Save up to 28% at the TPT Teacher Appreciation Sale!

Now is the time to save! TPT is having one of their rare site-wide sales from May 5-6. I and many other TPT sellers will be offering their entire stores at 20% off and you can save even more when using the TPT code ThankYou.

Have fun shopping!

Wednesday Websites: Stores with Teacher Discounts

To celebrate the upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week, I've posted this popular article from last year and added some new store discounts to the list! Enjoy!

One of my family's favorite things to do when we travel to places with good shopping is hunt for deals.  The goal: bring home new clothes at thrift store prices.  One of my brothers just discovered a way to save even more: teacher discounts.  He accidentally discovered that one of our favorite clothing stores offers 15% discounts to teachers who can present a valid teacher ID at checkout, so I started doing some digging and came up with several other stores that also offer deals.  They don't make these offers super obvious, but I've attached links for all of you who want to verify that the savings are for real.

1) Loft: Ann Taylor Loft stores offer a 15% discount when you sign up to receive teacher perks and deals.

2) Limited:The Limited offers a 15% discount to any teacher who can show a valid ID at check out.  This also applies to military personnel.

3) New York and Co: Get a 15% discount with a valid teacher ID or pay stub when you shop here.  

4) J. Crew:  They offer a 15% discount with a valid teacher ID. This offer is valid only when you shop in their stores.  This offer also applies to college students.

5) CJ BAnks: They offer a 10% discount every day.  Again, just how a valid teacher ID.

6) Banana Republic: This store also offers a 15% discount for teachers with a valid ID.  (I was not able to find the same offer at Old Navy and Gap, but it might be worth asking when you go in.)

7) Aerosoles - Get 15% off items $39.99 or higher by showing your teacher ID.

Want to update your summer and/or professional wardrobe?  Make sure you get your educators discount at these popular clothing stores.  

Here are also some other stores that offer teacher discounts:

1) Michaels - Get 15% off when showing a valid teacher's ID.

2) Office Depot/Office Max - Get 10% back on most school supplies.

3) JoAnn Fabrics - Get 15% off each time you shop when you sign up for their educator program.

Know of others?  Please leave other tips you have in the comments section.

Fabulous Freebies: Teachers Can Travel for Free

As a language and literature teacher, traveling to other countries is more than a personal interest of mine.  It is where I've honed some of the skills I need to do my job.  Some of my best memories and learning experiences come from travels to Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and other expensive destinations.  Obviously, money can be a barrier, but it doesn't have to be.  There are some great ways to travel for free.

#1: One of the most popular routes is to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship.  Numerous countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa offer scholarships to teachers covering travel and living expenses.  The experiences are designed to facilitate a cultural exchange and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of others.

#2: Another option is to take a group of students on a trip with you.  There are a number of companies that organize trips for students.  Depending on the size of the group, teachers travel at free or reduced rates.

#3: Research the vast body of grants and scholarships available.  If doing a bit of traveling peaks your interest, take a few minutes to start doing a bit more research.  You never know where it could take you.

Extra Summer Money for Teachers

This article is from 2012 but I've updated and added some new suggestions since everyone can always use more money!

1. Sell your teaching ideas & lesson plans online.

Although it might show I am a little behind the times, this is something I had never even realized was done or even thought about doing until this school year. However, it's been the most natural way for me to try to earn extra money over the summer. Sites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Teachers Notebook let you sell your lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations and more online. Teachers Pay Teachers even allows you to sign up for a free account and Teachers Notebook lifetime seller's fee is only $20 so it is a cheap business to start.

I have found that I had to make some changes to some of my favorite lessons to make them work for others and I added some extra details, but thinking about different ways to teach things has made me a better teacher. The feedback from other teachers is also a big benefit. Last year I was looking all over online for an art game to play with my students. Now, instead of looking all over I knew I had the skills and abilities to make it and share it with others.

2. Work at a convention or other temporary summer job.

One summer I earned extra money working at a few conventions that were in town. That worked for me since the Chicago area is large and has many conventions throughout the year. I found out about the convention work through an ad on Craigslist. The company was very understanding and nice and asked me to contact them the next summer if I was interested in work again.

3. Start a class.

Now you may want a break from teaching since that is what we do the rest of the year, but you may enjoy teaching something different. Most park districts offer a variety of summer classes and I have found that if you call in advance with a new class topic, they are very open to new summer offerings. This would be a fun opportunity to teach something you don't normally get to teach such as garden tips or crafts and might refresh you. The park district near my house said that all I need to do was come up with a topic and they would be excited to add it to the curriculum.

4. Tutor kids.

Tutor companies are always looking for teachers to help students during the summer or you could even start your own tutoring business. Tutor Nation is a great place to register as a tutor and advertise your services. Here is a good article about starting your own tutoring business with a lot of tips and things to think about.
  

5. Do Some Sitting

Pet or house sitting during the summer is a great way to earn extra money and still have plenty of time left to do other things. Pet MD has an article about starting up a pet sitting or dog walking service.

6. Work on Your Hobby

If you have a hobby or craft that you enjoy, developing some items that you can sell on a site like Etsy is a great way to spend your time. If you enjoy photography, this would also work as a great way to earn money while having fun.

7. "Earn" money by becoming a super saver over the summer.

This is not exactly a way to earn extra cash during the summer, but it is a great way to find yourself with more money during the summer and during the rest of the school year.  The summer is a great time to start yourself on a budget if you are not already on one, look through all those bills and see if there are any you can eliminate or switch to different companies to save money.

