Frugal Family: School Supplies Under a Buck

As the start of school draws near, you're on the hunt for everything the kids need to go back to school. Every pencil, folder, notebook and backpack can add up to big bucks. If you're shopping for more than one child, then the cost saving multiplies even more.

If you're not sure what supplies your children need, check at their school, or visit the Pinellas County School website. At the bottom of the page, you'll find a link for the 2011-2012 supply list. Also, some stores post (or have copies) of school supply lists.

This week, find great deals at Kmart, Staples, Walgreen's, Target and Family Dollar. We found many supplies at one dollar or less.

Deals: Find supplies for as low as $0.25. Here are the best deals for a quarter:

• Crayola crayons (24-count), limit four
• Elmer’s school glue, limit four
• Pencils (10-count)
• Shatterproof colored rulers (12-inch), limit four
• Paper Mate Eagle pens (12-count), limit four
• Folders (2-pocket)

Good through: August 13

Deals: The store offers a good selection of supplies for less than $1, including:

• Staples pink cap erasers (12-pack), $0.25, limit two
• Sharpie permanent marker (2-pack, fine), $0.25, limit two
• Slider pencil case, $0.50
• Staples Jumbo paperclips (50 per box), $0.50, limit two
• BIC Wite-Out Quick Dry (2pk), $0.50, limit two

Good through: August 13

Deals: Some supplies only cost pennies, such as:

• Penway or Wexford 2-pocket folder with prongs, $0.07
• Penway or Wexford mini memo or composition books (50 or 80 sheets), $0.20
• Penway or Wexford pencil sharpeners, $0.39
• Penway carryall pouch, $0.69

The following supplies are only $0.99 each:

• Expo Markers (two-pack)
• Designer themebook (70 sheet)
• Penway or Wexford filler paper (100 sheet)
• 3-Subject composition or notebook (120 sheets)
• Paper Mate EraserMate pens (4-pack)
• Sharpie gel pens (two-pack)
• Sharpie Accent highlighters (four-pack)
• Corner Office or Wexford correction fluid (two-pack)
• Corner Office or Wexford Gel ink pens (four-pack)

Good through: August 13

Deals: The store offers some supplies at $1 or less, including:

• Pencil eraser (two-pack) or pencil sharpener, $0.20
• RoseArt glue (two-pack glue stick or bottle), $0.20
• Pencil box or binder pencil pouch, $0.50
• Pencils (24-count), $0.90
• Buy one pack of RoseArt markers (10-count), and get a free box of RoseArt crayons (24-count)
• Mead notebook, $0.50
• Up & Up one-subject notebook, $0.90

Good through: August 13

Deals: Find supples for only $1, including a big selection of Disney supplies.

• Disney marker gift sets
• Disney note pad sets with pen
• Disney pencil pouch
• Disney one-subject notebooks
• Pencil sharpener (two hole)
• Filler paper (150-count)
• Marble composition book
• Pencils (20-count)
• Pencil box

This weekend, you could save an additional $5 off, when you spend $25. Print the Family Dollar coupon, which is only good from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14.

Good through: Back-to-school sale runs until August 27