Each summer moms embark on the great treasure hunt known as school supply shopping. Frequently, one or two items prove elusive. But unearthing those hard-to-find items only requires knowing where to look. Here are three of our favorite unexpected spots:
Artist Supply Store
Looking for a very specific item not found in regular stores? It may be online, but if you don’t have time to wait for an item to be shipped, check your local artist supply store like Ben Franklin. Among the paintbrushes and modeling clay, you’ll find a trove of school supplies. These will be high quality, so expect to pay more. But one or two items won’t drain your wallet.
School supplies you may find here include: adhesives like glue pens and rubber cement, project display boards, pencils (particularly those designed for beginning or challenged writers), scissors (including left-handed), paints.
Hardware Big-Box Store
Arrive late to the school-supply-shopping scene and you may find the local superstore depleted. Instead, head where many moms don’t think to shop: the hardware store. Places like Lowe’s and Home Depot often carry basic school supplies during late summer. And the prices can be competitive, too.
School supplies you may find here include: pencils, pens, notebooks, highlighters, rulers, backpacks, calculators.
Teacher Stores
Educators shop there. Why not students, too? Like artist supply stores, teacher stores carry pricier goods; but the quality makes up for the cost. Also keep your eyes open for educational tools to use at home, such as flashcards.
School supplies you may find here include: pencil cases, crayons, poster board, binders, protractors, rulers, compasses, composition books. http://www.orientaltrading.com/teaching-supplies-and-stationery-a1-551419.fltr