The biggest way I have "earned" money over the summer after starting it one year was couponing. I am not an extreme couponer like on TV but I learned the basics and couponing is something I can continue during the school year, although I am much more laid back about it. I follow Hip2Save's blog to find the best coupon deals and sales.

Are there any creative ways you earn money over the summer? Please share your tips and tricks in the comments below.

Update Your Teacher's Wardrobe for Less

One of my family's favorite things to do when we travel to places with good shopping is hunt for deals.  The goal: bring home new clothes at thrift store prices.  One of my brothers just discovered a way to save even more: teacher discounts.  He accidentally discovered that one of our favorite clothing stores offers 15% discounts to teachers who can present a valid teacher ID at checkout, so I started doing some digging and came up with several other stores that also offer deals.  They don't make these offers super obvious, but I've attached links for all of you who want to verify that the savings are for real.

1) Loft: Ann Taylor Loft stores offer a 15% discount when you sign up to receive teacher perks and deals.

2) Limited:The Limited offers a 15% discount to any teacher who can show a valid ID at check out.  This also applies to military personnel.

3) New York and Co: Get a 15% discount with a valid teacher ID or pay stub when you shop here.  

4) J. Crew:  They offer a 15% discount with a valid teacher ID. This offer is valid only when you shop in their stores.  This offer also applies to college students.

5) CJ BAnks: They offer a 10% discount every day.  Again, just how a valid teacher ID.

6) Banana Republic: This store also offers a 15% discount for teachers with a valid ID.  (I was not able to find the same offer at Old Navy and Gap, but it might be worth asking when you go in.)

Want to update your summer and/or professional wardrobe?  Make sure you get your educators discount at these popular clothing stores.  

Know of others?  Please leave other tips you have in the comments section.

Teachers Travel For Free

As a language and literature teacher, traveling to other countries is more than a personal interest of mine.  It is where I've honed some of the skills I need to do my job.  Some of my best memories and learning experiences come from travels to Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and other expensive destinations.  Obviously, money can be a barrier, but it doesn't have to be.  There are some great ways to travel for free.

#1: One of the most popular routes is to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship.  Numerous countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa offer scholarships to teachers covering travel and living expenses.  The experiences are designed to facilitate a cultural exchange and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of others.


#2: Another option is to take a group of students on a trip with you.  There are a number of companies that organize trips for students.  Depending on the size of the group, teachers travel at free or reduced rates.


#3: Research the vast body of grants and scholarships available.  If doing a bit of traveling peaks your interest, take a few minutes to start doing a bit more research.  You never know where it could take you.

For Frugal Teachers Only

Lesson Lady and I have had the privilege of working at schools that have taught us to be resourceful.  Our budgets many years have been nonexistent.  For a variety of reasons, we frequently have students coming to us without the necessary materials.  So, we have learned to differentiate between what we want for our classrooms and what we need, and find creative ways to get things done.  Here are just a few tips....

1) If students do not have something to write with I give them a golf pencil.  It supplies them with what they need while encouraging them to bring their own writing utensils because they prefer regular sized pens and pencils to the hand cramping minis.

2) This is an obvious one, but recycle paper.  Whenever I have unused single sided paper I cut it in half and use it for scratch paper, notes, etc.  I never buy notepads anymore.

3) Need to cover an old bulletin board?  Use fabric that can be washed and re-used or paint it.  This will save you from covering it-- and recovering it again later-- with paper.

4) If you can digitalize it, do it!  Save on ink and paper.

5) Trying to make the room look a little more cozy?  Hit the thrift stores and garage scales.  Scavenge through college towns during move out week.  Pick up an old piece and make it new with a little paint.

6) Struggling to find storage space in the room?  Tack a piece of cloth to a book shelf to keep students out of the stuff you want tucked away out of sight.  It isn't secure, but the cloth with deter 99% of your students from accessing that space.

7) Have a student center where left behind supplies can be picked up and used by students who don't have something.  I call these supplies orphans who are looking to be adopted.  When students ask for supplies that is the first place I direct them.

8) Ask parents to donate supplies that you know you will go through.  For me, these include kleenex, hand sanitizer, printing paper, dry erase markers and band aids.  It is an easy way for parents to contribute if they are busy and struggle to find a way to help out, but would like to.

9) Donors Choose is a great website to help teachers fund projects.

10) Use sheet covers and crayons to create a cheap set of dry erase boards for doing group activities.

11) Take pictures and turn them into postcards for sending notes home.  You'll save on stationary and postage.

12) Use old containers as storage bins.  So much stuff comes in sturdy plastic these days that you really shouldn't have to buy small bins for organizing school supplies.

13) Check out thrift stores and library sales in order to build up your classroom library.

14) Subscribe to our blog and find lists of quality freebies every week.  We make sure to hit most major holidays, so this can definitely help you with some of your seasonally themed lesson planning.

15) Stock up on supplies when they are on sale.  If your school allows it, you can sell it to students who come unprepared and use the profit to keep your school store stocked.

16) Artsonia allows you to post students' artwork.  Parents can then go on and buy products with the kids' art work on it.  A percentage of the profit will come back to you to use in your classroom.

17) Instead of buying thumb drives and external hard drives to save work, store it in google docs for free.  That way you don't have to worry about it crashing.

18) Most medium to large sized cities have recycle centers where teachers can pick up recycled supplies for free.  Check to see if there is one in your area.

19) Pack your lunch instead of eating out.  Take a loaf of bread and turn it into sandwiches for a quick breakfast and/or lunch on the go.  This will prevent you from buying lunch when you're running too late to make something, not to mention save you time.

