The 10 Best Places to Buy School Supplies

Shopping for school supplies can be an overwhelming endeavor, especially if you’re on a budget or shopping for multiple children. But saving time and money—and maintaining your sanity—is possible if you know where to shop, how to find the best deals, and when to buy school supplies to maximize your savings.

We created this list of best places to buy school supplies by comparing major retailers and small businesses and considering key factors such as price, convenience, and product selection. We also looked at rewards programs, shipping costs, and return policies, and spoke to a budgeting expert to find the best tips and tools to save you money.

Our Picks

Best Overall:Amazon Back to School

Best Eco-Friendly:EarthHero Back to School

Best Budget:Walmart Back to School

Best for Bulk Shopping:Costco Back to School

Best for Name Labels:Mabel's Labels

Best Unique:Etsy

Best Sensory:Ark Therapeutic

Best for Art Supplies:Michaels

Best for Tech:Amazon

Best for Uniforms:Old Navy Uniform Shop

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Vast selection of products
Competitive prices

Cons

Some independent retailers that sell through Amazon are not vetted

If you want to sit down at your computer and do all your shopping in one fell swoop, Amazon’s back-to-school storefront is your best bet. The site is organized by age group and product category, and there’s even a search bar that helps you find your specific school’s supply list by providing your zip code (for participating schools). From crayons and lunch boxes for kindergarteners to celebrity-curated lists and dorm room must-haves, Amazon has it all.

If you have a subscription to Amazon Prime, all your school supplies will ship free within a couple of days, and you’ll also have access to member-only deals and exclusive sales on Prime Day. Membership costs $15 per month or $139 per year, but free 30-day trials are available and let you take advantage of the perks without the long-term commitment. College students can also sign up for a Prime student membership, which offers a free six-month trial and a rate of $7.49 per month after the trial period.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Free shipping for most purchases over $25 and for Prime members |Return Policy:Amazon and most independent sellers offer returns for items within 30 days of receipt of shipment. Certain items, including downloadable software, groceries, prepaid game cards, and computer hardware outside the 30-day window cannot be returned |Rewards/Perks:Amazon Prime members are eligible for special deals on Prime Day, discounts for Prime members only, free shipping, and try-before-you-buy privileges. An Amazon Rewards Visa credit card is also available and offers up to 5% back on purchases}

Walmart

View On Walmart

Pros

Great prices
Huge selection

Cons

Some online products are sold by third-party sellers

Walmart, like Amazon, is known for selling just about everything under the sun at competitive prices. The “Under $1” section alone includes some great finds on basic items every student needs: a box of 12 number two pencils for $0.47, a two-pack of Elmer’s glue sticks for $0.54, and $0.50 Crayola crayons (24-pack).

If basic supplies are what you need, Walmart is the place to get them. The website is organized by grade level to make browsing easier. The giant retailer also offers a wide selection of computers and tech accessories, and you can stock up on any other name-brand essentials, from clothing to first aid and beyond, all in one place.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Free on orders over $35 |Return Policy:Returns accepted on most items within 90 days with some exceptions (prescriptions, certain electronics, and perishable items) |Rewards/Perks:Walmart+ is a paid rewards program ($12.95/month or $98/year) that offers savings on gas, free grocery delivery, and free shipping on online orders}

EarthHero

View On Earthhero.com

Pros

Environmentally conscious and plastic-free supplies
Also offers home goods, clothing, sports equipment, and more

Cons

Most mainstream brands are unavailable
Products may be more expensive than traditional versions

EarthHero是一个惊人的资源e for anyone trying to reduce the plastic in their life or looking for more sustainable alternatives. Most products are made of recycled or upcycled materials, like notebooks, planners, and scissors, and every item purchased on the site is packed and shipped without plastic. EarthHero also offsets all of its shipping carbon emissions.

The site stocks supplies like pens made from cork, beeswax crayons, and 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled notebook paper, as well as organic cotton book bags and pencil cases, a vast array of reusable metal and silicone lunch containers, and phone charging docks made of wood.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Free shipping on orders over $60 |Return Policy:Free returns within 30 days of purchase for most items that are unused, undamaged, and in their original product packaging (exceptions apply) |Rewards/Perks:Referral discounts available. Reward points can be earned on every purchase and by reviewing products on the site}

Costco

View On Costco.com

Pros

Competitive prices
Great for large families or teachers buying supplies for several students

Cons

Requires membership to shop
Large packages may be too much for one or two kids

You might know Costco as the beloved mega store where you can get jumbo-sized everything at discounted prices and super cheap rotisserie chicken, but did you know it’s also a great place to buy school supplies?

