25 Things to Buy at Target for Back to School

Back to the Bullseye

Adam Bettcher / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images CC

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Back to the Bullseye
Adam Bettcher / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images CC

Back to the Bullseye

Ready for back-to-school madness? Even if you're not, big-box retailers such as Target are. Like arch rival Walmart, Target will be saving some of its best prices on basics such as paper and notebooks for in-store shoppers, but online shoppers have a ton of great options, too. Here are some of our favorite school-time Bullseye buys.

Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: 14 Secrets for Shopping at Target

PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag
Source: target.com

PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag

Price: $24 | Buy it
This stylish lunch bag has built-in freezable gel that can keep a lunch cool without the addition of leaky, easily lost ice packs. It can fit a variety of containers and has a top buckle that allows it to clip to backpacks.

Casio Scientific Calculator
Source: target.com

Casio Scientific Calculator

Price: $10 | Buy it
The price is right for this basic calculator, which comes in three colors. It runs on battery and solar power, performs more than 250 functions and won't take up much room in a folder or a backpack.


Greenroom 1” Flamingos Binder
Source: target.com

Greenroom 1” Flamingos Binder

Price: $6 | Buy it
This not-so-basic three-ring binder is just one of Target’s many cute options. It holds up to 175 sheets of paper and will help brighten up any humdrum school day.

Cat & Jack Girls' Short-Sleeve Uniform Polo Shirt
Source: target.com

Cat & Jack Girls' Short-Sleeve Uniform Polo Shirt

Price: $7 | Buy it
Got a kid who has to wear a uniform? Target has you covered with inexpensive polos for girls and boys, including these fade- and shrink-resistant cotton-blend shirts that come in 10 colors.

Cat & Jack Boys' Flat Front Uniform Chino Pants
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Cat & Jack Boys' Flat Front Uniform Chino Pants

Price: $13 | Buy it
Kids can be rough on their pants, so there's no need to overspend. These uniform-friendly chinos are stain-repellant and wrinkle-resistant. They're also moisture-wicking and include a touch of spandex for comfort

HP 14” Touchscreen Chromebook
Source: target.com

HP 14” Touchscreen Chromebook

Price: $279 | Buy it
Homework is higher-tech than ever, and you don't want the kids using your laptop constantly. This Chromebook has all they need, including an Intel processor for all those web searches, a high-definition display, and a long-lasting battery.

Thermos Crckt Funtainer Water Bottle
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Thermos CRCKT Funtainer Water Bottle

Price: $15 | Buy it
Quench their thirst with this 12-ounce Thermos made with insulated stainless steel to keep water or other beverages cold all day long. The bottle won't sweat inside a backpack, and an integrated straw makes it easy to drink from without spilling.


Ubrands Locker Accessory Starter Kit
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UBrands Mesh Metal Locker Shelf Kit

Price: $13 | Buy it
Help older kids make the most of their space with this handy locker kit, which includes a 10-inch wire shelf, a magnetic cup for pens or other small items, and a white board for quick notes and reminders.

Sharpie Clear View Highlighter, 6-Count
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Sharpie Clear View Highlighters, 6-Count

Price: $10 | Buy it
Precision highlighting is totally a thing, and these Sharpies are the best tool for the job. They have see-through tips that mean you'll always know when to stop, and the smear-guard ink helps keep things even neater.

Bentgo Kids’ Leakproof Lunchbox
Source: target.com

Bentgo Kids’ Leakproof Lunchbox

Price: $28 | Buy it
This bento-style lunchbox is ideal for younger kids who love munching on a variety of foods. Built-in compartments free parents from using an endless stream of plastic sandwich and snack bags.

Yoobi Pink Unicorn Planner
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Yoobi Pink Unicorn Planner

Price: $9 | Buy it
This irresistible unicorn planner will help a kid stay organized all school year, or at least give them a charming place to doodle and daydream. Plus, for every item bought, a Yoobi item is donated to classrooms in need.

Cat & Jack Green Boys’ Backpack
Source: target.com

Cat & Jack Green Boys’ Backpack

Price: $17 | Buy it
This eye-catching color-block backpack has a unique, fold-over design — no more broken zippers — and a roomy exterior pocket for small items. It will fit up to a 13” laptop.

