With back to school around the corner, it’s savvy to start planning ahead for the upcoming school year. Whether it’s new backpacks, back-to-school shoes or school supplies, there is no shortage of important purchases. Learning about the best back-to-school deals is an important way to save, but you may also want to consider buying some necessities in bulk.
Bulk buying can save you money on a lot of things over time, but only if it’s done strategically. We’ve rounded up eight types of back-to-school products/product categories that it’s smart to buy in bulk. We’ll also explain why it’s often better to purchase them in large quantities (for example, maybe you’ve got multiple kids, it’s an item they’re going to lose and need to replace throughout the school year, or it’s an item that’s easy to stash for the next year when you’ll need to buy it again). Check out our back-to-school bulk recommendations designed to help you save throughout the year.
Health and Wellness Supplies: Tissues
Why you should buy it in bulk: When they return to school, it’s smart and convenient to keep items on hand that help keep your kids healthy. Tissues are probably the most important wellness supply because they promote hygiene and health (without tissues on hand a kid’s alternative decision might not be too sanitary—think sleeves). Useful for emergencies like spill cleanups or first aid needs, tissues are an essential item and buying in bulk saves money. If you have elementary-age children you’ll likely be asked to contribute tissues to the classroom throughout the year, so having a bulk quantity on hand makes that less of a squeeze on your weekly budget.
Keep in mind: Consider the storage available in your home, and the type of tissues you prefer. There are a wide variety of brands available for bulk purchase. If you are looking for the biggest savings look for store brands, or generic brand bulk opportunities.
Where to buy: Amazon Basics Facial Tissue 18 Packs of 160, $30.84 at Amazon
Lunchbox Items: Granola Bars
Why you should buy it in bulk: Single-serve snack items, like granola bars, are a lifesaver for quick snack prep for kids. Buying in bulk saves money and repeat store visits. With a typical shelf life of one year, it makes sense to buy larger bulk quantities. Granola bars are a healthier snack option that provide sustained energy and nutrition for students. Individually wrapped, they are also useful for portion control, which helps reduce the chance of overeating. Keeping bulk granola bars on hand is also helpful for unexpected activities, classroom events or group activities.
Keep in mind: Consider the brand, ingredients and nutrition. While granola bars are usually a healthier choice, some on the market contain high levels of sugar and preservatives. Store your granola bars in a cool, dry location to maximize freshness and shelf-life.
Where to buy: Clif Kid ZBar Organic Granola Bar, 36-Count, $24.99 at Costco
Cleaning and Sanitizing Supplies: Disinfecting Wipes
Why you should buy it in bulk: With a long shelf life, and a myriad of uses, buying disinfecting wipes in bulk is a good choice for back to school. Load up the bottom of your closet with these and have them on hand throughout the school year. Useful for everyday cleanups, essential when you’ve got a sick kid and always appreciated as a donation to your child’s classroom teachers.
Keep in mind: Wipes last longer while sealed, so it may make sense to purchase smaller-sized packages in bulk quantity. Lots of brands and container types to choose from, store or generic brands may offer steeper price discounts.
Where to buy: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, 360 wipes, 18 packs, $14.99 at Amazon
Writing Supplies: Eraser Caps
Why you should buy it in bulk: Writing supplies like pens, pencils and erasers are great to buy in bulk because you’ll save money and they are easy to store in a spare closet or drawer. If you are anything like us you’ve probably got loads of pencils laying around that have been abandoned because the eraser is no longer there. Buying in eraser caps bulk is a very affordable investment, and will lengthen the lifespan of your student’s pencil collection.
Keep in mind: For basic school pencils, generic or off-brand eraser caps will get the job done. Keep them in a spot your kids know where to access and these can be a lifesaver.
Where to buy: Mr. Pen Erasers for Pencils, 120 Pack, $6.60 at Amazon
Notebooks and Paper: Filler Paper
Why you should buy it in bulk: Students always need paper, and buying in bulk is a great way to save decent money. Just like it makes sense to buy bulk copy paper for your printer, keeping bulk lined filler paper on hand will always come in handy for years to come.
Keep in mind: Remember the age of your student; typically younger students prefer wide ruled and older college ruled. Be sure to keep in a box or bin out of direct sunlight to keep in like-new condition for a long time.
Where to buy: Oxford Filler Paper Wide Ruled, 500 sheets, $14.02 at Amazon
Binders and Folders: 3 Ring Binders
Why you should buy it in bulk: Binders and folders are much more affordable when purchased in bulk. If you have multiple students in your home, it’s a smart idea to purchase bulk three-ring binders. They are a classic classroom staple allowing you to use filler paper, plastic page protectors and handouts together for easy organization.
Keep in mind: Binders are available in multiple sizes usually from 0.5 through 3 inches. They are also available in lots of color options. Be sure to check with your student to see which size is most useful or required by their school before you buy in bulk.
Where to buy: Avery Economy View 1” Black Binders, 4 pack, $7.56 at Amazon
Art Supplies: Markers
Why you should buy it in bulk: Buying markers in bulk is a way to save and ensure your students always have the colors they need on hand. Buying a classpack for your home is a clever way to have markers on hand for multiple children, and to make sure when one color in their classroom set goes missing, you’ll be equipped without a trip to the store.
Keep in mind: Consider the brand and colors your students will need, most classroom supply lists require a basic pack of classic colors. Make sure to purchase non-toxic markers for students.
Where to buy: Crayola Classpack Non-Washable Markers, 200 pack, $56.99 at Staples.com
Adhesives: Glue Sticks
Why you should buy it in bulk: Adhesives like glues and tapes are cheaper in bulk, and when sealed have a long shelf life. Elementary school-aged students, and students who craft are always running through tape and glue quickly. Glue sticks are usually a required school supply for students and quick to be lost or dry out if not properly capped. Buying in bulk is an affordable way to know you’ll always have this item on hand.
Keep in mind: Keep all glues sealed and out of extreme heat for a long lifespan.
Where to buy: UHU Stic Permanent Clear Glue Stick, 12 Pack, $15.15 at Amazon
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