Staples Back-to-School Sale Is Here: The Best Deals I Found In Store

The Staples back-to-school sale is officially taking over the store, and this year’s displays make one thing clear: shoppers do not need a large budget to begin checking items off their school-supply lists.

During my visit, I found notebooks starting at 35¢, Crayola products from 50¢, mechanical pencils from 55¢, glue from 75¢, and several categories of pens and markers priced below $5. The store also had larger-ticket essentials, including scientific calculators, pencil cases, classroom wellness products, and student printers.

The prices discussed below are based on the shelf labels and promotional signs visible during my store visit. Prices, inventory, purchase limits, and promotions may vary by store and date, so shoppers should confirm the final price before checking out.

Key Sale Highlights

• Low-Cost Supplies: Prices start at 25¢ for select items like pocket folders, with over 50 items under $1 and 750+ items under $10.
• Student Tech: Laptops are marked down starting at $249.99, and earbuds are available as low as $4.99.
• Weekly Freebies: Running through September 12, customers get rotating free gifts (such as pens, Post-it notes, and journals) with a qualifying in-store or online purchase.
• Character Assortment: Expanded collections feature themed supplies from popular brands like Stitch and Spider-Man.

Some of the most noticeable back-to-school offers I found included:

• Crayola products from 50¢;
• Mechanical pencils and erasers from 55¢;
• School calculators from $6.99;
• Wood pencils and sharpeners from 65¢;
• Glue and glue sticks from 75¢;
• One-subject notebooks from 35¢;
• Three- and five-subject notebooks from $2.99;
• Gel pens from $4.49;
• Permanent markers from $3.99;
• Ballpoint pens from $1.29;
• Pencil pouches from $2.99.

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School Calculators

The calculator section includes models for several grade levels, from basic classroom calculators to more advanced scientific and graphing options.

The store offers:

• Casio:
  • scientific calculators;
  • colorful basic models;
  • advanced scientific models;
  • graphing calculators;
• Texas Instruments:
  • TI-30 series scientific calculators;
  • TI-34 MultiView calculators;
  • TI-36X Pro calculators.

Prices range from approximately $6.99 for a basic Casio calculator to around $69.99 for selected graphing models. Several commonly used scientific calculators appear in the $13.99 to $31.99 range.

A basic calculator may be sufficient for elementary school, while middle-school, high-school, and college students should check their teacher’s list before purchasing a scientific or graphing model. Certain classes and standardized tests may require or prohibit specific calculator functions.

Wood Pencils and Sharpeners

The wood-pencil section includes traditional yellow pencils, colored or decorative pencils, and sharpeners from brands such as Ticonderoga, Norica, and Staedtler.

Some sharpeners are marked around $3.99, while selected pencil packs appear around $4.79 to $5.99.

This is a practical section for elementary-school families because many supply lists request multiple packs of No. 2 pencils. Teachers buying for an entire classroom may find multi-packs more convenient than purchasing individual boxes.

Mechanical Pencils and Erasers

The mechanical-pencil display contains products from Pentel, BIC, Paper Mate, and other brands. It also includes lead refills and erasers.

Items on display as low as 55¢. The visible prices include approximately:

• $3.99 to $4.49 for selected lead refills or pencil packs;
• $7.99 to $9.99 for larger pen-and-pencil sets;
• $12.99 for selected multipacks;
• $19.99 for a larger Paper Mate set.

Mechanical pencils eliminate the need for a sharpener, but they are not always accepted in early elementary classrooms or for certain tests. Check the supply list before replacing traditional No. 2 pencils with mechanical versions.

Ballpoint Pens

The ballpoint-pen display includes Paper Mate InkJoy pens and other everyday writing options in black, blue, and assorted colors.

The lowest price is $1.29, while visible packages are marked at several prices, including approximately $3.49, $3.99, $4.99, $5.99, $6.99, $7.99, and $9.99.

Basic black and blue pens offer the best value for routine assignments. Assorted-color packs work better for planners, grading, annotations, and color-coded notes.

Gel Pens

The gel-pen display contains options from BIC, Paper Mate, and other brands, including black-ink multipacks and colorful sets.

You’ll find pens starting at $4.49. Visible shelf prices include approximately:

• $5.99 for selected BIC gel-pen packs;
• $7.99 for some student pen sets;
• $9.99 for selected black or assorted-color packs;
• $10.99 and higher for larger or specialty sets.

Gel pens can be useful for note-taking, planners, journaling, and color-coding, but students who mainly need dependable everyday writing tools may get better value from ordinary ballpoint pens.

Highlighters

The highlighter display is dominated by Sharpie products, including:

• Clear View highlighters;
• Traditional fluorescent highlighters;
• Assorted-color multipacks;
• Pocket-style highlighters;
• Smear-resistant options.

Products in this section start at approximately $3.99, with many visible packs priced between $4.99 and $11.99.

For middle-school, high-school, and college students, a small assortment of yellow, pink, green, and orange highlighters should be sufficient for most study and note-taking needs. Larger packs may make more sense for teachers or students who rely heavily on color-coded notes.

