September is not far away, which means that for many families August is about more than enjoying the final days of summer. It is also time to start getting ready for school.

The beginning of a new school year usually comes with a long shopping list, from notebooks and pens to a school bag, indoor shoes and sportswear.

If you have several school-age children, or your child is starting school for the first time, the total cost can be especially significant. Planning your purchases and setting a budget in advance can make it easier to get everything you need without putting too much pressure on the family budget in September.

How much does it cost to get a child ready for school in 2026?

There is no single figure that applies to every family. The cost depends on the child's age, the school's requirements and, of course, how many items from the previous school year can still be used.

For example, if last year's school bag, pencil case and sportswear are still in good condition, you may only need to spend money on notebooks, stationery and a few smaller essentials.

For a child starting first grade, however, almost everything may need to be purchased from scratch.

A typical back-to-school budget for one child might look like this:

School bag  €30–100
Pencil case and stationery €15–40
Notebooks, folders and other school supplies €20–50
Sportswear and sports shoes €40–100
Indoor shoes €20–60
Everyday school clothes €50–150
Water bottle and lunch box €10–30
Other essential items €20–50

Total    approx. €205–580

These figures are only a guide. The actual amount will depend on the products you choose and what your child already has.

If two or three children in the family are starting a new school year, the total cost can easily run into several hundred euros and, in some cases, exceed €1,000.

Where to buy school supplies in 2026

August is one of the best times to shop for school supplies, as many major retailers launch special back-to-school promotions before the new school year begins.

For example, it is worth checking the back-to-school selection at Rahva Raamat, where the 2026 school campaign runs from 28 July to 7 September. The selection includes school bags, pencil cases, water bottles and a wide range of smaller school essentials.

Prisma's “Kõik kooliks” selection includes school bags and stationery as well as sports equipment and clothing suitable for school. This can be a convenient option if you want to buy most of what you need in one place.

Maxima also has a dedicated school catalogue, with offers valid from 30 July to 9 September 2026.

Coop's “Koos kooli” campaign runs from 28 July to 14 September 2026. Customers who purchase participating products can also enter a prize draw in which ten school-age children will receive €100 in monthly pocket money for the entire school year.

Before making a large back-to-school purchase, it is worth comparing offers from at least a couple of retailers. The difference can be particularly noticeable when buying a school bag, sports equipment or a large amount of stationery.

What are the biggest back-to-school expenses?

1. School bag

A good school bag is often one of the biggest individual purchases before the school year begins.

For children starting first grade in particular, parents usually pay close attention to ergonomics, weight, comfort and durability. A higher-quality school bag may cost considerably more than a basic model, but it can also last for several school years.

School bags and backpacks are currently available, for example, in Prisma's back-to-school range and among the school products at Rahva Raamat.

There is also no need to replace a school bag every autumn. If the existing one is still in good condition, comfortable and the right size for your child, there is no reason not to keep using it.

2. Notebooks and stationery

Notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, rulers, scissors, glue and other small items may seem inexpensive on their own. Add everything on the list to your shopping basket, however, and the final total can be surprisingly high.

A wide range of stationery and school supplies is available, for example, in the school supplies section at Rahva Raamat.

It is also worth checking drawers and cupboards at home before heading to the shops. Quite often, some of the supplies left over from the previous school year are still perfectly usable.

3. Clothes and shoes

A new school year often means new everyday clothes, indoor shoes or autumn footwear.

Children grow quickly, and trousers or shoes that fitted perfectly in spring may no longer fit by September.

That does not mean the entire autumn wardrobe has to be purchased before 1 September. It may make more sense to buy the essentials first and add other items gradually, depending on the weather and what your child actually needs.

4. Sportswear and sports shoes

PE lessons may require separate sportswear as well as shoes for indoor and outdoor activities.

If your child also attends a sports club or another extracurricular activity, autumn expenses can increase even further.

For example, Prisma's back-to-school campaign includes sports equipment and clothing alongside regular school supplies, making it easier to compare different types of purchases in one place.

5. Technology

For older students, the back-to-school shopping list may also include a laptop, tablet, headphones or other technology required for studying.

In that case, the cost of preparing for the school year can rise by several hundred euros.

Before buying a new device, check what the school actually requires. The most expensive or most powerful option is not necessarily needed for everyday schoolwork.

Starting first grade can be the most expensive

Starting first grade is a special milestone for any family, but it can also be one of the most expensive school starts.

Older pupils will often already have many of the items they need. A first grader, on the other hand, may need almost everything for the first time: a school bag, pencil case, stationery, indoor shoes, sportswear, everyday school clothes and other supplies.

A clear shopping list is one of the best ways to keep spending under control.

Before shopping, it is also worth checking with the school or class teacher to find out exactly what your child will need. This can help you avoid buying things in August that end up never being used.

5 ways to reduce back-to-school costs

1. Check what you already have.
Go through last year's school supplies, clothes and shoes before buying anything new. Not everything needs to be replaced every autumn.

2. Make a clear shopping list.
Divide purchases into three categories: must-have, nice-to-have and can-wait. Start with the essentials.

3. Compare back-to-school promotions.
In August 2026, special school offers are available at retailers including Prisma, Maxima, Rahva Raamat and Coop. Before filling a large shopping basket, compare both prices and campaign terms.

4. Do not buy everything at once.
There is no need to buy every item of autumn clothing, art supplies or other possible school equipment before the first day of school. In some cases, it is better to wait for more specific instructions from the teacher.

5. Set a fixed back-to-school budget.
If you decide in advance that you want to spend, for example, €250 or €400, it becomes easier to separate essential purchases from impulse buys.

Don't forget the costs that come after 1 September

Back-to-school expenses do not necessarily end once the school bag and notebooks have been purchased.

September can bring additional costs such as extracurricular activities, sports equipment, class-related expenses, school trips, transport and other unexpected payments.

Whenever possible, it is therefore worth leaving a small buffer in your back-to-school budget. If the entire planned amount is spent in August, additional expenses in September can put new pressure on the family's day-to-day finances.

How to plan back-to-school spending more effectively

The easiest place to start is with the total amount.

Write down everything you expect to buy and add an approximate price next to each item. Then decide which expenses need to be covered immediately and which can be spread over the following months.

For example:

before school starts: school bag, pencil case, basic stationery and indoor shoes;

in September: additional supplies recommended by the teacher;

during the autumn: new seasonal clothing, shoes or technology as needed.

This approach can help you avoid having to spend several hundred euros in a single weekend.

When all the back-to-school expenses arrive at once, the Laen.ee credit card can offer more flexibility

Sometimes several major expenses simply fall within the same period.

In addition to school supplies, August may also bring household bills, children's extracurricular activity fees and other everyday costs.

In this situation, one possible option is the Laen.ee credit card, which can be used to pay for purchases both in physical stores and online.

A credit card can provide additional flexibility when essential purchases need to be made before your next income arrives, or when you would prefer to keep a larger buffer in your day-to-day budget.

This may be useful, for example, if you need to buy school supplies for several children at the same time, along with new shoes, sportswear or a larger technology purchase.

Find out more about the features and terms of the Laen.ee credit card and choose the option that best suits your needs.