What to buy in August before back-to-school season and Labor Day

• USA TODAY Shopping is launching "The Fall Reset," a month-long event in August to highlight deals before fall.
• The event is structured weekly, focusing on back-to-school, home prep, yard work, and football season essentials.
• Each day in August will feature specific shopping recommendations and tips to help consumers save money.

Fall has a way of sneaking up fast. Before Labor Day deals arrive and before fall routines take over, retailers are discounting everything from school supplies and dorm essentials to TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football season gear.

That's why we're launching The Fall Reset—a month-long August shopping event designed to answer one question:

What should you buy right now before fall?

Throughout August, the USA TODAY Shopping team will highlight the products, deals and seasonal essentials actually worth your money, whether you're sending a student back to school, moving into a dorm, updating your home, planning tailgates or waiting for Labor Day savings.

Bookmark this page now. We'll update it throughout the month with new shopping guides, editor-tested recommendations, seasonal buying advice and our favorite deals.

Shop The Fall Reset by week

• Week 1: Back-to-school and dorm shopping
• Week 2: Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep
• Week 3: Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep
• Week 4: Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping

Week 1: Back-to-school and dorm shopping

The first week is all about helping students, parents and families get organized before the school year ramps up. Expect practical picks for classrooms, dorm rooms, tech setups, personal care routines, lunches and space-saving organization.

Day 1 — Saturday, August 1: Back-to-school supplies and classroom essentials

Start with the basics: notebooks, pencils, backpacks, planners, folders, calculators, labels and classroom restocks. This is the day to check school supply lists, compare multipacks and look for bundles that can cover more than one child or grade level.

• Target: Back-to-school, dorm, fall home, Halloween and early holiday shopping
• Walmart: School supplies, student tech, groceries, home and Labor Day deals
• Amazon: Last-minute essentials, dorm upgrades, tech, home and football season finds

Smart shopping tip: Buy frequently used supplies in bulk when the price makes sense, but avoid overbuying specialty items until you know what each teacher requires.

Day 2 — Sunday, August 2: Dorm room essentials and college move-in needs

Dorm shopping is about making a small space functional, comfortable and easy to maintain. Look for bedding, storage, laundry supplies, desk accessories, shower caddies, compact appliances and décor that can work hard without taking up too much room.

• Wayfair: Dorm furniture, small-space living, home refreshes and Labor Day furniture deals
• The Container Store, Dormify and Ikea: Organization, dorm setup and lunch-prep products

Smart shopping tip: Prioritize items that solve multiple problems, like storage ottomans, over-the-door organizers and rolling carts.

Day 3 — Monday, August 3: Student technology and productivity tools

Student tech can make a big difference once classes, assignments and schedules pick up. This focus includes laptops, tablets, earbuds, headphones, chargers, portable batteries and productivity tools.

• Best Buy: Student tech, productivity gear, TVs, soundbars and entertainment upgrades

Smart shopping tip: Before buying a new device, check school requirements, software needs and student discount eligibility.

Day 4 — Tuesday, August 4: Back-to-school clothing, shoes and accessories

This is the wardrobe reset: sneakers, denim, basics, school uniforms, jackets, socks, backpacks and accessories that can carry students from late summer into early fall.

• Nike, Skechers, Kids Foot Locker, Reebok: Back-to-school shoe shopping doesn't have to be hard
• Kohl’s, Gap and Nordstrom: Back-to-school clothing, shoes, bedding and fall fashion

Smart shopping tip: Build around durable basics first, then add trend-forward pieces only where your budget allows.

Day 5 — Wednesday, August 5: Personal care, beauty and wellness basics

As routines shift, personal care deserves a reset too. Think skincare, hair care, hygiene essentials, shower products, wellness basics and beauty staples for students and families.

• Ulta Beauty and Sephora: Beauty basics, self-care and early holiday beauty sets

Smart shopping tip: Stock up on routine products you already use, but be cautious with new formulas if you’re buying multiples.

Day 6 — Thursday, August 6: Lunch, meal prep and back-to-routine kitchen products

School and work schedules can make meal planning harder, so this day focuses on products that simplify lunches, snacks and weeknight dinners.

Smart shopping tip: Look for dishwasher-safe lunch containers, leak-resistant bottles and freezer-friendly meal-prep sets.

Day 7 — Friday, August 7: Home organization and small-space storage

The final day of Week 1 helps families and students build smoother routines with storage, labels, calendars, organizers and more.

Smart shopping tip: Measure closets, shelves and under-bed spaces before buying bins or organizers.

Week 2: Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep

Week 2 shifts from school-year setup to seasonal home life. Expect fall décor, pet routine products, seasonal foods, sleep upgrades, early Halloween shopping, travel essentials and end-of-summer clearance opportunities.

Day 8 — Saturday, August 8: Fall home refresh and seasonal décor

This is the day for small updates that make a home feel ready for the season: throw blankets, candles, wreaths, pillows, entryway décor and warm-toned accents.