20) Embrace the uniform idea and save on buying school clothes.  When I was in high school I attended a school where the students didn't have to wear uniforms.  But, there was one teacher who had an outfit for every day of the week.  Once a year he rotated one outfit out and a new one in.  Students liked him, liked this odd quirk of his and always knew what day of the week it was.  He taught economics and I have to think the connection made his wardrobe a great object lesson in living frugally for his students.

Were any of these helpful?  Have ideas of your own?  Would like us to pass on more tips?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Kickstarter--Supporting the Arts

One of the hottest new fund raising sites is Kickstarter, a website created to fund the arts.  The site boasts a 44% success rate at funding individual projects in: comics, dance, design, fashion, film, food, games, music, photography, publishing, technology and theater.  Anyone can create a login in a few short simple steps.  Once you have an idea, the site takes you through a six phase proposal process.  In 30-60 days (you choose) you will know whether or not your project has been funded.  

There are a number of websites out there to help teachers raise funds.  But to my knowledge, this is the one with the most buzz when it comes to raising money for the arts.  With one of the documentary projects from last year receiving an Oscar nomination, the attention and potential funders visiting the site will continue to grow.  Even if you are not an art teacher, there are so many ways to bring the many site-supported art forms into the classroom.  It is definitely worth looking into.  Check out the website. Get inspired.  Get funded.  Get going!

Cyber Monday Teachers Pay Teachers Sale! Save 28%!

This Monday and Tuesday, December 2nd and 3rd, 2013 Teachers Pay Teachers is having a site wide sale! Most sellers, including myself and Etc will be listing their stores at 20% off. Using code CYBER, TPT will give you an additional 10% off for a total of 28%! Site wide sales like this are sparse so if you have been thinking about getting something now is the time!

For fun seasonal activities and Spanish and high school English lessons, check out Etc's store.

For fun elementary level seasonal math and literacy activities, games and art lessons check out my (Lesson Lady) store.

Earn Extra Spending Money for the Holidays!

 Every year after opening presents my family says that it is time to cut back the gift giving next year, we gave so many gifts it was too much, next year we will set limits. Then, the next year arrives and even with the new set limits gift giving still is overwhelming. If your family is anything like mine, you may also want some extra cash for the holidays. Even if your family isn't like mine, who wouldn't love some extra cash? Maybe you could use it to go away for the holidays. That's my dream one day!

No matter what you want to use it for, here are some ways to earn some extra money for the holidays.

1. Sell your teaching ideas & lesson plans online.

If you are a teacher this could be the most natural way to earn extra money. I highly recommend signing up as a seller on Teachers Pay Teachers. If you are not sure of how many lessons you will end up posting, you can sign up for a basic seller or if you plan to sell a lot of lesson plans, sign up as a premium seller for $60 ayear. You can sell your lesson plans, worksheets, PowerPoint presentations and more online. Some sellers even sell just Clip Art so there is really a niche for everyone.

Although you may have to make some changes to your lessons to make them sell more online such as adding a title page, copyright sign and table of contents, most likely you will be rewarded for your efforts.

I also like hearing feedback from other teachers which has given me good ideas on new ways to use my lessons or things I could add to them that could help students more.

2. Work as a tutor.

Now this is probably not an option for most since teaching most of the time is really more than a full time job but if you do find you have extra time or will make extra time, tutoring may be the way to go. Students are gearing up for the ACT and there are many companies hiring tutors to help students raise their scores. Students that are starting to struggle may also need tutors in various subjects. You can find many of these ads on Craigslist. I have applied to several of these listings before and was contacted quite quickly by them after responding to their ad.

Tutor Nation is a great place to register as a tutor and advertise your services. Here is a good article about starting your own tutoring business with a lot of tips and things to think about.

3. Teach a class.

Now you may want a break from teaching, but you may enjoy teaching something different of more of a personal interest. Most park districts offer fall and spring classes and I have found that if you call in advance with a new class topic, they are very open to new offerings. This would be a fun opportunity to teach something you don't normally get to teach such as garden tips or crafts and might refresh you.

4. "Earn" money by becoming a super saver.

Start using coupons and looking for sales to save extra money that you can use towards your holidays. There are thousands of coupon blogs out there. I enjoy finding deals and reading Swaggrabber and Money Saving Mom.  In the past couponing would require subscribing to a newspaper but today with so many printable coupons it is easy to start saving right away. I do subscribe to a newspaper for the coupons but more and more am finding that I mainly use printable online coupons.


Are there any creative ways you earn money for the holidays? Please share your tips and tricks in the comments below and I would love to feature you in an article this month.

Fabulous Teacher Freebies to Fill Your Mailbox - Part 3!

Here is part three in our series dedicated to get you get educational freebies delivered to your home in your mailbox!  If you missed part 1 or part 2, please check them out and your mailbox will be filled shortly.

Get a free sun safety tool kit from the EPA for your classroom! Each kit contains over 50 cross-curricular activities and a free UV sensitive frisbee. Kits are recommended from grades K-8. Different schools and teachers may get different kits so check out the form as you request your kit for more information.

Get free seeds and begin growing plants in your classroom from Wintersown.org. You can select which seeds you would like to receive. How should you grow your plants? Check out these 15 ways to grow plants in your classroom for some great ideas!

Hey it's free! has a list with accurate links to each of the 50 states to request a paper state map. Most all of these links are through the state tourism office so you will also receive tourist info about your selected state.

