It’s that time of year! School supply shopping comes with so many different feelings. Some of us gleefully fill our baskets with supplies awaiting the day we pass our kids to amazing teachers, while others are wiping away tears as they buy their kindergartener’s first backpack. Some of us love shopping for supplies and make it a fun event, while other pre-order a box to be delivered. No matter how they get bought or what feelings they bring you, all of us want to save a little green this time of year. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind when shopping.
Consider buying extras to have on hand for later in the year, and to donate. I don’t want to pay higher prices in January or February when they need more. I know the lists usually get them through the year but I like to have extras.
Majority of schools have their supply lists up on their website. Some stores will have lists printed but don’t count on it as your school may not be available when you go.
Here are the best prices to expect on common supplies:
Filler paper best price is .25-.30
Index cards usually around .50
2 pocket folders .10-.25
1” binders $1
1 subject notebook .15-.25
Composition book .25-.50
5 tab dividers .15-.50
Ballpoint pens 8 ct .25
#2 pencils .8 per pencil
Mechanical pencils .15 per pencil
Highlighters .25 ea
Sharpie singles .25
Pencil sharpeners .50
Pink erasers .50 generally 2pk
Cap erasers .5 ea
White out $1
Pencil case .25
Liquid white glue .25
Glue sticks .25
Child scissors $1
Crayola crayons 24 ct .25 store brand usually less
Crayola colored pencils 12 ct .50
Crayola 10 ct markers $1
Dry erase markers .25 per marker
Rulers .25
Protractor/compass $1 for basic, $5-$7 for more advanced sets
Facial tissues .75 or less per box
Disinfecting wipes $2 or less
Hand sanitizer $1.50 8 oz
Paper towels .50 or less
Basic calculator $5 and then they go up depending on needs.
Graphing calculator $69
Also, school lunch boxes and supplies will go on sale. These prices vary depending on what you want.
Another option to keep in mind is after school starts Target and Walmart usually have clearance. At that time, you can add to your supply for later and this usually occurs late September and October.
In August, you will start to see college dorm stuff, little microwaves, refrigerators, bedding, towels etc.
Now one last piece of advice; you need to know what you are willing to pay (WTP) for an item. Sometimes that may be higher so you can get it bought and checked off the list and not spend time shopping weekly. Sometimes that price will be lower because you have time to hold out and shop over time.
School supply deals go through September. This is for the big box stores, office supply stores, Walgreens, and grocery stores. Fred Meyer will have price blaster prices on items frequently. Plus, the Dollar Tree is getting better quality school supply items, buying everything at DT will not always save you money. Don’t limit your shopping to just the big box stores, the savings are not always the same.