• Bath & Body Works, Anthropologie and Yankee Candle: Seasonal candles, soap, holiday decorations

Smart shopping tip: Choose a few high-impact pieces instead of replacing everything. A new wreath, throw blanket and candle can do a lot.

Day 9 — Sunday, August 9: Pet products for fall routines and travel

As schedules shift, pets need routine updates too. Look for pet beds, food storage, puppy and kitten must-haves, grooming products and pet food subscriptions.

• Chewy and Petco: Pet food, beds, travel gear and fall routine essentials

Smart shopping tip: If your pet’s food or medication is eligible for auto-ship savings, compare the recurring price against one-time purchase deals.

Day 10 — Monday, August 10: Fall foods, seasonal flavors and cookware

Pumpkin spice, apple treats, bakeware, cookware, coffee makers and pantry upgrades can help bring fall into the kitchen before the weather changes.

• HexClad, All-Clad and Williams Sonoma: Cookware, bakeware, kitchen essentials

Smart shopping tip: Seasonal food items sell early. If there’s a limited-edition product you love, don’t assume it will still be available later.

Day 11 — Tuesday, August 11: Bedding, sleep and comfort upgrades

A better fall routine often starts with better sleep. This focus includes sheets, pillows, comforters, mattress toppers, blankets and guest-room upgrades.

• Saatva, Cozy Earth and Mattress Firm: Mattresses, bedding bundles, bedroom upgrades

Smart shopping tip: Labor Day can be a strong time to watch for mattress and bedding deals, but smaller comfort upgrades may be worth buying earlier if you need them now.

Day 12 — Wednesday, August 12: Early Halloween shopping and seasonal hosting

Halloween may feel far away, but early shoppers often get the best selection on costumes, decorations, candy bowls, porch décor and hosting supplies.

• Pottery Barn, My Evergreen and Spirit Halloween: Festive home decor, outdoor decorations and Halloween costumes
• Costco and Sam’s Club: Bulk groceries, school lunch supplies, seasonal finds and tailgating food

Smart shopping tip: Buy popular costumes and outdoor decorations early, then wait for candy deals closer to October.

Day 13 — Thursday, August 13: Labor Day weekend travel and outdoor essentials

This day is built for end-of-summer trips and long weekend plans: luggage, weekender bags, packing cubes, road-trip gear, coolers, kid-friendly travel essentials and portable chargers.

Smart shopping tip: Make a packing list before shopping so you don’t buy duplicate travel accessories you already own.

Day 14 — Friday, August 14: Best end-of-summer deals and final clearance opportunities

End-of-summer clearance sales can be some of the smartest times to buy discounted patio furniture, outdoor gear, swim items, warm-weather apparel and seasonal décor for next year.

Smart shopping tip: Clearance is only a deal if you’ll actually use or store the item. Prioritize durable products that won’t feel dated next summer.

Week 3: Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep

Week 3 is the practical home-prep stretch. Shopping highlights include yard cleanup, outdoor storage, tools, garage organization, cold-weather prep, hiking, outdoor cleaning and home security.

Day 15 — Saturday, August 15: Fall yard cleanup, leaf season and lawn care essentials

This is the time to get ahead of leaf season with rakes, bags, gloves, trimmers, lawn tools and outdoor cleanup supplies.

• The Home Depot and Ace Hardware: Outdoor maintenance, yard prep and seasonal home upgrades

Smart shopping tip: Check whether battery-powered yard tools share the same battery system before adding another tool to your setup.

Day 16 — Sunday, August 16: Outdoor storage, patio protection and seasonal maintenance

Protecting summer gear now can save money later. Look for patio covers, deck boxes, storage sheds, furniture covers and weatherproof bins.

Smart shopping tip: Measure furniture before buying covers, especially for sectionals, grills and irregular outdoor pieces.

Day 17 — Monday, August 17: Tools, garage organization and DIY project basics

For fall projects, garage cleanouts and home fixes, this focus highlights tool kits, shelving, pegboards, work lights, storage racks and DIY basics.

Smart shopping tip: If you’re just starting a tool collection, buy versatile basics first: a drill, level, tape measure, hammer, screwdriver set and storage case.

Day 18 — Tuesday, August 18: Cold-weather home prep, smart thermostats and draft blockers

Cooler weather can expose gaps in your home setup. This day focuses on smart thermostats, air purifiers, draft blockers, weather stripping, insulation products and energy-saving basics.

Smart shopping tip: Small fixes like door sweeps and window insulation kits can be affordable first steps before bigger home upgrades.

Day 19 — Wednesday, August 19: Fall hiking and outdoor recreation

Fall weekends are made for trail gear, layers, hiking shoes, backpacks, water bottles and outdoor accessories.

• REI, Hoka, Merrell and Patagonia: Hiking, outerwear and fall outdoor recreation

Smart shopping tip: Focus on footwear and layers first. A comfortable hike starts with shoes that fit well and clothing that can handle temperature changes.

