20 Back to School Supplies You Should Always Buy at the Dollar Store

School supplies can be expensive if you shop at the office supply stores. But you can save a ton of money if you buy your school supplies at your local dollar store instead. Another benefit is that the prices are always low, so you don’t have to wait for sales, like at the big box stores either. Quality can vary, so stick with brand names where available. Visit different dollar stores as well, since the different chains stock items from different manufacturers. Popular items can sell out, so shop early.

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Pens and pencils

Kids are continually losing their pens and pencils, just like we adults do. Instead of overpaying for writing instruments at regular retailers, grab a bunch at your local dollar store. Note that quality varies, so if you can, stick with name brands. And before you send your little munchkins off to class, review the things that every kid should know on the first day of school.

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Erasers

Don't forget to pick up some erasers from the dollar store to go along with those pencils for school.

RELATED: You'll love these funny tweets about back to school that kids of all ages will totally get.

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Crayons

Crayons are a bargain at the dollar store. Your kids will be thrilled to have a new box. Almost as much as you are for the first day of school!

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Notebooks

You'll find a broad selection of notebooks and notepads at most dollar stores. Paper quality can vary, so stick to the big brands.

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Compass set

Like pens and pencils, compass sets also have a habit of disappearing. But with dollar store prices, it's not that big of a deal.

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Poster board

For all your science fair needs! Dollar store poster board is so cheap, your little scientists can make mistakes without you worrying about the cost of buying more.

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Binders

Binders are generally used for one school year and then tossed. Why buy expensive ones from an office supply store? Bank the money you save so that you can send your kids to one of the most expensive private schools in Canada.

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Loose-leaf paper

Loose-leaf paper flies off the shelves, so get to your dollar store early and stock up before school is back in session!

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Folders and presentation cases

Folders and presentation cases are cheap at the dollar store. You might also think of stocking up for the next school year.

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Rulers

You'll find rulers in every colour at your dollar store. The hard part will be picking one.

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Art supplies

Art is a big part of a child's early education and unleashes their creativity. Stock up on all sorts of arts and crafts supplies, not just the stuff needed for school. Did you know that you learn most of life's most important lessons in kindergarten?

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Scissors

Scissors are another exceptional dollar store bargain.

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Glue

Whether liquid or stick, glue is cheap at the dollar store.

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Calculators

Yes, people still use calculators. And yes, they're available at the dollar store. And yes, they're inexpensive.

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Locks

You can find a variety of locks — both combination and with key — that your kids can use to secure their stuff at school.

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Clipboards

A clipboard is handy to have at school. You'll find all kinds at the dollar store.

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Index cards

Flashcards are a great learning tool. You can easily make your own with cheap index cards from the dollar store.

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Coloured pencils

You'll find a variety of coloured pencils at your neighbourhood dollar store. Quality varies, so stick with brands that you know.

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Pencil Cases

Your kids are going to need somewhere to keep all their pencils and pens. Dollar stores stock an incredible selection of cases for even the pickiest student.

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Pretty much everything else!

From paper clips to rubber bands and phone protectors, you'll find it all at the dollar store. Most of the back to school supplies are pretty utilitarian, so pick up a couple of things that your kids will love.

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