
Bedsure 36″x27″ Flat Dog Bed – 26% off. Use this as a simple pillow headboard to lean back against the wall in your dorm bed. CertiPUR-US® certified foam and OEKO-TEX® certified cover which can be removed and machine washed. More colors available.
Gray Headboard Shaped Pillow – Not on sale, but another option that is thicker than the dog bed if you have a gap to fill behind the bed.
Boucle or Faux Fur Sturdy Ottoman – 30% off. In cream/white.
Caramel Faux Leather Ottoman – 30% off. Other colors/styles available.
Sturdy Storage Ottoman – 30% off. 8 colors/patterns remaining.
Rechargeable Reading Light – 49% off. Roommate goes to be early, and you want to stay up and study or read in bed? This is an affordable no cords required solution.
Favorite Surge Protector Strips – 17% off. 6 outlets, 2 USB and 2 USB-C outlets. ETL-Listed, multiple cord lengths, on/off switch, 900 joules, flat plug.
✅ 4-Pack Apple AirTags – 29% off.
✅ Anker 2-Pack Dual Charging Blocks + Bonus Charging Cables – 28% off.
✅ Roku Streaming Stick W/Voice Remote – 30% off. Stream all of your favorites via one device on your TV or Mini Projector. Note that due to streaming rights management, most platforms will not let you stream from your phone to a projector – you will need a laptop or streaming stick like a Roku.
Cosori 1.7L Electric Kettle – 20% off. Boil water in 3 minutes. 1500 watts, auto shut-off & boil dry protection.
Silonn Self-Cleaning Countertop Ice Maker – 13% off. There are a few dorms who do not allow any appliances, but this will be allowed at most dorms.
Keurig K-Mini Go – 40% off. The only small footprint Keurig with a water chamber so that you don’t have to fill it with water before each brew. See my comparison of 3 small footprint Keurigs here.
.7 cuft/700 Watt Microwave – Everyday low price and available in black, white or red.
3.2 cuft 2-Door Mini Fridge – On rollback and back to best price now.
4.3 cuft 2-Door Mini Fridge – Back to best price if you can have a fridge this size. This one holds a ton, and we’re on year 3 with it – working great!
✅ Levoit 200S Air Purifier – Back to lowest price 22% off!
Ninesky Dehumidifier – 33% off. My son used this one in his 1934 dorm in middle Alabama. The water capture tank is large enough that he only had to empty it every couple of days.
✅ Men’s Toiletry Bag – 30% off. Double zip top to stay open + zip flat side pockets. (ad)
✅ Hot Tools Heat Mat – 5% off. A safe place to put down a hot hair iron. It can also be used for travel.
✅ Weighted Eye Mask – 39% off. A relaxing way to shut out the light from your roommate’s late night studying.
✅ Small Rotating Makeup Brush Holder – 58% off.
✅ Desktop Jewelry Holder – 46% off.
2-Piece Quick Dry Bath Rugs – $10!
2-in-1 Shower Caddy – 45% off. The smaller removable section with carrying handle is great for quick teeth brushing and face washing trips.
6-Pack Adhesive Shower Shelves – 40% off. Super strong hold. Use a hair dryer to loose adhesive at the end of the year for easy removal.
3-Tier Acrylic Organizers – 50% off.
Under Cabinet And Countertop Stackable Organizers – 50% off.
✅ 6-Pack Magnetic Cable Clips/Cord Holder – 41% off. Keep the cords wrangled and the charging end off the floor.
Upholstered Padded Desk Chair – 38% off. Several colors under or just over $50.
31.9″ Desk Hutch – Not on sale, but back in stock.
DormCo Desk Hutches – From adjustable to 37″ wide with wood or metal options.
Our Favorite Lightweight Poster Frames – 50% off! I’m stocking up!
Pair Of Gold & Glass Table Lamps With USB Ports – 35% off. Great price per lamp!
Tall Floor Lamp With Shelves – 33% off. Small footprint with a little extra storage and terrific ambient light.
6’x9′ Washable Rug In Several Colors – 15% off.
Neutral 6’x9’ Washable Rug – 31% off. OEKO-TEX® certified. Shows me delivery tomorrow. Also comes in larger sizes if you need to cover some icky carpet.
Backpack Laundry Bag That Can Stand On It’s Own – If you’re wishing for an easier to carry laundry hamper that can also stand on its own, this is our favorite. Backpack laundry hampers are great for dorms with stairs or a long walk to the laundry room.
✅ 5-Piece Mesh Laundry Bag Set – 10% off. Protect your delicates, favorite t-shirts and leggings from the commercial washer.
