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

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Every fall parents and teachers face the same question: pay extra for name-brand supplies or stretch the budget with store-brand alternatives? Both have a place. Below are eight widely available products—some name brands, some store-brand lines—with a short note on who each is best for and why. Use this as a practical guide for building supply lists that balance performance and cost.

1. Crayola Classic Crayons

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Best for preschoolers, classroom art centers and families who want consistent color and break-resistant sticks. Crayola crayons are made to a familiar standard: smooth color laydown, predictable sizes, and low dust. For little hands and repeated use, the consistency and safety labeling of a well-known brand can be worth the price.

2. Ticonderoga #2 Pencils

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Ideal for standardized tests, homework and students who write a lot. Ticonderoga pencils are known for smooth, dark graphite and erasers that actually work without smudging. If you want fewer complaints about soft lead or weak erasers, a trusted pencil can save time in the long run.

3. Bic Round Stic Ballpoint Pens

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Good for everyday writing, forms and backpacks that need reliable, no-fuss pens. Bic’s basic ballpoints offer predictable ink flow and long life for low cost. For households stocking up for multiple kids, a trusted, inexpensive brand often beats off-brand pens that skip or blob.

4. Elmer's Glue Stick

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Works well for paper projects, classroom crafts and glue-wary children. Elmer’s glue sticks go on clean, dry clear, and are labeled non-toxic. Store-brand glue sticks can be perfectly adequate for occasional use, but in high-volume classrooms teachers often prefer Elmer’s consistency and lower mess.

5. Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers

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Best for labeling lunchboxes, school projects that need permanent ink, and art that requires bold lines. Sharpies typically resist fading and bleeding more consistently than many store-brand permanents. If permanence matters (labels, long-term projects), a name-brand marker reduces surprises.

6. Fiskars Kids Scissors

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Designed for small hands, Fiskars scissors combine a comfortable grip with durable blades and safety features. For classroom use or art sessions with young children, a reliable pair reduces frustration and replacements. Store scissors can be cheaper, but for safety and cutting performance the brand name often pays off.

7. Post-it Super Sticky Notes

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Useful for study reminders, sticky bookmarks, and classroom organization. Post-it’s super sticky line adheres better to vertical surfaces and textured pages than many off-brand notes. For frequent reuse (on lockers, folders, or planners), the stronger tack can be worth choosing the name brand.

8. Amazon Basics Wide-Ruled Spiral Notebooks

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A practical store-brand option for basic note-taking and classwork. Amazon Basics notebooks are typically lower cost and fine for everyday homework or loose classroom supplies. If paper weight and long-term durability aren’t critical, store-brand spiral notebooks let you buy more for less and are convenient for bulk needs.

Practical buying advice

• Prioritize by use: Spend a bit more on items that get heavy daily use (pencils, scissors, markers for labeling). Save on single-use or disposable items (paper, basic notebooks).
• Test a small quantity: When trying a store brand for the first time, buy one pack to check quality before replacing an entire classroom stash.
• Check safety and labeling: For children’s products look for non-toxic certification or clear safety statements, especially for art supplies and adhesives.
• Buy bulk thoughtfully: Bulk saves money, but storage and expiration (glue, markers) matter. Buy long-lasting staples in larger quantities and rotate consumables.
• Ask teachers: Some classrooms request specific brands for consistency on tests or projects—follow that guidance where provided.

In short: name brands are worth it when you need consistent performance, safety, or durability. Store brands are an excellent way to stretch a budget for low-risk items. A mixed approach—purchasing a few trusted name-brand staples and filling the rest with store-brand alternatives—usually gives the best balance of value and reliability.