School Supplies

This is our first year buying school supplies. What stores are usually the cheapest?

When do the school supply sales begin?

I am trying to do this as cheaply as possible. Any tips you may have are appreciated!

I love school supplies- and usually stock up this time of year- take the lists and watch the newspaper ads for the loss leaders and croos off as you go.
Office max, staples and office depot do really cheap items each week- some are a penny, sometimes a quarter- usually there limits on the loss leaders. WM/ target also do the same.
gl!

Oh, you won't be able to miss them when you go into the stores ;) We did our shopping last year at Target...probably at the beginning of August.

Most stores start setting up after the 4th of July... I believe Staples starts next week (my brother works for them). I like to watch the ads and go in for the penny items and such... but it can get crazy!!
And I LOVE the after craziness clearance!!!

you can call your child's school and see if they offer pre-paid school supplies. then you won't have to fool with it all, if you don't want to. the sunday paper sales ads will definitely tell you when the madness begins

One tip is to buy now for next year. I always buy ahead. Also, look at thrift stores, too!

My favorite sumb shopper story: At Office Depot one year, the 10-pak of Crayola markers were on sale for a QUARTER! TWENTY-FIVE cents for the package. The 8-pak, however, was regular price (something like $2?). Anyway, this lady was grumbling about the price and I said, "Well, you could get this package for a quarter!" and she said, "Yeah, but the school says it has to be an 8-pak." I said, "Well, if you took 2 out, you'd have an 8-pak!"

Supplies' lists irk me. I will not buy a particular brand just b/c that's what is preferred. The schools don't know my budget. Pre-paid packs are usually way too expensive.

Staples $0.01 deals started today!
Great deals-
1 cent folders, 12 pack pencils, and Purell.
25 cent poly binders!