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

Posted by Doug Murray on July 23, 2018

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 for these 20 back to school supplies early.

  •  Getty Images
    1 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    2 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    3 of 20

    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!
  •  Getty Images
    4 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    5 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    6 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    7 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    8 of 20

    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!
  •  Getty Images
    9 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    10 of 20

    Rulers

    You'll find rulers in every colour at your dollar store. The hard part will be picking one.
  •  Getty Images
    11 of 20

    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?
  •  Getty Images
    12 of 20

    Scissors

    Scissors are another exceptional dollar store bargain.
  •  Getty Images
    13 of 20

    Glue

    Whether liquid or stick, glue is cheap at the dollar store.
  •  Getty Images
    14 of 20

    Calculators

    Yes, people still use calculators. And yes, they're available at the dollar store. And yes, they're inexpensive.
  •  Getty Images
    15 of 20

    Locks

    You can find a variety of locks — both combination and with key — that your kids can use to secure their stuff at school.
  •  Getty Images
    16 of 20

    Clipboards

    A clipboard is handy to have at school. You'll find all kinds at the dollar store.
  •  Getty Images
    17 of 20

    Index cards

    Flashcards are a great learning tool. You can easily make your own with cheap index cards from the dollar store.
  •  Getty Images
    18 of 20

    Coloured pencils

    You'll find a variety of coloured pencils at your neighbourhood dollar store. Quality varies, so stick with brands that you know.
  •  Getty Images
    19 of 20

    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.
  •  Getty Images
    20 of 20

    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.

    Want more? Don't miss some things teachers will never tell you.
  • start over
    Next Gallery

    How to Curb Your Online Shopping Addiction

    More Galleries

Latest Money Photos

More Galleries