When I was packing my child for first grade, I got into debt. I thought that the more I buy from the list of school supplies, the better he will study. It turned out that 80% of what I bought was lying idle - my son did not use it. Only money thrown away. So don't make my mistakes.
Do not make a list of office supplies to school with your child
What you need to go to school - the teacher will say. He gives out in advance a list of what stationery to buy for school.
Decision: go to the teacher again and clarify what is really important and what you can buy for the second half of the year.
Take your time to shop at school fairs
I do not argue: the school market is convenient. There are concentrated sales of everything you need. But the question is the price.
Decision: for promotions and sales in stores, I buy at least 15% cheaper.
Office supplies to school (list) do not retail
Wholesale is more profitable.
Decision: unite with other parents, there will be ideological mothers. Buy where they give good discounts and sell quality office supplies.
Resist the temptation to buy colorful notebooks and diaries
Children love everything bright. My son is no exception. He constantly selects diaries and notebooks with colorful pages that distract attention.
Decision: I buy a black and white diary with a bright cover and notebooks with a laconic drawing. They do not attract attention in the classroom. And the cost is much cheaper.
See a life hack how to beautifully wrap a book
It is not worth buying an expensive pencil case, complete with office supplies
- A bulky pencil case adds extra weight. Extra 200-300 grams as a result add up to unnecessary weight kg. And the child will have to carry it on himself every day. Or you, because a backpack with a bunch of textbooks, notebooks, pens is really heavy.
- The quality of the ruler pens embedded in the pencil case leaves much to be desired. Purchased separately - will last longer.
- A set of accessories is put in the pencil case. Children don't use them every day.
Decision: it's easier to buy a simple pencil case. Not easily soiled. And put in it what the child uses every day - a pen, pencil, eraser and a 20 cm ruler. I bought a transparent plastic pencil case for my son. It is not expensive and convenient:
- you can see what's inside;
- it can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.
So do not rush to overpay. Using these tips, you will save 300-500 UAH on office supplies.
Watch a video life hack on how to make a pencil case with your own hands
What you need to buy clothes for school
Most of the budget goes to school uniforms, sportswear, and footwear. I asked the price: if you buy trousers, a shirt, shoes, sneakers and a backpack for a boy, the amount will exceed UAH 3,000. Getting a girl to school is even more expensive. Therefore, direct your efforts in the right direction.
To buy everything you need for school - bargain!
Are you shy? Can't you?
Decision: Take a support group (parents, friends) with you to the fair. The team can push any price - it works perfectly. If you buy from an online store, look for discounts. Ask the manager for a product of the same quality, but at a lower cost.
Which backpack to buy for a child in first grade
- Choose from waterproof, nylon fabric. Notebooks and textbooks will not be damaged in the rain.
- The orthopedic back follows the curve of the spine. The kid will not slouch.
- Wide shoulder straps do not dig in and evenly distribute the load.
- Reflective elements glow in bad weather, they can be seen from afar.
Don't buy a suit!
Sports and school suits are expensive and not practical. Often my son does not wear them for two reasons: he either forgets to put on a jacket (jacket) or loses.
Decision: I buy sweatpants, a T-shirt and a long-sleeved sweater for physical education separately. The savings are significant and it is useful for the child, because I choose clothes made of cotton fabric. It absorbs moisture well. For school celebrations, instead of a jacket, we have an embroidered shirt and socks under the bottom when it's cold. It turns out both smart and cheaper, and is worn with joy.
We already have everything that is needed for the school. When buying clothes and shoes, I managed to save a third of the estimated amount. And I wish you the same, it is significant!
Read: "4 secrets of how to choose a backpack for a first grader"
Watch a video life hack on how to make a pencil holder yourself