Browse Costco’s office supplies section, and you’ll find notebooks, art supplies, and writing tools. Explore the clothing department to shop for fashion and uniforms. In the toys and books department, you’ll find educational options such as Highlights box sets and complete chapter book collections. And markdowns on laptops and computers abound in the electronics section.

Of course, as with everything in Costco, you’ll have to go big or go home. Although a 12-pack of wide-ruled notebooks might be just what you need if you’re buying supplies for multiple kids, it may be too much for one or two students—but you can always stock up on snacks.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Shipping is free on most items |Return Policy:Returns are accepted on most Costco items at any time, with a few exceptions. Electronics, including computers, are accepted within a 90-day return window, customized items are non-refundable, and products with a limited useful life expectancy, such as tires and batteries, may be sold with a product-specific limited warranty |Rewards/Perks:Price adjustments are honored, Costco Executive memberships offer 2% back on all purchases, awarded annually}

Mabel's Labels

View On Mabelslabels.com

Pros

Labels are durable and customizable
Dishwasher-safe and laundry-safe

Cons

Packs include large quantities that may be unnecessary

Mabel’s Labels has taken a practical concept and turned it into something great. The company offers a wide variety of options for colors and fonts on tags that come in many shapes and sizes, so your kids can get in on the fun of choosing how to design their labels.

The company also offers bag tags, allergy alert labels, ID bracelets, and specialty packs for sports with specifically sized labels that will fit equipment like bats, balls, and other gear, too. First-time customers can get a 20 percent discount by signing up for the Mabel’s Labels newsletter.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Standard shipping is free |Return Policy:Mabel’s Labels offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all its products |Rewards/Perks:My Mabel Rewards members can get discounts, coupons, and access to special sales}

MadeOnEarthNYC / Etsy

View On Etsy

Pros

A wide variety of customized and unconventional items
Supports small entrepreneurs

Cons

Sales and free shipping offers are uncommon

Etsy and its many artisans and vintage sellers have changed the way many of us shop for gifts and decor, but the treasures you can find on the site go beyond pretty things. Etsy has a thriving school and office supply section where you can find thousands of items that are unique and customizable—which is important when every kid at school has the same water bottle, lunch box, or folder and the lost and found is a sea of sameness.

On Etsy, you can personalize just about any school item you might need, from pencils to backpacks to laptop cases. For high school and college-aged students, you can also find a large selection of beautiful, unique items like leather-bound planners, care package-style boxes that contain essentials like laundry detergent, shower supplies and snacks, and unique dorm room gear like embroidered bedding, clever small-space storage solutions, and customizable charging stations.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Each individual Etsy seller determines its own shipping rates |Return Policy:Individual sellers determine their own return policies |Rewards/Perks:None}

Ark Therapeutic

View On Arktherapeutic.com

Pros

Chewables are an effective way to keep sensory seekers busy
ARK is a trusted brand for sensory and oral motor development

Cons

Limited product catalog

There’s a very good reason why fidget spinners and poppit toys are hugely popular among school-aged kids: As children develop, they remain sensory seekers. For many who have trouble focusing their energy, sitting still, or working on motor skill development, this kind of product provides a source of calm and focus.

While fidget toys work great for some kids, others find comfort in oral sensory stimulation.There’s a whole industry of therapeutic chewables for kids of all ages. These therapist-designed products are made to be worn as jewelry, used as pencil toppers, or just played with to provide stress relief to kids with sensory issues.

Your child does not need to be diagnosed with a sensory issue for you to try out one of ARK’s products. Many kids who have a tendency to chew on their toys or clothes or who like to fidget can benefit from oral stimulation toys in and out of the classroom.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:$5 flat shipping on all U.S. orders, free shipping on orders over $99 |Return Policy:No returns or exchanges (for sanitary and safety reasons) |Rewards/Perks:None}

Michael's

View On Michaels

Pros

Coupons for many products are regularly available online and on the app
Excellent selection of paper goods and office and art supplies

Cons

Some supplies may be more expensive than other options

You may not think of Michaels as a back-to-school shopping destination, but considering that many younger students are asked to arrive with crayons, markers, and paper products, there’s no reason not to shop at Michaels, a store that regularly offers coupons for 20 percent to 40 percent off purchases.

MichaelsProis also an amazing resource for teachers and anyone else who needs to buy items in bulk, with loads of art supplies, adhesives, paper, and more available at wholesale prices—and it’s free to join.

