I’m not sure if you have to be a curriculum junkie in order to be a homeschooler, but I do know that when you start teaching your children at home, you need resources. I have received nearly every home education-geared catalog out there. Oh I’m sure there are some I haven’t had, but I have had most at one time or other.
This list isn’t complete, because of course I only chose 10. To me, these are the ones that are the most useful, and have the most value for the amount of time you will spend perusing them. I left out the textbook publisher catalogs because they only sell their own products. I encourage you, especially if you are just beginning to homeschool, to visit these websites and request catalogs.
1. Rainbow Resource- I ordered my first catalog from them in 1998. I was impressed at the thickness, a whopping 3/8” of the largest array of homeschool curriculum I had yet seen. These days, think large city telephone book, and you’ve got their current catalog. Often they have the best prices around. When the new catalog comes in the mail, it goes everywhere with me for about the first two weeks. 
2. Christian Book Distributors- They have an assortment of specialized catalogs, and their homeschool one is very good. It is colorful and has reviews in it as well. Their prices are really good.
3. R.O.C.K. Solid- Not a huge catalog by any means, but the items that they do carry are solid, and they give plenty of product information and have really great prices.
4. Timberdoodle- Local to Washingtonians like me, Timberdoodle carries creative and fun educational supplies as well as curriculum. If your kids are into mechanics, construction, science, or just plain fun, they have products that will thrill them.
5. Home Science Tools- This company carries science supply kits for almost every science program out there. If it’s not listed in their catalog, chances are you can call them and ask. They also sell Apologia and BJU.
6. Library and Educational Services- Not a typical homeschool catalog, but LES carries lower-cost books and DVDs. Their service is really good!
7. Sonlight- Not to promote a program here, but their catalog is a virtual wealth of great book lists! I get it simply for the literature recommendations for all subjects.
8. Beautiful Feet Books- Another fantastic ‘book list’ type catalog, although not nearly as extensive as Sonlight, BF Books has great history programs and top notch literature suggestions.
9. Blick Art Materials- Again, not your “typical” homeschool catalog, because it isn’t, at all. Blick carries just about anything art-related that you can think of. Their prices blow away our local art supply here in town and even with shipping we saved a bunch. Fast delivery too!
10. Elijah Company- I put this one here for posterity sake. You “old” or “veteran” homeschoolers can relate with me that Elijah Company was much MUCH more than a catalog. They are no longer in business, but you can read all of their fantastic newsletter articles via The Wayback Machine at Archive.org. I was so sad to see them close, and even sadder to not receive their catalog any more. There was so much EXTRA included… articles on homeschooling, faith, parenting, teaching tips, and so much more. Bookmark this one!!
So tell me about YOUR favorite homeschool catalogs! If I missed your favorite catalog, please SHARE!
I love curriculum catalogs SO MUCH I just read them for weeks like a kid looking at the Christmas toy catalog
“Oohh I want that, and oh look there! And that one!!”
Its a good sickness
LOL but you admit that it IS a sickness!? It’s true. I admit it. I am a curriculum catalog addict. Sigh. Unfortunately the only support groups for moms like me are… HOMESCHOOL support groups! LOL
Thanks for joining in the Hip Homeschool Mom’s / Hop! We are excited to have you each week! I just love your blog!
Meghan
Meghan recently posted..Gratitude Community- 82-91
Stopping by to say “Hi” from the Hip Homeschool Hop! Have a blessed day!
Great list! I LOVE all of them. I’m off to sign up for the Blick one. I keep seeing the name, but hadn’t signed up for their catalog. Going to go fix that!
Lisa recently posted..Beach Fun
Lisa you won’t be disappointed! They have really great prices on art supplies, and they carry SO MUCH!
Great choices! I love the Veritas Press catalog. I don’t use their products, but I love the ideas.
Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers recently posted..Homeschool Showcase 54
You know, it was a toss up between putting Sonlight, and Veritas, and I went with Sonlight because I knew someone would speak up for Veritas!
Hi – thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog.
I love this list – I see several of my favorites on here. This was the first year I requested a Rainbow Resource catalog – oof! The kids laughed and thought it was a weird kind of phone book!
Kimarie recently posted..Menu Plan 8-23-10
And I bet you love it, right? I LOVE when my RR catalog comes!!
It’s a sickness, I know…
I’m intrigued by the sheer size of the Rainbow Resource catalog – off to order one right now!
Jen recently posted..Valedictorian speech
Jen: You will be amazed. The current one has 1330 pages!!
Hey there! Just stopping by from the Blog Hop! This is our first year homeschooling…thanks for all of the catalog links! Do most of these companies still print paper catalogs? That might be easier than trying to scroll through and compare on-line sometimes!
Theresa: Yes, they ALL mail out printed catalogs. I get those, decide what I want, and then order from them online.
thanks for posting this
and for responding! I am ordering those catalogs today!
Theresa recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Lincoln Monument
I agree about the Elijah co catalog, it was the best! The articles were great for figuring out what the different homeschool styles/philosophies were. I was sad when they closed, thanks for the archive link!
Jenny: Yay! Someone who remembers Elijah Co!! I had to share the archive when I found it!
Glad that you stopped by!