A new school year is just around the corner, and that means it is time for…back to school shopping! One of my favorite summer activities is hunting for school supplies at the Dollar Tree. Read on for some of my favorite finds this year.
I realize the Dollar Tree is divisive. You either love it or you hate it. If you find yourself on the “hate it” side of the Dollar Tree Debate, please hear me out! And read to the end, because I will absolutely agree that there are school supplies you should absolutely NOT purchase from the Dollar Tree.
My favorite school supplies at the Dollar Tree this year
1. Stickers
The Dollar Tree is my go-to place for stickers. I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love stickers. Do yourself a favor and grab a stack of stickers to start the year off with a smile! I like to put stickers on well-labored worksheets, but of course they can be used for chore charts, reward systems, crafts, or decorating pencil boxes.
I found animal and vehicle stickers this month, which I know will be a hit. These smiling succulents were purchased purely for my own amusement.
2. Clipboards
Sometimes a change of scenery is a breath of fresh air. My son and I have used a clipboard to take math to the front porch, or spelling to the living room, or a drawing project to a quiet closet. I have purchased several clipboards from the Dollar Tree, and they are actually pretty sturdy.
Because they are so affordable, they aren’t precious, so I can let the kids use them as they please, and not worry about one getting dirty or damaged or snapped in half. (Yes, we snapped one of these in half.)
3. Rulers
Last year, I purchased each of my children a ruler. They were all the same style and brand, but in a different color for each kid. This was an exciting and fun gift. However, there were angry squabbles when someone dared to touch someone else’s ruler.
This year, I decided to purchase four identical rulers and treat them as a family set. There will be no ruler faithfulness. These rulers are simple and sturdy, and for 63 cents each, you can’t beat the price.
4. File Folders
These folders may not be exciting, but they are handy. I appreciate being able to buy a small pack, rather than having to store a large box of blank and unused folders. It is easy enough to head to my beloved Dollar Tree to pick up a few more throughout the year as needed.
The Dollar Tree also sells colorful folders, and often has fun patterned sets, but the plain manila style always comes in a larger pack for the same $1.25.
5. Workbooks
The selection of workbooks at the Dollar Tree is varied and always changing. Some of the activity books are simply not worth your time or money. But dig around and you may find some gems. This year, I was able to find several Scholastic workbooks that are actually pretty good.
I like to use these affordable workbooks for my pre-school children. Younger siblings always want to do what their older siblings are doing, and school work is no exception. If big brother has a special workbook for handwriting or math, little brother wants one, too! I have no interest in spending big money on workbooks for toddlers, but I’m happy to spend just over a dollar. These workbooks make the younger kids feel included, and give them something special to do during school time.
I keep these workbooks with all the other school books, and only bring them out when we are doing school. When I am working with an older child on math, I can bring out a little numbers book for my 3 year old, who then feels very important. If the two older boys are practicing handwriting, I can bring out a tracing book for the younger kids.
Be sure to flip through the workbook before purchasing!
Just because a workbook says “preschool” on the front does not mean it will be the right level for your preschooler. I have seen many preschool and kindergarten workbooks asking kids to write words or sentences. My preschoolers have not been ready for such work. (If yours are – then more power to you!) On that note, I have also seen some Kindergarten workbooks reviewing colors, or other subjects that seemed too simple, and therefore boring.
Feel free to let toddlers “do” these workbooks, too. I purchased a book for my two year old. He will not be tracing or correctly matching things. But he will be pleased as punch that he has his own book, and he’ll feel on top of the world doing school like everyone else. I spent $1.25 and can just let him scribble.
Just For Fun Finds!
Magnetic Locker Box Pocket
Obviously, this would make a fun addition to a locker, or even a refrigerator. I plan on using it on a metal board mounted on our homeschool wall.
Sometimes the Dollar Tree shines brightest when you find a new use for something.
Giant Pointer Finger
I plan to whip this out on the first day. I am confident it will be met with giggles.
(If you are a fan of silliness, check out my list of favorite ways to add whimsy to your home.)
Dig Kits
My older kids are big fans of the dinosaur egg dig kits often sold at little toy shops or book stores. They typically cost around $2-4, depending on the shop. I found these little knock-off dig kits at my beloved Dollar Tree, and plan on giving them to the kids during the last week of summer as a fun activity to keep them busy while I work on a get-ready-for-school task.
A WORD OF CAUTION WHEN SHOPPING FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT THE DOLLAR TREE!
There are certainly great deals to be found at the Dollar Tree. There are also some items NOT worth purchasing. Some items are of lower quality, come in smaller packages, or are simply not a good price.
For example, you can get a 24 pack of off-brand crayons at the Dollar Tree for $1.25, or you can go to Target and get a 24 pack of Crayola crayons for 50 cents during their back to school sale. Things like pencils, pens, and scissors are often better purchased at another store – especially during the back-to-school season when there are sales a-plenty.
When shopping at the Dollar Tree, use common sense, and be sure to pay attention to the quality and quantity of the item you are getting for the price. It isn’t always a good deal.
But deals can be found, and sometimes you might find some treasures, like cheery succulent stickers and dig kits and a giant pointing hand on a stick.
Happy Hunting!