Aug 14, 2026

11 Best Back-To-School Items To Buy at Walmart for Less Than $15

Walmart has plenty of back-to-school essentials for less than $15, from notebooks and planners to lunch boxes and other classroom-ready supplies. These 11 affordable picks can help families stock up for the school year while keeping their overall spending in check.

Whether you’re shopping for a kindergartner’s first supply list or or replacing the basics for a busy high school student, small savings on everyday necessities can add up quickly.

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The following items offer practical value without requiring shoppers to sacrifice quality or convenience.

1. Pen+Gear Butter Pencil Pouch

Price: $7.47

No more digging through a backpack for a missing pencil. This roomy zippered pencil case keeps pens, pencils, erasers and other classroom essentials together in one place.

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2. Think Ink 15-Month Weekly Planner

Price: $9.94

This 15-month planner helps students keep track of homework, tests activities and deadlines in one place. It has weekly planning pages, monthly calendars and a pocket for notes and papers, making it easier to stay organized all year.

3. SUNEE Spiral Notebook 5-Pack

Price: $11.99

With five spiral notebooks for five subjects, staying organized is simple. Dividers help keep classes separate, college-ruled pages give you lots of space to write and you can tear out sheets neatly when you need them.

4. Ticonderoga No. 2 Pencils (12-Pack)

Price: $2.97

Teachers have trusted Ticonderoga pencils for years because they sharpen easily, erase cleanly and resist breaking better than many budget pencils. They're a dependable choice that many parents buy year after year.

5. Hap Tim Insulated Kids Lunch Box

Price: $11.99-13.99

Students use an insulated lunch bag every day. This one has space for lunch, snacks and a drink and it keeps everything fresh until lunchtime. (some patterns are higher in price)

6. Sharpie Permanent Marker, Ultra Fine Point, Black, 2-Pack

Price: $3.77

These ultra-fine Sharpies are great for labeling notebooks, folders, or lunch containers. The ink dries fast, doesn’t fade and stays clear all year long.

7. Crayola Crayons (24 Count)

Price: $0.50, regular price: $1.44

A fresh box of Crayola crayons is a back-to-school classic. The colors go on smoothly and evenly, making them a reliable choice for art projects, classroom activities and coloring assignments.

8. Pen+Gear Wide Ruled Composition Book, Axolotl Design

Price: $1.97

This colorful composition book features a fun axolotl cover that makes note-taking a little more enjoyable. The wide-ruled pages provide plenty of writing space, while the sturdy cover and binding are designed to hold up to daily use.

9. Elmer's Washable Glue Sticks

Price: $4.47, regular price: $6.88

Younger students use Elmer's glue sticks for art projects, crafts and worksheets. The purple-colored glue makes it easy to see where it's been applied before drying clear.

10. ViVin Heavy-Duty Plastic Folders, 12-Pack

Price: $12.99, regular price: $17.99

Keeping handouts, homework and class notes organized is much easier with sturdy pocket folders. This 12-pack includes two interior pockets and three-prong fasteners to hold loose papers securely. The assorted colors also make it easy to assign a different folder to each subject.

11. Pen+Gear Retractable Highlighters, 12-Pack

Price: $7.97

These retractable highlighters make it easier to review notes by drawing attention to important facts, vocabulary and study materials. This 12-pack comes in assorted colors for color-coding different subjects, while the retractable design protects the chisel tip without needing separate caps.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.

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Written by

Rafaela Stålbalk Klose

Rafaela Stalbalk Klose is a seasoned copywriter with 14+ years in writing, editing, and content strategy. With a journalism and marketing background, she creates engaging content that empowers readers. Rafaela also specializes in organic content strategies that boost brand visibility and SEO.

Edited by

Angela Corry

Angela is a seasoned personal finance editor with deep expertise in economic trends, government programs and financial markets. As managing editor, she leads a team of high-performing writers and editors, shaping smart, accessible coverage that helps readers make confident money decisions. Previously, Angela held senior editorial roles at TheCelebrityCafe.com and Inquisitr.com, where she managed large distributed teams and built data-driven content strategies across a variety of news genres. When she’s not editing, Angela runs a homemade jam side business, experimenting with seasonal flavors and selling small-batch preserves at local markets and craft fairs.