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School bells will be ringing in just a few weeks for kids across the country. As any parent knows, getting your student prepared for the new year means equipping them with budget-friendly supplies. Whether your kiddo is off to third grade or starting their freshman year of college, you will want to hunt for the best deals and steals on the market.
Many savvy shoppers know that Costco is a one-stop shop for everything you could need to get your student started off right on their first day of school. And while you may feel like you have only just gotten started on summer fun, you won’t want to wait too long to snag all the supplies your kid will need to be successful this school year. Costco doesn’t always restock seasonal goods, so head there soon to grab these expert-recommended back-to-school deals.
Costco Membership
Perhaps Costco’s only drawback, other than the occasional egregiously long gas line, is that it requires a membership to shop at its beloved warehouses. The good news is that the basic membership (Gold Star) is highly affordable at only $60 per year. At that price, you can afford to get a card for you and your future coed, which might just make the perfect graduation gift.
Trae Bodge, shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, recommended buying a membership for students. “If you are sending a student off to student housing or an apartment with classmates, a Costco membership could help them save on everything they need,” she said. “Better yet, gift them a membership plus a personalized Visa card from PerfectGift.com so they have some spending money for Costco and anywhere else they need to shop.”
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Pencil Set
Every student, from grade school to college, is going to need a good set of pencils to get them through the school year. Shopping expert Trae Bodge said a pack of twist-erase mechanical pencils is not only affordable but comes with enough refills to last until June.
“A pencil set like the 15-count Pentel Twist-Erase Click Mechanical Pencil [sic] contains enough pencils and lead and eraser refills to last them the school year,” Bodge said. “And you can’t beat the $10.99 price.”
Binders
Another school staple is a quality binder. Forget the pricey, oversized Trapper Keeper and go for the traditional binders that are slim, reliable and ready to customize.
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“Binders can really add up (especially if you wait until the last minute), so I recommend the binder sets from Costco,” Bodge said. “They have sets of six 1/2-inch or 1-inch binders for $11.99 or $13.49, respectively. They are simple, white binders, so you don’t have to worry that your student won’t like them.”
The 1-inch binders are only $2.25 a piece and can hold up to 225 sheets of paper, making them a steal!
All-In-One Bundle
Another highly coveted Costco set is the All-In-One Bundle. The 36-piece starter kit has all of the things your student will need for the year. The items in the bundle are all name brands and include Sharpies, Expo Markers, Elmer’s Glue Sticks, Paper Mate pens and pencils and Pink Pearl erasers. For parents short on time and hoping to stick to a budget, the All-In-One Bundle is the perfect combination.
Before You Shop
Before you brave the parking lot at your local Costco, make sure you go in prepared. The membership-only warehouse is filled with eye-catching back-to-school goodies that you or your kid might be tempted to snag. To avoid impulse shopping, consider making a list and sticking to it.
If your school district no longer provides a class or grade supply list, Costco Connections has you covered. Their grade-by-grade shopping lists can help ensure your student has everything they need for the upcoming school year. They even have suggestions for your college student, like a shower caddy and decorations for their dorm room.
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