Affordable Back to School Shopping List

As the school year begins, back to school sales pour out and composing the perfect shopping list can be a hassle, especially as prices begin to add up. Although creating an affordable and essential supply list isn’t an easy task, with this list, it can be. 

Back to school image

Graphic by Pixabay

Pencils are a classic writing implement and a necessity in our everyday lives. Whether you prefer mechanical or wooden pencils, the graphite tool is timeless due to its versatility, eraseability, and practicality. As you head back to school consider adding the following to your shopping list:

BIC Xtra Smooth Mechanical Pencils:
Priced at $2.44 for a pack of ten at Walmart, BIC mechanical pencils are both dependable and inexpensive, making them a great addition for your back to school shopping list. 

Ticonderoga #2 Pencils:
Marked at $2.99 for a pack of twelve at Office Depot, these pencils are known for their durability, smooth writing, and lead quality, making them a popular choice for students. 

Notebooks are the ultimate essential for academic success. They’re needed in and outside of the classroom, yet over time, buying multiple can become expensive. High quality notebooks can make notetaking feel like a breeze, so it’s important to find the right one for you. 

Five Star 1 Subject College Ruled Notebook 8.5’’x11’’: Priced at $5.94 for a pack of two at Walmart, Five Star’s notebooks are a notetaking essential. With a front cover designed to resist water, this notebook will be well protected.

Pen+Gear College Ruled 1-Subject Notebook 9’’x 11’’:
Sold for $6.56 for a pack of four at Walmart, this notebook is certainly an affordable high quality choice. 

Highlighters and post-it notes are the perfect blend of color and practicality. If annotating is your style, highlighters are an absolute must; however they’re also essential for notetaking. Organization can be a struggle for many students, but colorful post-it notes can quickly solve those struggles by grabbing attention! If you’re looking for a vibrant addition to your shopping list, consider the following: 

Sharpie Tank-Style Chisel Tip Highlighters:
Listed at $2.44 for a four-pack at Walmart, these highlighters are annotating essentials. In addition, chisel tip highlighters can produce wide and narrow lines. 

Post-it Notes Cube 17/8" x 1 7/8":
Selling for $3.72 per stack at Walmart, these post-it notes are ideal for staying organized.

Folders barely take up space in your backpack which makes them a must-have school supply. Every class organizes assignments differently, however, utilizing folders will help you keep track of important handouts. Reusing folders from previous years is always an optimal option, nevertheless if you’re in need of a few new folders, consider the following: 

Pen+Gear 2 Pocket Poly Folder:
Listed at $0.54 per folder at Walmart, this water-resistant folder is both durable and affordable. 

Pen+Gear 2 Pocket Paper Folder:
Priced at $0.25 per folder at Walmart, Pen+Gear’s paper folder comes in a variety of colors, and is complete with pre-punched holes, making it a great addition to binders! 

If you expect to heavily utilize a certain supply, buying in bulk can save you tons of money in the long run. Finding affordable options can take a bit of time, even so, setting a clear budget is the prime way to begin shopping. 

Sophia Tafoya '26

Sophia Tafoya is a junior in her second year with ND Journalism. She is one of the online assistant editors-in-chiefs and has had a deep love for writing for as long as she can remember. Outside of writing articles, she enjoys photography, baking, listening to music, and performing on stage.

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