Preparing for school and buying the necessary supplies is an important task at the beginning of every academic year.

To avoid overspending, it’s worth planning ahead, comparing prices, looking out for promotions, and combining both physical stores and online shops.

What school essentials do you definitely need?

Before heading out shopping, check what you already have at home. Often, there are still notebooks, pencils, or paints left from last year that can be reused. Here’s a list of the basics most students will need:

• Notebooks (lined, squared, and blank)
• Graphite and colored pencils
• Felt-tip pens, markers, and ballpoint pens
• Eraser, sharpener, and ruler
• Glue, scissors, and a diary
• Pencil case and school bag
• Art supplies (plasticine, gouache, paintbrushes)

Where to buy school supplies affordably in Estonia?

Supermarkets (Lidl, Selver, Prisma) launch seasonal promotions at the start of the school year, allowing you to buy notebooks, pens, backpacks, and more at discounted prices.

Online stores (Barbora, Kaup24, Hansapost) make it easy to compare prices and order everything you need conveniently. For example, on Barbora, pencil prices start from just a few cents, and felt-tip pen sets cost less than 1 euro.

Wholesale suppliers (Odav Print, Charlot) are a good option if you have more than one child at school or wish to stock up in advance. Large orders often come with free delivery.

Tips for saving on school shopping

1. Start early – before the season begins, there is more choice and lower prices.
2. Watch for campaigns and discount days – for example, the Lidl Plus app offers extra deals.
3. Mix shopping channels – buy some items in-store, some online.
4. Buy in bulk – notebooks, pencils, and erasers are used all year round.

Buying school supplies does not have to put a heavy burden on your budget. With good planning, smart use of promotions, and buying in bulk, you can start the school year calmly and with everything your child needs.

If you feel that larger expenses require extra support, a line of credit from Laen.ee may be the right solution.
You can read more about the offer on laen.ee
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