A $50 budget may not sound like much, but with the right strategy, it can go a long way toward outfitting your workspace. Whether you’re shopping for a small business, classroom, or home office, national retailers offer plenty of options to stretch every dollar—especially if you know when to buy, how to stack discounts, and where to earn cashback.

Here’s a breakdown of what $50 can get you at top office supply stores, and how to maximize value using rewards programs, sales, and cashback tools.

Staples: Practical Productivity

Staples is known for its wide selection and business-focused inventory. With $50, you can cover several basics:

• 10-ream case of copy paper
  
• 12-pack of BIC pens
  
• Desk organizer set
  
• Clipboards or dry-erase boards
  

To save even more, consider purchasing a Staples gift card with cashback through Fluz and combining it with a Staples Rewards account for bonus earnings.

Office Depot & OfficeMax: Tech and Tools

At Office Depot, $50 goes surprisingly far, especially during seasonal sales. Look for:

• A wireless mouse or basic keyboard
  
• Ergonomic office chair cushion
  
• 6-pack of legal pads
  
• Binder bundles and tab dividers
  

You can earn cashback at Office Depot by buying a gift card through Fluz, then apply store coupons at checkout.

Amazon Business: Bulk Essentials

For those registered with Amazon Business, $50 opens access to quantity discounts and small-business-only listings. Some smart buys include:

• 3-pack printer toner refills
  
• Bulk packs of pens or mechanical pencils
  
• Office chair wheels or footrests
  
• USB hubs or charging docks
  

Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature for eligible recurring items like paper towels or printer paper to lower the per-unit cost.

Walmart: Versatile and Budget-Friendly

At Walmart, $50 can cover both home and office essentials:

• Laptop stand
  
• 2-pack surge protectors
  
• Bulk coffee pods for breakrooms
  
• Cleaning supplies or wipes
  

Walmart is especially valuable during back-to-school season, when supplies like folders, paper, and dry-erase markers drop to under $1 each.

Target: Style and Supplies

Target combines utility with aesthetics, ideal for teachers or remote workers who value design:

• Desktop file sorter or paper tray
  
• Acrylic pen cup set
  
• Notebooks from the Sugar Paper or Day Designer collections
  
• Weekly planners or whiteboards
  

If you’re part of Target Circle, you’ll often find extra discounts that apply to these purchases.

Bonus: Stack with Cashback Apps

Want to squeeze even more value out of your $50? Here’s how:

• Buy gift cards through Fluz to unlock instant cashback before you shop.
  
• Activate Rakuten before purchasing online at Walmart, Staples, or Office Depot.
  
• Use Ibotta for select in-store items like cleaning products or snacks—just scan your receipt post-purchase.
  

The Bottom Line

With just $50, you can make meaningful upgrades to your workspace—especially if you combine sales, loyalty programs, and cashback tools. Plan purchases carefully, and you’ll be surprised how far that budget can go at today’s top retailers.