The Ultimate Guide to Back-to-School Shopping for High School Students
Back to school. Just saying those words conjures up memories of excitement and
dread.
As a parent, there's also the relief of getting back into routines, and joy at seeing your kids dive into fresh challenges. But before that happens, you need to gear up for the back-to-school rush. It can be bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting everything ready, and a little preparation can make all the difference.
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Back To School Shopping for High School Students
My daughter Chloe is headed into Grade 10 and we've got a few things to do to
get her ready for the school year. High school students can be more particular
about their school supplies, so back to school shopping is something we
undertake together.
This guide is here to help you navigate the back-to-school shopping maze
without the stress, offering practical tips to ensure you and your teen are
ready when the first bell rings.
Planning and Budgeting
Setting A Budget
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, a little planning goes a long
way. The first step? Setting a budget. With so many things to buy—school
supplies, clothing, tech gadgets—it’s easy for costs to spiral out of
control.
Start by determining what’s reasonable for your family. Look at last
year’s expenses as a benchmark, then factor in any new needs for this
year. And don’t forget to involve your teen in the process.
Chloe and I sit down every year to discuss what she needs and what we can
afford. Essentials come out of our budget, but if there are specific items
that are extra costly that she really wants (like these
Air Jordan 4 sneakers), she takes money from her savings. She's saved money from birthdays and
allowance and is mindful of what she spends on.
Having both of us contribute to back to school shopping is a great way to
teach financial responsibility and make sure we’re on the same page.
Creating A Shopping List
Once your budget is set, the next task is creating a shopping list. This
is where you separate the needs from the wants.
Start with the essentials—items like notebooks, pens and pencil cases, and
a sturdy new backpack. Then move on to clothing and tech, making sure to
prioritize what’s necessary for a successful school year.
A good tip is to use the school supply lists as your starting point to
ensure you're not buying extra supplies or anything unnecessarily. Our
high school provides
Chromebooks for
students, which is a great savings if a new laptop isn't in the budget.
The school supply list gives you a specific checklist of what’s required,
and you can build from there.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of back-to-school shopping,
but staying organized and sticking to your list will help you avoid
unnecessary purchases. In the end, a little planning will not only keep
you on budget but also ensure that your teen has everything they need to
start the school year off right.
School Supply Essentials
Once your budget and list are in hand, the fun begins. Who doesn't have
fond memories of starting the school year with shiny new school supplies?
Starting with the basics, every high school student needs the school
essentials: notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, and planners. These are
used daily so it’s worth investing in quality items that will last.
SHOP THESE PRODUCTS:
Basic School Supplies
Like me, my high schooler likes her school supplies to be functional and
have aesthetic appeal too.
Muji pens and
mechanical pencils
are my absolute favourite for everyday use.
Assorted colours
are great for keeping a
weekly student planner neat and organized.
For notebooks, I always look for durable covers and thick paper to prevent
ink from bleeding through. This
6-pack of notebooks
is ideal with wide-ruled paper and three-hold punch which makes them easy
to tear out and place in a binder when needed.
Three-ring binders
should have sturdy rings that won’t jam, and a planner is a must-have for
keeping track of assignments and deadlines.
We like
the Happy Planner
for its customization options, but there are plenty of great choices out
there for a personal calendar, like
Blue Sky or
Moleskine. Keep an
eye out for back-to-school sales at major retailers like
Target or
Staples—they often
have a good deal on these essentials.
Beyond the basics, specialized supplies are where things can get tricky,
depending on your teen’s courses and grade level. If they’re taking
advanced math or science, a good scientific calculator is non-negotiable.
The
Texas Instruments TI-84
is a solid, reliable choice, but it can be pricey, so watch for discounts.
I use the
Coupert app
to easily find discount codes when I'm shopping online.
For art classes, quality supplies are key—look for brands like
Prismacolor for
pencils and
Winsor & Newton
for paints. But you don’t have to break the bank; many craft stores offer
great deals and coupons, which can help keep costs down.
Organizational Tools
Lastly, let’s talk organization. High school can get hectic, so staying
organized is crucial.
File folders are
perfect for keeping notes from school handy, or papers sorted by subject.
Locker organizers
can help maximize space.
But nothing is more important to a student's life than their backpack.
Ideally, your choice of backpack will combine both the features needed to
stay organized and a trendy style that your student will want to
wear.
In 2024, nothing is more trendy than the old-school
Jansport backpack.
Chloe settled on the
Jansport Big Student Backpack
which features lots of pockets, a separate padded laptop compartment, and
a water bottle pocket (big enough to hold the must-have
Stanley reusable water bottle, naturally).
Technology for School
In today’s high-tech world, having the right technology is just as
important as notebooks and pencils. When it comes to choosing a laptop or
tablet for your high schooler, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Think about your budget. While it’s tempting to go for the latest model, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a device that meets your teen’s needs. You can also consider "Amazon Renewed" which offers lower cost pre-owned, refurbished products that come with a money-back guarantee.
- Performance is another crucial factor—look for something with enough processing power to handle schoolwork, streaming, and even a bit of light gaming.
