Back to school shopping is always the most exciting time of the year! Students love picking out fancy notebooks, pens, and other supplies, but they aren’t the only ones that should splurge on great accessories! Teachers can also benefit from an affordable reboot of their office space. With these frugal supply shopping tips, your school supplies are sure to put a smile on your face.
On a shoestring budget? You may even be able to find some of these must-have goodies for FREE! That’s right – free! Stick around for the tips and tricks to deck our your desk on a budget.
Out-of-the-Box School Supplies Ideas
- Pencils. No teacher ever has enough pencils. They walk off with students, break, and just vanish into mid-air. Paying for pencils, even at just ten cents per pack, is too much! Instead, stop by your local Golf Course! Ask if they can donate a box of golf pencils for your classroom. These pencils are the perfect reminder to your students to bring their own, since they hate writing with these!
- Decor. If you’re looking to update your classroom decor, check out your local Home Improvement Store, like Lowes or Home Depot. Often times, damaged materials are offered at a hefty discount. Warped pieces of plywood or paneling can be repurposed in your classroom. Even appliances boxes can take on a new life as they become art projects, poster boards, and more! Both of these stores also offer classroom support programs, meaning you can request (in writing) a grant for materials. Note: Requests over $50 are often rejected, so don’t be greedy!
- Paint. Visit your local Paint Store if you frequently assign painting projects. You can’t choose your color, but beggars can’t be choosers! Paint stores often have mismatched leftovers that make for great decorations, classroom projects, and more.
- Maps and historical decor. Check out your local Geographic Society for free maps. They’re often affiliated with state universities and may offer a variety of historical resources. Tourism Agencies are also great for maps, brochures, and other goodies that students can use for research projects or informational text practice.
- Paper. Your local Newspaper Printer may have old newspapers that can be used for reading or other text skills practice or backdrops for messy projects. They may also have extra rolls of the end paper – the leftovers that are too small to continue printing newspapers. These end rolls are great for BIG PAPER activities, group reporting, or bulletin boards.
The best tip I have is to JUST ASK! Creatively repurposing free or deeply-discounted supplies will help to spice up your classroom, while leaving your money in your pocket.
Utilize that Printer! Printable Resources are Frugal & Cute!
POSTERS! Lastly, try printable posters instead of buying the oversized (and overpriced!) ones at your local teacher supply store. Printing your own posters not only saves you money, but also gives you the flexibility to decorate however you’d like – and to do so on a budget! Printable posters are also nice because you can easily, and cheaply, change them out often to fit different lessons, units, and needs.
Browse tons of Printable Posters from my TeachersPayTeachers store!
More School Supply Shopping Tips
MATCH THAT PRICE! Be sure to price match when you have to pay for school supplies! Walmart and Target will often price match. Staples also price matches at 110% for basic school supplies (at the time of this writing). Check with your local businesses to find out what discounts they can offer.
DOLLAR TREE! Besides their great storage options, you can also find maps, dry erase boards, popsicle sticks and other craft items, and my favorite – inflatable globes – for just $1! With unbeatable prices and a huge variety, you can often stock your classroom for much less damage than you’d do elsewhere.
Happy SHOPPING!
