Mega back to school deals, amid report Aussie parents will be hit with higher costs

Aussie parents will be hit with higher back to school costs, a new report found. See the cracking deals on offer and tips on how to save on essentials.

Parents are about to be slugged with higher back to school expenses as the average cost of supplies increases by $106 per child, with many replacing at least 10 items during the year.

BIG W’s Back to School report obtained by News Corp Australia has revealed parents expect costs per child to increase to an average of $633 this year.

Some families have reported their budget could blow out to $1000 for essentials — and a staggering 97 per cent of parents will be forced to replace school items due to them wearing out, breaking or going missing.

The most commonly replaced school items are school shoes (83 per cent), school uniform items (80 per cent), sports shoes (74 per cent), sports uniforms (64 per cent) and drink bottles (64 per cent).

More than half of parents replace a lunchbox (53 per cent) and a school hat (48 per cent) at least once and more than two in five replace a swimming costume (44 per cent) a backpack (42 per cent) or a library bag (40 per cent).

Adelaide mum Lisa Coppin plans to spend about $200 on each of her children, Annabelle Coppin, 10, and Gracie Coppin, 13, on essentials for back to school – but not including uniforms, sports shoes or technology. Picture: The Advertiser/ Morgan Sette

BIG W’s Head of Commercial for Toys and Leisure Christine Faulkner, said she sympathised with cash-strapped families.

“We know there’s lots of pressures on the family wallet coming out of the festive period,” she said.

“We want to help customers ensure they’re saving and getting value.”

Financial educator and money expert Vanessa Stoykov said parents need to buy in bulk and find goods of value and quality that last.

She said families should also put more money into items they get more value from.

“A family that loves books and writing might spend on things to encourage writing or if you love outdoors, you might put the money towards better boots,” Ms Stoykov said.

“It never hurts to find the best price but you have to weigh up who (shop) delivers, who is in your local area, whose loyalty scheme you are with.”

School hats are an item that commonly needs to be replaced each year.

Ms Stoykov said parents should not feel “shame” for buying second-hand gear, which could save hundreds, and suggested buying jumpers and shirts a size bigger because children will grow into them.

She advised parents to shop early and without kids to keep costs low.

Officeworks said some items worth buying in bulk to save money included ballpoint pens, highlighters, coloured pencils, grey lead pencils, colouring markers, whiteboard markers and USB drives.

The store is encouraging families to take advantage of their Parent’s Price Promise, which will beat any identical stocked school list product by 20 per cent.

About 40 per cent of Aussie parents replace school bags annually.

Managing Director, Sarah Hunter, said parents can use their free School List Service (SLS) to upload their child’s list to find items online.

“Now, more than ever, parents want to feel confident that they’re getting the best value,” she said.

“Through our ongoing family-focused offers like our SLS, BYOD tool and Parents’ Price Promise, Officeworks is creating more ways to help parents save.’’

New South Wales families may also be able to benefit from $15o in vouchers towards school supplies. Conditions apply.

Similarly, Queensland parents may be able to get government support for costs textbooks and resources for secondary students. The State Schools’ Relief charity may also be able to help Victorian families doing it tough.

FAMILIES BUDGET UP TO $1000 FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Annabelle Coppin, 10, mum Lisa Coppin and Gracie Coppin, 13, preparing with stationery, uniforms and items ahead of going back to school. Picture: The Advertiser/Morgan Sette

Adelaide mother-of-two Lisa Coppin, said buying in bulk helps her keep the costs down on school supplies for her daughters Grace, 13 and Annabelle, 10.

She has budgeted about $200 a child for shoes, socks, new lunch boxes, backpacks and stationery. But expects to pay more for uniforms, spots shoes and technology.

“Having one daughter in high school and one in primary school the girls really have completely different lists this year and yet I was still able to find what I needed at Big W. I’m even able to save cost by buying in bulk packs and splitting up the stationary,” Ms Coppin said.

“I’m usually a last minute shopper but this year I’ve started planning already to make sure we get the best value.”

Sydney couple Rod and Alison Harys with their children William, 6, and Maddie, 4. Picture: Julian Andrews

Sydney father-of-two Rod Harys plans to spend at least $500 on essentials for his children William, 6, and Maddie, 4.

“The kids need shoes, socks, new lunch boxes, backpacks and stationery. This will cost around $500 and that doesn‘t include sports gear or tech,” he said.

“Usually with school it’s last minute as we get through Christmas, have holidays then next it’s school time and need to rush out and get the things we need.

“We shop at the majors, Big W being our favourite as it caters to all our needs and suits our budget. We do like the fact that Big W has a lot of bulk packs and do buy these as they are value for money.”

Brisbane mother-of-two Paige McInnes expects to fork out about $1000 on school gear for her kids Lachlan Marr, 8, and Charlotte Marr, 6.

“Our kids need new shoes, new lunchboxes and lots of stationery but, thankfully, no new uniforms just yet,” she said.

