It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Yeah, sing that loud and proud, parents. It’s a commercial that marks the beginning of the school year, with much enthusiasm. I hope you are smiling your way through back to school shopping! Yet, if that shopping isn’t done right, you might not be.
My tips for Back to School shopping success:
- Shop ASAP – shopping on the day before school and you’ll join a pack of crazed and frustrated parents trying to make their way through cramped aisles. You don’t want to be in that crowd!
- Time of Day – shop in the early morning if you can. This makes it more relaxing and ensures there’ll be stock available. Tacking that list too late in the game when everyone else is and you might run into stock issues, ‘What do you MEAN you’re out of large sticks of glue?!?”
- Shop at Staples – Everything you need, all in one place. One stop and done. Who wants to store hop to cross those items off the list? Wasting time, patience and gas? Not this gal!
Armed with a gift card thanks to Staples Canada, my oldest daughter and I went back to school shopping just after the store opened at 8am. Let me take you on our shopping trip!
The Staples store at this time was empty with the exception of one or two casual shoppers. The stock and aisles were mine! Equipped with the kindergarten and Grade 4 school must-have lists, I was able to shop in peace. There were no crowds, no rush.
Right when I walked in the door, I spotted all the the essentials. Crayons and glue – they were the first to go into the cart. Actually, the packages of wax and pencils crayons were an incredible price, so I tossed a couple extra of both into the cart, to replenish the stock at home. Did you know that right now is also the best time to equip your home office and craft supplies? Take advantage of the great pricing!
Next we had to get black and blue pens, and I loved all the options at Staples. Sure you could go with the standard, as kids most likely need. Yet, if you want quality, beautiful pens for your office – this is the place to get them. I enjoyed browsing at the entire selection, in awe of the choices available.
And onto highlighters, another ‘wow’ moment. Such a wide selection of colors and sizes! The school list we got is very specific in what the kids need, yet for some reason it just said ‘highlighters’ for this one.
Baffled by the sudden vagueness, I guessed that they meant yellow and standard. Yet, my daughter begged for the pack of mixed colors, which was tossed into the cart. Life is too short to not have fun highlighting words on paper, right?
All 3 kids had scissors on their lists, so we took a peek at the selection of scissors. By chance or maybe someone at Staples is a Mom of girls – the pretty pink pair was on sale {ok, the blue and purple were as well}. Score for my pink-loving princesses! 3 of these went into the cart.
Part of the excitement over back to school for kids is the new pencil box. I recall it myself, the decision over the perfect pencil box that matches your personality {maybe more than the need}.
My daughter immediately ran for the actual box-like styles, again on sale! Staples had a great selection of prints, so she took her time deciding on just the right one.
Backpacks, Hilroy duotangs and binders, erasers, pencils, sharpeners … pretty soon we had everything crossed off all 3 lists. Right down to the boxes of tissues listed as must-haves. Staples, you really did think of everything!
The staff were very helpful when I asked for some help finding that very specific brand/size/type/color item that was on the list. The entire shopping trip took about 35 minutes, yet with no stress. My daughter and I left Staples with absolutely everything the kids needed.
Thing is, I took my time with this trip. I was able to browse items, compare lists and prices. This Mom no longer has supplies shopping to do and was able to easily get everything needed, all at one store. It has to be said – that was easy!
Indeed – It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!
Disclosure: I was provided with a Staples Gift Card to facilitate this post, opinions are my own
Julia says
I usually shop early since I have 5 to shop for. Staples is usually my one stop shop too.
SweetPanda says
I have one to shop for this year and I normally start early and check to see if there’s any sales and buy them when they are on sale
Kam says
Try to get it done as soon as possible!
Michelle says
shopping for one this year and snagged the folders at 10 cents a piece. I LOVE staples 🙂
Susan says
I love Staples! I have 2 kids and we are pretty much finished. Just need a few things. It is my BTS shopping for a new planner, labels, pens and some fancier items for my business!
Paula says
I’m shopping for 2 high schoolers and a grade 6’s. My hardest to find item is oil pastels.
Karine says
Agenda, notepads, pens, pencils.. haha
Leanne M says
I have to get everything, notepads, erasers, pencils, markers ect. I have 3 kids to shcp for.
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
back pack and binders only one to shop for
Cathy C says
I shop for 2 kids and there are these binders that we only find at Staples that one son loves. Also mechanical pencils and scientific calculators on on the list
Amy Heffernan says
I have two kids to shop for and everything is on my list..:( Thanks.
tammy coulbeck says
With Four kids this would help
ivy pluchinsky says
one kid, and we really need pencils and pens
Laura Snow says
I have two children to shop for this year. We have all the usual things on our list but probably don’t need pencils and scizzors since we have so many from the last few years!
brandi gauvin says
can never get enough paper!
