18 Shopping Secrets Teachers Use When Buying Back-to-School Supplies

Skip the September rush

“The best time to buy discount school supplies is July and August,” says Aly Bern, who teaches second grade. She checks the flyers from all the big box chains, as well Michael’s and smarter niche stores. She also notes that some stores offer sales in the latter half of September—to get rid of their overstock, so that’s a good time to look too, if you can wait on certain items. Check out our guide to the best time to buy almost anything.