These days, homeschooling on a budget means you look for every deal or discount you can. If something is free – you grab it. If something is a great deal – you stock up. So what about those dollar bin homeschool deals? You know – the little school supplies, notepads, and other trinkets you often find at the front of large megastores? Are they really worth it?

Dollar Bin Homeschool Deals… Are They Really Worth It?

It’s hard to turn down a great deal. We want to get the biggest bang for our buck. And marketers know this, that’s why you find a display of varied dollar bin deals at prominent locations at your favorite stores. It’s exciting… it’s tempting… and many of the items are just plain fun.  Are they worth the money though? Let’s consider the following to make such a judgment:

1. Is it something you truly need?

Consider needs vs. wants. The items in the bins are often things that you don’t truly need or can find a more functional, comparable item elsewhere. Do you really need another refrigerator magnet or grocery list notepad? Why buy a 30-page sticky notepad for a steal at $1 when you already have five at home in your drawer? And is that flimsy little calendar with the cute cat on the front of it really that helpful when you have a full-size monthly one on your fridge, a 3-ring binder printed from online for free, as well as an app on your phone?

2. Is it something of value?

Cheaply made things break. Sample sizes don’t last long enough. Many items in dollar bins are cheaper and smaller versions of the bigger, better product. A pack of ten pencils with pretty patterns isn’t worth anything if you try to sharpen them and the outside peels off, or you try to erase with them but the eraser doesn’t work effectively. You could buy a better set of pencils that will last and actually function correctly just by paying a dollar or two more a few aisles over. That sample size pack of tissues looks cute with the 3 variations of superhero designs on them, but when your kid decides to use them to clear off his whiteboard, that 3-pack is not going to last ten minutes. It’s better to invest $.50 more to buy a full-size box of Kleenex.

3. Can you get it elsewhere, for less?

You just might be able to find the same item somewhere else, for less. Consider the purchase before you even pick the item up. Sometimes, the items in the bins may be found at another store for less than they are priced in the over-advertised and widely praised discount bins. Advertising costs, packaging and display of the items, and word of mouth sometimes makes the items in those bins “seem” better and more attractive than they truly are.

Finding dollar bin homeschool deals can be a special treat, and make you feel like a homeschool shopping diva. But making a wise choice when it comes to them is something you will have to consider. The joy of perusing the displays of discount supplies and treats is a fun experience. But if you’re not wise, it is one that will end up costing you more than you expected.

What has been your favorite Dollar Bin Find?

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