At Paper Plus, education is our world, so we understand the wide range of products, supplies and equipment children require for school. This varies based on the age of the child and whether they’re in primary, secondary school, or further education.
So we’ve put together a list of tips and tricks on buying school supplies and how to save a little on the prices to make back-to-school easier and as stress-free as possible.
Uniform: Consider how much your child will grow
As soon as children finish the school year, you will start seeing adverts everywhere for ‘back to school’ supplies. Whilst there are probably some good savings available at this time of year, it's important to consider how much your child will grow in the summer holidays. For secondary school children in the upper years, they might not grow as significantly as a younger child.
Always choose easy-iron or no-iron
With multiples of everything, the process of getting the uniform cleaned every week takes long enough. By cutting out the ironing stage, you are saving time every week. Many high street shops and supermarkets offer non-iron ranges within their school uniform and they usually include shirts, trousers, skirts, summer dresses, and polos.
Quality always wins
The number of supplies and equipment that each child needs when they return for the new school year in September can be crazy. However, we’re very much of the opinion that buying quality saves you in the long run.
For example, buying school shoes now that are £20 less than a more expensive alternative may sound appealing. But if these need replacing in December as opposed to March, you could end up buying three pairs of school shoes per academic year as opposed to one.
Do a little research before buying your school uniforms, check out wash guarantees, or see how brands match up against each other in various categories such as ‘fit’ and ‘quality’. Also consider stain-resistant materials, adjustable waistbands, and easy-to-put-on options, which can all go towards the durability and longevity of school uniforms. Spending a little more now could mean future savings.
Stationery: You can get this any time of the year
Stationery is pretty much available all year round, as it is essential for not only school children but businesses throughout the UK. It’s much easier to buy this when it suits you and your budget.
As a parent, we would suggest checking first what the school provides for pupils and only then buying what is needed. For teachers and those who work in schools, it’s all about buying in bulk and ordering everything at once. Especially for the items that schools go through e.g. exercise books, paper, and folders. This way you can keep track of what has been spent on what supplies and get the best prices.
Stationery staples include pens, pencils, and other writing equipment. But there are also the pencils cases that most students have to keep all of their stationery in.
Recycle & re-use
Some school supplies need to be replaced every term or every year. But for some, especially for secondary school children, the equipment can last for years and even be passed on from siblings. For example a scientific calculator. These can last for years without even having to change the battery. Whilst the price isn’t huge for a scientific calculator, reusing one from an older sibling or a friend's child is a saving nonetheless.
Lunchboxes and bags: Go plainer on the design
As every parent knows, one day your child is crazy about Paw Patrol and the next it's all about PJ Masks. So it can be hard to keep up with what is ‘in’ and what isn’t and this applies to all ages of children. Going down the plainer design route when picking a water bottle and lunch bag could mean they last longer in terms of your child actually wanting to carry it around. The plainer design often tends to have options for more environmentally friendly products and can have more useful features included.
Supplies: Do a stock check of what your child ends the school term WITH and WITHOUT
Parents will understand that on the last day of school, backpacks get chucked into the cupboard to only reappear the night before the first day of the new school year. Whilst this is normal, it may be a good idea to see what your child comes home with on their last day of school. This means you have a starting point and know what is needed for the return to school.
Contact us
For more advice on everything school related, explore our wide range of blogs. Or if you’d like to get in touch with us, please email us at sales@paperplusuk.com or call us on 01444 238 050