Permanent Markers

The permanent-marker section includes several Sharpie varieties:

• Black fine-tip markers;
• Metallic markers;
• Assorted-color fine-tip sets;
• Glam Pop color collections;
• Larger classroom or project packs.

The main promotion starts at $3.99. Black permanent markers are useful for labeling lunch boxes, folders, storage bins, water bottles, and classroom supplies. Colorful packs are better suited to posters, art projects, and organization.

Staples also carries permanent markers within its wider teacher and classroom assortment, along with dry-erase markers, highlighters, teaching materials, boards, and easels.

Crayola Art Supplies

One of the brightest displays in the sale is the Crayola section. It includes:

• Washable markers;
• Classic markers;
• Crayons;
• Watercolor sets;
• Washable watercolors;
• Assorted art supplies.

Crayola products are available from 50¢. Visible shelf prices include approximately:

• $2.79 for a small watercolor set;
• $5.49 for washable markers;
• $6.29 for selected washable watercolor sets;
• $8.29 for larger marker products.

Staples’ current online listings also show a 24-count box of Crayola crayons at 50¢, reduced from $1.59, although online and local-store availability can change.

Crayola products are especially relevant for preschool and elementary-school lists. Before buying, check whether the teacher specifies washable markers, classic colors, broad tips, fine tips, or a particular number of crayons.

Glue and Glue Sticks

The glue display includes Elmer’s products in several formats:

• White school glue;
• Washable glue sticks;
• Multipacks of glue sticks;
• Purple disappearing glue sticks;
• Larger classroom packs.

The display advertises products as low as 75¢. Visible shelf tags include glue products around $3.99, $4.29, $6.99, $7.99, and $12.99, depending on the size and quantity.

Single glue sticks work for individual students, but teachers and families with multiple children may get better value from multipacks. Purple glue sticks can also be helpful for younger children because they make it easier to see where the adhesive has been applied.

One-Subject Notebooks

The one-subject notebook display includes Staples-brand spiral notebooks in several colors, including orange, blue, green, and light blue.

The standout promotion is 35¢ for selected one-subject notebooks. Some notebooks on the upper display appear to be priced around $1.39, so the 35¢ offer may apply only to a specific model, quantity limit, or promotional group.

These low-cost notebooks are among the best practical buys in the sale. Families can assign a different color to each subject, while teachers may use inexpensive notebooks for journals, writing practice, or classroom assignments.

Three- and Five-Subject Notebooks

Students who prefer keeping several classes in one place can choose from Five Star, Staples Accel, and other multi-subject notebooks.

Here you can find options from $2.99. Visible shelf prices include approximately:

• $5.99 for a selected three-subject notebook;
• $6.99 for a Staples five-subject notebook;
• $8.49 for a Five Star three-subject notebook;
• $9.99 for a larger or premium five-subject notebook.

Multi-subject notebooks reduce the number of books students need to carry, but they can also become heavy. A separate notebook for each class may be easier for younger students.

New and Trending Notebooks

The decorative notebook display includes floral covers, patterned journals, character designs, and composition-style books.

Many visible products are marked $3.99. These notebooks may appeal to students who want something more personal than a plain spiral notebook. However, buyers should check whether the school specifically requests wide-ruled, college-ruled, composition, or spiral-bound formats before choosing based only on the cover.

Pencil Pouches

The pencil-pouch section offers soft zippered cases, structured cases, stand-up pouches, and multi-compartment designs.

The large sign offers pouches as low as $2.99. Visible prices range approximately from $6.99 to $10.49, with several options at $8.99 and $9.99.

A simple single-compartment pouch is usually enough for younger students. Older students may benefit from a larger case with separate sections for pens, pencils, highlighters, and calculator accessories.

Classroom Wellness Supplies

The classroom-wellness section includes products that may not appear on every student’s personal list but are frequently requested for shared classroom use:

• Softsoap hand soap;
• Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap;
• Purell hand sanitizer;
• Band-Aid flexible fabric bandages;
• First-aid supplies;
• Scotch-Brite cleaning products;
• Paper towels.

Prices include approximately:

• $2.39 for selected Softsoap;
• $4.29 for Purell hand sanitizer;
• $6.29 for Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap;
• $10.49 for a 100-count Band-Aid pack;
• $19.99 for a portable first-aid kit.

Families should not assume these items are required for every class. Purchase them only when they appear on the teacher’s list or when making a voluntary classroom donation.

Student Printers

The HP printer display highlights refillable Smart Tank models as student-friendly options.

A printer is a much larger purchase than notebooks or pens, so compare:

• Initial printer price;
• Cost of replacement ink;
• Black-and-white and color page yields;
• Scanning and copying functions;
• Wireless compatibility;
• Warranty coverage;
• Dorm-room or home-office space.

Staples’ Coupon Corner currently lists several technology-related promotions, including 25% off eligible PC accessories and cleaners with the purchase of a qualifying computer, laptop, or monitor. These offers have exclusions and may not apply to the printer shown in the photograph.

