Every student needs a backpack ! 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 all their books and supplies.

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, and make sure you stock up on these items:

• Easy-to-wash clothes: Don't buy anything that's dry-clean only, and watch out for shirts mixed with colours and whites, like a shirt with blue and white stripes . If a stain gets on it, it'll be hard to get out.
• One formal outfit: Don't buy too many party clothes because by the time an event comes up, your tot may have outgrown that suit  or dress .
• Sneakers : Look for Velcro trainers  for younger kids, who might trip on shoelaces they don't know how to tie yet.
• 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 bursts of energy and sitting in class.

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

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 of which are completed in class 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 pleasing to the eye. Many primary school projects are centred around creativity, so stock up on these supplies:

• Glitter 
• Glue sticks 
• Non-toxic glue 
• Markers 
• Crayons 
• Coloured pencils 
• Feathers , ice lolly sticks, pipe cleaners  and some washable paints .
• Pens  (blue  or black ink ) and standard No. 2 pencils .

Teach kids 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 child in primary school. If you do need to buy a three-ring binder, spend the extra money to get a durable one. Little ones and binders  are not the smartest combination, so get a backup one as well, along with an extra pack of loose-leaf paper .

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 designs, as course loads can get quite heavy in secondary school. Make sure you get a durable one that has a comfortable strap: orthopaedic backpacks , or backpacks worn with two straps, are a great idea for the growing kid with a huge workload. You can also think about getting a rolling bag .

Kids want to look 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 student is still growing, so don't pay a lot for 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 fads that only last a week (or less!) though. Mind your budget with these items.
• Buy trainers. Flip-flops  and sandals  are fun, as are heels  and boots , but tennis shoes  are necessary for gym class and events that require lots of walking.

Stock up on these school supplies for your teen.

• Folders 
• Three-Ring Binders 
• Pens and Pencils 
• White-Out
• Spiral notebooks 
• Marble notebooks
• Protractor ,graphing calculator ,graph paper .
• Dictionary  (an English one and a foreign language  version, if that is in your child's course of study).

Schools are at the point of nearly requiring that you have a computer  at home. If you work from home on your PC or have several kids, you'll probably need to think about buying a spare. Laptops  are great for responsible, older kids because these 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  for home and think about laptops when your teen leaves the nest. 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 . Hackers are more than common now and they will often try to infiltrate your information through online viruses. Make sure you've got the right protection.
• Wireless keyboards . Does your teen get tangled up in unsightly wires? A Bluetooth keyboard will remedy this problem, and make workspaces look streamlined.

Let your teen be excited about returning to school, and invest in a few items to personalize his or her school locker. Here are some magnetic accessories.

• Magnets 
• Magnetic white board  and assorted markers 
• Magnetic memo pad 
• Magnetic picture frames 
• Wrapping paper . Give your child a personalized locker by hanging up wallpaper with masking tape .
• Magnetic calculator .
• 3M hooks .

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 close to campus. Canvas bags  and totes  are a popular alternative to backpacks for girls, as are smaller (but extra durable for those textbooks) messenger bags. Nonetheless, backpacks are still very common, so don't look down on the childhood accessory.

Sometimes textbooks  end up costing more than tuition, so don't underestimate this area. Most people don't realize how pricey these tomes can be. Unless it is a workbook (which is usually only needed for foreign language , some maths , and music theory  studies, or composition classes), buying used books is absolutely the best option, and the easiest way to do this is online. While most school bookstores will sell used textbooks, they are often more expensive than the versions you can find on the web, and their stock of second hand books runs out quickly. Furthermore, selling your textbook online after term ends is a good way to get extra cash for the holidays!

University students, especially those in their first year, are bound to need new clothes: old clothes go out of style, or all of those late night potato crisps  binges finally get to their waistline. 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! Help them out by considering the following clothing articles for their closet. They'll be sure to fit right in with campus life:

• Robe 
• Slippers 
• Hoodie . This is a staple for a university student. Perfect for those slightly chilly days and great for dressing in layers, like when it's August outside but February inside your maths classroom, or when you want to run out and get a midnight snack from the nearest market.
• Pyjamas 
• 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.
• Trainers . Most campuses are large, so expect a lot of walking to get to your first class. Consider carrying your dress shoes  or heels  in your bag and wearing running shoes on your way.
• Dress Clothing
• Ladies: At least one formal outfit . Many universities have formal dances or ceremonies. Sure, you may not be planning to attend these now, but if your attractive lab partner asks you to go, are you really going to say no?
• Gents: 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 a professor, go to an internship or job interview, or even if you are just going on a dress-to-impress date.
• Casual, comfortable clothes  for lazy Sundays, studying for exams, and the winter flu you got from your flatmate.

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:

• Anti-virus software 
• Wireless card 
• USB Flash drives 
• Flash memory cards 
• Microsoft Office Home & Student 2010  for Windows or Macs or iWork 09  for Macs
• Printer 
• Ink cartridges  or toner 
• Webcams  are a great way for college students and families to beat homesickness or for keeping in touch with old school mates through Skype!
• Laptop bag 
• Surge protector 
• Headphones ! These are great for sleeping or blocking out extra loud flatmates.

Many university students reside in residence halls. These range in what they provide for the students (some are equipped with a kitchen that comes with 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 room supplies, but check with the school to see if they are needed or allowed.

• Microwave 
• Mini fridge 
• Bowls ,plates ,pots ,pans , and flatware 
• Bedding  (find out the size of the beds first)
• Shower caddy 
• Television 
• Coffee maker 
• A safe box  with a lock for valuables. People will constantly coming in and out, so keep money safe and hidden.
• Shower curtain 
• Bath mat 
• Phone . Many dorms come with a free private phone line to each bedroom, so find out if you'll need to bring a phone.
• Mobile phone . University students need phones  for their busy lifestyles (juggling school, work, family, and a social life is hard work).
• 3M hooks 
• Masking tape  for posters
• Bulletin board 
• Calendar 

Back-to-School Clothes for Teens

Back-to-School Clothes for Kids

Back-to-School Makeup

Back-to-School Gadgets

School Supplies