Back to school season is upon us! Kids will start returning to class sooner than you realize! Some of you start school by August 1st and others still have plenty of summer left, as school does not begin until after Labor Day.
No matter when your district begins, it is a time of the year when families are faced with a lot of expenses. And, if you have more than one child, it costs even more!
With three kids of our own, I have to do what I can each year to get everything they need – without blowing our budget. I save money all year long, but I am not about to spend more than I need to! No way!
When you think about buying back to school supplies, you probably think about big-box stores. But, the truth is that some of the best deals can be found at Dollar General!
As school starts here on August 14th, my kids and I are already looking for the things they need. I was able to find all of the supplies I know they’ll need — and I did not spend much at all!
Also see: How to find penny deals at Dollar General
DEALS ON THE SCHOOL SUPPLIES YOU NEED
My kids like name brands – as do a lot of parents. But the thing is that some of the store brands work just as well as those that cost more! Look at everything I was able to get — for less than $30 (that included the backpack)!
I was able to find everything right now too because I used the school supply list feature Dollar General has online. You enter your zip code to find your child’s school to find out exactly what you need to buy! No more waiting until the school sends out an email or registration. That means you can start shopping now (and save some money too)!
If you don’t know already, every week throughout the year, the Dollar General Penny List discounts some merchandise to $.01, which can help with your budget. Also, there is often a $5 off $20 digital coupon that you can find online to save even more!
AFFORDABLE LUNCH OPTIONS
I pack lunch for my kids each day. They say they are selective (I call them picky eaters). After using the lunch boxes all year long, we usually need a new one to start out the school year. My youngest found a pink and green one (shocking).
Then, she wanted to look around for some snacks and things she could take with her. She found granola bars, protein bars, and fruit cups. She also grabbed a bag of her favorite — almonds!
Lunch on a budget works for me!!
Also See: DIY Glam School Supplies
SUPPLIES
As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to find budget-friendly school supplies, and one of the things I appreciate most about shopping for school supplies at Dollar General is the variety they offer. From basic items like notebooks and pencils to more specific supplies like calculators and backpacks, I can usually find everything my kids need for the school year in one place. This saves me time and energy, as I don’t have to run around to multiple stores to cross items off my list.
Another aspect that I value is the quality of the school supplies at Dollar General. As a cost-conscious shopper, I was initially hesitant about the durability of the products, but have generally been pleasantly surprised by the sturdiness and longevity of the items I’ve purchased.
HELP YOUR TEACHER OUT
I have great admiration for our teachers. They truly love what they are doing. These kids are not just faces looking up at them. They care about each and every one of them.
That love means these teachers often spend much of their own money getting supplies. They don’t want any child to go without and so if that means covering some basics, they gladly do it. That is just the way they are.
Dollar General is helping by offering a 20% discount to teachers! Just show your school badge at checkout and you’ll save 20% on stationery! Just one way Dollar General is giving back to all of you for what you.
My family also does its part too! One thing I have done for years is pick up extra supplies for my child’s teacher when I get the things my kids need for the first day of class. In January, I send them a little thank you basket filled with things that they may need more of – such as wipes, kleenex, and hand sanitizer.
This year, my daughter decided she wanted to take a basket to her teacher on the first day of school. I thought it was a fun idea! In addition to the above, she found dry erase markers and pens. Then, she thought her teacher deserved a sweet treat – chocolate!
DOLLAR GENERAL PAYS IT FORWARD THIS YEAR
Dollar General is not only helping teachers, but they also have established the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Literacy is something I think many of us take for granted. There are countless children who have been left behind and struggle with the basics of reading and writing. Thes are fundamental to success.
It breaks my heart to learn of adults who cannot read or write. I wish I could help them all. But, I am not a teacher (and I know that is not my calling). But, there is still something I can do.
I can support the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The fund helps people across the country learn to read. The foundation was established in 1993 in honor of J.L. Turner.
J.L. Turner is the co-founder of Dollar General. And, he was functionally illiterate as he had only a third-grade education. He is the exception as most adults who are illiterate are do not find the same type of success.
I agree with supporting adults who need to learn to read, and the simple way I can do that is by satisfying my sweet tooth! 😉 Dollar General gives 100% of proceeds from the sale of specially marked Dollar General Fudge Dipped Shortbread, Caramel & Sea Salt Bar, and Milk Chocolate Bar.
Back to school is not just about my kids and my budget. It is about the teachers. It is about supporting those who may struggle. Dollar General is the one-stop place where I can take care of all of these things.