Our Top Back-to-School Bargains!

At this time of year when the kids head back to school, we can't help but think of that Staple's commercial from a few years back with parents dancing to the tune of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year."

On one hand, the kids going back to school gets them out of the house and puts an end to the seemingly endless parade of summer activities.

On the other hand, it also means dealing with the high prices of school supplies, clothes and gear…especially this year!

We don't have any kids (or grandkids, darn it) going back to school, but if you do, we have found some hidden bargains for those must-have school items. So whether you're just beginning the process or your child is already back in school and needs something at the last minute, check out some of these real deals.

Best Deals – Many for Under $1!

Let's start with the "big" guys since many name brand stores are NOT to be overlooked. We, and some of our Dolans.com members, scoured these stores and found some serious deals. (Remember, even the small stuff can really add up, so save wherever you can.)

Here are some of the best deals we found:

Staples
FREE: Elmer's glue, after instant rebate
9 cents: Filler paper 150-sheets
20 cents: 2-pocket plastic report covers
25 cents: PaperMate mechanical pencils 5-pk
33 cents: 3″ x 5″ ruler index cards 100-pk
33 cents: 3″ x 5″ ruler index cards 100-pk
79 cents: Crayola markers 10-pk
75 cents: 1-subject notebook 100 sheets

K-Mart
$1.50: Westcott scissors

Office Depot
These offers not valid every day:
5 cents: Eraser caps 12-pk and 6″ protractor
50 cents: Crayola markers 10-pk and Office Depot glue sticks 4-pk

Target
27 cents: RoseArt crayons 24-ct
50 cents: Pencil box, stretchable book cover, vinyl pencil pouch and Mead Five Star folders
88 cents: Crayola colored pencils 12-pk

If school shopping also means spicing up the wardrobe, check out Wal-Mart for deals like a week's worth of children's outfits (five tops and five bottoms) for $60. (They're also selling school supplies for pennies!) Ebay, which has become the world's largest yard sale, is also an excellent source for buying shoes, and clothing…often with very little use as kids outgrow their sizes (we remember that well!)

Next: How to Find Big Bargains Online