5 Best Back-to-School Items To Buy at Target With a $50 Budget

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Back to school is coming faster than you think. As you receive your school supply lists and prepare your budget for next month, it’s a good time to plan how you’ll spend your money.

Target is a great destination for stylish and affordable back-to-school supplies. To get the most bang for your buck out of a $50 budget, here are our shopping recommendations. 

1. Notebooks and Binders

First on the list are notebooks and binders, essential for keeping notes organized throughout the school year. Target offers a variety of options, including the popular Five Star brand. Five Star notebooks will cost you $6.99 for a five-subject. But if your kids need just a few notebooks, or want to keep classes separate, you’ll save money with the Up & Up $0.99 notebooks that come in eight different colors. 

Binders, essential for organizing handouts and assignments, are also reasonably priced. A 1-inch Avery binder costs $2.19. For around $10, you can get a couple of notebooks and binders, ensuring you have enough for different subjects.

2. Writing Supplies

Pens, pencils, and highlighters are indispensable tools for any student. Target’s Up & Up brand offers extremely affordable (and cute!) options. A pack of 24 No. 2 pencils costs just $0.99, and an eight-pack of mechanical pencils (in all the colors of the rainbow) will run you $1.79 (currently on sale for $1.39). 

For pens, BiC is the way to go, offering a 10pk of red, blue, or black ballpoint pens for $1.99 (currently on sale for $1.29). You can get a five-pack of multi-colored highlighters from BiC for $2.19 (currently on sale for $1.79). With a total of roughly $6, you can stock up on these essential writing supplies so your kiddos are prepared for note-taking and homework.

3. Backpacks

A sturdy backpack is a must-have for carrying books, supplies, and personal items. Target offers a variety of stylish and functional backpacks at reasonable prices. The cheapest option, Summit Ridge 17″ backpacks, are just $5 and come in a variety of colors and patterns. 

For kids wanting trendy designs, there are also affordable backpacks featuring Hello Kitty, Barbie, Pokémon, Minions, Frozen, SpongeBob, Spiderman, and more. For just $14.99, these backpacks come with multiple compartments and padded straps and are built to last throughout the school year. 

4. Lunch Box

Target’s selection includes insulated lunch boxes that keep food fresh and come in a variety of fun designs. Cat & Jack is a brand with a variety of adorable lunch options, including hard-sided bento boxes for $4.99, and insulated lunch boxes priced between $4.99 and $9.99. Your child can pick between a variety of patterns, including strawberries, daisies, bananas, dino camo, horses, and sharks. 

5. Art Supplies

For students who enjoy creative activities or have art classes, having a set of basic art supplies is a must. Target sells Crayola products, which are known for their quality and affordability. A 24-pack of Crayola crayons costs $1.49, but they’re currently on sale for just $0.50. 

A 10-pack of Crayola markers is priced at $2.59 (currently on sale for $0.99). Additionally, a 12-pack of colored pencils is available for $1.99 (currently on sale for $0.99). For under $7, you can pick up a range of art supplies that will encourage creativity and support various school projects.

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