✅ Compact Clothes Steamer – 10% off. Much more popular for college life than an iron. Several colors available.
✅ Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Stick Vacuum – 41% off. Has a roller brush to get that long hair out of carpets and converts to a hand vac as well.
✅ Bissell Clean View Upright Vacuum – 10% off. A little larger than a stick vac but still a compact size and at a better price. This has a roller brush.
Collapsible Basin/Sink With Drain – 33% off. If there is no sink large enough to clean dishes and water bottles, this is a helpful option.
✅ 39-Piece Tool Set – 17% off. Not just for move-in!
✅ Stretch Wrap Roller – An everyday great price for a truly helpful tool when packing for college move-in and move-out.
✅ Utility Wagon – $10 off. This is a tried and true version we also recommend at college move-in and move-out time. You won’t find a better price on a quality folding wagon.
✅ The North Face Backpacks – We also found these deals on the Jester Luxe and the Surge backpack.
✅ Waterproof Backpack Cover – 20% off. For those windy sideways driving rainy days.
Repel Windproof Umbrella – 45% off. Windproof up to 85mph. Auto open/close.
✅ 2-Pack LED Flashlights – 47% off under $10. Use these when the power goes out and save the phone battery!
✅ 25% Off Stanley 30 and 40oz Quenchers – 25% off.
✅ The Slim Fit Tux is back for $119.99! So much less than renting and always ready to go for that last minute formal!
✅ Nightcap Drink Cover/Scrunchie – A drink cover stored inside a scrunchie you can wear out in your hair or on your wrist.
✅ She’s Birdie Personal Alarm – 14% off. I keep a Birdie on my keychain and hold it in my hand whenever I’m out in an alone or just a little uneasy situation.
POM Pepper Spray – 10% off. Quick release cap. Be sure these are permitted on your campus.
Sabre Pepper Spray + Taser Device – Not currently on sale but needed to be included in this list. Be sure these are permitted on your campus.
Narcan (2 doses) – 22% off. You may be able to get preventative Narcan for a lower cost from your pharmacy or public health office, but it is also available OTC for a very reasonable price per dose.
Prepared Hero Fire Blankets – A simpler and faster alternative to a fire extinguisher. Not on sale right now, but the 4-pack is a great price per blanket.
✅ 2-Pack Car Safety Hammer & Seat Belt Cutter – 27% off. Everyone should have one of these within easy reach in their car. Not just for students!
3-Pack Cookie Sheets – 50% off. PTFE/PFOA/PFOS-free non-stick bakeware.
15-Piece Anchor Hocking Glass Bakeware Set. 70% off. Less than $30.
Cuisinart 11-Piece Knife Set In Block. 40% off. 4.6* rated.
12-Piece Black Rim Dinnerware Set. 62% off. Under $30!
24″ Round Gold Mirror – 36% off. For wall mount or leaning above a tall table or dresser.
Gold, Black or Pink Bar Cart – 20%+ off. Mirrored shelves. Very popular in apartments and many different uses such as coffee station, game station, plants and more.
Tall Floor Lamp With Shelves – 33% off. Perfect ambient light for living room or bedroom.
$5 Gift Card With TP or Paper Towels Purchase – Select from Charmin or Bounty products.
$5 Gift Card With 4 Select Personal Care Items – Select from more than 4000 products.
BOGO20% Off Disinfecting Wipes – For move in and for everyday cleaning in dorm rooms and off-campus living.
Up to 50% Off NCAA Gear – More than 600 schools available! Discounted merchandise should not need a code. Try code BARBECUE for items not already discounted.
Pop Up Canopy Tent – 31% off. Available in loads of colors. Depending on your space and how many people you are expecting, a typical 10×10 (100 sq feet) can fit about 6 chairs and an 8×8 (64 sq feet) fits about 2-4 chairs.
Folding Chairs – 20% off. There are fancier ones available, but we find simple is best, this one comes with cup holder and available in 3 colors under $10. One chair per person is great if you have them, but not necessary as there will be a lot of time mingling and standing.
6 Foot Foldable Table – Not on sale but a better price than those that are!
Coleman RoadTrip Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill – 31% off. 3 burners and up to 20,000 BTUs – this is the one our friends brought to our last tailgate and it was great.
Genmax 2,000W Gas Generator – 6% off. A good lightweight option with less noise.
ECOFLOW 1800W Solar/Battery Generator – 31% off. An alternative to a gas generator. If you plan to use a TV or cooking appliances, a generator can really up your tailgating experience. Portability is key as is the wattage and fuel type. If you are using a slow cooker or small appliance, a generator with at least 1,500 wattage is recommended.
BucketBall – 15% off. A fun tailgating game that’s easy to transport.
