The Real Cost of Your Kid's School Supplies
August 11, 2011, By Kasie Baltes 0 comments
There's nothing like fresh new school supplies to ruin the summer buzz. When I was a kid, I swore stores were out to ruin my summer. The aisles upon aisles of school supplies that made their un-welcome entrance in July should have been a crime. Well, now that it's mid-August and the first day of school is literally around the corner, it's time to gear up and prepare for the new school year.
As I walked up and down the aisles of Target yesterday, I saw the same thing—kids checking off a school list as parents double-checked the prices. There's no doubt about it, school supplies can definitely add up. A survey by the National Retail Federation states that on “average the American family will spend $606.40 on clothes, shoes, supplies and electronics.” So if you are wondering what to expect before you hit the store, I priced out the most critical supplies at a Target Superstore for kindergarten, elementary school and junior high.
For the most part—you are going to find some great deals. Get a box of Crayola crayons for 40 cents and notebooks for 20 cents. These are deals you are only going to find during the back-to-school season. The school supply list will only last you so long—pencils break and markers dry out, so be prepared. Below are the estimated costs for one student in different grades. While supplies may differ from school to school and prices fluctuate based on region, here is our best attempt to end the sticker shock and prepare you for the back-to-school shopping trip.
Kindergarten
Estimated: $19.77
1 – Elmer’s glue: $0.40
1 – Packages of #2 pencils: $0.47/package = $0.94
1 – Box of Crayola crayons: $0.40
1 – Set of water-based unscented markers: $0.99/ set = $1.98
2 – Spiral notebooks: $0.20/ notebook = $0.40
1 – Pair of safe scissors: $2.19
1 – Pencil box/case: $4.98
3 – Two-pocket folders: $0.15/folder = $0.45
1 – Package of dry-erase markers: $3.54
6 – Small glue sticks: $0.40/2 sticks = $1.20
1 – Box of colored pencils: $0.50
1 – Box of watercolor paints: $0.99
2 – Marble notebooks: $0.40/notebook = $0.80
1 – Large pink erasers = $1.00
NEXT: Elementary School