Karen C. Hill says
I don’t have any to shop for back to school items for (this year….next year will bring the whole new ballgame), however, love stocking up the kiddies craft corner from Staples
Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen says
My list is for me, not for kids lol. I really want the Martha Stewart Organizers.
karen says
this would come in so handy would love to win this
Michelle says
Would love to win! My oldest starts school this year would love to take him on a “first school shopping spree”
Judy C says
We don’t have any kids but I always put together a little back to school package for my niece and nephew with some fun items. On my list would be metallic colored pencils and some fun markers.
Brandy says
I have 1 going to Gr 12 and one to Gr9! We need wierd calculators and laptops!
Michelle K says
I’ll be shopping for 2. Backpacks, binders, paper and pens are definitely on the list
Julie Hagglund says
Pens! Both my boys are in the laptop program, so the one thing they never have enough of is pens.
Robyn L says
3 this year.
rulers, pencils, note books, pencil crayons
Nic says
shopping for one – getting clothes, shoes, and pencil/paper.
Sharon says
Love back to school shopping!
martina j says
Back pack lunch pail, crayons and shoes are on my list
I’m shopping for one this year but next year it will be two
Victoria Ess says
A new laptop is on my list — and none! Just myself, a mature student.
kristy e says
I shop for one kid and just need markers and glue sticks
Gizele says
Calculators and paper are on my list. Only me to shop for.
roger simmons says
I have a fairly extensive list this year and shopping for 2. Nothing expensive mainly pens, pencils, paper, crayons, pencil crayons, notebooks.
l p says
BIC® Brite Liner Grip Highlighters – two kids
Anne Taylor says
shopping for 3 grandkids this year and I know one of them would love the G-1 Sac – Ketto Collection Ladybug Lunch Bag, Insulated
shari says
just a one year old… so crayons!!!!
cvihm sharpe says
this would be great a help for back to school stuff.
SOozle says
I really love the Wall manager from the Martha Stewart collection!
409cope says
I would love an Apple ipad. I don’t have any little ones going back to school.
Haylie Langwald says
I have 2 kids to shop for and on my list is a desk for my oldest.
Nicole W. says
I don’t yet have kids to shop for, but I am entering my third year of grad school and have plenty of supplies to buy myself! On my list this year:
– Sharpies! I always need them!
– BIC® Round Stic Ballpoint Pens, 0.7mm, Blue, 12/Pack – these are my fave pens!
– Papermate® Accent Intro Pen-Style Highlighters, Assorted, 6/Pack – for highlighting those millions of journal articles!
– Post-it® Durable Index Tabs, Pink Green & Orange, 66/Pack – for flagging important info in textbooks!
Thanks for the great giveaway 🙂
Clifford says
We have 3 kids of our own and helping my Sister out with her daughter, so lots of Zipper binders, pens, pencils, notebooks. This year we have to buy our son a Scientific Calculator and that can be pricey.
Bailey Dexter says
A ipad is on the top of the list, next is a printer I am shopping for 2 kids and 1 adult going back again lol
Karla Sceviour says
I have one teen son! I have to get binders,,folders,pencils,scissors,,and exercise books,which I am having a hard time finding actually!
Francine says
gel grip pens!
Glogirl says
No back to school shopping in my household but a laptop would be great. Our computer is old and slow!
michelle says
I am shopping for 1 kid – he starts grade 1 – so we need a backpack, lunch bag and pencils. he wants it all even a protractor which I am trying to tell him is not required for grade 1.
eleanor says
I have one to shop for and I wait for their sales to get the best deals on supplies.
Candace Evanisky says
The basics pencils, notebooks, rulers- 1 kid
Ei leen (@eleenie) says
No kids, but I need stuff for the office…need to get some hanging folders
Andrea Amy says
tons of stuff on my list this. I have 3 going to school next month, kindergarten, grade one and grade 10 so we need everything from crayons to binders to markers to graph paper lol
Tracy K. says
pencils, paper, and binders. 1 to shop for!
stacey dempsey says
I have 2 in high school now and one just starting college so he still needs help with supplies too lol so 3 for me I need binders and calculators and paper and pens and folders and backpacks too
Jennifer L. says
I just have one child to shop for. He’ll need paper, notebooks, pens, pencils, and markers.
Tricia Cooper says
I don’t have anyone in school right now, but I’d pick up some ink for my printer!