Bluetooth Speaker – 11% off or use code 0UV8GTVC to get it for less than $30. A Bluetooth speaker keeps the energy high with a great playlist. If you do use a TV, you may be able to connect it to the TV for better sound. The Anker speaker linked here is a high-quality speaker at an incredibly affordable price.
RTIC Ultra Light 52 Quart Cooler – 10% off. 76 can capacity and up to 51 lbs of ice.
Coleman Portable Rolling 50 Quart Cooler – 20% off. 84 can capacity – boasts keeping ice up to 5 days, a good more budget friendly option with wheels.
Coleman Portable Rolling 100 Quart Cooler – 18% off. 160 can capacity with wheels.
Fitted Table Covers 19% off plus 5% promo code. In game-day colors – these stay put even on windy days. We also use these at home when hosting parties. Very affordable and easy to clean.
Walmart’s NCAA Shop – Click on filters to shop by Sports Team. Lots of items on sale.
Utility Wagon – $10 off. This is a tried and true version we also recommend at college move-in and move-out time. You won’t find a better price on a quality folding wagon.
Hitch Mount Foldable Cargo Carrier – 33% off. Foldable, holds up to 500lbs and includes a waterproof cargo bag. Great for when you are bringing a lot of gear or have a 3rd row seat you need to use to transport your student and friends to or from the game!
Sterno folding stove – 31% off. Having a grill for tailgating will allow for more menu variety, but it does take a bit more coordination and travel space. Alternatively, you can use this folding stove and Sternos. Good for keeping food warm as well.
Check out our printable, downloadable Open When labels.
Night Cap Drink Cover/Scrunchie – 10% off promo code.
Erin Condren Daily Routine Journal – 35% off.
4-Pack Burts Bees Lip Balm – 27% off.
Taylor Swift Mad Libs! – Not on sale, but had to include it this week!
Calming Essential Oil Roll-On Balm – 23% off. Additional essences available for other purposes (sleep, allergies, etc).
Hydrating/Depuffing Eye Mask Variety Pack – 15% off. Set of 18 pairs.
Pair of Satin Pillowcases – 38% off. Good for skin and hair.
Microwave Pasta/Ramen Cooker – A favorite 100% virgin Phthalate and BPA free plastic. The handle protects you from hot surfaces & the steam vent keeps things clean. Large 31oz size.
Rechargeable Hand Warmers – 37% off. Good time to buy while the price is lower and have them ready to surprise your student when the weather turns colder.
Please see our guide to under $10 useful care package items for more ideas!
Samsonite Spin Tech 6 Luggage – 65% off! Lots of colors available.
UGG Tasman Slippers – I would like this documented for the record. It is August 29th, and almost all sizes in all colors are available. Please don’t wait until November, they will be impossible to find by then!
Follow The Dorm Guide on Instagram for early notice of the best gifts for older teens and college students this holiday season, and you can also check out our Gift Guides on our website.
Aerie – 30-50% off everything.
adidas – Up to 50% off.
American Eagle – 30-70% off everything.
Anthropologie – Extra 40% Sale, 25% off denim, up to 40% off home.
Athleta – Up to 60% off plus an extra 30% off sale.
Best Buy – See all Deals Of The Day.
Columbia – Up to 50% off + members save 30% extra.
Fanatics – Up to 50% off with code BARBEQUE.
Free People – Take an extra 25% off sale items.
Hey Dude – 40% off sale items with code SAVE.
Kate Spade Outlet – Up to 70% off plus an extra 20% off select styles. Some super cute wristlets!
Kohl’s – 40% off kitchen appliances, $10 when you spend $25, 15% off home.
Macy’s – Up to 60% off store-wide and 30% off several luxury beauty brands. The Slim Fit Tux is back for $119.99! So much less than renting and always ready to go for that last minute formal!
Madewell – Extra 40% off sale, 30% off Fall selects.
Nordstrom – Up to 60% off.
Nordstrom Rack – Extra 25% off clearance.
Ulta Beauty – 21 Days of Beauty just kicked off on Friday, August 29th.
Under Armor – Extra 40% off UA outlet with code LABORDAY.
Zappos – Use code SAVE20 to take 20% off nearly 20,000 styles.
All About Vibe Pet Pillows – A sweet reminder of their furry friend at home. Our link includes a 25% discount automatically applied in the cart. If you see a different offer pop up when you visit their website, just click out of that and continue.
Young Adult Power Of Attorney Package – Please have your student consider putting a medical and financial power of attorney in place naming you or another trusted adult to make decisions for them should they be unable to do so themselves. Use code PSA20 to take 20% off at Mama Bear Legal Forms.
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