I just love shopping for school supplies. I was always thrilled as a child to start the school year off with new crayons, clean spiral notebooks and freshly sharpened pencils! Yes, I guess I was a bit of a nerd, but I still enjoy shopping for my own kids to this day.
However, we all know that there are children that rarely get the experience of new school supplies. So when Walmart recently challenged me to fill a back-to-school backpack with all of the essential school supplies for the lowest price possible for charity, I gladly accepted.
Any guesses as to how much I paid for all of the supplies pictured above??? Just $20.28, including tax!
Now I didn’t use any coupons for this challenge since I purchased my items on a spur of the moment trip with my two youngest, so there’s a chance that I could have whittled it down some more using them or by ad matching, but Walmart has some fantastic every day low prices right now!
Here’s what I purchased:
- Eastsport Backpack, $9
- Crayola Colored Pencils (12 ct.), $0.97*
- Crayola Markers (10 ct.), $0.97*
- Crayola Crayons (24 ct.), $0.40
- Dixon Pencils (24 ct.), $0.97
- Elmers Glue-All, $0.97
- Elmers Glue Sticks (6 ct.), $1.97
- Pink Erasers (2 pk.), $0.97
- Blunt Tip Scissors, $0.74*
- (5) Spiral Notebooks (70 ct.), $0.20*
- (4) 2-Pocket Paper Folders, $0.15
I’m told that all of the items marked with an asterisk are actually priced below cost, so you can feel comfortable knowing you’re getting a great deal on them! Walmart also actually carries backpacks starting as low as $3.88, but I opted for a little nicer backpack that seems like it should hold up to everyday wear and tear.
Altogether, I think I put together a really nice surprise for a needy child, and my youngest son and daughter had a blast helping me pick everything out. I should mention here that Walmart made it a pleasure to shop with them with their wide aisles and neatly organized bins and shelves. I was able to get in and out in about 15 minutes which is almost unheard of!
How are you doing on your back-to-school shopping so far?
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for the time and effort spent creating this post. However, my participation in this program is voluntary and my opinions are my own — always have been, always will be.
Sarah
That is nice of you to do. I use this time of year to stock up on colored pencils, crayons, etc to donate to our local Children’s Hospital.
I like that you didn’t buy the generic art supplies.
Carly Peters
I love the backpack idea for a needy child. I have a friend who has a small charity called “Baskets of Love”. She gives baskets to single moms with kids every month with a different theme just to encourage the moms and families. When August comes around, she always does something called backpacks of love and you can donate something like you made. It’s a great idea and it always feels good to give.
Love your website!
Karen
I’d like to know how you found out about this charity? I would love to do this, but have heard nothing about it in our area. Any suggestions?
Tara Kuczykowski
Walmart didn’t direct what charity I should give the supplies to. I know that the local ABC affiliate did a drive in conjunction with the Salvation Army last Friday. (read more here: https://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wsyx_vid_12452.shtml)
If you’re interested in helping a needy child, I’m sure the Salvation Army would gladly help you get matched up. Or you could always call your local school and see if they have a need also.
birtrightrose
Charity? You should hand over the filled bag to the Wal Mart cashier on your way out. Great prices or not, Wal Mart takes advantage of all of their vendors and workers. I can’t and won’t support them at a cost to my fellow humans!
thinktwice
I know many out of work people who would love to have a job – even if it is at Walmart. They may not pay as high or have as many benefits as working at another place… but their workers stay because they need a job. If working there was so terrible… they wouldn’t have any workers! They are free to quit at any time!
Joan Hagaman
I have a neighbor whom don’t have much money and would love to help them out.
Loretta
Kudos to you for doing this. Thank you for donating the backpack and supplies to a needy child.
Alex
There’s a local drive in my town for school supplies on Friday. Using deals from walmart to office supply stores this week I managed to buy 78 items for $11.44, didn’t buy any backpacks though.
Elvis Carrilo
Thanks for every one of your labor on this web page. My niece really likes making time for research and it is easy to see why. Most people know all regarding the compelling way you offer sensible items on the website and as well improve participation from some other people about this concern then our own daughter is undoubtedly understanding so much. Enjoy the rest of the new year. You are doing a remarkable job.
amanda
Hello I was planning on having a back to school bash at out church at the end off august. I was curious if there was a way to order school supplies for 30+ children? I want to pass supplies out to those in need in our area. Please email me with any information. Thank you Amanda
Cornelius
Wal Mart should be ashamed of taking advantage of you. Wal Mart shouldn’t be asking people to buy their products (hence increasing their profits), and then donating to charity – THEY should be donating to charity directly, since they have billions of dollars with which to do so. Wal Mart loses nothing from this: and they gain in tax credits and sales. You lost $20.