Save Money on Back to School Basics at the Dollar Store

Whenever you head out to shop for something specific, comparison shopping is always a good idea. Perhaps this is especially true when it comes to shopping for back to school needs for the kids. Don't have the time to scope out the best deals? My advice is to head to the dollar store first where you'll be sure to save money on back to school basics.Here are a few comparisons made between Walmart and Dollarama school supplies.

Pens and Pencils

Let's face facts. Kids lose things and among the things they lose the most are pens and pencils. It doesn't make sense to pay a premium price for these writing instruments.

At Walmart a package of 12 pencils costs $2.86. The same number of pencils at Dollarama only cost a buck and that's a significant savings of $1.86 over the department store.

However, a package of 10 Bic stick pens will cost you $1.56 at the department store, which is about 16 cents per pen while Bic pens at the dollar store come in packages of eight for $2. That's 25 cents per pen. So Walmart is the definite price winner here, at least on name brand pens. Dollarama has off-brand pens that work just as well for less money.

Rulers

Walmart sells all types of 12-inch rulers. Wooden or flexible rulers cost only a buck each, the same as Dollarama but Walmart's metal rulers cost $2, while a sturdy metal ruler at Dollarama is still only a buck.

Notebooks

A Five Star 200-page spiral bound, binder-sized notebook costs $8.97 at Walmart. The same brand and size of notebook at Dollarama has 50 fewer pages but only costs $3.

Math Sets

An eight-piece math set costs $8.97 at the department store but you can get an 11-piece math set at the dollar store for only $2.

Glue Sticks

An Elmer 40g glue stick costs $2.24 at Walmart but you can get the same 40g Elmer glue stick at Dollarama for only a buck, a savings of $1.24.

Scientific Calculators

Most of the calculators at the dollar store only cost a buck and I've never had any trouble with any of the ones I've bought over the years. Dollarama also has a 56-function, battery-operated scientific calculator with a case for only $2. The scientific calculator with case I saw at Walmart cost $17.97.

Combination Locks

You could pay $4.27 for a combination lock at Walmart or just $1.50 for the same type of lock at Dollarama.

I could go on, but I think you get the point. On many school basics, the dollar store has what your kids need and generally, the prices are much better than the department store.

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Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and Dollar Store Diva. She writes tips and ideas for finding and using the best the dollar store has to offer.