Dollar Tree Homeschool Supplies Dos and Don’ts [Organization Hacks]

Homeschooling on a budget and looking for some cheap but worthwhile supplies?

Then Dollar Tree is a great place to do some of your homeschool shopping. However, just because you can FIND it at the dollar store doesn’t mean you should BUY it.

There are some amazing finds that will only cost you $1.25 (plus tax) but that are worth so much more. And there are plenty of things that you may find and think “this just seems too good to be true” and they are.

Being able to determine which homeschool supplies are worth it and which are more trouble than you need can be the biggest difference in saving you and your family money.

Homeschooling is definitely not the cheap option for families, so finding the right supplies can truly be a lifesaver.

Check out these hacks on the dos and don’ts when shopping at the dollar tree.

Do Buy:

Learning Tools

Playing Cards

Coloring Books

Reading Books

Flashcards

Certain Crafts

Puzzles

Workbooks

Certain Toys

Wall Posters

Word Strips

Etch-a-Sketch

Magnifying Glass

Doodle Boards

Seasonal Items

Supplies

Plasticware

Paper Plates

Craft/Popsicle Sticks

Sponges

Bingo Daubers

Pocket Charts

Bookmarks

Storage Containers

Sand Timers

Dry Erase Boards

Craft Foam

Water Squirter

Kid Desk Trays

Clipboards

Manipulatives:

Buttons

Pipe Cleaners

Googly Eyes

Dice/Blocks

Pool Noodles

Stickers

Cereal

Seeds

Applesauce

Rubberbands

Counters

Pom Poms

Marbles

Envelopes

The Reasoning:

• Dollar Tree is a great resource when it comes to finding workbooks and other learning materials that will help build up your curriculum. You can find reading books, coloring books, and so much for just $1.25. If they work for your child’s current age level then snag them quickly because they are definitely the biggest steal.

Plus, there are so many other supplies (like those listed above) that you can buy for maximum savings.

• If you are looking for some homeschool basics then you will find some amazing supplies at your local Dollar Tree. There are all sorts of organizers and decor items to help build that classroom setting. You can also usually find most of your kid-friendly craft essentials such as paper plates, sponges, etc that will make set up cheap and easy.

And don’t forget to grab the educational essentials for your littles as well. You can find dry erase boards for classroom interaction or kid desk trays to store their supplies.

• When you are buying on a short-term basis, Dollar Tree has some of the best-priced manipulatives. Most things you need for a craft or activity can be found at the dollar store and will get the job done just as well.

Personally, I don’t recommend buying the food manipulatives as a part of your household diet, but they are perfect for decorating crafts and threading activities.

Keep in Mind: If you are trying to buy ahead then I suggest buying your manipulatives at a different retailer. Most dollar store items are best in low-quantity or for last-minute ideas. Always take advantage of the ease of price comparison before doing any official shopping.

Don’t Buy:

The Reasoning:

• Crayons and paintbrushes are just a place you don’t want to scrimp. Dollar store crayons break easier and don’t color as smoothly. Unless you are using them for younger kids to just scribble it is better to splurge a little for good crayons. Paintbrushes from Dollar Tree tend to shed and not keep their shape. Just buy some quality brushes from a craft store they are still reasonably priced and last longer.

• School supply items like pencils, paper, notebooks, glue, and playdough can actually be found under a dollar especially during back-to-school time. Take advantage of the sales and buy enough to last you for the year. If you are a new homeschooler buy in bulk because they can be stored until needed (except for glue and playdough).

• Items like shaving cream, paper cups, tissue paper, and storage bags are actually cheaper than the dollar store. Shaving cream is actually under a dollar. While the other items may cost more than a dollar the total quantity you get divided by the price causes it to be cheaper by piece/unit.
  • For example, the dollar store has storage bags where you get 45 for $1.25 but at Walmart, you can get 100 bags for $1.94. For less than a dollar

Savings That Matter:

As you can see Dollar Tree has more than a few things that are worth buying for your homeschool needs and can definitely help save you money in the long haul.

But remember to price check before buying something new because it is not always cheaper at the dollar store.

Doing a quick internet search can definitely save you some money and don’t forget that buying in bulk (through other stores) can save you money too over time.

For more ways to save check out these posts:

Special Discounts for Homeschoolers– You can save money just by being a homeschooler. Check out the HUGE list of places and things you can save money on. Plus, learn about all the documentation you should have as a homeschooler and get a very special freebie.

7 Ways to Save on All Supplies– Learn these 7 tricks to save money on homeschool supplies. From innovative ways to maximize supplies to more tips on how to save money on MUST HAVE supplies.

Last Updated on November 3, 2024 by Kierra