In the space between summer clearance and back-to-school sales we've found a dozen great bargains to either help wind down or gear up, depending on where your mind is at. For the back-to-school crowd, check out major savings on High Sierra backpacks, plush bedding sets for dorm living and a Mac computer discount that includes a free pair of Beats headphones. If the focus is surf, sun, and leisure, look for deep discounts on beach chairs, sandals, and fishing gear. And, finally, a few finds for the foodies, including a patriotic spatula set, a veggie slicer/spiralizer and silicone molds for making DIY frozen treats to beat the heat.
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FREE BEATS HEADPHONES WITH PURCHASE OF MAC, IPAD OR IPHONE FOR COLLEGE
Why we love this deal: Apple is sweetening its back-to-school discount this year through Sept. 5, offering sets of Beats headphones on top of its higher education discounts ranging from $50 to $200 on the purchase of iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and iMacs. Purchases must be made through an Apple retail store, the Apple online education store, or through an Apple-authorized campus store and are available to anyone who qualifies for Apple's higher ed discount, such as a student, teacher, or parent of a student. (Of course, a determined bargain hunter could always work their powers of persuasion on the appropriate acquaintance and score a great deal on a new Mac and a pair of Beats to accompany it.)
$24 FOR BEACH LIVING BLOUSON TANKINI TOP FROM LAND'S END (REGULARLY $75)
Why we love this deal: Land's End has a clearance sale featuring some terrific deals at up to 65 percent off, including this stylish tankini that offers UPF 50 protection. The clearance price is $30, but use promotion code SAVEBIG with pin 2030 and knock another $6 off the final price. Free shipping kicks in at $50, so consider hunting the clearance section for more deals.
$8 HOODED BEACH WRAPS FROM KIDS WAREHOUSE
Why we love this deal: Cute and comfortable, these cartoon character-themed hooded towel wraps from Kids Warehouse are $5 cheaper than the next lowest price online at Sears. In addition to popular Disney and Pixar characters, the selection includes popular Marvel and DC comics superheroes as well as Hello Kitty and Nickelodeon favorites such as Spongebob.
$13 HIGH SIERRA CURVE BACKPACK
Why we love this deal: Use promo code CLEAROUT at checkout when shopping High Sierra clearance items and score a 50 percent discount on some already deeply discounted backpacks for the new school year, including a Curve backpack available in 16 colors and equipped with specially designed straps for increased comfort.
$28 HAMMOCK HANGING ROPE CHAIR PATIO SWING SEAT FROM WALMART
Why we love this deal: Walmart's rollback discount drops this colorful hanging lounger by a whopping 72 percent, making it $5 cheaper than the lowest price on Amazon -- and it includes free shipping.
$28 COPA FIVE-POSITION LAY-FLAT ALUMINUM BEACH CHAIR
Why we love this deal: With wooden armrests, a built-in towel rack, a shoulder strap, and the ability to adjust to five positions, including full recline, this is the perfect beach companion. And a deal from Hayneedle drops its price by 53 percent, making it the lowest available online. Spend another $22 to qualify for free shipping or expect to pay another $5 for FedEx Ground.
$4 FOR FARBERWARE FOUR-PIECE MINI SPATULA SET
Why we love this deal: This red, white, and blue deal from Kohl's is patriotic and practical, with three 6-inch silicone spatulas and matching whisk. The clearance price is $5, but use promo code BIGSAVER and save another 75 cents. Avoid paying more than you save on shipping costs by choosing in-store pickup.
$10 FOR A SET OF NORPRO SILICONE ICE POP MAKERS FROM BONANZA
Why we love this deal: Bonanza's deal on this set of silicone molds for DIY popsicle and frozen treat making is just slightly less than the next best price from Jet.com, and it includes free shipping.
$8 FOR VEGETABLE SLICER FROM CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPS
Why we love this deal: Christmas Tree Shops' sitewide clearance sale takes 50 percent off the cost of this as-seen-on-TV veggie prep slicer and peeler. Originally priced at $15, the discounted price is $12 cheaper than the next cheapest countertop spiralizer we could find online. Use promo code SHIPNOW for $5 flat-rate shipping.
$3 FOR RANGER CRAB NETS FROM DICK'S SPORTING GOODS
Why we love this deal: Dick's Sporting Goods has marked down these Ranger Crab Nets 81 percent from their list price of $16 -- which makes them $9 cheaper than the next best price online. Free shipping and free in-store returns complement this steal of a deal.
40% OFF UNEEK ROUND CORD SANDALS FROM KEEN
Why we love this deal: Keen's end-of-season clearance sale discounts its active footwear collection by up to 50 percent, including a $40 discount off the regular price of these unique cord sandals. Keen prides itself on its made-in-America legacy and commitment to environmental sustainability. Loyal shoppers also appreciate a free shipping and return policy that guarantees a good fit and a satisfied customer.