The Youth for Human Rights offers a free kit for educators to help your students understand human rights. If you apply for this freebie, they do ask for you to provide them with feedback on the materials provided. The kit includes a booklet and DVD.

Milk Delivers.org offers a wide range of freebies dedicated to the benefits of milk. Freebies include brochures, fact sheets, posters, buttons, stickers and more! You can easily select which freebies you would like and the quantity you need.

Fabulous Teacher Freebies to Fill Your Mailbox - Part 2!

 

If you enjoyed Fabulous Teacher Freebies to Fill Your Mailbox Part I, here is part 2!  Here are some more teacher freebies that you can enjoy as they arrive in the mail. I love getting free things, especially directly to my own home.

Get a free ocean book cover that contains information about the 7 things you should know most about the ocean. Supplies are limited! Email your requests through this link.

Apply for a free, one year subscription to Yes! Magazine. This free deal is only available to middle and high school teachers, librarians and home schoolers. 

Get free Learning catalogs and DVD's by the Education Center. Free lesson plans are on most DVD's and other fun things to use in your classroom.

Values.com offers a set of free posters and DVD to help teach values to your students. This freebie is available to schools and non-profit organizations.

The EPA offers a free "Make a Difference" middle school kit to help your students learn about how they can help the environment.

Back to School Deals & Steals: 8/25/13 - 8/31/13

Most schools have started by now so the deals are starting to wind up! Here are this week's best back to school deals.

Walgreens

Deals using coupons from the weekly ad:
7/$1.00 - Wexford 2 pocket folder
$0.39 - Wexford ruler or protractor
$0.39 - Wexford compass
$0.39 - Wexford pencil sharpener
$0.79 - Pencil supply box

Deals no coupon required (but scan your Walgreen's card):
$0.29 - Paper Mate pens 10 pack
$0.49 - Wexford highlighter
$0.49 - Wexford 1 subject notebook 
$0.99 - Sharpie 4 pk. highlighters
$0.99 - Wexford 1" binder
$0.99 - Uni-ball gel pens 2 pk.
$0.99 - Elmer's jumbo glue or glue stick
$1.99 - Expo marker 4 pk. dry erase markers
$3.99 - Sharpie marker 8 pk.

Office Max

Deals for $1 and less:
$0.01 - Schoolio 2 pocket folder with $5 minimum purchase
$0.01 - Office Max multi-purpose paper after $6.99 easy rebate
$0.25 - Schoolio binders
$0.25 - Paper Mate pink pearl erasers
$0.25 - Westcott 5" scissors
$0.50 - Elmer's glue bottle
$0.75 - Bic highlighter 4 pk.
$1.00 - Zebra mechanical pencils
$1.00 - Poly folders & notebooks
$1.00 - Crayola colored pencils 12 pk.


Deals for $5 and less:
$2.00 - Dry erase board

Office Depot:

Deals for $1 and less:
$0.01 - Office Depot 2 pocket folders
$0.01 - Slider pencil case
$0.25 - 2 hole pencil sharpener
$0.25 - 1.8oz personal hand sanitizer
$0.25 - Office Depot 3 pk. pink erasers
$1.00 - Office Depot plastic ruler
$1.00 - Fiskars scissors
$1.00 - Foray 4 pk. retractable pens
$1.00 - Office Depot composition book
$1.00 - Office Depot 6 pk. highlighters


Deals for $5 and less:
$2.00 - Office Depot mini calculator
2 for 5.00 - Office Depot copy paper in white & varied colors
$3.00 - Office Depot clip board 3 pk.
$3.00 - Crayola 64 count crayons
$3.00 - Office Depot filler paper 500 sheets

Staples

Deals for $0.01 with a $5 minimum purchase:
- Staples white index cards 100 pk.
- Two pocket folder
- Staples #2 yellow pencils
- Staples 12 pk. eraser caps

Deals for $1 and less:
FREE - Bic ballpoint pens 12 pk. after easy rebate
$0.25 - Avery insert-able divider tabs
$0.50 - Staples perforated writing tab
$0.50 - Westcott 12" ruler
$0.50 - Bic mechanical pencil 5 pk.
$0.50 - Staples stickies 125 pk.
$0.75 - Crayola markers 10 pk.
$0.85 - Staples filler paper 120 sheets
$1.00 - Zebra retractable pens 7 pk.
$1.00 - Staples poly cover composition or 1 subject notebook
$1.00 - Staples 1 hole steel punch
$1.00 - Staples pencil box
$1.00 - 5"x8" writing pad
$1.00 - Staples wireless notebooks
$1.00 - Sharpie Accent highlighters 5 pk.
$1.00 - Sharpie markers 5 pk.
$1.00 - Bic eraser grips 4 pk.


Deals for $5 and less:
$1.99 - Webster's pocket dictionary
$2.00 -  Simply View 1" binder
$2.00 -  Avery glue sticks 3 pk.
$2.00 -  Xcellence 10 piece math kit
$2.00 -  Staples journal with pen

$3.00 - Hammermill ream copy paper after easy rebate
$3.00 - Staples photo plus paper 60 pk. after easy rebate
$3.00 - Pendaflex Write & Erase file folders 12 pk.
$3.00 - Staples pastel colored paper after easy rebate
$3.00 - Crayola crayons 64 pk.
$3.00 - Crayola colored pencils or Twistables 24 pk.
$3.00 - Crayola dry erase crayons 8 pk.
$3.00 - Crayola watercolor set
$3.00 - Expo markers 4 pk.
$5.00 - Sharpie markers 12 pk.

