Ready for Back to School?!
I know, I know. I am not either.
We have had so much fun this summer, I am definitely not looking forward to fall and back to school but it is that time like it or not.
School supplies start going on sale in early to mid July and they usually run for about 5 weeks. After that the stores move through most of the inventory and the prices jump back up on supplies.
What I have learned in years past is that you really do want to get a jump on back to school shopping early to save yourself quite a bit of money and to get the best selection.
What can frustrate some people is knowing when to actually pull the trigger on supplies. I am including a list below of some general prices to give you an idea of what deals to look for. I included a decent price to buy if you just want to be done with your shopping and a best price for those that want to hold out for the best possible deal they can find on each item.
You may not find all of these prices or you may find even better prices at your stores, this is just meant to be a general guideline of what is a good price for various items. I did not include penny deals (which we typically see at office supply stores) because those can often require $5+ purchases.
I tend to go a little higher on prices just because I prefer to compare name brand items. This isn’t just me being uppity about my crayons and glue sticks- it is because lots of schools will specifically ask for certain brands or ask that you not buy certain brands altogether. One of our school lists asks for Crayola brand only and Elmer’s brand only. Many schools will ask that you not purchase Roseart items- so you might keep that in mind when you shop.
Get your printable Back to School Supply Price List for 2013 here.
Each week I will be posting all the best store deals on school supplies. You will see these lists by store on Saturday and Sunday. You will also see a summarized list of all the very, very best deals from every store each week on Wednesday.
And if you want to check out an article with tons of tips on How to Save Big on School Supplies, head over here.
Sandra says
Just what I needed! Thanks!
Robin says
Thank you SO much for this list! Super useful!
Jamie says
I’ve had a really hard time finding deals on Crayola Washable Markers and Washable crayons in the past. I feel like I always end up overpaying for these. The best prices you’ve listed for these are great, I just have a hard time finding them for those prices.
Wendy says
So helpful! I can’t believe it’s time to start thinking about it already. Back to school clothes will be next. Yikes.
Charlene says
Jamie,
I was thinking of just grabbing the markers at Walmart this week for $1.97. They do go a little lower but I agree- it is hard to find deals on the washable items.
Jen C. says
Thanks for this – very handy. Please let us know, loudly, when Ticonderoga pencils are on sale. They are the best but very expensive.
Charlene…Crayola washable markers are on sale at Target this week for 99 cents. 🙂
Charlene says
Yes Jen I do watch for those to go on sale. I saw this year Ticonderoga pencils come in new colors which is fun. I think you are thinking of the regular markers? I was at Target last night and the washable ones were $2.47. Unless maybe your store is having a special sale or something.
Lydia M. says
Charlene – do you have a stock up price for 5-subject notebooks? I know there are great deals on the 1-subject, but I usually end up spending a fortune for the 5-subject ones because there is always one or two teachers a year that require it. Any info you can give me would greatly be appreciated!
Charlene says
Lydia, it seems like about $2 for 5 subject is a good price. HTH