Cindy says
I only have one to shop for but I have to admit I usually start early and then regret it because things go on sale. My son is going into grade 5 so he was excited to discover he could use a calculator this year 🙂
Lori JB says
I have two girls to shop for. It seems like everything is on the list! Pretty much the basics as well a a scientific calculator and graphing paper.
Erika B says
One kid, and we need pencils, coloree pencils, pencil box, binders,
caryn s says
I have one to shop for this year and i went to staples as there were items on my list that only staples carried like 20 triangle shaped pencils!
Jonnie says
I have two to shop for this year but their schools provide a lot of the supplies. I mostly need backpacks, lunchbags and clothes.
Vesper says
shopping for Bankers Boxes for the office – no children to shop for
Erika E says
A backpack, pens, pencils and binders are on my list so far. I won’t find some things out until school starts. I have one child to shop for.
christel says
I have one to shop for, and he’s going into college, so not a lot to buy.
Jasen H says
Not shopping for anyone this year! At the moment the thing I’d like most from staples is a multi-function printer.
Darlene Schuller says
I have 2 to shop for this year… binders/backpacks/1 lunch kit/scientific calculator for the teen.. crayons/washable markers for the 2nd graders….. locker locks/mirror/supplies/white out/paper/pencil cases/dividers/index cards/calendars/datebooks…… no end
Catherine Robichaud says
It never ends my boys are in University and I’m still shopping for their back to school items, lol.
Doris Calvert says
Shopping for a laptop or tablet for my niece and nephew, I don’t have my own kids to shop for so I help my sister buy for hers, they are like my own
Yvonne Gronau says
I love Staples. 🙂 I only had my daughter to shop for this year. We needed duotangs, crayons, pencil crayons, red marking pencils, Hilroy notebooks and a few other things. Thanks for the opportunity to win a Staples gift card!
Darwin says
I have 2 kids, but we only need to shop for 1 this year. We need a backpack, crayons and some notebooks. Nothing too serious right now.
Londia says
We have 2 kids to shop for and we could use these Staples® Better Binders, 2″ for our oldest son
silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com
Sunshine G says
No one in school but just the baby – although she loves school supplies.
Josh S says
one kid, need some pencil crayons and paper
Lynn says
Shopping for one……need planners, pens, and notebooks yet:)
Cheryl Grandy says
I don’t really have any kids to shop for this year. I’ll pick up some really good bargains for my son, but he pretty well buys his own school supplies now. I already got him some spiral notebooks at a GREAT price at Staples. I do need some pens though, so I may pick up a 12/pack of BIC® Round Stic Ballpoint Pens.
Emma says
A lot of stationary are still good. Just some note book, calculator needed. Shop for only 1.
Gemma says
Only 1 to shop for and in Grade 1 not much is required. I will be heading to Staples to pick up Crayola Markers and supplies for home!
De Dorrington says
I have to shop for three kids and it’s lots of notebooks, binders, pencil cases, calculators and one needs a new backpack and Staples is our first stop place to go.
Deb Dorrington says
My name is Deb not De…lol
J says
Anything FULL of colour, it seems.
Jenny says
printer ink.. colour and black! we go through these like toilet paper in our house!
jen s. says
Shopping for 1 – list for staples has crayons, coloured pencils, regular pencils, glue sticks, a new lunch bag, the hilroy exercise books, and the fiskars scissors.
Mary says
i shop for 2 kids and I will be getting them new backpacks from staples
Andrea says
We’re homeschooling a Grade 2’er and Kindergartener this year – and I NEED WASHABLE dry erase markers from Staples! 🙂
Carol Denny says
Ink and paper for the printer
Sarah De Diego (Journeys of The Zoo) says
My kids are three and not yet going to school, however, they LOVE crafts. We always need glue, craft paper, and stamps. And I love me some Sharpies!
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
ameirah t says
mostly just paper, crayons, babe not in school but office/ craft supplies cheap so thats what im after,,
Lana Thompson says
I have two school-age children now… (sometimes I can’t figure our how they got so old!) And around here, up until fourth grade, you send money with your kids and the school covers the needed supplies outside of inside shoes and a backpack. That being said, I am a freak for office supplies myself. Coloured paper clips? Coloured highlighters? Notebooks? Yes please. I use these things at work for a punch of colour and fun, because hey, who really likes coming to the bank? You need to do something different (and different matches my personality!)
Doris says
Will be shopping for all the basics (pens, pencils, etc) and a back pack. This store is a one-stop shop. Love it!
SueSueper says
Pencils, Erasers, Binders, Pens and a backpack are on my list.
I am shopping for two.
