Buying school supplies is a yearly chore that can be both time consuming and confusing. And, in today’s economy, shoppers are looking for any edge they can get. Some families have hand-me-down supplies might be applicable for the class-level needs. But there are also some bargains out there, especially if you are a member of store “clubs” and their cards. Take CVS for example. Their EXTRA CARE BUCKS (ECBs) are part of a special promotion for back to school supplies. With the free CVS membership card, many school supply items will end of being free! They essentially give the customer a rebate in the form of “bucks” that can be used for later CVS purchases. Here’s a sample from their website (for all of the links, just cut and paste into your browser’s address bar:
CVS
“A great Back-to-School Sale starts today and goes through Tuesday. There are a ton of items you can get virtually for free with the Extra Care Bucks. The items come with ECBs through Tuesday. After Tuesday they will return to regular price without ECBs. Also you can get a hardcover photobook for free. You’ll pay $7.99 and get $7.99 in ECBs. Limit one
photobook per household. Photo Book has 10, 6×8 pages. You must have your Extra Care card to get the prices: ALL ARE LIMIT 2 & Free after ECBs. Caliber or CVS 1 subject notebook 70-80 Sheets 99 cents/earn 99 cents in ECBs…Paper Mate Grip Pens 8 ct.99 cents/99 cents ECBs Caliber or It’s Academic 5″ pointed or blunt tip scissors $2.99/ECBs $2.99 Caliber or CVS Glue 5 oz 99 cents/99 cents…Caliber or CVS 12″ plastic or wood ruler 99 cents/99cents.”
STAPLES
Staples is a store you may not think of
when it comes to back to school supplies, but surprisingly, it is. It’s also great for teachers. With their TEACHERS REWARDS card, you get 10% cash back on purchases. For parents and students, go to their website this week (staples.com) and type “back to school” into their search box. You’ll scroll down and see a green section called “download school supply lists.” This breaks down the supplies necessary for each grade level. I took a look at them, and they seem to match up with what I require of students. Their “back to school specials’ page is pretty informative.
Reallygoodstuff is designed for teachers but parents will find it useful as well.
One piece of advice for would-be shoppers: beyond the basics, it’s often a good idea to wait until after the first few days of class to buy supplies. Teachers have some unique requirements, so you may end up buying unneeded items. Paper and pencils/pens you’ll surely need—but before you buy that ruler or highlighter set, wait to find out what’s required.
Steve Franklin teaches middle school social studies and leadership for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He is a twelve year veteran, who has won District and County Teacher of the Year awards, as well as the coveted Bank of America Local Heroes award.
Related posts:
- 3 Ways for Teachers to Get Organized Financially
- End of Year Gift Ideas for Teachers
- Getting Organized (Financially) for Back to School
Tags: Back to School
