Q: LittleMissKnowitAll, my son's school has been sending home these papers asking us to pre-purchase his school supplies for next year in a special kit. They say it is a really good deal. I know it would be easier, but is it really cheaper? Thanks!  ~ Alicia A: Easier, yes. Cheaper? NO. Most definitely not! Beginning in early to mid-July, the office supply stores will begin having weekly deals on school supplies that will easily blow away any savings from those school kits. That said, it is truly easier to buy one of those kits, and a lot of schools sell them as a fundraiser. However, I suggest making a simple monetary donation and getting the supplies yourself. I find that not only can I get most of my kids' supplies for pennies on the dollar, but I can stock up for throughout the year and even donate a lot of extras to school supply drives and to my children's classrooms.  Every week we'll compile a list of the best deals. You'll see everything from free folders to .25 binders to .01 pencils and more. The deals typically run from after July 4th until Labor Day. While they often limit the amount you can buy at once for the super-low prices, you can typically either get enough in one trip, or simply make multiple trips to get more. Some deals from past years: 

• Free Sharpie markers
• Free Bic pens
• Elmer's glue .01
• Free rulers
• Free pencils (8 pk)
• pocket folders for .05
• 1 subject notebooks for .01
• Free backpack with $10 purchase
• Free dry erase markers
• Free pencil sharpeners
• Crayon 24 pks for .20 or Schoolio Von Hoolio brand for .01
• Copy paper--ream for $1
• Glue stick four pack for .20
• school scissors for .25
• Composition notebooks for .35