Back to School 2009 Buying Guide

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Summer is slowly wrapping up. Those long days of pool parties and summer camps are soon to be over, replaced by longer nights of studying and homework and mornings of rushing to make the bus. Preparing for the start of school doesn't have to be torture. Beat the rush at the stores by buying everything you need for school online. We have everything you need here at Shopwiki, plus some extra hot items to get kids actually excited for the start of school.

Back to Primary School

What They'll Need

Backpacks

Every student needs a backpack!  The tiny tots will love a backpack with their favourite characters on it, like Dora the Explorer.  Older kids should get a backpack that is comfortable to wear and will hold their books and supplies. 

Clothes

Kids are always growing, so get ready to buy a new lineup of fall and winter clothes.  Check out our Back-to-School Clothes for Kids Guide! 

Make sure you stock up on these items:

  • Easy-to-wash clothes. Don't buy anything that's dry-clean only. Watch out for shirts that are colours and whites, like a shirt with blue and white stripes.  If a stain gets on it, it'll be super hard to get out.
  • One formal outfit  (don't buy too many formal clothes, because by the time formal events come up, your tot may have outgrown that suit  or dress ). 
  • Sneakers,  sneakers, sneakers. Look for Velcro sneakers  for younger kids.
  • Think layers. Kids run around a lot, so they can go from freezing cold to burning hot in about 30 seconds. Look for hoodies,  t-shirts,  and jeans  that will accommodate for bursts of energy and sitting in class.

Notebooks

Some teachers prefer spiral notebooks,  others prefer marble notebooks.  Unless you are able to contact the teacher before school starts, it's usually a good idea to get a few marble notebooks and a few spiral notebooks. If some of them don't get used for this school year, the beauty of the situation is that they don't expire. It's almost a guarantee that your child will use whatever is left over during another school year. If not, well, some spare paper  never hurt anyone. 

Crayons, Markers, and Pencils

Though most teachers don't require students to buy their own crayons  and markers,  it quickly becomes evident how necessary they are to have at home-- even for older kids. Primary school is filled with lots of projects, some that are completed or entirely done at home. While the content of the project may be extraordinary, the teacher may give a poor mark because it isn't as pleasing to the eye. Many primary school projects are centered upon creativity, so stock up on these supplies.

Folders, Three-Ring Binders, etc.

Teach your child to get organized at an early age. Stock up on folders  in your child's favourite colours. Some teachers may require a three-ring binder,  but don't expect to need one unless you have an older primary school child. If you do need to buy a three-ring binder, spend the extra money to get a durable one. Children and binders  are not the smartest combination, so get a backup one as well. Get a pack of loose-leaf paper  as well.

Back to Secondary School

What They'll Need

Backpacks

As kids grow, their backpacks do too. Get a sturdy backpack that will last the whole year. Messenger bags  are stylish, but many run on the smaller side. Look for larger messenger bags, as course loads can get quite heavy in secondary school. Make sure you get a super durable one with a comfortable strap. Orthopedic backpacks  are a great idea for the growing kid with a huge workload.

Clothes

Kids want to look super stylish on the first day of school. Check out our Back-to-School Clothes for Teens Guide for the latest fall fashions. Here are some tips when buying clothes for teens:

  • Don't buy anything too expensive. Your secondary school student is still growing, so don't pay a lot of items they will grow out of.
  • Watch out for trends. If a trend is going to stick around for the whole school year (or at least the rest of that season), then consider buying it. Keep an eye out for those trends that only last a week (or less!) though. Never pay a lot for any trend.
  • Buy sneakers. Flip-flops  and sandals  are great, as are heels  and boots,  but sneakers are necessary for gym class and events that require lots of walking.

School Supplies

Stock up on these school supplies for your teen. 

Computer Gear

Schools are at the point of nearly requiring that you have a computer  at home. If you work from home on your computer or have multiple kids, you'll probably need more than one computer at home. Laptops  are great for responsible, older kids because they can easily follow them to their university studies or into the work force. Because of the rapid development of technology, however, it's probably a better idea to get a desktop computer  for home and think about laptops for college when that time comes. Stock up on these supplies that will come in handy for computer based homework.