Back to School Deals & Steals: 8/18/13 - 8/24/13

Here are the best back to school deals for this week.

Walgreens

Deals using in coupon from the weekly ad:
$0.19 - Penway wooden ruler
$0.19 - Wexford plastic protractor
$0.19 - Wexford mini highlighters
$0.20 - Wexford paper folders
$0.20 - Wexford mini memo book
$0.33 - Wexford erasers
$0.39 - Posterboard
$0.39 - Wexford sticky notes
$0.39 - Wexford glue bottle
$0.39 - Wexford invisible tape
$0.39 - Wexford jumbo glue stick
$0.39 - Wexford index card case
$0.39 - Acco paper clips
$0.49 - Wexford poly portfolio with 2 pockets
$0.79 - Wexford filler paper
$0.79 - 5 pack Paper Mate mechanical pencils
$0.79 - 10 pack Paper Mate stick pens
$0.79 - 5 pack Bic highlighters
$0.99 - Wexford legal pads
$0.99 - Wexford composition book
$0.99 - 24 pack Crayola crayons

 Deals no coupon required (scan your Walgreen's card):
$0.39 - Sharpie permanent marker
$0.39 - Wexford index cards
$0.39 - 8 pack number 2 pencils
$0.49 - Paper Mate grip mechanical pencil 5 pack
$0.49 - Wexford sheet protectors
$0.49 - 5 tab dividers
$0.99 - 48 or 96 sheets Wexford construction paper
$0.99 - Fiskars 5" scissors
$0.99 - Wexford index tab dividers with pockets
$1.99 - Crayola 10 pack markers
$1.99 - Crayola 12 pack colored pencils
$3.99 - Adventure Trails backpack or drawstring bag

Office Depot

Deals for $1 and less:
$0.01 - Office Depot Spiral 1-Subject Notebooks (limit 3)
$0.01 - Office Depot Acrylic Rules 12″(limit 3)
$1.00 - Wilson Jones 1″ Binder — $1 (limit 3)
$1.00 - Office Depot Comfort Grip Mechanical Pencils 12 pk.(limit 3)
$1.00 - Office Depot Reinforcement Labels 200 ct.(limit 3)
$1.00 - 12 pk. Office Depot Wooden Pencils
$1.00 - Oxford 3×5″ Pastel Ruled Index Cards 100 pk.
$1.00 - Office Depot Magnetic Dry-Erase Eraser
$1.00 - Foray Erasable Highlighters with Chisel Tips 3 pk.
$1.00 - Zipper Seal Sandwich or Snack Bags 50 ct.
$1.00 - Office Depot 8″ Scissors
$1.00 - Office Depot Fashion Composition Notebooks

Deals for $5 and less:
$2.00 - Elmer's Washable Glue 4 pk.
$2.00 - Office Depot Dry Erase Marker 4 pk.
$2.00 - Color Trim and Flip Cover Calculator
$2.00 - Scotch Color Masking Tape
$2.00 - Office Depot Correction Tape 2 pk.
$2.00 - Norcom Reinforced Filler Paper
$3.00 - Foray Dry Erase Board
$3.00 - X-Cool Gamer Display or Desktop Calculator
$5.00 - Foray Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener

Staples

Deals for $1 and less:
FREE - 12 pk. Staples mechanical pencils after $4.29 easy rebate
$0.10 - Staples composition book with $5 minimum purchase
$0.50 - Westcott 7" scissors
$0.50 - 2 pk. Bic gel pens
$0.50 - Paper Mate 3 pk. magic erasers
$1.00 - Staples 3 hole paper punch
$1.00 - RoseArt 12 pk. colored pencils
$1.00 - Compass or protractor
$1.00 - Staples wireless notebook
$1.00 - Duck poster putty
$1.00 - Staples graph ruled notebook


Deals for $5 and less:
$2.00 - Staples 100 sheet one subject notebook
$2.00 - Staples notepad with pen
$2.00 - Staples portfolio
$2.00 - Bic Wite Out 2 pk.
$2.00 - Staples fashion clip board
$2.00 - Paper Mate Erasermate 5 pk. pens
$2.00 - 1" Simply View binders
$2.00 - 12 pk. Ticonderoga pencils
$2.00 - 12 pk. Paper Mate mechanical pencils
$2.00 - Staples pen style highlighters 6 pk.
$2.00 - Quartet 4 pk. dry erase markers
$2.00 - Staples 1 hole punch
$2.00 - Clorox disinfectant wipes
$2.00 - Purell hand sanitizer 8 oz.
$2.00 - Staples graph rule filler paper
$2.00 - Staples graph rule notebooks

$3.00 - Hammermill copy paper after easy rebate of $6.99
$4.99 - Staples 5 ream copy paper case after easy rebate
$5.00 - Staples monthly desk pad

Office Max

Deals for $1 and less:
$0.01 - Schoolio composition books with $5 minimum purchase
$0.25 - Sharpie markers
$0.25 - Schoolio poly folders
$0.25 - Schoolio 12 pk. colored pencils
$0.25 - Just Basics 12 pk. wooden pencils
$1.00 - Office Max one subject notebooks or poly notebook
$1.00 - Post-It Ultra Cube
$1.00 - Scotch Expressions single roll
$1.00 - Really Useful storage box

Deals for $5 and less:
$1.50 - Scotch 5" kids scissors
$2.00 - Elmer's purple glue sticks 6 pk.
$2.00 - Office Max 3 subject notebook
$2.00 - Office Max plastic clipboard
$3.00 - Schoolio 10 pocket organizer
$3.00 - Office Max five subject notebook or one subject poly notebook

Best Back to School Deals & Steals: 8/11/13 - 8/17/13

There are still plenty of hot deals out there for school supplies! Check it out!