The online shop also offers a surprising selection of non-crafty items, which makes it well worth your time if you’re comparison shopping to save money on things like keyboards, calculators, children’s headphones, or flash drives. There are dozens of online-only items at Michaels that you might not have realized, all at competitive prices, and with its coupons and rewards program, you might end up saving some serious cash.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Free on orders over $49 |Return Policy:Michaels accepts returns on most items within 60 days of purchase, except for online-only costumes and accessory kits, which must be returned seven days prior to the holiday. Returned items must be unused and in their original packaging |Rewards/Perks:Michaels Rewards members get 3% back on every purchase (funds can be used on future purchases). Customers who spend $300+ in eligible purchases over 12 months receive 6% back.}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Competitive prices
Vast selection

Third-party sellers may not be vetted

In addition to traditional school supplies, kids these days will also require some sort of tech, like laptops, tablets, or headphones. If they’re still doing any remote learning, need to do research, or are required to access tools like Google Classroom or an online syllabus, your child needs to be plugged in (metaphorically speaking, of course; chances are they’ll actually be wireless).

Amazon is the place to buy our favorite tablet for kids, theAmazon Fire HD 10 Kids, but the site has all kinds of tech essentials, from flash drives and headphones to software, often at lower prices than you’ll find elsewhere.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Free with Prime membership or with most purchases over $25 for non-members |Return Policy:Amazon.com and most independent sellers on Amazon offer returns for items within 30 days of receipt of shipment. Certain items, including downloadable software, groceries, prepaid game cards, and computer hardware outside the 30-day window, cannot be returned |Rewards/Perks:Amazon Prime members are eligible for member-only deals and Prime Day sales. The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature credit card offers up to 5% back on purchases}

Children wearing uniforms sitting on bleachers

Old Navy

在Gap.com上的观点

Pros

Sizes from toddlers to adults
变化ety of colors
Gender neutral options
1 year guarantee on many items

Cons

Dark colors may fade

Old Navy is one of our favoriteplaces to buy kids' clothes因为它的廉价和提供了一个广泛的选取ection of clothes for all ages, from babies to adults. When it comes to uniforms, Old Navy makes it really easy to meet that school dress code and outfit your kiddo for the entire year—or buy many polo shirts so you don't have to wash laundry as often!

Short- and long-sleeve cotton polo shirts are available for only $15 (though they are usually on sale for $10 or less—we've even seen them at $6) and come in 11 colors, including the standard dark and light blue, gray, white, green, and red. Moisture-wicking shirts, also uniform-approved, come in three colors: black, navy blue, and light blue. Pants and shorts for kids of all ages can be purchased in all the classic uniform colors in a wide variety of styles, from traditional twill shorts to long joggers. And skirts and dresses are as cute as they are durable. The store also offers a wide variety of sweaters, shoes, backpacks, and accessories to help your kid put their own unique twist on their uniform.

Something new this back-to-school season is Old Navy's 1-year guarantee on most of its uniform items. Under this extended return policy, Old Navy will issue a refund if the customer is unsatisfied with the quality of the products. Keep in mind that proof of purchase must be presented (so save those receipts and emails!) and there are specific time limits for this guarantee.

^{Key Specs:
Shipping Cost:Free shipping (5-7 business days) on purchases over $50 for Rewards members and $7 for orders under $50 and non-members |Return Policy:Free returns within 30 days of purchase or ship date. Proof of purchase required |Rewards/Perks:ON Navyist Rewards members (free to join) earn 1 point for every dollar spent.}

How We Selected the Best Places to Buy School Supplies

Shopping for school supplies for multiple kids can be expensive and time-consuming, so we focused on convenience, value, and product selection when choosing our recommendations. We also factored in shipping costs, rewards programs, and other perks to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

In addition to large retailers, we considered small businesses that offer unique goods and added value, such as personalized items, environmentally friendly products, and supplies designed for children with specific needs. We also asked budgeting expertAndrea Worochfor tips on saving money and how to maximize savings during back-to-school shopping.

What to Look for in a School Supply Retailer

Price

A typical school supply list can include anywhere between 10 and 30 items depending on the grade level and school requirements. Pencils and composition books may not be a big expense, but the cost of school supplies can add up quickly if you need to purchase backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, clothes, shoes, and laptops. And if you have multiple children, back-to-school shopping can become a major yearly expense.

If budgeting is a priority, keep in mind that large stores often offer the most competitive prices. “Large retailers have more sales volume and, as a result, can push more sales and offer bigger discounts than smaller, independently owned retailers. They may also carry more brands and a bigger selection,” Woroch tells Verywell Family.

