Best Time to Buy Back-to-School Supplies — Top Picks and When to Shop

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Buying school supplies can feel overwhelming: what to buy, how many, and when to shop for the best value. Below are reliable, widely available products that cover most K–12 needs, with a short note about who each one suits and why. Read the practical buying advice at the end for timing tips that match busy family schedules.

1. Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers

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Best for elementary students, classroom projects and families who want easy cleanup. These markers are formulated to wash from skin and most clothing, which reduces stress for younger kids and teachers after art time.

2. Ticonderoga #2 Pencils

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Classic choice for standardized testing, classroom work and home practice. Ticonderoga pencils are known for a balanced feel and reliable erasers, making them a sensible default when teachers provide a supplies list.

3. Five Star Spiral Notebooks

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Ideal for middle and high school students who move between classes. Five Star notebooks tend to have durable covers and good page quality, which helps notes survive a busy school day in a backpack or locker.

4. Post-it Super Sticky Notes

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Great for planners, study reminders and office-style organization. The Super Sticky line clings to binders, textbooks and laptop lids, so they work well for older students managing multiple classes and assignments.

5. Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks

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Handy for younger students and craft-heavy assignments. The purple color shows where glue has been applied and dries clear, which helps kids learn even glue coverage without messy drips.

6. Fiskars Kids Scissors

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Designed for small hands, Fiskars Kids Scissors combine safety and effective cutting for preschool and lower-elementary art projects. The spring-action and rounded tips reduce accidental snips while giving enough control for cutting practice.

7. Pilot G2 Gel Pens

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Popular with older students for note-taking and tests that allow blue or black ink. Pilot G2 pens write smoothly and are comfortable for long study sessions; many students prefer gel pens for legibility and comfort.

8. TI-30X IIS Scientific Calculator

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Recommended for middle and high school students who need a dependable scientific calculator for algebra, geometry and early high-school math courses. It offers the functions teachers typically expect without the complexity of graphing models.

Practical buying advice

Use these simple timing rules to decide when to buy each item:

• Buy early for basics: Staples like pencils, glue sticks, scissors and notebooks are safe to buy a few weeks before school starts so you avoid last-minute shortages.
• Wait for sales on big items: Backpacks and calculators often go on seasonal promotions. If your child has specific size or feature needs, compare a few models and buy when a good deal appears.
• Stock up selectively: Items with long shelf life—pencils, pens, glue sticks—are worth buying in multi-packs if you see a value, but avoid bulk perishable items like snacks unless you use them soon.
• Follow the school list: If the school gives a specific list or brand requirement (for testing or classroom consistency), prioritize those items first to avoid returns or extra trips.
• Consider quality over quantity: Cheaper versions of high-use items (backpacks, scissors, calculators) can cost more in replacements. For things your child will use daily, choose a reliable model.
• Group purchases: Coordinate with other parents or teachers for shared supplies like tissues or hand sanitizer to avoid duplicate buys.

Ultimately, the best time to buy depends on your family’s schedule and priorities: buy early for peace of mind, wait for promotions on pricier items, and keep a short checklist to avoid overbuying. A small, targeted shopping plan can save time and reduce clutter come the first day of school.