Walgreens

Deals using in coupon from the weekly ad:
$0.79 - Elmer's glue bottle or glue stick two pack
$0.79 - Two pack Sharpie highlighters or Bic profile pens
$0.99 - Neon sharpie marker
$1.49 - Wexford pocket calculator
$1.49 - 10 pack yellow wooden pencils

Deals no coupon required: (must scan your Walgreen's card)
7 for $1.00 - Wexford two pocket folders
$0.49 - Paper Mate mechanical pencils 10 pack
$0.49 - Wexford 5" scissors
$0.49 - Highlighters
$0.49 - 60-70 sheet one subject notebooks
$2.99 - Wexford multipurpose paper, 400 sheets
$2..99 - 50 pack Wexford sheet protectors
$2..99 - 48 pack Oxford file folders
$4.99 - Expo markers 8 pack
$4.99 - Sharpie marker assorted 12 pack
Buy 1 get 1 free - Mead notebooks, composition books and portfolios

Office Depot

Deals for $1 and less:
$0.01 - Office Depot two pocket folders - limit 5
$0.50 - Office Depot three pack highlighters
$0.50 - Wilson Jones 1" poly binder
$0.50 - Office Depot compass
$0.50 - two pack Office Depot dry erase markers
$0.50 - 4 pack Scholastic glue sticks
$1.00 - Fiskars scissors for kids
$1.00 - Space Saver pencil case
$1.00 - Elmer's glue bottle
$1.00 - 4 pack Foray retractable pens
$1.00 - Post It dye cut sticky notes
$1.00 - 72 pack Office Depot eraser caps
$1.00 - 50 pack sandwich bags
$1.00 - 6 pack Office Depot mechanical pencils

Deals for $6 and less:
$3 - 20 pack Crayola markers
$3 - 24 pack Bic Cristal pens
$3 - Office Depot copy paper reams, available in varied colors
$4 - Crayola Twistables 24 pack crayons
$4 - 12 pack Foray highlighters
$4 - Ativa desktop calculator
$5 - 12 pack Sharpie permanent markers
$6 - Foray 20 pack gel ink roller pens

Staples

Deals for $1 and less:
FREE - Pilot 5 pack pens after easy rebate
$0.01 - Staples 1 subject notebooks with $5 minimum purchase
$0.01 - Home Select pocket tissues with $5 minimum purchase
$0.50 - Two pack Sharpie markers
$0.50 - 3 pack Pentel erasers
$0.50 - Staples pencil box
$1.00 - 4 pack Staples glue sticks
$1.00 - 5 pack Bic grip highlighters
$1.00 - Staples fat book with 200 pages
$1.00 - Hammermill copy paper ream after easy rebate
$1.00 - Staples clipboard


Deals for $6 and less:
$2 - Staples mini stapler
$2 - Ticonderoga 15 pack erasers
$2 - Simply View 1" binder
$2 - Staples one subject notebook
$2 - Westcott 7" scissors
$2 - Staples binder clips 75 pack
$3 - 4 pack fine point Expo markers
$3 - Expo dry erase board and marker
$3 - Staples 60 pack photo paper after easy rebate
$3 - Staples pastel paper after easy rebate
$3 - Duracell battery 4 pack
$4 - Ticonderoga 24 pack black pencils
$5 - 18 pack Bic pens
$5 - 28 pack Zebra mechanical pencils
$5 - Italian leather journal
$6 - 12 pack Sharpie markers

Target

$0.50 - Mead four pocket folders - use $1/2 Target coupon for $25 each
$1.00 - Up & Up three ring binders
$1.00 - Up & Up 24 count wooden pencils
$1.00 - Up & Up 6 count erasers
$1.50 - Mead one subject notebook - use $1/2 Target coupon for $1 each
$1.50 - Up & Up filler paper
$2.50 - Crayola 24 count colored pencils
$3.00 - Up & Up printer paper 400 sheets

Back to School Deals! 8/4/13 - 8/10/13

Here are this week's best back to school deals!

Walgreens

Deals using a coupon from the weekly ad:
$0.19 - Penway wooden ruler or Wexford protractor
$0.25 - Wexford erasers
$0.39 - Wexford compass or pencil sharpener
$0.69 - Wexford filler paper or plastic supply box
$0.79 - Sharpie marker two pack
$0.99 - Fiskars scissors
$0.99 - Crayola 24 pack crayons
$0.99 - Elmer's glue stick 2 pack
$0.99 - Wexford 1 inch color binder
$0.99 - Wexford pens 20 pack or retractable 4 pack
$0.99 - Wexford legal pads or correction fluid 2 pack
$0.99 - Wexford dry erase marker 4 pack
$0.99 - Wexford construction paper 48 sheet pad
$0.99 - Wexford composition book

Deals no coupon required:
6 for $1 - Wexford two pocket folder with prongs or memo book
$0.29 - 10 pack Paper Mate pens or pencils (with card)
$3.99 - Adventure Trails backpack or bags
$3.99 - Sharpie marker assorted 8 pack

Staples

Free & Almost Free
$0.01 - Staples filler paper with $5 minimum purchase
Free after rebate of $3.49 - Pentel ballpoint pens

