7 Back-To-School Items Cheaper at Target Than Costco in 2024
Will you save more money on back-to-school items at Target or Costco? Overall, Costco does have better deals, especially if you need to buy in bulk. However, Target does have lower prices on a few select items.
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“There aren’t really a lot of head-to-head comparisons because unless you have a lot of kids, Costco’s sizes often contain too many items for two kids,” said Jim Wang, money expert and founder of personal finance website Wallet Hacks. “We are huge fans of Costco, but for back-to-school supplies, we usually go to Target or Walmart to get what we need.”
Here are some school supplies that are cheaper at Target than Costco.
Lunchboxes
Of course, there are better deals on select lunchboxes at Costco than at Target, such as this pack of three Bentgo Kids lunch box set from Costco for only $29.99, which is the same price for just one at Target. But if you’re looking for a basic, affordable lunchbox for a single child, Target may be a better choice.
“Target sells an upright lunch bag from Fulton Bag Co. for $15, whereas the Costco option will run you $50,” Wang explained. The PlanetBox Rover Lunchbox & Carry Bag Set that Wang referred to is also on sale through July 31 for $39.99, but Target is still the better deal. “Target’s Fulton Bag Upright Lunch Bag doesn’t come with the containers, but you may not even need those if you’re replacing one from last year. If you need containers, they certainly won’t cost you $35 somewhere else,” he added.
Staplers
On Costco’s website, the Bostitch Premium Desktop Stapler Value Pack, priced at $14.99, is the only one available. The pack has a stapler, 5,000 premium staples and a staple remover. Target also sells a Swingline 3-in-1 Stapler Set, including a stapler, 1,250 staples and a staple remover, for $10.19. If you need something simple, this mini stapler from Swingline comes with 1,000 staples and is only $2.99 at Target.
Desks
Not only does Target generally have lower prices on desks, but it also has greater variety. The cheapest desk on Costco’s website is the FlipShelf Portable and Folding Workstation, which costs $59.99, originally $79.99. This is a very basic desk that folds out for instant assembly. Target’s most affordable desk is the Budapest Writing Desk by Polifurniture, which costs $31.84, originally $45.49. This requires some assembly, but it also comes with two drawers.
Office Chairs
If you’re getting a desk for your student, then you’ll also need a desk chair. Again, you can find a better price at Target.
The True Innovations Office Task Chair costs $89.99 and is the cheapest you’ll find at Costco. A comparable version at Target is the FDW PU Leather Task Chair, at $62.99, but cheaper options are available. The Task Chair Black from Room Essentials is very basic, but it’s about half the price.
Glue Sticks
There isn’t a big price difference on glue sticks at Target and Costco, but you’ll save more by shopping at Target. “Costco sells Scotch glue sticks in a 24-count for $9 while Target will sell them to you for $8.29 for a 30-count, and our school asks us to send 2 in per kid,” Wang said. If you only need a few, Target sells smaller packs at a decent price. “Target will sell you an Elmer’s 6-pack for $2.99,” Wang added.
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AirPods
Costco is known for its superior tech deals, but Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are cheaper at Target. They cost $149.99 at Costco but are on sale for $139.99 at Target. Costco also sells AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with AppleCare+ for $199.99, but you can save $30 by picking them up for $169.99 at Target.
Mechanical Pencils
The very popular Pentel Twist-Erase Click mechanical pencils cost $10.99 for six 0.7mm mechanical pencils, six erasers and three tubes of 12-count lead. Shoppers on Costco’s website say these are the best mechanical pencils you can find, but you’ll get a better price at Target.
The BIC Xtra Life mechanical pencils come in a pack of 40 for only $6.69, originally $9.89. There’s also a smaller set of eight Xtra Sparkle pencils for $1.59, originally $2.19.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Back-To-School Items Cheaper at Target Than Costco in 2024