Brisbane couple Ashley Marr and Paige McInnes with their children Charlotte Marr, 6, and Lachlan Marr, 8. Picture: Richard Walker

“Their book lists alone total close to $400 so when you add on these extra items it really starts to hurt the family budget.

“We’ll probably spend around $600 in total to start the year and then it’ll be another $300-$400 if we need new uniforms throughout the year.”

She said she planned to shop early to avoid missing out on sizes, which was the case last year.

MEGA DEALS ON BACK TO SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

Kogan

Get up to 60 per cent off a range of school technology, runners, home study and more at Kogan

Kogan 32“ Curved Full HD 240Hz FreeSync Monitor (1920 x 1080) — $329

Kogan Atlas 14.1” N370 Laptop with Windows 11 Pro (4GB, 64GB) — $269

ASUS E210 11.6” Celeron N4020 Laptop (4GB, 64GB) — $295

Lenovo V15 15.6” HD Intel Celeron Laptop with Windows 10 (8GB, 256GB) 82C3008UAU — $499

Ergolux Sunnyvale Low Back Office Chair (Black) — $129

Apple AirPods (2nd Gen) with Charging Case — $179

Kogan TKL Rainbow RGB Mechanical Keyboard (Blue Switch) — $19.99

Kogan M650 Ultra Portable Adjustable DPI 2.4GHz Wireless Mouse (Black) — $9.99

Ovela Avery Office Desk (Oak) — $64.99

Nike Boys‘ Downshifter 11 Grade School Running Shoes (Black/University Red/Dark Smoke Grey/White, Size 5Y US) - $79.99

80-Piece Colour Marker Set (Black) — $39.99

Officeworks

Keji A4 55gsm 8mm Ruled Exercise Book 96 Page RRP: $0.50

Studymate 64 Page Mega Monster Scrapbook RRP: $0.95

Studymate Greener Choice Eraser Large RRP: $0.38

Studymate A4 70gsm 8mm Ruled Exercise Book 96 Page RRP: $1.19

Studymate Book Cover A4 Clear RRP: $0.99

Keji Display Book A4 20 Pocket Refillable Clear and Black RRP: $0.64

Keji A4 Button Document Wallet Clear RRP: $0.49

Studymate Blue Stick 35g RRP: $0.99

Staedtler Natural Graphite Pencils HB $0.30

PaperMate InkJoy 100 Ballpoint Pens Assorted 10 Pack RRP: $1.75

Staedtler Noris Coloured Pencils 12 Pack RRP: $2.00

Smash Leak Proof Switch Up Lunch Box Black/Blue RRP: $15.95

Keji PET Drink Bottle 800mL RRP: $1.98

Smash XL Cold Box Black RRP: $13.98

SanDisk Cruzer Blade USB Flash 32GB 3 Pack RRP: $13.00

Keji Essential Backpack Navy and Grey RRP: $8.00

Studymate Twin Zip Name Pencil Case Large Teal RRP: $1.49

Staedtler Noris Coloured Pencils 12 Pack RRP: $2.00

PaperMate InkJoy 100 Ballpoint Pens Assorted 10 Pack RRP: 1.75

SanDisk Cruzer Blade USB Flash 32GB 3 Pack RRP: $13.00

Faber-Castell Connector Pens 18 Pack RRP: $3.98

Staedtler Textsurfer Classic Highlighters Assorted 6 Pack RRP: $5.88

Expo Whiteboard Markers Chisel Assorted 16 Pack RRP: $19.98

ALDI: Special Buys

Children’s Backpack $14.99

Back to School Accessories $7.99, including wallet with lanyard, waterproof library bag, mini coin backpack with carbineer