Lisa KH says
I have to shop for one and have a knapsack, crayons, pencils, coloured paper and a lunch kit on my list.
Tina L. says
pencils, notebooks, markers, pencil crayons, pastels, paper, binders,.. 3 kids
Doreen Lamoureux says
My son who is going to College. He needs everything. I love the note books and the coloured pens. Those will be handy.
jan says
I would like the Global® Carbon High Back Synchro Tilter Chair. Just one in school right now.
Dayna says
Our lists are way too long for each child to type them all out 😉 I have 2 kids to buy for and I think this year I am going to have to see if our city has a program because I am recently jobless so I am not really looking forward to the next few weeks.
Erin McGrath says
I shop for my daughter and need all the essentials plus a new fun school and lunch bag!
Brenda Penton says
Have my two boys to shop for this year. On my list so far is crayons, pencils, coloured pencils, exercise books, binders, duotangs, paper, highlighters, rulers, erasers, glue…I’m sure there will be much more since I am still waiting on my older son’s school to provide a list. Ugh!
Debbie W says
Hurray!! No back to school list this year but I could use a new laptop.
sarah stickney says
I just have the one child
maria says
Two kids and i need to pick up some Hilroy Binders.
lisa bolduc says
a binder that zips up!
valerie Caldicott says
Staples has everything for school at best prices
Ester G says
This year on the list is crayons, paper, and a backpack for one little girl
Susan T. says
I have 3 nieces and nephews to shop for. I want to get them cute stuff so that they are excited about back to school! Maybe notebooks, binders and pencils.
Belinda McNabb says
I shop for my son and his list is long this year. At staples I will be picking up his zippered binder, paper, calculator, usb stick and I am sure many more items
Tammy Dalley says
I just have to shop for one child this year he’s going to Kindergarden , I have to mostly just get crayons,scissors, pencil case and some baby wipes,hand sanitizer stuff like that!
Andrew P says
No children yet, but could sure use more office supplies around the house 😛
Sydney D says
1 to shop for and mostly just new stationary supplies like pens and such.
tennille says
I have a preschooler a toddler so lunch kits and new shoes are on the list.
sylvia mollison says
Backpacks, markers, pencil crayons, duotangs, glue sticks, binders and pens are on the list for my two – one going into grade 5 and the other starting highschool!
Lori Bazan says
For sure scientific calculators are best priced and best selection at Staples. I only have one son to buy for and it would be easier to list what’s not on the list! Staples is very handy and our store also has the school supply lists for local schools posted. I hope to get him a really good agenda..he needs it to keep organized!
Mallory says
Your staples is in MUCH better shape than mine this morning! I was there bright and early like you! 🙂
Lee-Ann says
i think we’re okay for this year because only starting Grade 1. Only 1 child going to school. Will still probably buy a pencil case of some sort.
sarah sar says
I have to shop for 2 kids…they are very picky about their binders. Must be the zippered kind! argh! then there’s pencils, pens, notebooks, highlighters….it never ends.
Josie says
Just one but she needs a lot of stuff. Binders, pencils, pens, erasers, markers…….the list goes on
natasha severson says
pack pack, binder paper pens,.. they need everything
Victor Goguen says
I usually do all of my BTS shopping at Staples, one stop/one time shopping. Need everything.
lori butler says
just the one this year, mechanical pencils, lids, white out, highlighters among other items
Heidi C. says
I have four to shop for but fortunately the two youngest are just for crayons and scissors. The older two need the whole works!
Penny says
Everything is on the list, pens, binders, high liters, post it notes, rulers and the list goes on I shop for 2
Ira says
We have one and we need a back pack 🙂
Donna L. says
Shopping for 2. New laptops would be nice.
Marjorie L. says
I shop for one, and we need a new backpack.
nick a. says
Shopping for 2. Pens and binders are on our list.
MCan says
I have myself to shop for this year BUT I need some computer supplies. Love Staples selection!
D H says
Grade 12 & 10 this year….. my babies are growing!! Mostly binders, bags & shoes are the main focus of our lists and I do go to Staples! the other big box stores are sooo picked over.
My youngest goes to Kindergarten next year, so we’ll get to start from the beginning all over again. 🙂
Beth Gallinger says
I don’t have any kids going to school. but I could really use some Martha Stewart products!
Erin says
I shop early, and I also shop in the late Fall when there are big discounts, and put the stuff away for the next year
Angela Mitchell says
I have one child to buy for this year. There is a lot of things on her list this year compared to last including clipboard, yoga mat, and cardboard file folder.
Lorena H says
I bought coloured pencils, pencils, erasers, paper, pens, glue and backpacks. I shop for my 3 kids.
