I’m a Parent: Here Are the 20 Things I Buy From Walmart for Back to School

Stephanie Edenburgh, CEO of the parenting site Bizzie Mommy, turns to Target and Staples for the lion’s share of her back-to-school shopping.

That’s because she knows she can rely on the stores’ sprawling inventory and bargain-basement, money-saving prices — but she never lets a new school year arrive without a trip to the world’s largest retailer for both of those same reasons.

“I always buy back-to-school products from Walmart because of their low prices and vast selection,” Edenburgh said — and she’s hardly alone.

GOBankingRates spoke to Edenburgh and two other mothers who swear by the brand behind the Walton family empire for specific back-to-school items that they say they can rarely find elsewhere for less.

Edenburgh said that last year, she went to Target and Staples first for things like clothing and calculators, and also to cash in on the former’s Cartwheel discounts and the latter’s penny deals.

“Finally, I went to Walmart for everything else, where I found the best prices on basics like crayons and glue sticks,” she said.

Among Walmart’s back-to-school deals like the kind that Edenburgh mentioned include:

• 16-pack of Crayola crayons for $1.47
• 10-pack of Crayola markers for $0.97, down from $8.52
• 12-pack of Cra-Z-Art colored pencils for $0.75, down from $1.22
• 12-pack Elmer’s disappearing washable glue sticks for $4.47, down from $5.94
• 4-pack of Sharpie assorted-color, tank-style highlighters with chisel tip for $2.44, down from $7.26

If they break, get lost, run out of ink or otherwise need replacing over and over throughout the school year, Edenburgh gets them at Walmart.

“Walmart is my go-to for bulk supplies like pencils, paper, and folders because they offer significant savings compared to other stores,” said Edenburgh. “Their price-matching policy also ensures I get the best deal.”

Walmart is already advertising deals on big packs of school supplies, including:

• 12-pack of USA Titanium #2 yellow pencils for $2.38
• 24-pack of Paper Mate mechanical #2 pencils for $3.57, down from $12.12
• 12-pack of Sharpie markers for $7.97, down from $10.22
• 60-pack of Bic black Round Stic medium ballpoint pens for $5.44, down from $6.74

Rachel Johnson is an editor and content creator for the digital branding company PWA Media. She’s also a mom who doesn’t like to waste money on her kids’ academic must-haves — two specific purchases, in particular.

“For backpacks and lunchboxes, I make sure to visit Walmart during back-to-school shopping,” Johnson said. “Walmart offers many options that are both durable and affordable enough to withstand daily school use. The variety they have ensures I can find something that my money can buy yet pleases my kids.”

Here are some of the deals that Walmart shoppers who share Johnson’s back-to-school needs might want to snag:

• Kamugo toddlers fashion backpack with sequin bow and mouse ears for $15.88, down from $22.88
• Three-in-one backpack, lunch bag and pencil case from YTM for $25.99, down from $39.99
• Dakimoe clear backpack for $19.99, down from $49.99
• Penguin print lunch box with an insulated bag for $17.88
• Arctic Zone cotton candy tie dye lunch box combo with food container, water bottle and ice pack for $9.96, down from $12.44
• Contigo Kids insulated reusable lunch box with antimicrobial liner and water bottle holder for $15.45

Depending on the grade level, your kids might count office supplies among their back-to-school needs. But even if they don’t, end-of-summer sales provide a perfect chance for adults to stock up for the entire year.

“I buy all my basic office supplies from Walmart, which offers unbeatable prices and has very many options to choose from,” said Olivia Smith, marketing manager for a political campaign domain extension platform called.Vote Domain. “Walmart’s back-to-school sales are ideal for filling up for the entire academic year. Walmart is my preferred choice due to its cost-effectiveness and where I can get all these essentials under one roof.”

Walmart is advertising deep discounts on office supplies for both kids and adults, including:

• 100-pack of Pen+Gear blue sticky notes for $0.67, down from $1.38
• Westcott All-Purpose+ five-inch stainless steel scissors for $3.97, down from $8.89
• 4-pack of Pen+Gear durable view 1/2-inch D-ring binders for $6.48, down from $10.19
• Deli desktop stapler with 20-sheet capacity, including 1,000 staples and staple remover for $8.99, down from $11.99