Mystic Apparel Shiny Sequin Kids’ Backpack
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Mystic Apparel Shiny Sequin Kids’ Backpack

Price: $20 | Buy it
It was only a matter of time before trendy color-change sequins made their way onto backpacks. But there's function beneath the sparkle, including an interior laptop sleeve, padded straps, and elastic side sleeves for water bottles or other small items.

Yoobi Mini Backpack Pencil Case
Source: target.com

Yoobi Mini Backpack Pencil Case

Price: $8 | Buy it
Stash pens, erasers, and other small supplies in this adorable pencil case, made to look like a miniature backpack. An expandable elastic strap on the back makes it easy to attach to binders, books, or a big backpack.

Elmer's Repositionable Glue Sticks, 6-Count
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Elmer's Repositionable Glue Sticks, 6-Count

Price: $5 | Buy it
Ideal for a little perfectionist who wants to nail every project, these Elmer's glue sticks won't bond fully for five minutes, allowing ample time for repositioning. As always, they're non-toxic and dry clear.

Swingline Quick Touch Stapler
Source: target.com

Swingline Quick Touch Stapler

Price: $11.29 | Buy it
Keep your own stapler pristine and give the kids an inexpensive model of their own. This one is power-assisted, so they won't have to bash it, and it comes with a jam-free guarantee.

Crayola Crayons, 24-Count
Source: target.com

Crayola Crayons, 24-Count

Price: 50 cents | Buy it
Small packs of Crayola crayons are a back-to-school staple for younger kids, and Target has certainly made them easy on the wallet. (If the teacher isn't a brand purist, Target’s Up & Up brand is only a quarter.)

Post-It Page Markers, 10-Count
Source: target.com

Post-It Page Markers, 10-Count

Price: $6 | Buy it
Ideal for high-schoolers or college kids slogging their way through thick textbooks, these brightly colored page markers make it easy to flip back to important info.

Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens, 3-Count
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Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens, 3-Count

Price: $5.49 | Buy it
Perfect for the kid who's picky about pens, these Paper Mates have fast-drying, smooth-writing gel ink and come in a variety of vivid colors. They also have an ergonomic grip to keep long note-taking sessions comfortable.

Five Star 2” 1,100-Sheet Zipper Ring Binder
Source: target.com

Five Star 2” 1,100-Sheet Zipper Ring Binder

Price: $21 | Buy it
This hefty binder can handle 1,100 sheets, has an expanding file and pocket, and is even water-resistant for those inevitable accidents. A zipper closure keeps things secure, and you can even carry it on its own with a padded shoulder strap.

Expo 2-in-1 Dry Erase Markers
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Expo 2-In-1 Dry Erase Markers, 4-Count

Price: $7.69 | Buy it
Get two colors in each of these dual-sided dry-erase markers. The low-odor ink won't stink up a classroom, and the chisel tips work equally well for broad, medium, or fine lines.

Mead Wide-Ruled Spiral Notebook
Source: target.com

Mead Wide-Ruled Spiral Notebook

Price: 59 cents | Buy it  
Whether you need wide-ruled or college-ruled, load up on basic spiral notebooks on the cheap. They come in several bright colors and include snag-resistant spiral binding that resists annoying uncoiling.

Sandisk 32GB Cruzer Dial Flash Drive, 2-Count
Source: target.com

Sandisk 32GB Cruzer Dial Flash Drive, 2-Count

Price: $11 | Buy it
Make it easy for kids to back up their work with a flash drive. These Sandisks have an eye-catching pattern, and the connectors are retractable using a small dial that can be attached to a key ring or lanyard.

Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils, 18-Count
Source: target.com

Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils, 18-Count

Price: $3.79 | Buy it
If your kid's teacher asks for a specific brand of pencils, chances are it will be Ticonderoga — they're legendary for durability. Spring for the pre-sharpened pack to eliminate one more to-do from your list.

Up & Up 2-Pocket Plastic Folder With Prongs
Source: target.com

Up & Up 2-Pocket Plastic Folder With Prongs

Price: 50 cents | Buy it
Load up on these inexpensive but durable polypropylene folders, which allow kids to stash papers in pockets or use center prongs. Choose from nine solid colors.