The list of school supplies does get longer every year: backpacks, laptops, storage organizers. For parents, teachers, and students, back-to-school shopping 2026 shouldn't mean sacrificing savings.
More and more Canadians are looking south of the border for their school shopping, and it's easy to see why. This article suggests why you should search for the best back-to-school essentials in the US. We'll also guide you through using Shippsy to get your package shipped to your doorstep (or the nearest drop & go).
Every August, this season is one of the biggest US retail moments. Here's why crossing the border, virtually, is worth it for Canadian shoppers:
Let's be real, not every retailer is worth the extra step of cross-border shopping. Fortunately, these US stores consistently deliver the best combination of selection and deals.
Scentos Sugar Rush Candy Scented Gel Pens
Discount Price: From 19.99 USD to 18.99 USD
IT-30XS MultiView™ Scientific Calculator
Discount Price: From 20.00 USD to 16.99 USD
Drizzilicious Mini Rice Cake Variety Pack
Discount Price: From 20.45 USD to 17.05 USD
Zbar Iced Oatmel Cookie Granola Bars
Price: 89.18 USD
Cat & Jack Insulated Lunch Bag
Price: 12.00 USD
Price: 14.99 USD
Price: 32.99 USD
SkinnyPop Grab & Go Family Favourites
Price: 10.59 USD
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Crayons
Discounted Price: From 3.47 USD to 2.47 USD
Owala Kids' FreeShip Water Bottle
Price: 24.99 USD
Pen+Gear Zipper Case Organizer
Price: 3.97 USD
Mainstays Kids 4-Compartment Bento Box
Price: 7.82 USD
Amazon US carries a far broader selection than its Canadian counterpart. It typically runs back-to-school promotional events throughout the summer that stack well.
The sale spans late August into early September. They offer 40 to 50% discounts on supplies, clothing, and electronics, with stationery up to 60% off.
Grab these highly-demanded products before it's too late:
The Scentos Sugar Rush Coloured Gel Pens have a wide array of vibrant colours and a sweet scent. The set features flavours like cotton candy, bubblegum, and chocolate. They're non-toxic and washable, making them safe for children's classroom art activities.
Discount Price: From 19.99 USD to 18.99 USD
The TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator features a four-line display that lets users view multiple calculations at once. This solar- and battery-powered calculator is ideal for high school math and science exploration. It is approved for use on ACT, AP, and SATs.
Discount Price: From 20.00 USD to 16.99 USD
Say goodbye to sugary snacks and swap them with this vegan, plant-based option! Each single-serve bag of Drizzilicious Mini Rice Cake Variety Pack has only 90 calories. It comes with a variety of flavours: birthday cake, cookies and cream, and s'mores. This gluten-free rice cake drizzled with sweet sauce makes lunchtime more enjoyable with every bite.
Discount Price: From 20.45 USD to 17.05 USD
Formerly CLIF Kid Zbar, the Zbar Iced Oatmeal Cookie bars are a perfect lunchbox companion for long, busy school days. These USDA-certified organic soft-baked bars are free of artificial colouring, flavours, and preservatives. Each pack contains 12 grams of whole grains, making it a great source of fibre. Its delicious cinnamon taste is definitely a healthy way to fuel kids' energy.
Price: 89.18 USD
Related Topic: Does Amazon Ship to Canada: Ultimate Free Shipping Guide
Target has gone all-in on back-to-school for 2026, with most of its prices matching or beating last year's. They are also honouring state tax-free shopping weekends whenever they apply.
Here are some class essentials and snacks that are add-to-cart-worthy:
Looks and function go hand in hand with the Cat & Jack Insulated Lunch Bag in leopard print. The spacious compartment and insulation help keep a variety of food at a normal temperature until lunchtime. It also comes with a top handle with an adjustable strap, making it easier for kids to carry it anywhere. Plus, there's a side mesh pocket that can conveniently hold extra snacks.