- Portability is also important, especially if your teen will be carrying their device between classes. Lightweight models like the MacBook Air or Microsoft Surface Go are great options that balance power with portability. For a more budget-friendly choice, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a solid performer at a fraction of the cost.
Don’t forget about the tech accessories that are key to a productive
school day. A good pair of headphones is a must, especially for study
sessions or online classes. Look for options with good sound quality and
comfort, like the
Beats Studio3
(which we have and love!) or the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Charging cables and
portable chargers
are also essentials, ensuring your teen’s device is always powered up. And
of course, invest in a durable protective case for their mobile
phone—accidents happen, and a good case can save you from costly
repairs.
Back-To-School Clothing and Accessories
If your home is anything like ours, back-to-school clothing is a delicate
balance between current styles, school dress code guidelines, and parent and
teen personal preferences.
Every school has its own set of rules, so before you hit the stores, it’s a
good idea to review what’s allowed and what’s not. This can save you from
having to make returns later. The key is to find new clothes that are trendy
yet appropriate, allowing your teen to express their style while staying
within the rules.
SHOP THESE PRODUCTS:
As for wardrobe essentials, take direction from your teen. Do they prefer to
wear jeans or do they live in sweatpants? Are they in hoodies every day or
do they like layering t-shirts under sweaters. It's no use buying perfectly
fine and functional clothing if your teen will absolutely not wear them.
Trust me - I've bought way too many cute shirts that end up never worn at
the bottom of the drawer!
Here's a few things we've bought (together!) for this year's wardrobe:
-
Stretch low rise baggy jeans. The stretch fabric and low rise fit of these jeans make them super
comfortable to wear all day.
-
Knit baggy wide-leg sweatpants. With a comfortable waistband and wide fit, these are a stylish yet comfy
choice
-
Lululemon Define Jacket Luon. A trendy choice that looks great paired with leggings or short skirts
-
Ribbed t-shirts. We have these shirts in a few colours. They're good quality, affordable,
and great for layering.
-
Women's Antora Jacket.
Chloe has worn this jacket for a few years and it is indispensible. It's
perfect for that in-between fall to winter weather - light enough to layer
under, but warm and good protection from the elements.
-
Oversized hoodie. In a must-have deep green colour, this oversized hoodie will get lots of
use
-
High-waisted leggings. These high-waisted leggings are a long-time favourite. Great quality and
fit!
- UGG Women's Classic Mini II Ankle Boot. A popular choice that goes well with any outfit.
-
Adidas Samba OG Shoes.
The sneaker that you'll see every trendy teen wearing this season.
-
2 pairs hoop earrings. Simple hoop earrings have never gone out of style. These ones are easy to
dress up or down.
-
Striped Loop Apple Watch Band. An easy way to change up the look of the watch my teen wears every day.
With these key pieces, Chloe can create outfits that are comfortable and
easy to wear. She can easily change up the look by adding in different tops
or sweaters and give her the flexibility to dress up or down depending on
the day.
The goal is to find items that are both practical and fashionable, helping
your teen feel confident and ready for whatever the school year throws their
way.
Tips for Stress-Free Shopping
When To Shop
Are you a last-minute shopper or do you shop early?
Shopping early in July or August gives you the advantage of a wider
selection and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared. Plus, you
can take your time hunting for deals. Though, you might not see the fall
weather clothing you need for the school year in the stores just yet.
On the flip side, last-minute shopping in late August to late September
can sometimes score you bigger discounts as stores clear out inventory,
but it’s a gamble with limited options and the risk of missing out on
essentials. To strike a balance, consider starting early for the
must-haves (like backpacks and jeans) and holding off on less critical
items until closer to the start of school when sales heat up.
Shopping Online
Online shopping is incredibly convenient—no need to leave the house, and
you can easily compare prices across sites. But for certain items, like
clothing or tech, there’s no substitute for seeing things in person -
especially if you have a picky teen!
In-store shopping allows your teen to try on clothes for the perfect fit
and get hands-on with tech gadgets before committing. Chloe and I make a
mom-daughter day of it... shopping at local stores and afternoon breaks at
Starbucks make the task so much more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to leverage sales and discounts which can be abundant near
the end of August. Keep an eye out for coupons, student discounts, and
tax-free weekends, which can help you stretch your budget further. Signing
up for store newsletters, even temporarily, can also tip you off to
upcoming sales, ensuring you get the best deals for your money.
Hot tip: Sign up for an app like
Coupert
which helps you find discount codes and/or earn cash back while you shop. I
installed the extension on my mobile and desktop so now it instantly finds
discounts, wherever I'm shopping.
Back To School Ready
Preparing for the new school year with smart shopping and careful planning
can make all the difference. By setting a budget, making a list, and
shopping strategically, you can ensure your teen has everything they need
for the first day of school.
Personal experience has shown me that involving your teen in the process not
only teaches them valuable budgeting skills but also makes the transition
back to school smoother.
If you found these tips helpful, share this guide with other parents or on
social media to spread the word and help others get ready for a stress-free
back-to-school season.
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