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8 back-to-school tips that will make preparing for the new school year easy and fun

2 min
A graphic of two children looking happy.
From shopping for new backpacks and lunch boxes, to keeping track of school activities throughout the year, this list has parents and kids covered.

It’s that time of the year when both parents and children get swept up in a whirlwind of preparation for a new academic term.

All that planning and shopping for school essentials can be stressful, but we’ve got you covered.

Who’s ready to go back to school? Your kids will be, when they’re kitted out with these cool back-to-school essentials.

Here are eight top tips for back-to-school season that will make getting ready for the new term both fun and educational for your child, and ensure you have everything you need.

At a glance
1. Work with your child to make a list for the coming year
  • TABLE OF CONTENTS
    1. Work with your child to make a list for the coming year
  • 1. Work with your child to make a list for the coming year
  • 2. Distinguish between “wants” and “needs”
  • 3. When possible, let your kids choose certain school essentials
  • 4. Create an inventory of school supplies and keep them organised
  • 5. Make room for fun, even when it comes to the basics
  • 6. Explore discounts on back-to-school supplies
  • 7. Use a calendar to keep track of upcoming school activities and exams
  • 8. Build a habit of talking about school
From shopping for new backpacks and lunch boxes, to keeping track of school activities throughout the year, this list has parents and kids covered.

It’s that time of the year when both parents and children get swept up in a whirlwind of preparation for a new academic term.

All that planning and shopping for school essentials can be stressful, but we’ve got you covered.

Who’s ready to go back to school? Your kids will be, when they’re kitted out with these cool back-to-school essentials.

Here are eight top tips for back-to-school season that will make getting ready for the new term both fun and educational for your child, and ensure you have everything you need.

  • 1. Work with your child to make a list for the coming year

    First, consult with your child’s school or teacher for recommended school supplies or classroom equipment. They can offer great advice on what your child might need in the new academic year.

    Once you have these recommendations, sit down and go through the list with your child. Discussing this together will help them build organisational skills and instil a sense of responsibility for their own needs and belongings.

  • 2. Distinguish between “wants” and “needs”

    Don’t fall into the trap of trends. Talk with your child to find out which school supplies must be replenished—stationery, for example, can often be used from the previous year.

    Another educational activity you can do together is set a budget and ask your child to prioritise what they need or want within the amount.

  • 3. When possible, let your kids choose certain school essentials

    Shopping for certain key items plays a big part in the fun of going back to school. New school backpacks and pencil cases, for example, are things that help kids cultivate their own identity and style.

    Amazon offers a wide range of these to suit a variety of tastes that you can shop for with your children in the comfort of your home.

    Buy bestselling school bags here

    Buy bestselling pencil cases here

  • 4. Create an inventory of school supplies and keep them organised

    Bring out all the stationery supplies you have and organise them in drawers or clear plastic boxes, where you can easily see and take out what you need.

    Keeping tabs on what you have and what you’ll need to buy can save money and help you plan your budget for the year ahead.

  • 5. Make room for fun, even when it comes to the basics

    Pencils, pens, glue, rulers, and erasers are some of the basic stationery supplies every child needs. You can find pens and pencils on Amazon here, and erasers and other supplies here.

    But there’s room for fun and creativity even when it comes to basics. For example, you can get stationery sets or lunch boxes and water bottles featuring your child’s favourite characters that can serve as conversation starters for them at school.

  • 6. Explore discounts on back-to-school supplies

    Back-to-school season is a great time to look out for deals on school items. Check out our Back To School page now and save on select stationery supplies.

  • 7. Use a calendar to keep track of upcoming school activities and exams

    Marking important school dates and events on a common calendar at home in a family area, like the kitchen or living room, helps keep everyone on track with plans and informed about one another’s lives.

    Buy bestselling calendars here

  • 8. Build a habit of talking about school

    Setting aside a specific time every day to chat about what happened in school and answer your kids’ questions about anything they may want to discuss is a good bonding opportunity, and shows them that you’re interested in what’s happening in their lives—which in turn boosts their mental wellbeing.

    Talking about your child’s favourite subjects, activities or friends is also a great way for parents to learn more about their children.

On a mission to reset and renew in the new year? This go-to list of self-care literature—covering everything from how to boost your self-esteem to how to start a successful business—could change your life.

Hopefully, these tips help give you a seamless back-to-school experience for you and your child.

Remember, Amazon is a one-stop destination to shop for school supplies that not only cater to your needs, but make the back-to-school experience fun and enjoyable.

  • At a glance
  • 1
    1. Work with your child to make a list for the coming year
  • 2
    2. Distinguish between “wants” and “needs”
  • 3
    3. When possible, let your kids choose certain school essentials
  • 4
    4. Create an inventory of school supplies and keep them organised
  • 5
    5. Make room for fun, even when it comes to the basics
  • 6
    6. Explore discounts on back-to-school supplies
  • 7
    7. Use a calendar to keep track of upcoming school activities and exams
  • 8
    8. Build a habit of talking about school