9 Best Items To Buy at Big Lots Before School Starts

It feels like summer just started, but back-to-school deals are hitting shelves at Big Lots. Many of these school supplies, including lunch containers, watercolor paints, sharpies and notebooks, are even cheaper than what you’d find elsewhere. Even if you aren’t returning to school this year, Big Lots has weekly deals and a clearance section where everyday items are up to 60% off.

Here are some of the best deals on back-to-school items.

• Price: $9.99

A single Sharpie marker is typically $1.25 at dollar stores, but Big Lots has a pack of 24 fine-point assorted Sharpie pens for $9.99. According to the retailer, this is 51% cheaper than what you’d find elsewhere. The pack comes with 12 pastel colors and 12 darker natural colors.

• Price: $19.99

For $20, you can pick up a wireless keyboard and mouse before school starts, which is 43% less expensive than comparable items at other retail stores. Both devices connect to your computer with a single USB receiver. The set has multimedia controls, and the keyboard has an adjustable incline for comfort.

• Price: $5.99

This $5.99 BPA meal prep container set comes with ten containers and lids, which is perfect for school lunches and on-the-go meals. You can store these single-compartment containers in the freezer and put them in the dishwasher for easy clean-up. Each container holds approximately 33 ounces.

• Price: $7.99

Big Lots sells wired headphones and earbuds set by Sentry for 38% less than other retailers. Simply plug the headphones or earbuds into your laptop, phone or other device to playback audio in stereo sound. Each item also has an in-line microphone.

• Price: $8.99

Although it’s nothing fancy, this simple scientific calculator is only $8.99, and Big Lots claims it’s 41% less expensive than you’d find elsewhere. The EL-501X2BWH scientific calculator uses a single-line display featuring normal, stat and normal modes with base-n calculations. The calculator comes with a protective hardcover and two LR44 batteries.

• Price: $0.99

For only 99 cents, this washable watercolor paints and brush set from Cra-Z Art beat dollar store prices. This set is perfect for children in elementary school or at home. The case also comes with a brush clip to keep everything together.

• Price: $0.99

This is another deal lower than what you can find at most dollar stores. The small teal pencil box has a front clasp to keep pens, pencils, markers, erasers, crayons and anything else neatly inside. The lid’s design also allows you to stack multiple boxes for vertical storage space.

• Price: $1.14

The 60-page spiral-bound notebook comes in various designs for only $1.14 each, which Big Lots says is 82% less expensive than other retailers. You may even be able to get these during the Everyday Essentials 8 for $8 promotion, saving you $1.12!

• Price: $79.99

The dove gray student desk with hutch by Ameriwood isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s still 35% less expensive than what you’d find anywhere else. Perfect for homework and studying at home or in a dorm, the desk has a light gray finish, and the hutch has a matte black backboard with a corkboard to leave notes and photos. The desk has enough room to hold a laptop, notebook, and other accessories.