Do your kids' schools specify which brand of school supplies you have to buy?

Question

Ours does and I just thought that was kind of odd. And where do you think is the cheapest place to buy school supplies? (In the US) I know it's still early but my first is going to Kindergarten so we're excited! :D

Answer 1

yeah my school specifies brands but u really

dont have to buy them. there really just suggesting

  got to walmart or the cheapest store there

we got to walmart cuz its and its good quality

Answer 2

Ye, schools do specify brands. The cheapest place to buy school supplies is either Target, Walmart or Fred Meyer.

Answer 3

Funny, I look at these lists every year and laugh.  I home school and it's cheaper to buy all the supplies and curriculum that is it to buy the school's stuff.  Half the time the kids don't end up using all of it, if at all.  Your child may not have to blow their nose the entire year, yet you have to buy boxes of tissues for kids that are sent to school sick.  It's terrible that they push this stuff on people, especially in this economy!

Answer 4

um, well a cheap place is big lots, or the dollar store. but if ur looking for a place with good quality go to big lots, walmart, office depot, or office max.

Answer 5

When my kids were in public schools they wanted all brand name things too. Now my kids are in private schools and they couldnt care less about the brand... I find that sooo odd.

Answer 6

sometimes the schools know what materials or brands work best.  stay excited and buy what is recommended.  some stores offer rebates to the schools, so ask which store is recommended, too.

Answer 7

Not only do schools specify the brand, i have sent items to school with my daughter and she has needed MORE of that item within a month.  i can't be responsible for the child who thinks its fun to break every pencil he or she gets.  i told my daughters school last year that education was suppose to be free.  they bought her school supplies and paid for her field trips.  i shouldn't have to pay 40 bucks for a field trip.  if it was necessary for her to pass, the school would pay for it.

Answer 8

Never heard of that. try walmart. if they dont specify back packs try getting them a small but special one I still remember my first mermaid backpack :)

Answer 9

Wal-Mart.It's a great store :-)

Answer 10

That is odd for a school to specify a brand.  I have 2 kids 14 & 12 and that has never been a issue at any of their schools.  Mine have been alot of schools.  But the cheapest place is Wal-Mart or Office Max.  They have just about everything for decent prices.

Answer 11

thats weird. no other school i know does

walmart or meijer have good prices

Answer 12

Walmart is the best.

Answer 13

Yes and my kids are both now in middle school and still specify what brand of supplies.I don't like it either.

I buy are stuff at target and only that store.

Answer 14

I agree with what "Bette" said.  As it gets closer to time Walgreens and Wal-Mart will start putting things on sale.  Walgreens has some great prices but around here they often don't have the items they advertise.  But, they will give you a raincheck & you can pick them up later for that price.

Crayola crayons/markers are often specified because they are a much higher quality.  Some dry erase markers have a VERY strong odor.   Pink Pearl erasers work the best.  Often supplies are lumped together (all the purple markers together, etc.).  Even if teacher request a certain brand, you can still get what you want, but there is a legitimate reason they request certain brands.

Answer 15

my little brothers school doesnt specify but tehy do ask for specific schools

Answer 16

yes! wal-mart

Answer 17

um you try the dollar stores or target or wal mart and no my school never dose that congratz about your first going to kindergarden good luck to yall :)

Answer 18

well im in middle school and none of my list of mentioned any specific brands but thats odd

Answer 19

my school did request for a special notebook for math, with prongs and special pockets. but other than that, not really.

Answer 20

Hello, speaking as a teacher, many schools will specify the brand so that children do not feel that their supplies are inferior (or superior) to others.  It is amazing what kids will "pick on" each other for.

As for cheapest....Walgreens has school supply specials every week in their fliers.  I just went out today (to stock my classroom).  They have Friskars scissors for 99 cents, and tons of deals on paper, pens, binders, etc...  I bought two FULL bags of items for $15.00.

Answer 21

My daughter's old elementary school did specify. We recently moved to another state so they are going to a new school and I don't know what supplies they need yet.