Name Brand vs. Store Brand School Supplies: What to Buy and When

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When shopping for school supplies, families face dozens of choices: trusted name brands that promise consistency, and cheaper store-brand options that save money in bulk. Below are eight commonly bought products or product lines — both name-brand and store-brand — and practical notes on who each is best for and why.

1. Crayola Crayons

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Best for young children and messy art projects. Crayola crayons are known for consistent color, easy sharpening of broken pieces, and a wide range of colors that teachers often request on supply lists. If your child will use crayons daily or in school art class, the reliability and fewer surprises make Crayola a sensible choice.

2. up & up Crayons

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Best for bulk classroom use and families on a budget. Target’s up & up crayons usually provide acceptable color and durability for coloring books and occasional art projects. They’re a cost-effective option when you need many sets for a classroom or as spares at home, though color intensity and break-resistance can vary more than with Crayola.

3. Dixon Ticonderoga #2 Pencils

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Best for standardized testing, pencils with consistent lead, and older students who write a lot. Ticonderoga pencils are praised for a smooth graphite core, sturdy wood that sharpens cleanly, and erasers that leave fewer smudges. For students preparing for tests or heavy homework, the predictability matters.

4. Amazon Basics Mechanical Pencils

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Best for younger teens, households that prefer mechanical pencils, or when you want to keep extras on hand. Amazon Basics mechanical pencils usually perform well for everyday writing and reduce the need for sharpeners. They’re inexpensive, and the refillable nature makes them a smart economical pick if you already like mechanical pencils.

5. Elmer's Washable School Glue

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Best for preschool and elementary crafts where washability matters. Elmer’s washable formulas are designed to rinse out of clothing and off hands and surfaces more easily than many generic glues. If your child spends time on paper-based projects, tissue collages, or mixed-media art, the extra confidence that messes will wash out can be worth choosing Elmer’s.

6. up & up Glue Sticks

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Best for glue staples like simple paper projects, daily classroom use, and when you need many sticks. Target’s up & up glue sticks are typically fine for attaching paper and light materials, and they’re inexpensive to replace. For heavier materials or projects where a stronger bond is needed, a name-brand or liquid glue may work better.

7. Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers

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Best for labeling gear, durable signs, and projects that need a lasting mark. Sharpie markers are consistent, quick-drying, and available in a variety of tip sizes and colors. Choose Sharpie when permanence, bold color, and reliability matter — for example, labeling water bottles or personalizing gear that will be washed.

8. Amazon Basics 3-Ring Binders

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Best for students who need affordable, functional binders in quantity. Amazon Basics 3-ring binders are usually sturdy enough for daily use and come in multiple sizes and colors. If you’re buying multiple binders for different classes, the lower price makes it easy to match colors and replace worn ones without much expense.

Practical buying advice

• Decide by risk and frequency: For items that see heavy use (pencils, notebooks, markers), invest in the brand you trust. For single-use or spare items (extra crayons, glue sticks, basic binders), store brands can save money.
• Test a small pack first: If you’re curious about a store brand, buy a small quantity to try before committing to classroom-sized packs.
• Check labels for important features: Look for “washable” on markers and glue, “archival-safe” for pens if longevity matters, and the paper weight (gsm) on notebooks if you want less bleed-through.
• Match supply lists and teacher notes: If a teacher requests a specific brand for uniformity in class activities, it’s often worth following that recommendation.
• Think long-term cost: Refillable and durable items (mechanical pencils, sturdy binders) can cost more upfront but save money over time.
• Safety and comfort: For younger kids, choose non-toxic, low-odor products and pencils with comfortable grips.

Balancing name-brand and store-brand supplies is largely about prioritizing where quality matters and where savings are practical. Little choices — buying a trusted marker for labeling but a store-brand pack of glue sticks for circulation — add up to a smarter, kinder budget without sacrificing student success.