Ashley says
I’m a newbie at this! My only child is just going into Kindergarten!!
Kristy S says
I just shop for me and I will be needing lots of ruled lined paper
The Blush Stops Here (@blushstopshere) says
Love back to school shopping!
John Stuart says
Apple computer is on my list and they have bonus Airmiles. I’m shopping for two.
Pamalot says
I am shopping for my son and for myself.
he wants a cool binder, possibly the Five Star® 2″ Multi-Access File™ Zippered Binder
Melanie B says
Crayons, pencils, paper =) Only buying for 1 child this year =)
Tanis says
Notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers and erasers are must haves from Staples!!
valerie darsigny says
I have 2 kids at school this year and I need the backpacks, pen, notebooks 🙂
M james says
3 kids! The staples heavyweight clear page protectors.
Shelly S says
I shop for 3 sons and on my list form staples is great quality pencil sharpeners
Monique L. S. says
My daughter is too young for school this year, so nothing for her.
I need to get some things to help organize my desk though, so that’s what I’ll be shopping for.
Karin Dollery says
I find that I try to get in earlier to shop every year, if you leave it too long now all the good stuff is gone. I have one to shop for, my granddaughter and she certainly has her own particular likes and dislikes so the earlier the better. She wants a specific lunch box and knapsack and that’s just the start of it lol. We are on a strict budget so at the end of the day we usually are pretty savvy finding things she likes and if not them something just as good.
Jules A. says
Shopping for one….a backpack is on the list this year, along with the basics like pencils and paper
Florence C says
I always pick up crayons, pencils, and notebooks for the Grandkids at Staples.
Marcus Barnes says
I could use a new filing cabinet.
sarah c says
Love the selecyion Stapels carries and there is one close by which is great!
Maegan Morin says
I only have one to shop for this year and now the only thing left to get is a lunch box!
nikki robak says
I have one to shop for and shop around for the best deals
Leah Lucas says
I have one daughter, she needs binders, backpack, pens, pencils, etc
Lisa says
I need a new,printer it’s on my wish
It this year and I am shopping for 3 kids
Viv Sluys says
I have one kid to shop for; my oldest starts kindergarten. We need glue sticks, crayons and paper
melissa says
the main thing is backpack and lunch box and just one this year my oldest is starting kindergarten 🙁
Debbie Petch says
2 kids and they always want the latest fads! Annoying.
BobbiJo Pentney says
5 different colours of duotangs, markers, pencils, glue sticks, pencil crayons, erasers, scissors, a pencil case and a pencil sharpener. All this times 2. My children are ages 6 and 8.
Joanne says
I love back to school shopping! Staples is my favorite, they have everything. I have an obsession with pens, and they have every kind imaginable in every color. I’m basically like a kid in a candy store when I go to Staples for back to school supplies. It’s always a good feeling to start fresh with a bunch of new stuff!
Christy Martin says
Binders, memory cards, dividers, folders, highlighters & pens! Just 1 to shop for.
Natalie says
New notebooks and pens are on my list this year. I love buying them at Staples because their store brand pens work really well and don’t cost as much as some of the other brands!
MaxineKarchieZdebiak (@Brazilianice) says
I have only one this year to shop for. It will be very basic as he’s not a flashy kind of fellow. Staples is easy one stop for school as I need to pick up business supplies too.
kathryn says
I need a laptop at the top of my list. I have 5 to shop for
Rebby says
I have Zero kids but I so need a new Laptop!
Barbie Squires says
I need, binders, geometry set, calculator and more binders..lol I need locker accessories and a few personal items.
Tooth Fairy says
The kiddo grew up and moved… so I dont have to shop for school anymore unless the kiddo plans to return to college or take another course? However the kid is still constantly in need of cool techie supplies and gadgets too and Staples has a great selection! We bought digi camera recently!
Carol M says
Love shopping back to school with the kids but do it early..almost done!
Nicole B says
I’m shopping for one. Just crayons, markers very simple list
Olivia L says
Just the one, starting preschool (yikes!). I need to get some reusable snack containers for her.
Michelle B says
I’m shopping for 2 and I’m done my school supply shopping, the back to school clothes on the other hand is a different story.
Teresa Claire says
I am lucky because my children have finished school. I plan on taking some course work in the new year. I love Staples MS line and I shop there on a regular basis.
imac56 says
On my wish list is a MacBook Pro this year!
nicolthepickle says
I only have to shop for one and I’m looking for coloured pencils and regular ones as well.
Ashleigh Swerdfeger says
One 🙂 Pencils, paper, binders.
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