Back-to-School Shopping List and Ways to Save

Back-to-school spending arrives all at once: uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery and sometimes a laptop. Parents who shop in stages and compare prices usually spend less and avoid the stress of the last week.

Step 1: check what you already have

Before opening any website, go through last year's items. Many pencil cases, bags and shoes survive another year. Make three piles: keep, replace, and pass to a younger sibling or friend.

Step 2: read the school's list

Schools often require specific uniform colours, notebook types or brands. Buying the wrong item costs more than any discount saves, so follow the list exactly and ask the school if something is unclear.

The shopping checklist

Clothing and shoes

• Uniform tops and bottoms (at least two sets for the week)
• Sports clothes and sports shoes
• School shoes and socks
• A light jacket where needed

Family clothing stores such as DeFacto have everyday children's wear; in Egypt our code there is DEFAR142 for 10% off all products. Read the terms on the store page.

Bag and lunch gear

• A bag that fits the child's back, not the biggest one in the picture
• Lunch box and a leak-proof water bottle

Stationery

• Notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, ruler, scissors, glue
• Colour pencils or markers
• Labels with the child's name

Tech

• Tablet or laptop only if the school asks for one. A refurbished device can be an option; see our refurbished guide.
• Headphones suitable for children's use

Marketplaces like noon are convenient for stationery and electronics in one order. Check the terms of code BXI on its page, including the separate rules for toys.

Ways to save

1. Buy in two rounds. Get the essentials first and the extras once you know what the teacher really needs.
2. Size up carefully. One size larger can last longer, but too big is uncomfortable and unsafe in shoes.
3. Compare unit prices. A big pack of notebooks may cost less per notebook, if you will really use them.
4. Combine orders. Putting several items in one basket from a single store helps you reach a minimum for free delivery or a code.
5. Check the code terms. Some codes exclude discounted items.
6. Share with other parents. Group purchases of stationery can cut costs.

Younger children

For little ones starting nursery, stores such as FirstCry carry kids' essentials. Its code terms exclude diapers, wipes and Dyson, so check before you build the basket.

Final tips

Try shoes on at home, indoors, for a few minutes after delivery. Keep tags on until you are sure about size. Label everything, since lost jumpers and bottles are the biggest hidden cost of the school year.

Codes, discounts and terms can change at any time. Always check the store's terms at checkout before you pay.