A5 Fashion Hardcover Notebook or Diary $5.99

Fashion EVA Pencil Case $7.99

Fashion Pencil Case $6.99 

Fashion Stationery $2.99

Iron-on or Stick-on Labels 40pk $3.99

Fashion Pencil Case $4.99

Fashion Book Covering 1m $1.49

Licensed Stationery $1.99

Children’s Premium Joggers $14.99

Premium Leather Mary Jane School Shoes $24.99

Premium Leather Lace Up School Shoes $24.99

Children’s Premium Leather Double Buckle School Shoes $24.99

Children’s Joggers $10.99

Sneaker Protector 200ml $4.99

Children’s Socks 5pk $4.99

Assorted School Hair Accessories $3.49

Premium Backpack $14.99

Hoopla Insulated Lunch Case $8.99

Coolgear Kid’s Drink Bottle 470ml $5.99

Coolpod Freezer Bricks $1.99

Coolpod Freezable Bento Bag $14.99

Coolpod Freezable Pouches $6.99

Bbox Mini Lunchbox $18.99

Bbox Insulated Drink Bottle $24.99

Snack, Sandwich and Wrap Containers $1.99

Sistema Triple Split Lunchbox $6.99

Sistema Cube Lunchbox $5.99

Reusable Zip-lock Bags $3.99

Joie Lunchbox Accessories $2.99

Correction Tape 2pk $1.49

Lead Pencils 12pk 99c

Assorted School Glue 177ml $2.49

Artist Pencils 12pk $3.99

Coloured Pencils 24pk $1.99

Acrylic Artist Paint Tubes 100ml 99c

Gel Ink Pens 20pk $2.99

Coloured Markers 24pk $1.99

Coloured Crayons 12pk $2.49

Glue Stick 4pk $2.99

Ballpoint Pens 10pk 99c

Erasable Pens 2pk $2.49

Whiteboard Markers 4pk $1.99

Fineline Pens 4pk $1.99

Highlighters 4pk $1.99

Permanent Markers 4pk $2.99

Assorted Stationery 49c

A4 Visual Art Diary $3.49

A4 Notebook $1.19

A4 Display Book 79c

A4 Document Folder 10pk $4.99

A4 Exercise or Binder Book 65c

Scrapbook 64pg 95c

Clear Book Covering 5m $1.99

Dry Erase Lap Board $3.99

Dymo Labels $9.99

Dymo Labelmaker $22.99

Scientific Calculator $8.99

School Merit Stamps $3.99

Merit Award Certificates $5.99

Merit Stickers $3.49

Scratch & Sniff Stickers $3.49

School Display Borders $5.99

Learning Wall Chart $2.99

Magnetic Reward Charts $5.99

Excel Naplan Revision Workbooks $16.99

Excel Basic Skills Workbooks $7.99

Excel Essential Skills Workbooks $9.99

Project Books $4.99

School Zone Flash Cards $2.99

School Zone Learning Workbooks $2.99

Learning Express Workbooks $3.99

School Zone Giant Workbooks $8.99

BIG W – For primary school students

1x Backpack: Hopscotch Plain Backpack Black – $12

Stationary – Category total: $26.10

4x Eraser: Brilliant Basics Small Eraser – $0.25

8x Exercise Book: Brilliant Basics Exercise Book 48 Pages – Blue – $0.15

4x Binder Book: Brilliant Basics A4 Binder Book 64 Pages – Grey – $0.35

2x Sharpener: Brilliant Basics Barrel Sharpener – Assorted* – $0.50

2x Pencil Case: Brilliant Basics Small Name Pencil Case – Assorted* – $0.50

5x Pencils: Brilliant Basics HB Pencils 5 Pack – $0.50

10xPens: Brilliant Basics Ballpoint Pens 10 Pack – $1.00

2x Ruler: Brilliant Basics Wooden Ruler 30cm – Brown – $0.50

2x Scissors: Brilliant Basics Stainless Steel Scissors 130mm – Assorted* – $1

4x Folder: Brilliant Basics Lever Arch Folder – Assorted* – $2

4x Highlighters: Brilliant Basics Highlighters 4 Pack – Multi – $0.50

2x Glue Stick: Brilliant Basics Glue Stick 2 Pack – Clear – $12

4x Coloured Pencils: Brilliant Basics Coloured Pencils 24 Pack – Multi – $2

20x Coloured Textas: Faber-Castell Connector Pens 20 Pack – $4.5

Uniforms – Category total: $126 (with shorts and pants) and $144 (with skirt and dress)

4x Polo Shirt: Brilliant Basics Kids Polo Shirt – White – $3

2x Shorts: Brilliant Basics Kids Microfibre School Short – Grey – $6

OR 2x Skirt: Brilliant Basics Kids Woven School Skort – Green – $10

2x Pants: Brilliant Basics School Pants – Grey – $10

OR 2x Dress: Brilliant Basics Kids School Dress – Navy – $15

2x Hat: Brilliant Basics Kids School Hat – Navy – $6

2x Jumper: Brilliant Basics Kids Sweatshirt – Green – $6

1x Art Smock: Brilliant Basics Kids Art Smock – Red – $8

1x Raincoat: Brilliant Basics Kids School Raincoat – Navy – $20

10x Socks: Brilliant Basics Kids Plain Crew Socks 5 Pack – White – $5

2x Shoes: Brilliant Basics Kids Lace Up School Shoes – Black – $10

Lunch Box and Water Bottle – Category total: $11

1x Lunchbox Set: Smash 8 Piece Lunch Bag Set – Blue – $10

1x Water Bottle: Smash Stealth Drink Bottle 1L – $1

Additional – Category total: $14.65

1x Umbrella: Rain And Shine Unisex Manual Umbrella – Black – $12

1x Display book: Brilliant Basics Display Book 20 Pocket Refill – Assorted* – $0.65

1x Music Book: Brilliant Basics A4 Music Book 96 Pages – Orange – $0.50

16x Crayons: Crayola Crayons 16 Pack – $1.50

Kmart: Back to school

Coloured document holders, display diaries and more starting from 65c each

Faber-Castell coloured pencils from $4 for 24 and patterned pencil cases at $3.50

Cotton uniforms – partnering with the Better Cotton Initiative, the entire range is made from BCI cotton and starts from $6

Backpack’s for $20

$15 sippin’ style drink bottles

Optus 

For Aussie families looking for technology for school, Optus has pulled together a list of first phones, connected devices and accessories.