School supply list, COVID edition
Add face masks and hand sanitizer to the usual pens and notebooks this year.
For parents around Connecticut this year, school shopping lists are going to look very different. On June 25, Gov. Ned Lamont announced his plan for the upcoming school year amid the ongoing COVID- 19 pandemic. While backpacks and colored pencils are continued staples on everyone's list, items such as masks and hand sanitizer have become back- to- school musts for the new normal. From PPE to notebooks to clothing and more, here's a list of stores where you can knock out most of your back- to- school shopping, both in- person and online. Supplies may vary depending upon where and when you shop.
Big Box Stores/ Super Stores/ Amazon
Locations: Target, Walmart, Amazon
Pickup options: Curbside ( Select Locations), In- Store, Online with weekly sales, especially during the later summer weeks, big box stores such as Walmart and Target offer an unparalleled selection of items for back- to- school. Aside from standard school supplies and clothing, big box stores offer necessary sanitation items such as medical- grade masks and hand sanitizer. If there is something that you need for your child that is not in the store, you are able to order the item online and have it delivered to the store at no additional cost. If there is something that is out of stock both in store and online, you can sign up for stock alert emails. As for Amazon, an Amazon
Prime membership will cost you $ 119 a year, however, most items will ship to you for free within two days. Additionally, Amazon offers Prime deals of the day that can save you even more money. From notebooks to laptops, and backpacks to sweatshirts, you should be able to cross off most items on your child's back- to- school shopping list at these stores.
Clothing stores
Locations: Kohl's, Old Navy
Pickup options: Curbside ( Select Locations), In- Store, Online Kids are always growing, which makes it difficult to shop for clothes — especially during a pandemic. While new kids clothes can be expensive to purchase yearafter- year, stores often offer membership incentives and discounts to lighten the cost of new threads. According to Lamont's phase one
order, fitting rooms and beauty trial areas must remain closed until further notice. However, most stores are easing their return policies in case you get the wrong- sized clothing for your child. Some of these clothing stores, such as Old Navy and GAP, are producing their own cloth masks as finding medical grade masks continues to be difficult. The CDC has approved the use of nonmedical grade, cloth masks in the efforts to fight COVID- 19.
Club stores
Locations: Costco, BJ's
Pickup options: InStore, Online. If you're looking to purchase backto- school items or snacks for lunchtime in bulk, club stores such as Costco and BJ's will be your best bet. Whether this includes cleaning products, or binders, your wallet will be thanking you, especially if you're buying for multiple children. Club stores are especially helpful for families bringing their teen to college; ensuring that they will have enough provisions to last them through the semester. They also offer high- end electronics, such as TV's and laptops, which are often more affordable in comparison to the selection at big box stores. Teachers will also find club stores essential for back to school shopping as items such as pencils and hand sanitizer are in large enough quantities that can last through the fall months. Note that memberships are needed to purchase items at these stores. A basic BJ’s inner circle membership costs $ 55
while a Costco gold star membership sits at $ 60.
Discount variety stores
Locations: Dollar Tree, Dollar General
Pickup options: Online. If it is on your school supply list, chances are it can be found in one of the hundreds of discount variety of stores around Connecticut. While product quantities are limited, the prices cannot be matched if you're looking to buy items that you know your child will need much of during the school season. For teachers, discount variety stores are great spots to pick up decorations for your classroom as well as crafts that may be running low from last school year. Discount variety stores are also great for picking up small batches of off- brand, basic cleaning supplies to keep the classroom sanitary during the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Office supply stores
Locations: Staples, Office Max
Pickup options: Curbside ( Select Locations),
In- Store, OnlineFrom highlighters to hand sanitizer, you'll find everything you need inside an office supply store to send your kids back- to- school. While prices tend to skew higher at office supply stores like Staples, products at office supply stores are of usual higher quality and are built to last through the academic year. Recently, Staples has begun to stock PPE, with items such as noncontact thermometers and sneeze guards becoming purchasable online, and in select stores. If your child's school is not meeting for in- person academics in the Fall, you can invest in office furniture to make studying at home a little more comfortable.
Technology stores
Locations: Apple, Best Buy
Pickup options: InStore, Online Looking for high- end tech to bring your kids back to school? Stores that specialize in technological goods such as Best Buy and Apple offer the latest in laptops and smart phones, as well as appliances and televisions. For students going away for school, Best Buy offers a student membership program that sends deals right to your inbox. Additionally, Apple is offering deals for
students who are looking to purchase a new iPad or Mac Book for the upcoming school year.