  • Extra ink cartridges. 
  • Printer. 
  • Post-Its  are great for writing down a quick name or address that you need to return to.
  • Anti-virus software. 
  • Wireless keyboards.  Does your teen insist on eating (or spilling) near the computer? Or perhaps your teen takes extra long snack breaks to procrastinate? A wireless keyboard allows your teen to do his or her work while having a snack away from the computer.

Locker Gear

Let your teen be excited about returning to school. Invest in a few items to personalize his or her locker.  Here are some ideas.

Back to University

What They Will Need

Backpacks

Here things get a little tricky. Some university students get by without a backpack, while others are extremely dependent on it. If the student lives on campus, find out how far it is from the dormitory to the classrooms. Also, look at the class schedule. A student who is taking three courses that are spread out will probably not need a backpack if he or she lives on campus. Canvas bags  and totes  are a popular alternative to backpacks in college, as are smaller (but extra durable for those textbooks) messenger bags.

Textbooks

Sometimes textbooks  end up costing more than tuition, so don't underestimate this area. Most people don't realize how pricey textbooks can be. Buying textbooks online will get you a cheaper price than buying at a bookstore nine times out of ten. Buy used textbooks! Unless it is a workbook  (which are usually only needed for foreign language,  math,  and some music theory  or composition  classes), buying books used is absolutely the best option. Once again, the best way to do this is online. While most school bookstores sell used textbooks, they are often more expensive than used textbooks online, and their stock of second hand books runs out quickly. Selling your used textbook online after the term is a good way to get extra cash for holidays!

Clothes

University students, especially while in their first year, are bound to need new clothes. Sometimes their old clothes go out of style. Or all those late night potato chip  binges finally got to their waistline. Or they realized fitness matters and have taken advantage of the free fitness facility on campus. Or maybe they've matured and need professional clothes  instead of tees with skulls and bones. Whatever the reason, be prepared for at least one complete wardrobe change! Fill your closet with these articles of clothing that fit right in with campus life:

  • Bath robe. 
  • Slippers. 
  • Hoodie.  This is a staple for a university student. Perfect for those slightly chilly days and great for dressing in layers when it's August outside but February inside your math classroom. 
  • Pajamas. 
  • Shower shoes. 
  • Flip-flops.  Girls and guys should have a pair of flip-flops or slip-on shoes  on hand. These are great if you are planning on laying around most of the day, but you need to make a quick trip downstairs to get your mail.
  • Sneakers. Most campuses are large, so expect a lot of walking to get to your first class.
  • At least one formal outfit.  Most universities have formal dances or ceremonies. Sure, you may not be planning to attend these now, but if your super attractive lab partner asks you to go to the Spring Formal, are you really going to say no?
  • At least one professional outfit.  Even if you won't be working in a professional environment, it's good to be prepared in case you have to meet with the Dean, go to an internship or job interview, or even if you are just going on a dress-to-impress date. 
  • Casual, super comfortable clothes  for lazy Sundays, studying for exams, and the winter flu you got from your roommate.

Computers

University students need computers these days. While most colleges have computers that can be used for free at their library or student center, these can have long waiting lines, strict hours, and are inconvenient for those who live off campus. Laptops tend to serve college students the best, as these can be taken to the library, on the train home, to work, and all around the dormitory. Stock up on these tech supplies:

Dorm Supplies

Many university students reside in dormitories. These dorms range in what they provide for the students (some are equipped with a kitchen  on the floor that has a fridge,  microwave, and flatware) and what they allow in the rooms (some allow microwaves and mini fridges, while others ban them for various reasons). Here are some common dorm supplies, but check with the school to see if they are needed or allowed.

Related Guides

More Back-to-School Fun!

Back-to-School Clothes for Teens

Back-to-School Clothes for Kids

Back-to-School Makeup

Back-to-School Gadgets

School Supplies

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Back to School Shopgids