Best Places to Get School Supplies in the Treasure Valley
- contentbynani
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Your ultimate guide to back-to-school shopping — without breaking the bank!
Back-to-school season is here, and that means one thing: school supply shopping! Whether you’re a parent tackling the full class list for multiple kids or just stocking up on a few essentials, the Treasure Valley has plenty of great spots to get everything you need.
Here’s our guide to the best local places to find affordable basics, fun specialty items, and everything in between — plus tips to help you save time and money.
1️⃣ Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer is a back-to-school shopping favorite for a reason. They carry everything from pencils and binders to lunchboxes and backpacks, often with competitive weekly sales.
Why we love it:
One-stop shop for groceries, clothing, and school supplies.
Seasonal coupon offers through the Fred Meyer app.
Great “buy more, save more” deals on basics like glue sticks, crayons, and paper.
Tip: Sign up for the Rewards Card and load digital coupons before you shop — you can often score extra savings during their Back-to-School Mega Events.
2️⃣ Walmart
If you want low prices across the board, Walmart is hard to beat. They have a large selection of basics, plus trendy backpacks and tech accessories for older students.
Why we love it:
Everyday low prices without waiting for a sale.
Teacher supply lists available in-store and online to make shopping quick.
Huge selection of both name-brand and store-brand supplies.
Tip: Check out their online “school supply list” feature — you can shop by your specific school and grade in just a few clicks.
3️⃣ Target
Target is the spot for stylish, colorful school supplies that kids love. From fun locker accessories to cute lunch kits, Target makes back-to-school shopping feel like a treat.
Why we love it:
On-trend designs that make kids excited to head back to school.
Circle Rewards app for instant coupons and cashback.
Teacher Prep Event (late summer) for educator discounts.
Tip: Shop early in the season for the best selection of the cutest designs — Target’s popular styles sell out fast.
4️⃣ Dollar Store (Dollar Tree or Dollar General)
If you’re looking to stretch your budget, the Dollar Store is a goldmine for basics like pencils, rulers, erasers, and even some classroom décor.
Why we love it:
Everything’s affordable — most items are $1.25 or less.
Great for stocking up on extras for mid-year replacements.
Fun seasonal finds for lunch notes, stickers, and storage bins.
Tip: Be mindful of quality for items like scissors and binders — sometimes it’s worth spending a little more elsewhere for durability.
5️⃣ Office Depot / OfficeMax
For tech and specialty items, Office Depot is the place to go. They also have strong sales on basics during the back-to-school season.
Why we love it:
Excellent for calculators, planners, and high-quality notebooks.
Price-match guarantee.
Teacher Rewards Program for educators.
Tip: Watch for their “Penny Deals” — they often have certain items for just $0.01 with a minimum purchase.
📝 Pro School Supply Shopping Tips for the Treasure Valley:
Shop Early: The best deals and most popular items sell out fast.
Follow the Flyers: Fred Meyer, Walmart, and Target release weekly ads with rotating deals.
Buy in Bulk: For items like pencils, glue sticks, and markers, buy larger packs to save in the long run.
Check Online: Sometimes you’ll find better prices or bundle deals on store websites than in-store.
📚 Find Your School’s Official Supply List
Before you shop, double-check your child’s specific school supply list to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
West Ada School District: https://www.westada.org/page/school-supply-lists
This list will help you confirm required items for your child’s grade level and avoid any last-minute runs for forgotten supplies.
Final Thoughts
School supply shopping doesn’t have to be stressful (or expensive). With a little planning — and knowing where to shop — you can check off every item on your list while staying on budget. Plus, shopping locally keeps your dollars right here in the Treasure Valley community.
Happy back-to-school season, and may your backpacks be full and your coffee cups even fuller! ☕🎒
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