$1 and Under
$0.25 - Bic mechanical pencil 5 pack
$0.75 - Staples composition book or one subject notebook
$0.99 - Bounty paper towel roll
$1.00 after easy rebate - Hammermill ream of copy paper
$1.00 - Expo four pack dry erase markers
$1.00 - Westcott two pack scissors
$1.00 - Staples index card case
$1.00 - Staples fashion composition books and notebooks
$1.00 - Three pack Staples pink erasers
$1.00 - Crayola coloring book
$1.00 - Really Useful storage bin

$5 and Under
$1.49 - Staples fashion reusable bags
$2 - Rose Art 10 pack markers
$2 - Five pack Sharpie markers
$2 - Bic white out correction pens
$2 - 5 pack Sharpie highlighters
$2 - Three pack Scotch transparent tape
$2 - 12 pack Staples mechanical pencils
$2 - Staples graph ruled filler paper
$2 - 1" Simple View binder
$2 - Staples one subject notebook

$2 - Staples index cards on rings
$2 - Staples stickies pack
$3 - Staples reinforced filler paper 
$5 - 48 pack Staples pencils

Office Max

$1 and Under
$0.01 with $5 minimum purchase - Office Max filler paper
$0.05 - Plastic protractor and compass
$0.50 - School ID markers
$0.50 - School ID composition books
$0.50 - Bic pen 10 packs
$0.50 - Paper Mate mechanical pencil pack
$0.50 - Office Max two pack glue sticks
$0.50 - 3 pack Paper Mate white pearl erasers *
$1.00 - Office max poly notebook and two pocket folders
$1.00 - 10 pack Paper Mate Ink Joy pens
$1.00 - Select clips and fasteners
$1.00 - 5 pack Sharpie highlighter *

$1.00 - 4 pack Expo dry erase markers *

$5 and Under
$2 - Office Max wireless notebooks
$2 - Two pack Scotch magic tape
$2 - Duct tape mini roll
$2 - 72 pack Just Basic yellow pencils *
$2 -   Dry Erase board
$5 - 5 pack Post It notes
2 for $5 - Prang metallic markers or watercolor paint set

Office Depot

Office Depot Best Deals
$0.01 - Vinyl storage pouch
$0.25 - Scholastic 24 pack crayons
$0.25 -8 pack Office Depot pencils
$0.25 - 10 pack Office Depot pens
$0.25 - Scholastic bottled glue
$0.25 - Oxford index cards
$0.25 - Office Depot poly 2 pocket folder
$0.50 - Office Depot 12" ruler
$0.99 - Office Depot two hole hand sharpener
$0.99 - Office Depot filler paper
$1 - School Works 2 pack scissors
$1 - Office Depot 3 pack pink eraser
$1 - Office Depot composition book

$3 - Five Star poly 1" binders

Fabulous Freebies: Free Discounts Just for Teachers!

For this week's Fabulous Friday Freebies I was preparing a list of places that give freebies and discounts to teachers. However, in creating my list I came across a website with a huge comprehensive list of these things! It has more than 60 discounts for teachers divided into different categories such as travel, school supplies, clothing and more! So, check out Gift Card Granny for an enormous and helpful list to find the best discounts for teachers around.

Back to School Deals--7/14/13 thru 7/20/13

Staples

Deals for $1 or less:

Staples school glue, 4 oz., limit 2 - $0.25

Slider pencil case, limit 2 - $0.25

RoseArt crayons, 24 pk, limit 2 - $0.25

Staples memo pad with magnetic closure - $0.25

Staples multipurpose paper 8.5 x 11 - $1 (after easy rebate)

Protractor or compass - $1

Zebra Z-Grip mechanical pencil, 7 pk - $1

Bic Wite-Out correction tape, 2 pk - $1

Deals for $5 or less:

Staples invisible tape, 4pk - $2

Staples 3-hole binder punch - $2

RoseArt washable markers, 10 pk - $2

Staples Hype pen-style highlighters, 6 pk - $2

Elmer's extreme glue stick - $2

Elmer's school 8 pk of glue sticks - $2

Staples Accel notebook - $2

Staples 12 pk no. 2 pencils - $1.50

Staples eraser and grip, 115 pk - $5

Expo neon dry erase markers, 5pk - $5

Expo dry erase fine tip markers, 4 pk - $3

Pentel WOW! retractable gel pens, 12 pk - $5

Other Deals

Buy HP ink and receive a $10 Staples gift card after easy rebate

Walgreens

Wexford 2 pocket folders - 8/$1 **

Wexford mini highlighters - 8/$1 **

Wexford 8 pk, no. 2 pencils - $0.39 **

Penway crayons, 24 pk - $0.39 **

Wexford one subject spiral notebook - $0.49 **

Wexford 5" scissors - $0.49 **

Crayola art supplies - buy one, get one 50% off ***

** Good with coupon and card

***Good with coupon

Office Max

With a $5 minimum purchase you can get:

Single Woodcase no. 2 pencils - $0.01

Deals for $1.00 or Less

24 pk Crayola crayons - $1
1 oz Purell hand sanitizer - $0.10
Officemax glue sticks, 4 oz., 4 pk - $0.25
Just Basics 10 pk ballpoint pens - $0.10
Schoolio paper folder - $0.15
Schoolio spiral notebook - $0.15
Office Max jumbo glue stick - $1
Crayola 12 pk colored pencils - $1
Sharpie yellow tank-style, 4 pk - $1

