Janet Gray, money coach at Money Coaches Canada, said preparing parents for back-to-school expenses is not that much different than helping them save for holiday shopping.įor example, if parents know that each year they’re going to spend $500 per child on back-to-school expenses, Gray recommends they set aside $50 per month 10 months prior so it’s less “pain and strain” on their day-to-day or monthly expenses.

I also recommend avoiding higher-priced stores as option one and instead hitting the dollar store to see if you can check off the majority of your list first.” “Although your child might have moved past their ‘Paw Patrol’ obsession, it doesn’t mean they can’t use that backpack for one more school year. “Unfortunately, letting comparison dictate your spending habits is never a good way to stay on budget.”ĭavies recommends parents consider buying certain items second-hand or reusing older supplies from previous years if there are any left. Parents can feel strong pressure to ensure their kids “fit in” and have the same brands, supplies and styles that the other students do, Davies said. Whether it’s the expectation from the school to have a laptop of some kind or the social pressure from peers, it can stress families out.” “Although parents with older children may be able to reuse supplies from previous years, technology is the most significant expense I hear parents concerned about. “You need to get backpacks, indoor shoes, lunch kits, etc.” Davies said.

Given how much items in grocery stores have increased over the past six months, it would be hard to believe parents won’t be spending more on school supplies simply because of inflation, she said.įor parents with young children, the costs can add up since parents are often buying everything for the first time, especially if their kids are entering preschool or kindergarten. “In addition, most of us have seen a steep increase in our groceries and other essentials, so buying new clothing or school supplies for kids can feel overwhelming for some.” “No matter what you’re paying for when it comes to returning to school, even the smallest of supplies can feel overwhelming for some families, given the rise in inflation and the instability of our current economy,” said Alyssa Davies, founder of the Mixed Up Money website and author of “Financial First Aid.” But back-to-school supplies can quickly add up, and parents already feeling the crunch from a rising cost of living may need to strategize how they approach this shopping season.

For years, Staples Canada has advertised back-to-school supplies to the tune of the 'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,' with parents eager to see their children return to class after a busy summer. Avalynn Kwok, 4, walks with her dad, Manny Kwok, outside Lynn Valley Elementary School as her parents drop her off for her first day of kindergarten in North Vancouver on September 9, 2021. Just over half think they’ll spend the same as last year and less than 14 per cent said they’ll be spending less. More than one in three Canadians, or 36.2 per cent, expect to spend more money this year compared with last when it comes to back-to-school shopping, according to a survey released by Caddle in partnership with the Retail Council of Canada. For years, Staples Canada has advertised back-to-school supplies to the tune of the “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” with parents eager to see their children return to class after a busy summer.īut back-to-school supplies can quickly add up, and parents already feeling the crunch from a rising cost of living may need to strategize how they approach this shopping season.

Paw patrol backpack