Great Deals on Back-to-School Basics

The buzz of summer vacation is coming to a close and the bustle of preparing for another year of school is at hand.

And that means stocking up on school supplies.

Many times, teachers wait until the first day of class to hand out supply lists. (After all, how much are they going to need that first day?) 

But if you just can’t wait, start out with this rudimentary list from GreatSchools.com: (see the full list on their webpage)

• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• No.2 Pencils
• Colored pencils
• Pencil sharpener (hand-held with a top to collect shavings)
• Erasers (the old-fashioned kind still work best)
• Non-stain markers
• White school glue
• Crayons
• Ballpoint pens
• Ruler
• Pencil/pen case
• Backpack
• Paper (wide-ruled for elementary school, college-ruled for anyone older)
• Pocket folders
• Binder
• Invisible tape

This should get everyone started no matter what grade (though, very often, kindergartners do not need to bring any supplies, or, if they do, plan on them becoming a classroom donation).

Middle and high school students might also need supplies like a calculator, combination locks and computer software, but those will also be items that can be purchased after the first day.

, located in the Staples Plaza at the Airport Rotary, boasts an extensive selection of supplies.  This week, through Saturday, August 20, they are offering:

• Composition notebooks for $0.10 each
• Rulers for $0.25 each
• Single reams of copy paper for $0.50 each
• Mix-and-match any Bic pens, pencils, highlighters and correction fluid, buy 2 get 1 free
• Pencil cases for $1.00 each
• 8-pack of Crayola washable crayons or markers for $2 each
• 7” all-purpose scissors for $0.50 each
• TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator for $89.99

is also a popular stop for back-to-school shopping.  Located in the Capewinds Plaza on Route 132 in Hyannis, Kmart has:

• Northwest Territory backpacks for $29.99 each
• Boys’ and girls’ athletic shoes from $13.99 each
• Basic Editions short-sleeved screen tees from $5.99 each
• Route 66 girls’ jeans from $16.99 each
• Boys’ Everlast athletic tees from $9.99 each

Teachers love when kids donate to the classroom.  Besides the requisite shiny apple, you can find these regularly priced items at , just off Attucks Lane:

• 4-pack of BJ’s disinfecting cleaning wipes for $9.99 
• 12-pack Kleenex Pop-Up box for $29.99 
• 3-pack SkinWear hand sanitizer for $19.49 

Older students will need tech supplies, too.  Now through Saturday August 20, head over to at the Cape Cod Mall and pick up:

• Toshiba Intel Pentium Processor Netbook for $349
• PNY 8 GB external memory drive for $12.99
• Microsoft Office Home and Student Family pack for $129.99
• Apple iPad2 for $499.99
• Targus Lap Chill Mat for $24.99

Got kids heading off to college?  is a perennial favorite for all things dorm-life.  Check out these deals, lasting through Saturday August 20:

• Basket shower totes for $4.99 each
• Elizabeth Arden women’s bath slippers $12.99
• Calphalon Contemporary 10” and 12” non-stick omelette pans for $49.99 per set
• Computer workstation for $59.99
• Real Simple laundry tote for $19.99
• Umbra Dry-erase Talk Board for $19.99
• Saucer chairs for $39.99

All prices listed are subject to change and do not include tax. Contact stores for details.

Know a great deal? Share it with our readers in the comments box below!