How the Teacher Supply List Tool Works

A prominent sign in the store tells parents to find their teacher’s list online. This can be useful when a school or teacher has uploaded a list to Staples.

Instead of guessing which notebook ruling, calculator model, marker type, or package size is required, parents can search for the participating school and teacher. The tool may not contain every school or classroom, so the original list from the school remains the best reference.

Teacher Discounts & Promos

Reported 20% Teacher Offer

A current third-party deal report states that eligible teachers can receive 20% off one qualifying in-store purchase by showing teacher identification and presenting an offer through the Staples app. The report says the promotion runs through September 12, 2026, with exclusions and a one-use limit.

Teachers should therefore open the Staples app, check the available offers under their account, and review the terms before shopping. Do not rely on a screenshot or third-party coupon page alone.

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Staples Easy Rewards

Staples Easy Rewards is the retailer’s loyalty program and provides personalized offers, points, and other account-based benefits. Available rewards can vary by member and transaction.

The in-store signs also encourage shoppers to use the app for additional deals and reward points. Because many app offers are personalized, two customers may not necessarily see the same promotion.

Reward a Classroom

Staples describes a Reward a Classroom program through which participating shoppers can associate their rewards account with an educator. Staples states that the teacher can receive rewards based on qualifying purchases while the shopper continues receiving their own rewards. The official description mentions 2% on purchases and 5% on eligible Copy & Print Center jobs, although shoppers should verify that these terms remain active in their location and account.

The Best Deals I Found at Staples

The strongest values appear to be the products priced below $1:

1. One-subject notebooks from 35¢;
2. Crayola products from 50¢;
3. Mechanical pencils and erasers from 55¢;
4. Wood pencils and sharpeners from 65¢;
5. Glue products from 75¢.

These are everyday school essentials that students are likely to use throughout the year. They are also easier to buy in advance because they are less dependent on personal preference than products such as calculators, premium pens, or specialty notebooks.

The multi-subject notebooks starting at $2.99 and decorative notebooks at $3.99 also look competitive for students who need those formats.

Tips for Shopping the Staples Back-to-School Sale

Start with the official teacher list rather than buying from a generic checklist. This helps prevent purchases of the wrong calculator, notebook ruling, binder size, or marker type.

Compare the shelf label with the large promotional sign. A display marked “as low as 50¢” may include products ranging from 50¢ to more than $10.

Check for quantity limits. The lowest-priced notebooks, crayons, pencils, and glue may be limited to a certain number per customer.

Open the Staples app before checkout. Account-specific rewards or coupons may not be applied automatically.

Separate essentials from upgrades. A 35¢ notebook may satisfy the same classroom requirement as a decorative $3.99 notebook.

Keep the receipt until the teacher confirms that every item meets the classroom requirements.

Is the Staples Back-to-School Sale Worth Shopping?

Definitely worth it! Based on the prices visible during my visit, the sale is particularly worthwhile for basic notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue, and selected writing supplies. The sub-$1 offers provide the clearest savings and make it possible to cover several basic categories without spending much.

The best strategy is to buy the inexpensive essentials early, verify specialized items against the teacher’s list, and check the Staples app for any teacher, rewards, or spend-based offers before paying.

How Does Staples Compare With Other Back-to-School Stores?

Staples is a strong option for notebooks, calculators, pens, markers, printer supplies, and teacher-list shopping, but it is worth comparing prices with a few competitors before completing a large order.

Michaels is particularly useful for art supplies, classroom decorations, storage, craft materials, planners, and teacher resources. Its back-to-school assortment includes notebooks, folders, glue, scissors, paper, classroom décor, and organizational products. At the time of writing, Michaels is also advertising classroom essentials starting at $1.99 and a temporary 20% teacher discount through August 2, 2026.

Target may be a better one-stop option for families who also need clothing, uniforms, lunch bags, water bottles, electronics, and everyday household essentials. Target’s current back-to-school promotion includes school supplies starting at 25¢, and its School List Assist tool can locate a participating teacher’s list and add the products to a cart.

Walmart is worth checking for low-cost basics, backpacks, clothing, lunch supplies, dorm essentials, and technology. Walmart says its 2026 campaign offers its lowest prices since 2019 on 14 commonly purchased school supplies, and its website lets shoppers search school lists by school or grade.

Office Depot and OfficeMax are the closest direct alternatives to Staples for calculators, notebooks, binders, writing supplies, printers, and classroom products. Their current back-to-school section advertises hundreds of school supplies under $3 + BOGO deals, although exact prices and availability vary by location.

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Which Store Should You Choose?

Choose Staples for office-style school supplies, calculators, printers, teacher lists, and Easy Rewards offers. Choose Michaels for art projects, classroom décor, planners, and creative teaching materials. Target and Walmart are more convenient when the shopping list also includes clothing, lunch gear, electronics, or household essentials, while Office Depot is useful for direct price comparisons on products similar to those sold at Staples.