School Supply Deals Have Started – Come Share Your Tips!

It’s beginning to look at a lot like school supply season! Beth sent in this question:

Yesterday’s Sunday paper inserts had a ton of ads for school supplies. I don’t remember from last year what is a good price for regular things like crayons, markers, glue sticks, folders, binders, etc. Can you please let us know what kinds of prices to look for? Should I expect to see coupons or discounts on calculators for my middle schooler?

Do you have any tips for school supply shopping without running all over town? In my mind, if I save myself an hour but spend a few more dollars, I’m still ahead–my time is pretty precious to me.

We’re going to do our best to cover school supply deals this year, but I’m not sure how that will work out yet since the hottest deals are always sold out by Sunday morning and I can’t get the ads ahead of time for most of the stores.

Store that usually have school supply sales:

Walgreens
Walmart
Target
Staples
Office Depot
Office Max
Toys R Us

My personal strategy (I’m buying school supplies this year for the first time, albeit mainly just pencils and paper!) is to find a great deal that isn’t likely to be sold out by Monday or Tuesday, or price match items at Walmart. I’m with Beth – I’m not going to run all over town to save just a few dollars, either. Maybe in a different life. ;)

You’ll definitely see discounts on things like calculators, though I’m not sure exactly how low they’ll go – can anyone else chime in on that particular need?

What are your strategies for getting in on the school supply deals without spending hours shopping different stores or getting up at 6 AM on Sunday morning?!