Sam's Club memberships are 50% off for back-to-school season

This content is sponsored by Sam's Club.

Back-to-school shopping could cost families a record amount this year. But here's one way you can save huge -- bulk retailer Sam's Club is offering Sam's Club memberships for 50% off right now for back-to-school season.

Now through Sept. 30, new Sam's Club members can join the bulk retailer for just $25, and gain access to exclusive Sam's Club deals on everything you need for back to school, plus discounts on gas, exclusive Sam's Club food and events. Note that you'll need to sign up for auto-renewal to get this deal.

Not only is the bulk retailer offering 50% off memberships to new members, Sam's Club has everything you need to head back to class, including deals on school lunchboxes, school snacks, back-to-school tech, dorm room essentials, clothing and more.

Get a Sam's Club membership starting at $25 

Sam's Club members get access to the chain's gas stations, which typically offer gasoline at prices lower than competing nearby stations. The warehouse giant offers bulk pricing on many popular household and grocery items, plus members-only pricing on tech and appliances.

You can even get discounted gift cards at Sam's Club -- that's like free money in your pocket.

Sign up for an annual Sam's Club membership today, and start saving money on groceries, gas and so much more. 

Why we like Sam's Club memberships:

• Sam's Club offers travel deals, a car-buying program, plus pharmacy, tire, optical and photo centers. 
• The chain offers free curbside pickup, and, in some locations, same-day delivery.
• Sam's Club members get access to the chain's gas stations, which typically offer gasoline at prices lower than competing nearby stations.
  
• Sam's Club offers discounts on gift cards from many of your favorite retailers. 

You can find your local Sam's Club location (and Sam's Club Fuel Center) using the club finder tool on the Sam's Club website.

You can also join Sam's Club Plus for $40 off

The warehouse retailer also has a deal for customers who want to become Sam's Club Plus members. Right now, you can get $40 off a Sam's Club Plus membership. Sam's Club Plus members get free shipping for online orders, free curbside pickup, 2% back on qualifying purchases (up to $500 back per year), free select generic prescriptions and 20% off glasses. Sam's Club Plus members can also shop sales before any other Sam's Club members.

Sam's Club Plus membership, $70 (regularly $110)

Best Sam's Club August gift card deals

We've selected our favorite "free money" Sam's Club gift card deals and shared them below. And while you're at it, be sure to check out all the other deals at Sam's Club right now, including this month's instant savings book deals and Sam's Club's ongoing clearance deals.

Sam's Club restaurant gift card deals

Many of the best Sam's Club gift card deals sell out, so if you see something you like, hop on it fast.

• Get $30 in Cold Stone Creamery gift cards for $21
  
• Get $85 in Outback Steakhouse gift cards for $75
  
• Get $30 in Starbucks gift cards for $29
• Get $30 in Taco Bell gift cards for $29
• Get a $50 White Castle gift card for $37
• Get $50 in Krispy Kreme gift cards for $37.50
• Get $50 in Chuck E. Cheese gift cards for $37.50
• Get $50 in Golden Corral gift cards for $40
• Get a $100 Panera Bread e-gift card for $85
  
• Get $30 in Wendy's gift cards for $29
• Get $50 in Bob Evans gift cards for $40
• Get a $50 IHOP gift card for $37.50

Sam's Club video game gift card deals

These video gaming gift cards are your key to getting digital downloads of brand new releases at a discount. Here are the best gaming gift card deals.

• Get $100 in Xbox gift cards for $90
  
• Get $30 in Roblox gift cards (plus free virtual item) for $26
• Save on a $100 Steam gift card
  

Best Sam's Club movie ticket deals

Want to see "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning," "Barbie," and other movies in the theater this summer? Don't pay full price -- Sam's Club has deals for tickets for most major cinema houses. 

• Two AMC Black movie tickets (NY, NJ, CA), $22
• Two movie tickets for Regal Cinema, $19
  
• Two Regal 2 movie tickets (CA, DC, Philadelphia, NYC), $21
• Get a $50 gift card to Movietickets.com for $37.50

Related content from CBS Essentials:

• Sam's Club: The best benefits to having a warehouse club membership
  
• Sam's Club August deal: Get a year of discounted gas, groceries, gift cards and more for $25
• Sling TV deal: Watch the NFL preseason and more live TV for half price
• Amazon is having a huge early Labor Day sale on Keurig coffee makers and coffee accessories