The 2020-21 school year is fast approaching, and schools, from pre-K to higher ed, are introducing sweeping changes — like social distancing or even moving to 100% virtual classrooms. One thing that will never change, though, is the need for cheap school supplies.
Psst… don’t forget to visit our Back-to-School deals page to find sales, coupons, and discounts on all sorts of school gear. Plus, use our KCL Back-to-School 2020 Stock-up List to determine if you’re getting the best deal.
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1. Stock up on pencils at Staples for $0.25 a box.

If you want name-brand pencils, then watch for Amazon to price their Ticonderoga #2 pencils at $10.28 for 96 pencils, making them just $0.11 each. This is one of my favorite deals for buying pencils in bulk.
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2. Buy Crayola products for as low as $0.50 per pack at Walmart.

Walmart has great specials on Crayola products (these prices may fluctuate):
Final Price: $0.50
Free shipping on orders of $35+ or free store pickup (1-43 days)
Final Price: $0.98 each, when you buy 2
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3. Look for rulers at Office Depot when they reach $0.25 each.

Follow our Office Depot deals page and we’ll let you know when to head in and stock up.
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RELATED: Back-to-School Shopping Hacks That’ll Save You All the Money
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4. Buy glue sticks at Walmart when they’re $0.25 each.

Follow our Walmart deals page and we’ll let you know when it goes on sale, and we’ll also tell you if there’s a coupon or Ibotta rebate to make your price even lower.
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Download the KCL Back to School 2020 Stock Up List!
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5. Grab calculators at Dollar Tree for $1.

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6. Get colored pencils at Family Dollar when they’re $1 per pack.

Check out our back-to-school page before you head out, though, and you might score them for even less
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Download the KCL Back to School 2020 Stock Up List!
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7. Stock up on facial tissue from the Dollar Tree for $0.75 per box.

In August 2019, I was able to get a 96-count box of Puffs Facial Tissue for just $0.75 when I used a $0.25/1 manufacturer coupon from Procter & Gamble.
That’s less than $0.01 per tissue. Pretty sweet, if you ask me.
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8. Get folders at Office Depot when they cost just $0.10 each.

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9. Scoop up 12-count ballpoint pens at Staples for less than a dollar.

Aim to spend no more than $0.07 per pen anywhere you shop, and keep an eye out for Bic coupons because in 2019 there was a $1 off Bic coupon.
In August 2019 at Staples, a 12-count package of Bic Round Grip Stic Ballpoint Pens went on sale for $0.97. That’s just $0.08 per pen.
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10. Buy scissors at Walmart for $0.25 each.

In 2019, we saw 2-count packs of SchoolWorks Kids Scissors for $0.50 at Walmart.
That’s legit a quarter each. And don’t forget to bookmark our Walmart coupons page to be the first to hear about specials.
Download the KCL Back to School 2020 Stock Up List!
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11. Get composition notebooks at Targets for as little as $0.69 each.

In 2019, I found composition notebooks on sale for $0.69 each at Target. Not bad!
PRO TIP: If you wait until seasonal clearance, you can find notebooks and other school supplies for 50% to 90% off at Target. In 2019, I found notebooks for as little $0.09 each in September!
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RELATED: Stop Shopping at Target Unless You Know These 31 Ways to Save
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12. Look out for erasers from Amazon when they’re just $0.36 each.

In the past, we’ve seen one box of 12 Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers on sale for just $4.29 during back-to-school season on Amazon. That’s just $0.36 per eraser. Whether you’re a teacher, a busy mom, or a student, this deal should not be missed.
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13. Stock up on highlighters at Walgreens when they’re $0.25 each.

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14. Grab a Bentgo lunch box for just $17.99 on sale at Amazon.

Normally $27.99, Bentgo’s kids lunch boxes have gone on sale for $17.99 through Amazon in the past. The Bento-inspired boxes make preparing lunch easier for you — and lunchtime is more fun for your kid.
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15. Scoop up 70% off backpacks from Kohl’s.

Backpacks are currently on sale at Kohl’s, and once you add in coupon codes FAMILY30 and JUNEMVCFREE for Kohl’s Charge cardholders or SAVINGS for non-cardholders, you can score a brand-new name-brand backpack for as little as $10. Here are some examples:
Cardholders, use FAMILY30 for 30% off through June 21
Non-cardholders, use SAVINGS for 15% off orders of $99 or less through June 21
Cardholders, use JUNEMVCFREE for free shipping
Non-cardholders, free shipping on orders of $75+ or free curbside pickup
Final Price: as low as $10.49
Cardholders, use FAMILY30 for 30% off through June 21
Non-cardholders, use SAVINGS for 15% off orders of $99 or less through June 21
Cardholders, use JUNEMVCFREE for free shipping
Non-cardholders, free shipping on orders of $75+ or free curbside pickup
Final Price: as low as $11.19
Cardholders, use FAMILY30 for 30% off through June 21
Non-cardholders, use SAVINGS for 15% off orders of $99 or less through June 21
Cardholders, use JUNEMVCFREE for free shipping
Non-cardholders, free shipping on orders of $75+ or free curbside pickup
Final Price: as low as $13.99
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16. Buy school uniforms at Old Navy when they go on sale for just $4.

In the past, we’ve seen kids’ uniform polos go on sale for as little as $4!
Follow our Old Navy deals page for the down low on when the best deals drop for back-to-school sales.
Download the KCL Back to School 2020 Stock Up List!
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UP NEXT: Your one-stop shop for back-to-school deals!
