Lal of BeFrugal. In general, retail prices on back-to-school items at office supply stores tend to be slightly higher than at big-box stores, experts say. Department stores tend to be pricey options for back-to-school attire. Other good options for clothing and shoes include Old Navy and Payless, says Nelson.
Ong says that big-box retailers like Wal-Mart and Target are often cheaper than office supply stores for back-to-school supplies. To be sure, there are some caveats to this: For one, office supply stores often have door-buster deals that can make some back-to-school items cheaper than at big-box stores.
For some products, the quality of store brands at office-supply stores is higher than at big-box retailers. Spokespersons for Staples and Office Depot point out that their chains offer price-matching, and Office Depot also cites its day return policy as an advantage for shoppers.
Nelson says that for back-to-school clothes and shoes, most parents are better off at a big-box store like Wal-Mart or Target or a discount retailer like Old Navy or Payless than they are at middle- and upper-tier department stores. Nelson also advises parents not to buy fall items when they hit the department stores in July and August. These days, drugstores and grocery stores sell far more than their names imply--and this includes school supplies.
But outside of their door-buster deals, these spots are often not the best places to shop, says Ong. Get the list from the school so you are not wasting time and money on unneeded items or end up lacking items that are required. High school and middle school students will usually need more of the writing-related items, while elementary students will need fewer organizational supplies and more arts-related products.
Students may need specific items for electives or higher-level math and science courses as well, such as paints, brushes, or scientific calculators. However, all kids will need some of the basics, such as pencils, glue sticks, and tape. Generally, you can expect to buy:. You may also need one unit of each of the following:. Many teachers ask for donations for general classroom items during the back-to-school shopping season, such as:.
Additionally, there is often a school or classroom fund to support students who need help purchasing back-to-school items. Both cash and new items are often enthusiastically welcomed. These donations help each child have the necessary items and set them up to succeed. Here's a list to get you started:. These items will vary quite a bit from child to child. However, students may want to have their own personal hygiene products, such as hand sanitizer and tissues. Additionally, if your child is menstruating, they will want to carry tampons or pads in their bag.
Period panties or a change of underwear can also be helpful for when their period comes along unexpectedly. Increasingly, cell phones and other electronic devices are both used and misused in schools. Often, the use of these personal items is limited or prohibited entirely. Check with your child's school for guidance on the specific rules and recommendations that apply to your student.
Some classrooms—particularly in the upper grades of private schools and well-funded public school districts—are fully stocked with computers for student use. Meanwhile, some schools do not have enough devices to go around. Some schools even encourage or require students to bring their own mobile phone , computer, or iPad while other programs provide them to all students or to those who don't have access to one from home.
While these devices are not always required by schools, most tweens and teens have them, especially a cell phone. Many young people have laptops—or access to one—as well. Home access to a laptop and the Internet is recommended for most older kids. Access becomes particularly crucial for middle school and high school students, as a significant amount of homework is completed and turned in electronically.
For students engaged in research or classwork at home, access to computers and reliable WiFi are necessary. Back-to-school is the perfect time to reassess your child's wardrobe and school supply cache and clear out items that are worn out or too small.
You also might find that you already have some of the supplies you thought you'd need to buy. If you have multiple children, you also can pass down gently used items to younger siblings. By approaching the back-to-school shopping season with a plan, and knowing ahead of time what you need to buy, you'll be able to save money, cut down on stress, and avoid buying items your kids don't really need.
Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Guidance for Covid Prevention in K Schools.
Updated August 5, Common Sense Media. Common Sense census: Media use by tweens and teens. American Association of Retired Persons. State-by-state guide to face mask requirements. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Even if you're not a student, you'll likely find great deals on clothes, tech, and more.
We'll continue to update the best back-to-school deals here as they come up. For more opportunities to save, check out our round-up of the best sales happening now and available Amazon deals. Macy's : Save on sheets, duvets, and pillowcases with limited-time sales. Overstock : Save on college dorm room essentials, including decorations, bedding, and more. Macy's : Save on clothes, shoes, and accessories with limited-time back-to-school specials.
Amazon : Save on school and office supplies, including backpacks, disinfecting wipes, and more. Grove Collaborative : Get a free Mrs. Discount applied at checkout.
Target : Save money with office and school supplies starting at 25 cents. Walmart : Get school supplies for as low as 25 cents. Dell Outlet : Save on a variety of new and refurbished laptops. Although students head back to school in late summer and into fall, sales usually start in July and run through late August or early September.
Many retailers have student and teacher discounts year-round, too. Discounts for students include deals on Amazon Prime , Paramount Plus , and more.
Popular items for sale during back-to-school shopping include apparel , technology , school supplies , and dorm supplies for college students. If you are unsure what you or your child may need, take a look at this back-to-school guide for shopping list inspiration. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals.
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