Day 20 — Thursday, August 20: Outdoor cleaning, pressure washing and maintenance products

Before colder weather sets in, tackle outdoor cleaning projects with pressure washers, hoses, scrub brushes, cleaners, gloves and storage tools.

Smart shopping tip: Check surfaces before using a pressure washer. Some materials need gentler cleaning methods.

Day 21 — Friday, August 21: Home security, emergency prep and smart home upgrades

The week wraps with smart home and safety products: cameras, doorbells, sensors, backup power, emergency kits, flashlights and weather-readiness products.

Smart shopping tip: Start with the area that gives you the most practical benefit, such as your front door, garage, driveway or backup power needs.

Week 4: Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping

The final week turns toward football season, watch parties, entertainment upgrades, fall fashion, college football kickoff and Labor Day sales previews.

Day 22 — Saturday, August 22: Football season essentials

Football season shopping starts with fan gear, jerseys, sneakers, team merch and books.

• Fanatics and Dick’s Sporting Goods: Football gear, team merch, youth sports and tailgating essentials

Smart shopping tip: If you’re buying team apparel as a gift, choose classic logo gear if you’re unsure about a player name or roster changes.

Day 23 — Sunday, August 23: Tailgating products and outdoor entertaining

Tailgate season calls for coolers, folding chairs, canopies, portable tables, drinkware, games and outdoor cooking gear.

• REI, Igloo, Stanley and Yeti: Find all the best outdoor essentials for football season

Smart shopping tip: Look for products that also work beyond game day, such as coolers, folding chairs and outdoor tables.

Day 24 — Monday, August 24: Game day food, delivery, kitchen appliances and hosting supplies

For watch parties, this focus covers air fryers, slow cookers, cookware, snack trays, serving pieces, drinkware, delivery deals and kitchen appliances.

• Goldbelly, Boarderie and Doordash: Snacks and food for football season made easy

Smart shopping tip: Choose appliances based on what you actually cook most. An air fryer, multicooker or slow cooker can be useful if it fits your routine beyond football season.

Day 25 — Tuesday, August 25: TVs, soundbars and home entertainment upgrades

If your living room needs a game-day upgrade, look out for the best TVs to buy, soundbars, streaming devices, projectors, seating and media storage.

Smart shopping tip: Before buying a TV, measure your space and confirm the screen size works with your seating distance.

Day 26 — Wednesday, August 26: Fall fashion, shoes and transitional apparel

This day helps readers move from summer outfits into fall layers: denim, jackets, sneakers, loafers, boots, sweaters and transitional basics.

Smart shopping tip: Prioritize pieces that layer well over what you already own.

Day 27 — Thursday, August 27: NCAA college football kick-off shopping and watch party products

College football fans can stock up on team gear, décor, drinkware, snacks, tailgate accessories and watch party supplies.

Smart shopping tip: If your team colors are seasonal, shop early before popular sizes and styles sell out.

Day 28 — Friday, August 28: Labor Day sales preview and big-ticket shopping

The Fall Reset winds down with a look at Labor Day sales and deals, especially bigger-ticket areas such as mattresses, appliances, furniture, vacuums, cookware and home upgrades.

Smart shopping tip: Make a wish list before the holiday weekend. For big-ticket items, compare the sale price, delivery fees, warranty terms and return window before buying.

What should you buy in August?

• Back-to-school essentials before inventory sells out
• Dorm room must-haves before move-in season peaks
• TVs, soundbars and home entertainment upgrades
• Early Labor Day deal categories worth watching
• Fall home decor and organization upgrades
• Bedding, mattresses and sleep products
• Football season gear and tailgating essentials

Retailers to watch during The Fall Reset this August

Looking for a place to start? The Fall Reset is your shopping helper for everything from back-to-school, dorm, home, beauty, technology, pet, outdoor, football, meal prep, storage, Halloween, gifting and Labor Day shopping. Here are some top retailers to watch:

What is The Fall Reset?

The Fall Reset is a four-week shopping guide built around the biggest seasonal shifts shoppers face in August: getting kids and college students ready for school, refreshing the home for fall, preparing yards and outdoor spaces for cooler weather, and gearing up for football season and Labor Day sales.

The event’s goal is to provide our readers with easy shopping recommendations so they can start the new season off feeling prepared and on-budget.

Bookmark this page for daily updates

The best fall shopping plan is the one that helps you stay ahead without overspending. Bookmark this guide and check back throughout The Fall Reset for daily shopping inspiration, timely deals, editor-curated picks and practical products that can make the season feel easier, cozier and more organized.

Whether you’re packing a dorm room, restocking school supplies, refreshing your home, prepping the yard, planning a tailgate or waiting for Labor Day deals, The Fall Reset is here to help you shop smarter—one day at a time.

USA TODAY Shopping will be covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!