Target vs. Walmart: Who Has the Best Back-to-School Prices for 2025?
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Your kids might not be ready to go back to school just yet. After all, class was just dismissed for the summer — but you might already be starting to plan what their return to hitting the books looks like as well as your budget.
If you have back-to-school shopping on your mind, but are debating whether to shop at Target or Walmart, GOBankingRates is here to help you assess who has the best prices when it comes to buying school supplies.
Notebooks
- Price at Target: $2.99
- Price at Walmart: $1.64
Even in the digital age, it’s essential to have a good notebook on hand, in your backpack and ready to take notes or jot down ideas for projects.
Target currently has a Five Star 1 Subject 100-page Wide Ruled Spiral Notebook in a variety of colors, that comes perforated, bleed-Resistant, and already three-hole punched for just under $3. However, Walmart wins with the Pen + Gear Wide Ruled 1-Subject Notebook with Inside Pockets at almost half the price of Target’s option.
Pencils
- Price at Target: $5.99
- Price at Walmart: $9.47 (single pack)
This test is multiple choice with only two options: A) Target’s 30-count of Ticonderoga number two pencils for almost $6 or B) Walmart’s same box of Ticonderoga number two pencils for $9.47. If you were paying attention and staying as sharp as the lead in these writing utensils, you’d correctly answer A for Target.
Water Bottles
- Price at Target: $29.99
- Price at Walmart: $37.99
Staying hydrated while studying is a necessity, as is making sure that your kids are helping the environment by reducing waste. That’s why a water bottle is a must-have for students, particularly at lunch and snack time.
Target has the Owala 24-ounce FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle for just under $30, beating out Walmart that’s offering the same Owala 24-ounce FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $8 more.
Backpacks
- Price at Target: $49.99
- Price at Walmart: $38.55
What is school without a good backpack for your little scholar’s books, laptop and school supplies? If you are looking to save a few dollars during back-to-school shopping, it might actually all come down to a few cents.
Target offers the JanSport Slouch 19-inch Backpack for just about $50, but Walmart continues to come in lower with the JanSport Slouch Pack for just under $39, making it the smart shoppers’ choice.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Jul. 17, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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