It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to go back to school and stock up on supplies from the best back to school supply stores in Orange County. Summer is coming to a close and school doors are opening.
For some Orange County residents, school will be starting as early as the second week of August, while those who didn’t get out until late June are free until September for summer vacation. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or a homeschooling parent, here is a list of the best places for back to school supplies in Orange County.

Art Supply Warehouse
6672 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683
Art Supply Warehouse in Westminster isn’t just for artists and art teachers. They have a huge supply of art materials and general supplies including pencils, markers, paper, books, and activities that inspire creativity. Items are marked down to great prices at Art Supply Warehouse so they don’t offer an additional teacher discount, but some items do qualify for a bulk quantity discount, meaning if you buy 12 or more of an eligible item, you’ll get an additional 5% off. Art Supply Warehouse is now offering curbside pickup.
Barnes & Noble
Various locations throughout Orange County
Barnes & Noble isn’t a traditional supply store for back to school products, but they do have a lot of unique and quirky items that kids and teachers will enjoy bringing to the classroom including journals, pencils and pens, calendars, art supplies, bags, and more. Not to mention it’s the ideal place to stock up on new reading material or books for the classroom. They also sell textbooks, workbooks, and study guides. Check out the Back To School section to shop by grade. Barnes & Noble offers an Educators Discount program with all approved educators receiving 20% off all purchases for classroom use and 25% off purchases during Educator Appreciation Days.
Hobby Lobby
Locations throughout Orange County & Online
While Hobby Lobby is primarily an arts and crafts store, they have everything you need for all of your classroom projects. And for people who are learning at home, they have an extensive collection of furniture and products to help keep you organized. They almost always have 40% off coupons available to help you save money on your purchases. If you are a teacher or other education professional with a credit card issued directly by the school, you are eligible to save 10% off your purchase.
Lakeshore Learning
18679 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
23501 Avenida De La Carlota B, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Lakeshore Learning has two locations in Orange County and an outlet store in the city of Carson. Lakeshore is the school supply and teachers’ store and offers a wide selection of tools and resources for the classroom, plus basic supplies, educational toys, furniture, organizational products, and more. Lakeshore’s Back To School sale offers 20% off over 1,000 items, plus 50% off select daily doorbusters. Teachers get a free teacher’s plan book with purchase. In addition to the Back To School event, Lakeshore offers the Teacher’s Club. Educators who join the Teacher’s Club are eligible for up to 15% of select items throughout the year plus monthly specials and low prices on self-serve lamination.
Michael’s
Locations throughout Orange County
Michael’s is an art, craft, and supply store that offers lots of fun back to school items including pens, markers, paper, calendars, organizational items for desks, bags, furniture and much more. Michael’s Back To School sale offers vary week to week. Teachers receive 15% off year round with Valid ID. Michael’s now offers bulk buy discounts and shoppers can receive 20% off their first bulk buy order. Many products at Michael’s are available for buy one, get one free or buy one, get one 50% off during back to school promotions.
Office Depot
Locations throughout Orange County
Office Depot offers great back to school discounts with items as low as 25 cents. Glue, scissors, notebooks, pencils, erasers, and crayons are all here for the lowest price of the year. Teachers can sign up for the rewards program to earn 2% back on purchases. Office Depot also hosts Teacher Appreciation Days when educators receive special discounts. They also offer regular coupons including 25% of regular priced purchases.
Staples
Locations throughout Orange County
Staples offers many great back to school discounts throughout the summer. Staples has everything you need including notebooks, pens, pencils, calculators, glue sticks, folders, and more. Staples may offer an educator’s discount at checkout with valid ID, but discount may vary from store to store. They do offer a general rewards program which earns members up to 5% back on purchases.
Target
Locations throughout Orange County
Target is a major retailer that carries everything parents need to prepare their kids for school from clothes and supplies to backpacks and food for lunches. The Back To School promotions at Target last most of the summer and vary from week to week with deep discounts on all items including glue, backpacks, desk organizers, notebooks, crayons, and more. Teachers save with the Target Red Card to receive 5% off all purchases and free shipping.