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Dubai: While there’s no way to escape the high tuition fees of private schools in the country, parents say saving on back-to-school essentials is possible.
With the new academic year just around the corner, Gulf News visited malls and stationery shops to talk to parents about their school essential costs and saving tips.
There was a noticeable increase in items like lunch boxes, which ranged from Dh15 to Dh69 last year but increased to Dh49 to Dh99 this year. Tablet prices also increased as they ranged from Dh265 to Dh2,999 last year and increased to Dh199 to Dh4,999 this year.
Items whose prices remain relatively the same include bags, which ranged from Dh80 to Dh400 last year and Dh67 to Dh460 this year. Pencil cases also remain relatively the same as they ranged from Dh7 to Dh69 last year and Dh18 to Dh62 this year.
Stationary items (pencils, pens, erasers, etc) this year ranged from Dh100 to Dh400 (depending on the items needed), while books ranged from Dh400 to Dh3,000 per child. These prices are similar to last year’s prices.
Paying such amounts in addition to the school fee, bus fee and fees for books can be a burden on parents in the country, especially with the increasing cost of living that has affected rent and petrol prices.
However, with the vast difference in prices per item, parents believe saving on back-to-school essentials is possible.
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Tip one: Buy in bulk
Emirati mother of three Maitha Al Ali said she expects to spend around Dh2,000 to Dh3,000 on back-to-school items that include stationery, pencil cases, bags etc.
“I am spending this much because I am buying items for the whole year. So, instead of going back to restock on items throughout the year, I can just use the existing items I stored. It is more convenient and cheaper,” she said.
Maitha often has to restock on items because her daughters either use up their exercise books and pens or because they simply lose them.
According to a Gulf News poll in 2013, the number one item that children fail to return home with after a long day at school is stationery.
Lunch boxes came second, while books, jackets and allowance money followed, respectively.
Therefore Maitha said parents should not spend money on high-end stationery items that often get lost.
Tip two: Take advantage of back-to-school promotions
This is especially helpful when buying in bulk as many of the items on promotion offer ‘buy one get one free’ or ‘buy pencils, get runners for free’ offers. They can also be helpful when buying electronic devices like tablets, which many schools now require as they are usually offered at discounted prices.
Tip three: Make a list
French national Lydia J., who has two sons, only purchases items required by the school.
“I plan on only spending around Dh300 on both my sons based on my list. Most schools tell you exactly what you need so I try to stick to that in order not to overspend.”
Lydia said she is only spending Dh300 on her two children because she only has to spend on stationery as she is using the same bags as last year and the school offers everything else.
Tip four: Invest in quality bags, especially for older kids
Lydia said she was able to use her children’s bags for two years in a row because they are good quality.
Jordanian Alia Al Shatat also shared the same advice.
“I used to have to buy a new bag every semester because by the end of the term it would have holes and break. I would spend less that Dh100 on the bag but because I bought one each term I used to pay around Dh300 in total. Last year I decided to buy my daughter a Dh200 good quality bag from a trusted brand. This year I am glad to say that it in great shape and so I don’t have to buy a new one,” she said.
