Dollar Store Steals and Deals for Teachers You Need to Know Now

If you’re a teacher reading this blog and not quite ready to think about back to school, then turn over on your lounge chair and save this for later. But if visions of colored pens and paper are dancing in your head, this is for you.

Last month I wrote about a First Week Challenge that will help you get organized for the initial week back at school. Many of the items you’ll need can be found right around the corner at your local dollar store including pens, pencils, notebooks, cleaning and sanitizer products, and snacks to name a few. If you're participating in the challenge, you can purchase the storage container, sticky notes, construction paper, and some of the other items at a good discount. Interested in the challenge? Find out more in our New and Beginning Teacher Prepping for Success Facebook group. We'd love for you to join us.

Dollar General offers teachers several discounts. I just signed up to receive digital coupons, and it didn’t take any time at all. Sign up is easy and quick here by choosing "create account". After that, head over to Dollar General Digital Coupons for a look at the kinds of coupons you can access. Choose the ones you want to use and then those are available to you when you check out in the store and online. You'll get an ID that is used at the register once you've signed up. I found one coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 until July 6.

Look for the Back-to-School section for staples you'll need for your students and classroom. In the past Dollar General has promoted a teacher appreciation sale both in May and August, so by signing up for emails, you'll be notified of those as they are available. And don't forget to look at the weekly ad where you might score discounts on products you need at home and in the classroom like sanitizer, wipes, and tissues. Some other items I found were buy one, get one Air Wick air freshener (if you teach middle school, you understand), and $1 Natura Valley Granola. August is sure to bring savings on other school supplies as well.

Even if you don’t live near DG, there are a few other discount stores you want to check out. Family Dollar and Dollar Tree also offer sign up options similar to DG. Some stores will require a school ID, so be sure to have it handy just in case.

Dollar Tree posts a blog with craft ideas where you can find inspiration for classroom storage, activities and more. According to the site, “Ms. Pennywise shows you creative and cost-saving ideas for classroom décor and bulletin boards, crafts, science experiments, and more. Organize and decorate your room, get your students’ creative juices flowing with arts and crafts, create learning centers to engage your students in new and exciting ways, celebrate and reward your class, and make learning FUN!”

Family Dollar has a link for back to school which is mainly ideas for home organization, snacks and a few crafts.

I love a freebie or great discount especially when I'm coming out of pocket for supplies for my classroom. What are some of your favorite teacher discount finds? If you’ve scored great deals or ideas from your local dollar store, be sure to comment and share!

Happy Teaching,

Melissa