Price: 12.00 USD
The Minecraft Kids’ Backpack is a 16-inch knapsack with embossed Minecraft graphics and a Creeper zipper-pull accent. It has two zip compartments and side mesh pockets to keep belongings in place. Plus, the roomy main compartment effortlessly fits any laptop, iPad, or planner.
Price: 14.99 USD
The S Sport By Skechers Kids' Vana Sneakers are for kids who aren't ready for laces yet, or simply want to get out the door faster every morning for school. They have a sparkle mesh upper and stretch laces that keep the style cute yet sleek. The shoe also features a cushioned memory foam insole, a shock-absorbing midsole, and soft fabric lining to ensure kids’ comfort in every stride.
Price: 32.99 USD
The SkinnyPop Grab & Go Family Favorites brings together lunchbox favourites like SkinnyPop popcorn, Dot's Pretzels, and Pirate's Booty. It offers several flavour options, including Original, White Cheddar, and Honey Mustard. So daily prep is completely hassle-free, and everyone can easily grab their go-to snack and flavour of the day. Plus, with plenty to share, this multipack comfortably lasts well beyond the school week.
Price: 10.59 USD
Related Topic: Target Shipping to Canada: A Complete Shopping Guide (2026)
Since 2019, Walmart has built its reputation around the lowest prices on the most popular school supplies. They have been providing savings throughout the summer on backpacks, uniforms, lunchboxes, electronics, and dorm room essentials.
Let's check out the great deals for these classroom basics:
Purchasing school supplies isn't complete without a safe, non-toxic crayon set. The Crayola Washable Crayons are formulated to wash off skin, most clothing, and painted walls. Unlike standard crayons, this 24-count box guarantees a mess-free experience. They are double-wrapped for extra durability during classroom craft sessions.
Discounted Price: From 3.47 USD to 2.47 USD
Owala Kids' FreeSip Water Bottle brings the brand's signature features down to a smaller, school-friendly size. Its patented FreeSip® spout lets kids sip through a built-in straw or tip the bottle back to swig from a wider opening. The water bottle has triple-layer insulation that keeps beverages cold for hours. It also features a leak-proof, push-button lid to prevent spillage.
Price: 24.99 USD
Stay organized with the Pen+Gear Iridescent Zipper Case. Walmart's very own in-house label offers affordable alternatives to name-brand school supplies.
The clear exterior makes it easy to find class essentials without a fuss. Plus, its flat yet roomy design can hold a few smaller school supplies, from sticky notes to a mini calculator.
Price: 3.97 USD
Make lunch prep easy-peasy with the Mainstays Kids 4-Compartment Bento Box. This lunch box splits into different compartments to keep the food separate and retain its flavours. Made from durable, BPA-free plastic, it's stain-resistant and built to last. It includes a fork, spoon, and a lidded condiment container. The removable inner tray is microwave-safe, while the top rack is dishwasher-safe.
Price: 7.82 USD
Related Topic: Does Walmart Ship to Canada: A Savings Guide (2026)
Once you've filled your cart at Amazon, Target, or Walmart, Shippsy handles getting those packages across the border.
Here’s how Shippsy works:
Shippsy brings your items from the US to Canada in as little as 2 to 4 business days, depending on the location. It's a convenient way to score US back-to-school sales without worrying about long delivery times before the first day of school.
Keep these tips in mind to get more value out of your back-to-school shopping run:
Back-to-school shopping in 2026 is vast and more affordable when you're not limited to Canadian shelves. With a free, unique US address from Shippsy, Canadians can enjoy Amazon, Target, and Walmart's best finds and get everything hassle-free.
Ready to start your cross-border shopping haul? Make an upgrade and get your free US address with Shippsy today to check every item off your list for the new school year.
Candy is a content writer who believes good writing should both work and wow. As Shippsy's content team lead, she turns shipping jargon into stories that actually make sense. When she's not leading the content team or crafting SEO-friendly pieces, you'll find her rereading (and rewatching) Harry Potter for the umpteenth time, working on her personal blog, or lost in a good book, with snacks (and a little caffeine) within reach.
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