Sunday Steals

Last week, I wrote a treatise about school supply shopping and asked (well, practically begged) you to help out your teacher friends by picking up a few dollars worth of school supplies on your next shopping trip. I also made an unfulfilled promise to let you know where the best deals were according to the weekly ad. A trip to Charleston with some girl friends and a lack of noteworthy deals made the post disappear from my memory. But have no fear, Miss H is here with a nudge in the right direction for those of you who are looking to help someone you know outfit his or her classroom this year. Below are a list of the best deals from this week's ads at four different stores.


Office Max

If you're anywhere near an Office Max, this is a good place to get some deals. It doesn't appear that they have a minimum purchase required to take advantage of their best deals, which gives them an extra star in my book. However, they do have limits on the number you can buy.



Your best bests here: the 1 cent rulers and crayons, plus the 10 cent packs of pencils. No minimum purchase (at least it doesn't say it)!


Staples

I usually avoid Staples at all costs. They are expensive and not really convenient. They do have some great deals as the school year approaches, though, and last year the Roanoke Rapids one even let us buy up to 25 of each "limited" item since we are teachers. Therefore, I find myself taking multiple trips in these last few weeks of summer to get the best deals each week. Their #1 downfall: their extreme deals require you to make a $5 minimum purchase before you can get the deal. So unless you're willing to spend a little extra than the $2 I previously proposed, steer clear of Staples this week.



Your best bets here: 8 pack of 1 cent pencils (Office Max is a better deal, but both stores have limits on quantity so I get as many as I can) and the 1 cent index cards. All require $5 minimum purchase. Don't know what to get for $5? Keep reading for wish lists.


Walmart

I can hear the groans already. I know, I know, a trip to Walmart can turn a nice leisurely afternoon errand into a multiple-hour extravaganza (and not the fun kind). But it's really all we have in Ro Rap and I've grown to be a somewhat dependent on their good deals. Unfortunately the most convenient/nicest one in Richmond is really not convenient at all, as the Short Pump traffic is enough to drive a woman to violent measures. However, because the best Staples is also in the same area, I will be sucking it up this afternoon and making the trip.



Your best bets here: 20 cent single subject notebooks (college ruled for middle school and up), all Crayola products for $1.97 (not pictured). They also sell 2 pocket folders for 10 or 15 cents regular priced (I prefer with prongs, not sure about other teachers). NO limits at Walmart--this is usually where I stock up!


Target

Ahhhhh Target. My all-time favorite. I make bi-weekly trips to the land of the bullseye (that's twice a week, not once every two weeks), and I have yet to see any jaw-dropping deals. I have a feeling next weekend, tax-free weekend in Virginia, will have some gems. But for now:



Your best bet here: The $1 pack of glue sticks is a good deal considering it's name brand and there are 6 to a pack.


As I said before, I don't intend for anyone to go out to any of these stores and spend double-digits. But, if you happen to be at Target or Walmart this week, consider throwing one of those deals into your basket. If you have a Staples or Office Max nearby and don't mind taking a side trip, I know your friends would appreciate any and all help.

Also, encourage your teacher friends to sign up for a Teacher Wish List, where they can post things that they need for the classroom for others to see. I've made my own here, and it might give you some more ideas of what teachers might see.

When you leave this page, I hope you don't leave thinking that I'm out of line asking for help for me and my friends. Instead, think of it as an investment in the future of our country :). After all, my kids and theirs could potentially be the next generation of leaders, and I can promise you that a classroom fully stocked with filler paper and pencils will also be a classroom where there is more time for discipline and character-building, and less time for trouble. And believe me, they can create their fair share of trouble! Thanks for all your help, and on behalf of my teacher friends we love and appreciate you!