If you, like me are on a budget, shopping for bargains is a must. Homeschool resources are no different. While I have occasionally found curriculum at the local thrift store, those finds are few and far between. I find the time and effort required to visit multiple stores (often repeatedly) is not worth the savings.
Thankfully there are plenty of websites to find reasonably priced new and used homeschool resources. Many offer promo codes, free shipping, and discounts for large orders. Many of these sites offer rare or out of print books!
Sales often begin in April so, if possible have an idea of what you will need by then. But don’t lose heart, if you are not ready for the spring sales there are always early to mid-August back to school sales as well.
Here are, in my opinion, some of the best web stores for purchasing books, homeschool curriculum, and other educational resources.
1. Exodus Books
I could (and probably have!) spend hours on this site.
This bookstore sells new and used books, as well as games, toys, and crafts supplies.
The staff are homeschool veterans so well- equipped to answer specific questions about home education.
As a Christian business, their mission statement reads, To provide quality materials that help parents educate their children in the love and reverence of the Lord, and that help adults develop and promote their Christian faith in the midst of the humanist culture that surrounds us.
this blog contains affiliate links, I may earn compensation for purchases made using these links
THE FISHING CHRONICLES – book series & workbooks by LANE WALKER
2. Thriftbooks
Selling new, used, rare and collectible books.
Type in the word, ‘curriculum’ and almost 16,000 search result populate on this large site.
In addition to books, they have a large selection of games, movies, music, and gifts.
Sign up to the Thriftbooks 4 Teachers Reward program and get one free book with the purchase of four. Sheer ID verification is required.
Free shipping on orders over $15.
3. Rainbow Resource Center
This store is amazing!
With over 50,000 educational products, including games and activities, it is one of the best places for all your homeschool needs.
Christian owned and operated since 1989, the Rainbow Resource website has videos, a forum, and a blog.
Get on their mailing list and they will send their seasonal catalog so you can be up to date on products and offers.
Shipping is free for purchases over $50.
4. Abebooks
This is one of my favorites! I’ve used them often.
Abebooks has tons of rare and out of print books, low shipping costs, and excellent customer service.
In addition to books, they sell fine art and collectibles, photos, maps, and music.
Purchased in 2008 by Amazon, this shop has access to millions of titles.
5. Christianbooks
A wide selection of books, curricula, games, activities and more.
Their annual spring sale offers deep discounts you will love, often the best prices available.
Free shipping on purchases over $35.
6. Better World Books
New and used global online bookstore.
Textbooks, test prep, teacher’s guides, banned books, and bargain bin are just a few of their many categories.
Sub-topics under ‘education’ include administration, counseling, learning styles, and teaching.
Earn rewards points to get coupons. Refer a friend for additional discounts.
7. Powell’s City of Books
A physical bookstore in Portland, Oregon, Powell’s City of Books claims to be the largest bookstore in the world. The brick and mortar store has 9,000 rooms and 3,500 sections.
Shipping is free for orders over $50, or a flat rate of $5.99 for smaller orders.
8. The Back Pack
This site sells homeschool curriculum, specializing in used, traditional textbooks (pre common core). They offer customized packages for grades K-12.
Offering personalized service, the company contact number is on the website- a rare occurrence these days.
Orders may be placed over the phone or online.
Be sure to read their return policy prior to placing an order.
9. Second Harvest Curriculum
The child company of The Back Pack, Second Harvest Books has a large selection of used curriculum. They stock many big-name products from publishers like Abeka, Apologia, Bob Jones, Saxon, and Math U See.
Their blog provides stock updates and store news.
Buy with confidence as they offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Finished with a book? They will buy your used items. Currently (at the time of writing) accepting student workbooks, tests and answer keys.
10. Homeschool Classifieds
Connects individual homeschool buyers and sellers.
Besides offering new and used curriculum, this website offers homeschool advice and events.
As a buyer you do not need to register, though if yo udo you can leave feedback for sellers.
Sellers must register. A registration fee is charged when selling more than 7 items.
To help protect against scams there is a banned users page and a general scams information page.
There are so many great places to get deals, I’ve continued the list below.
Additional Places to Find Books and Curricula:
- Amazon.com
- Timberdoodle.com
- HomeschoolBuyersCo-op.org
- ShopGoodwill.com
- BookOutlet.com
- Beautiful Feet Books
- Alibris.com
- The Curriculum Store
- Second Sale
- Christian Schools International
- Public Library sales
- Yard Sales
- Facebook Homeschool Buy and Sell Groups
- Neighborhood & Community Groups (such as Nextdoor)
If you’ve read this far – congratulations – I’ve saved the best for last!
The site bookfinder.com is a search tool offering price comparisons for new and used books.
Have fun shopping!
