It may feel like summer still, but depending on where you live, school is starting up again in a matter of days and weeks. Parents already have school shopping top of mind.
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Dollar Tree remains a contender for where to get some school supplies if you’re frugal or on a tighter budget due to tariff-related cost spikes and overall high cost of living.
School costs add up quickly. According to the National Retail Federation, families are already laying out their budgets for kids in the K-12 age groups as follows on average:
- $143.77 for school supplies
- $295.81 for electronics
- $249.36 for clothing and accessories
- $169.13 for shoes
To take the price edge off, I asked ChatGPT what would be the best $20 parents could spend on back-to-school shopping for kids at Dollar Tree. Here’s what it recommended.
An Optimum Back-to-School Bundle
ChatGPT first gave me a variety of “bundles” of products that parents could buy, but I felt they were too all over the map, so I asked it for an “optimum” bundle for parents, and here’s what it delivered. While I double checked that all of these items are indeed advertised on Dollar Tree’s website at the $1.25 price, it is possible for prices to vary or even for Dollar Tree to raise prices.
- 2 notebooks: $2.50
- 1 pack of pens (10-pack): $1.25
- 1 pack of pencils (24-count): $1.25
- 1 pack of pencil sharpeners (12-count): $1.25
- 1 pack of colored pencils (8- to 10-count): $1.25
- 1 3-ring binder (vinyl cover): $1.25
- 2-pocket folders (2-pack): $1.25
- 1 pack college-ruled binder paper (200 sheets): $1.25
- 1 pencil case or box: $1.25
- 1 pack of glue sticks (4-count): $1.25
- 1 pack of sticky notes or index cards: $1.25
- Mini hand sanitizer or tissue pack: $1.25
The total for this group of supplies is $18.75 before tax.
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Why These Supplies?
ChatGPT said that this collection of supplies offers “maximum utility” and would cost anywhere from two to three times more at big-box stores. This group also covers many of the basics that teachers ask for, from writing supplies to organizational tools to craft items.
Grade Flexible
Even better, this group of supplies can accommodate several different age groups, from K-12 to college students. Even if all these items aren’t used this semester or school year, they’re practical for home and work use, too.
ChatGPT said, “Everything in this kit is practical and classroom-ready.”
The Price Is Right
Of course, the most compelling reason is that the price is just too good to beat. For families with multiple school-aged children, shopping at Dollar Tree for school supplies can alleviate budget woes and make sure that every child has what they need to succeed.
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Of course, don’t wait until the last minute to go school shopping, because many other parents will have the same idea for budget shopping. Shop early before items run out, and, when possible, bring your school’s supply list so you get what you actually need.
Other considerations that ChatGPT recommended include:
- Prioritize multiuse items (e.g., notebooks that double as planners).
- Buy things that come in multipacks.
- Pair with cash-back apps or loyalty programs if your Dollar Tree participates.
Not Everything Is a Bargain
While there are a lot of great items to buy at Dollar Tree, not every item is a perfect fit. If you’re looking for durable items like backpacks, electronics or high-quality art materials, you might need to spend a bit more and shop elsewhere.
Dollar Tree may not be a one-stop solution for all school needs, but it’s a great start for affordable basics.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of Aug. 5, 2025. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT: What’s the Best $20 Parents Can Spend on Back-to-School Supplies at Dollar Tree?
