How much does it cost to get a child ready for school this year: what will be the most expensive
10 August 17:15
There’s less than a month left until the start of the school year, and many parents are already calculating their expenses for school supplies. "Komersant Ukrainian" has compiled approximate prices for a basic school supply kit in 2026—from backpacks to pencil cases.
Backpack, Lunchbox, and School Supplies
One of the main items on the back-to-school shopping list is a backpack. The cheapest models can be found for around 600 hryvnias during sales, but standard prices generally start at 1,000 hryvnias. Models with an orthopedic backrest will cost significantly more—their price can reach 3,000 hryvnias and even exceed that amount. The price depends on the brand, materials, design, and features.
You’ll also need to buy a bag for a change of shoes. On average, you should budget about 500 hryvnias for it. A lunchbox and a water bottle will cost another 200 hryvnias or so.
In the days leading up to September 1, stationery stores are actively running promotions, so some of the necessary items can be purchased at a discount.
Prices for basic school supplies currently start at roughly the following levels: 12-sheet notebooks—from 7 hryvnias, 36-sheet notebooks—from 15 hryvnias, and 96-sheet notebooks—from 49 hryvnias. A diary will cost at least 70 hryvnias, while more expensive models cost up to 170 hryvnias.
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A pack of 10 notebook covers costs 60 hryvnias or more, while five book covers cost 55 hryvnias or more. Depending on the model, a pencil case costs approximately 350–600 hryvnias.
The simplest blue pens sell for as low as 12 hryvnias each, while more expensive models can cost up to 40 hryvnias. A set of 8–12 colored pens costs approximately 120–200 hryvnias. Colored pencils cost from 72 hryvnias for a set of 12, and a set of 24 pencils can cost up to 200 hryvnias.
A set of 12 markers costs between 50 and 250 hryvnias. Erasers, pencil sharpeners, rulers, and correction fluid can be purchased for at least 15 hryvnias per item. Plasticine costs between 80 and 200 hryvnias, depending on the manufacturer and the number of colors. A set of colored paper can cost between 80 and 400 hryvnias.
How Much Do School Clothes and Shoes Cost?
Another significant expense is a student’s wardrobe. The final cost depends on the brand, the quality of the materials, and the child’s age. If the school requires a uniform, parents should ideally have at least two or three sets so that the clothes can be rotated regularly.
A school uniform costs 1,250 hryvnias or more, and the price of individual sets can reach several thousand. Shirts, T-shirts, and blouses start at around 500 hryvnias. Pants or skirts cost approximately 600–800 hryvnias.
A tracksuit will cost 1,300–3,000 hryvnias. Athletic shoes cost approximately 800–1,700 hryvnias, while dress shoes range from 700 to 2,300 hryvnias. You’ll need to budget at least 35 hryvnias for socks and 70 hryvnias or more for tights.
How much does it cost to get a child ready for school?
If you buy only the bare essentials and stick to items in the lower price range, the minimum set of supplies for a schoolchild will cost about 10,000 hryvnias. This amount includes a backpack, a bag for a change of shoes, a lunchbox, a water bottle, a basic set of school supplies, necessary notebooks, clothing, and shoes.
However, if parents choose higher-quality items, well-known brands, or purchase several sets of school uniforms, the cost can rise to 15,000–20,000 hryvnias. In some cases, the budget will be even higher. The final cost is most heavily influenced by the prices of the backpack, school uniform, shoes, and the number of clothing sets.
How to Cut Costs Before September 1
To avoid spending extra money, it’s a good idea to go through the items left over from the previous school year before you start shopping. Some school supplies—such as pencil cases, rulers, pencils, paints, and other items—don’t need to be replaced if they’re still in good condition.
It’s more cost-effective to buy notebooks and other school supplies during sales or as part of sets. It’s worth comparing prices for clothing and shoes at different stores, since the cost of identical or similar items can vary significantly. This approach will allow you to put together the necessary set of supplies for a student without unnecessary expenses and avoid buying items that will likely go unused.
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