Deals $5 and Under

Bic Round Stic ball point pen, 12 pk - $2

Office Max mechanical pencil, 5 pk - $2
Bic wite-out, 2 pk - $2
Westcott 2 pk, 7" scissors - $3
Select Sharpie 5 pk - $3
Select Expo 4 pk dry erase markers - $3
Paperpro Evo stapler - $4
Pilot G2 gel pen, 4 pk - $4
Kleenex tissue, 3 pk - $4

Target

Fashion backpacks - $20
Embark backpack with matching lunch kit - $16
Up & up 500 sheet printer paper - $3.50
Up & up 8" scissors - $2.50
3 pk invisible scotch tape - $2.50
Sharpie neon marker - $1.50
3 ct Sharpie tank marker - $1.33
Up & up 24 ct wooden pencils - $1
Up & up 8 ct mechanical pencils - $1

Up & up pencil sharpener - $0.50
Up & up 2-ct. erasers - $0.50
Up & up plastic folder - $0.50
Up & up 100-ct. 3-inch x 5-inch ruled or unruled index cards - $0.50
Up & up pencil box - $0.50

SanDisk 8 gb USB drive - $10

Office Depot

2 Hole manual pencil sharpener - $0.25
Office Depot notebook filler paper - $0.25
Crayola crayon 24 ct. box - $0.50
Foray single pens - $0.50
Foray liquid ink highlighter, 5 pk - $2
Bic velocity gel pens, 4pk - $2
Write Dudes wooden no. 2 pencils, 24 pk - $3
Post-it notes 3 x 3 cube - $4
Sharpie chisel tip, 4 pk - $4

Check in weekly for updates so you know when and where to go for the best sales.  

Back to School Deals--7/7/13 through 7/13/13

Back to school deals are already starting, but don't panic.  You can breath easy....they are juuust staaaarting.  You still have summer left.  Even so, because many of the stores are already trying to wet their shoppers' appetites, they have started to offer deals.  And, like last summer, One Less Headache is here to help you compare prices.  Here is a highlight of some of the deals on school supplies starting this week and going through Saturday.

Staples

With a $5 minimum purchase you can get:

12 pk pencil cap erasers - $0.01

100 pk of 3" x 5" white index cards - $0.01

8 pk of black BIC ball point pens - $0.01

Other Deals

32 SanDisk USB flash drive - $19.99

25%-50% off all backpacks

Simply view binders - $2

10 ream case of paper - buy 2 get 1 free instantly

Office Max

With a $5 minimum purchase you can get:
Schoolio paper folders - $0.01
Office Max 4 oz. glue - $0.01

Deals for $1.00 or Less

Office Max composition notebook - $0.50
Office Max spiral notebook - $1
Schoolio 1" or 1.5" three ring binder - $1
12 pk Schoolio colored pencils - $1
Schoolio 5" blunt scissors - $1
4 pk of Avery glue sticks - $1
2 one liter storage box - $1
Office Max 2 x 2 post-it notes - $1

Deals $5 and Under
Office Max 3 subject notebook - $2
Office Max 5 subject notebook - $3
5 pk All Zebra Z Grip pens - $2
Office Max plastic clipboard - $3

Max Perk Deals - Get money back on items with Max Perk rewards. You can save your rewards and 'roll' them by buying new Max Perk items with the rewards to save you money.

*Office Perks multipurpose paper ream - $0.01 after $6.98 rebate on first two reams priced at $6.99

*Office Max 14 month desk calendar - $0.01 after $8.98 rebate on $8.99 purchase

Target

10 pk Crayola markers - $0.99
12 ct Crayola pencils - $0.99

3 ct Elmers glue sticks - $2.49
10 pk Sharpie markers - $5
10 ct Crayola color can - $7.99

Office Depot

10 ream case of paper - buy 2 get 1 free

12 pk Mr. Sketch markers - 50% off

Paper Pro desktop stapler - 50% off

12 pk assorted color Sharpie markers - 50% off

Wilson Jones D ring binders - buy two, get one free

$10 Office Depot gift card with purchase of $59 of HP ink

Five Star stand and store pencil holder - $4

Office Depot brand 4 pk dry erase markers - $3

Not ready to start stocking up yet?  That's okay, we'll keep monitoring weekly deals and posting highlights from top suppliers.  Check in weekly for updates so you know when and where to go for the best sales.

Fabulous Friday Freebies: Teacher Freebies to Fill Your Mailbox!

 

I love getting free things in the mail! Nothing is better than finding freebies, samples and more when I open my box instead of just bills or junk mail. Here are some educational freebies you can sign up for to fill your mailbox! Also,check out part 2 and part 3 for additional freebies!

Get a free Idea Book for Educators. The Idea Book has teacher guides that go along with A&E programs. I have never ordered this before so I'm not sure how it is but since it's free it can't hurt to sign up for it!

Sign up for your choice of free sample issues of Scholastic Magazine! I love receiving free magazines in the mail for my classroom. They often include free posters & other classroom materials. Usually once you get one free magazine, they will continue to send them free periodically to get you to sign up for it. The freebies range all the way from pre-K to secondary level and can even have options for other languages!

Get a free Stossel Good Intentions Gone Wrong DVD. They do ask that after getting the DVD you leave feedback. This could be a good lesson for social learning.

Order a free The Federal Reserve & You DVD. You can get one free DVD per mailing address & name so you may want to have this shipped to your home instead of to school.

Get a free First Year Science Teacher's Survival Kit! There are lots of freebies in here so even if it not your first year teaching science it may still be beneficial to sign up. Plus it's free, so it can't hurt!

Get a free Braille Alphabet card. This could be a great way to help students learn about Braille and how people communicate through the sense of touch. Please note that this freebies is for US addresses only.