Summer vacation is almost over, which means parents and students are thinking back-to-school.
From supplies to fall clothes to the most budget-friendly dorm accessories, the season for many is all about starting from scratch. But this also means creating a budget — and sticking to it.
According to a recent survey from RetailMeNot.ca, 69 per cent of Canadians agreed back-to-school was one of the most expensive times of the year, but only half of respondents made a budget.
READ MORE: Is there a Canadian teacher who changed your life? Tell us about them
The survey noted 19 per cent of parents spent money on new school supplies and clothes, while 11 per cent spend it on new shoes and laptops — items traditionally more expensive.
And with a whirlwind of pens, laptops and even sneakers to choose from, we narrow down a list of 13 of our favourite back-to-school items: from the trendiest to the most classic to the items that made us raise an eyebrow.
Doodle bento box
Bringing your lunch to school never looked cooler. This compact-size lunch box comes with an inner divider, perfect for kids to trade what they please.
Price: $19.50
Available at Indigo.
Notebook
Price: $249
Available at Staples.
Microwave crisper
It’s 2018 and you want to microwave your food in style. If the school year means dorm life, make things a tad bit fancier with this microwave crisper. Instead of just reheating food, the crisper gives your takeout, pizza or bread new life.
Price: $60
Available at Bed Bath & Beyond
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Backpack
Price: $65
Available at eBay.ca.
READ MORE: 10 healthy, tasty, 3-ingredient back-to-school lunches for kids
Smart grill with Bluetooth
Price: $179
Available at Best Buy
Sequin lunch tote
It doesn’t seem like sequin is going away anytime soon. These colour-changing lunch bags from Amazon Canada feature insulated compartments and a mesh zipper pocket.
Price: $40
Available at Amazon Canada.
String light clips
Price: $18
Available at HP.
All weather notebooks
Price: $16
Available at Amazon Canada.
READ MORE: Canadians who didn’t finish university or college degrees — and have zero regrets
Smart device
Price: $119
Available at VTech.
Mermaid pencil case
Unicorns are a thing of the past. This adorable mermaid tail pencil case will hold all of your child’s pencils, pens, markers and crayons. Yoobi is also a Canadian exclusive brand for Indigo and to give back this season, proceeds from each case (or other Yoobi items) will go towards buying school supplies for children in need in the country.
Price: $7.50
Available at Indigo.
Digital pen
Price: $200
Available at Best Buy.
Bed-in-a-bag
Price: $44.88
Available at Walmart Canada.
USB Bed Lift Set
Price: $45
Available at Bed Bath & Beyond.
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