The kids are off school for the very long six weeks summer holidays, and already complaining of being bored and having nothing to do (despite having plenty). While going back to school isn’t even on their minds, as an adult, it is time to start thinking of shopping for those back to school items before the maniac rush starts. And by starting early, you can also spread the cost and it isn’t a cheap time of year. After all, their education is extremely important, to you and them (whether they know it or not).
Back to School is a stressful time with having to remember everything the kids need, especially when moving up to high school, and trying to stick to a budget while getting quality items that will last longer than five minutes before needing replacing.
It isn’t just new uniforms that need purchasing, but all the paraphernalia that goes with it. Uniforms are obviously the most important part, and the most expensive, and when looking at what they need it really is a lot (I sure I never had this amount of stuff when I went to school), but you also require bags, p.e. kits, stationery and more.
So we have made a small, but not exhaustive list by any means, of some things that you may need to buy before the new term starts.
School Uniform
- Trousers / Pinafores / Skirts (and belt if needed)
- Shirts / Polo Shirts
- Jumpers / Cardigans
- School Tie (if your school requires one)
- School Blazer (if your school requires one)
- Socks / Tights
- Shoes – we like the look of the Treads Shoes as they claim to be indestructible
- Coats (lightweight foldable / winter coat)
- Hat and Gloves
- Wellies
Don’t forget to label all their clothes as you don’t want to be replacing if it keeps misplaced and no one knows who it belongs to. You can write the names in, use name stampers or even name labels that either stick on or iron on.
Also check with your school if the uniform has to be branded with logos or if you can buy generic items in the correct colours – If branded items are required, check if your school sell sew on patches as this will save a fortune over buying branded jumpers etc.
PE Kit
- Shorts
- T-shirt
- Socks
- Pumps (indoor use)
- Trainers (outdoor use)
- Track suit
- Kit/Gym bag
- Swimming kit
Accessories
- Backpack
- Book bag
- Lunch box or bag
- Water bottle
Stationery
- Pens
- Pencils
- Pencil case
- Notebooks
- Exercise books
- Coloured markers
- Calculator
- Highlighters
- Pencils sharper
- Ruler
- Eraser
If starting high school, where the amount of homework and projects is going to increase, you may also want to look at getting some more expensive items:
- Laptop / Computer
- Printer
- Scanner
I hope this list helps you in some small way of getting all the items that your child needs before the new term starts. If your school do not require all items of clothing to branded then the supermarkets offer uniforms at very good prices. If your school offers the option of sew-on or iron-on badges, then I recommend getting some as this can save a fortune.
And make sure that you label all items. Uniforms and all the accessories can be quite expensive, and you really do want to minimize having to replace any if you can. While labelling it doesn’t guarantee it won’t be lost, if it is you have a much better chance of it coming back.
If I have missed anything essential off, please leave a comment below.
