5 School Supplies Your Kids Need and What They Cost

The first day of school in Dearborn is Sept. 3, and that means it's time to start thinking of back-to-school shopping.

School supply lists can seem never ending, but here are five items that are likely to make every child’s supplies list:

1. Pencils

At Office Max, a 12-pack of Just Basics pencils costs $1.49. Comparatively, a 48-pack of Staples pencils costs $4.99, while a 12-pack of pencils costs $1 at Dollar Tree. Five Below, which targets pre-teens and teens with all merchandise priced from $1 to $5, sells an eight-pack of pencils for $1.

2. Notebook

Office Max sells a single-subject notebook for $0.59, a Staples one-subject notebook is $1 and a single-subject notebook at Dollar Tree is $1. A single-subject notebook at Five Below is also $1.

3. Backpack

A backpack at Office Max can run anywhere from $29.99 to over $100. The lowest price for a backpack at Staples is $14.99 and the highest is $395. Dollar Tree doesn’t sell backpacks. A backpack at Five Below is $5.

A weekly planner at Office Max costs $12.99, while a weekly/monthly planner at Staples cost $8.99. A weekly planner at Dollar Tree stores is $1. At Five Below, a weekly/monthly planner is $3.

5. Folders

At Office Max, a two-pocket folder will cost $1.99. At Staples, a two-pocket folder will cost 99 cents. A two-pocket folder at both Dollar Tree and Five Below is $1.

Remember, price doesn't always speak for quality so it's best to check the supplies in person. But hopefully, this gave some ideas!