It's mid-July, which usually means we're thinking about heading to the beach or trying to stay cool. Going back to school has only crossed our minds when the kids complain about being bored for the umpteenth time that day.

Yet, retailers want you to think about school, as many are offering early discounts on school supplies.

We searched for the best deals around. Let the kids skip this shopping spree, and enjoy the money you'll save by shopping early.

Florida's sales tax holiday will run August 12 through August 14. If you don't want to wait, you'll find great deals on all your back-to-school needs, such as Crayola markers, Elmer's glue, scissors, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, licensed character backpacks, lunch boxes and more.

CVS

Deals: Sales on markers, pens, notebooks and folders:

• Expo dry erase (4-count) or Sharpie permanent marker (2-count), $1.99
• Pilot EasyTouch pens (2-count), five for $5
• Caliber 2-pocket folder, ten for $1 (limit 10 per customer)
• Caliber 1-subject notebook, three for $1
• Caliber pen and ink eraser, three for $1
• Caliber pencil sharpener, three for $1

Good through: July 16

Kmart

Deal: Great savings on backpacks, lunch kits and supplies:

• Get a free lunch kit (a $5.99 value) when you purchase any backpack.
• Buy one, get one free deal on select 2-pocket folders
• Buy one, get one free deal on select composition books, notebooks or filler paper
• Crayola crayons (48-count), $2
• Paper Mate pens (10-count), $1
• Microban pointed scissors, $1
• Dixon pencil kit (15-count), $2

Good through: July 16

Publix

Deal: Buy one, get one free deals on the following:

• Master lock combination, $4.99
• Crayola washable markers (8-count), $3.69
• Crayola colored pencils (12-count), $2.39
• Poly 2 pocket folder, $0.79

Good through: July 20

Target

Deal: Enjoy discounts on backpacks, lunch boxes and supplies:

• RoseArt glue sticks (2-count); washable school glue (4-ounce), $0.20
• Crayola Classic Washable Markets (8-count), $2
• Licensed character backpacks (Cars 2, Littlest Pet Shop and More), $9
• Binder pencil pouch, Owl or Camo, two for $3

Good through: July 16

Walmart

Deal: Save money on the basics:

• Crayola 24-count crayons, $0.40
• Crayola 10-count markers, $0.97
• Crayola colored pencils, $0.97
• Elmer's school glue, $0.40
• Fiskars scissors (blunt and sharp), $1.47

Good through: July 16