Back-to-school shopping can also be a wonderful opportunity to get your kids excited about the new school year and teach them about financial responsibility and saving money. Woroch recommends setting a budget and letting them participate in the decision-making process. Allow them to “shop sales, opt for store brands, and compare prices with name brands,” she says. “If your child really wants a nicer brand name item, start a savings plan and set them up with chores and an allowance, perhaps even offering to meet them halfway on the cost to teach them the value of the purchase. They will appreciate it much more if they have to work for it!”

Store Inventory

For convenience, many of us tend to hit up box stores or online retailers for most basics. Keep in mind, though, that with high demand and supply shortages, some items may be out of stock or on back order. Before adding your school supplies to your cart, make sure that they will be available when you need them. Consider also how long your items will take to ship, or your kids may find themselves without a backpack on the first day of school.

Uniqueness

If you’d like your kids’ school supplies to stand out or you cringe at the idea of supporting retail giants, smaller stores may have hand-made, personalized, or specialty items you may not find elsewhere—and you can rest well knowing you’re supporting a small business.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you buy school supplies?

In general, late summer is the best time to buy school supplies—if you can wait that long. Retailers will start pushing sales and advertising back-to-school supplies right after theFourth of July, but new items are usually at their highest price point when they first come out. Prices tend to decrease when demand wanes and products have been sitting on the shelves for a while.

Of course, the risk of waiting until the last minute is that the specific items you want may sell out, but if you’re flexible, you can get the best deals once the shopping rush is over. And if you want to stock up for next year, school supplies usually go on clearance in September once school is in session.

However, “there are some early back-to-school shopping deals that are worthwhile,” according to Woroch. The budgeting expert recommends using theHoney app, a browser extension that looks at products on popular shopping sites and searches for relevant discounts and codes. The extension can also pull historical price data on Amazon products, which will show if the current sale price really is a good deal.

如果你错过销售,不要绝望。“只是因为se there are some good sales now and through the start of school doesn’t mean you need to stock up now or miss out. Retailers will regularly run different sales throughout the year. Buy what you need now or whatever your budget allows, and then wait for another sale. This way, you don’t overwhelm your budget or take on debt,” says Woroch.
How do you buy school supplies on a budget?

首先,看一看你昨天year’s scissors are just as sharp as the new pair at the store. Rulers, plastic folders, barely used notebooks, markers, pens, mechanical pencils, and other basics can be cleaned, and no one—not even your kids—will notice they’re not brand new. Backpacks and lunch boxes can also be cleaned and given new life with a few patches or swapping between your kids or with friends. “Don’t assume you have to buy everything on your child's school list, as there’s a good chance you have supplies left over from last year,” says Woroch. “Go through your home, kitchen drawers, playroom, kid’s room, etc., and pull everything out to see what you can use for this upcoming school year.”

You can also wait a week or two after school starts to score steep discounts on school supplies. “Remember, your child doesn’t needeverythingfor the first day of school,” says Woroch. “You may find better deals on merchandise in September as retailers clear out inventory. So send them to school with what you could get now, using what you already have at home.”

An easy way to save money on electronic devices is to look for refurbished tablets and laptops. Refurbished devices are products that were sold and returned shortly after. The manufacturer then thoroughly checks the device and remediates any problems before putting it on sale at a discounted price. Refurbished devices are covered under the same warranty as a new product.

Woroch also recommends using apps to save time and money. “Begin by comparing prices before you head to the store using a circular aggregator likeFlippto see who has the items on your list for the best price.” A circular aggregator is a website that gathers sales flyers and promotions for easy browsing, so you can see the sales at many different stores in one place.

And when shopping online, be sure to look for promo codes before buying anything. “Deal sites likeCouponCabin.comorganize coupon codes by store name or category, making it easy to find savings quickly. Or download theSidekick browser extension, which automatically searches for coupons when shopping at a retailer online and applies the code with the biggest discount to your online cart,” recommends Woroch.

Online shopping makes it easy to compare prices, so be sure to take the time to explore the different stores, discounts, and products. You can do this as a first step, even if you want to visit the brick-and-mortar stores to do your shopping with your kids. Some states also holdtax-free holidaysin the weeks leading up to back to school, which can save you money on school supplies as well as clothing and some electronic devices.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Elizabeth Kocanis a writer, product tester, and parent of two boys, ages 9 and 4. A dedicated bargain shopper, she has spent years of her life scanning the shelves of box stores, local businesses, thrift shops, and online marketplaces to find the best deals on school supplies, clothes, and home decor.

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