As summer comes to a close and the school year approaches, parents in Dubai find themselves preparing for the back-to-school rush. From uniforms to lunch boxes, there’s a lot to consider to ensure your child is ready for the academic year ahead. To help you navigate the shopping process, here's a guide to must-have school supplies and where to find the best deals in Dubai.
How to Choose the Right Supplies
Choosing the right school supplies is about more than just ticking items off a list. It's about ensuring that your child has everything they need to be comfortable, organized, and ready to learn.
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Stainless Steel Water Bottles
- Why It’s Important: With the UAE’s hot climate, it's crucial to keep your child hydrated with cool water throughout the day. Stainless steel bottles are excellent for maintaining the temperature of water, ensuring it doesn’t get too warm.
- Where to Buy: Check out brands like Hydro Flask, Camelbak, Potterybarn Kids, or Thermos.
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Insulated Lunch Boxes and Bags
- Why It’s Important: An insulated lunch box is key to keeping your child’s food fresh until lunchtime. Opt for options that are BPA-free and easy to clean.
- Where to Buy: The OmieBox, available on Mumzworld and FirstCry, is a popular choice among parents for its insulation and compartmentalized design.
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Stainless Steel Food Containers
- Why It’s Important: These containers are durable and great for keeping food warm. They're also eco-friendly, reducing the need for disposable packaging.
- Where to Buy: Citron offers a range of stainless steel food containers that are perfect for school lunches.
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BPA-Free Supplies
- Why It’s Important: BPA-free materials are safer for children, as they don’t leach harmful chemicals into food or drinks. Look for BPA-free labels on products like water bottles, lunch boxes, and food containers.
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Sturdy and Comfortable Shoes
- Why It’s Important: Growing feet need proper support, especially since kids spend a lot of time on their feet during the school day. Opt for shoes that are both sturdy and comfortable.
- Where to Buy: Pablosky, Sketchers, Nike, Adidas, and Shoe Mart are excellent choices for school shoes that offer both style and support.
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100% Cotton Socks
- Why It’s Important: Cotton socks are breathable and comfortable, which is important when your child is wearing them for long hours.
- Where to Buy: Zaks and Threads often carry school-approved socks, or you can find 100% cotton options at Centrepoint and Marks & Spencer.
Must-Have School Supplies
- Uniforms: Depending on your child’s school, uniforms can typically be purchased from suppliers like Zaks and Threads. Some schools also sell uniforms directly.
- Stationery: Items like notebooks, pens, pencils, and rulers are essential. Look for good quality supplies at Borders or Centrepoint.
- Backpacks: A sturdy, well-padded backpack is crucial for carrying books and supplies comfortably. Pottery Barn Kids offers a variety of ergonomic options.
- Lunch Boxes: Beyond insulation, consider lunch boxes with compartments to keep food separate. Citron and OmieBox are popular choices among Dubai parents.
- Labels: Personalize your child’s items with name labels to avoid mix-ups at school. These can be easily found at Mumzworld or customized online.
Where to Find Deals in Dubai
- Mumzworld: This online platform is a one-stop-shop for school supplies, from lunch boxes to backpacks. It’s also great for finding specific brands as well.
- FirstCry: Another excellent online option, especially for parents looking for deals on popular items like the OmieBox and stainless steel bottles.
- Pottery Barn Kids: Located in malls across Dubai, this store offers high-quality school supplies, including backpacks, lunch boxes, and stationery.
- Borders: With locations in many Dubai malls, Borders is a great place for a wide range of school supplies, from stainless steel bottles to notebooks.
- Centrepoint: Known for its affordable pricing, Centrepoint offers everything from school shoes to lunch boxes.
- Shoe Mart: For school shoes that combine comfort and durability, Shoe Mart is a reliable choice.
- Zaks and Threads: These are go-to places for school uniforms, offering options that are durable and comfortable.
Involving Children in Buying School Supplies
One of the best ways to make back-to-school shopping enjoyable is to involve your child in the process. Here’s why it’s beneficial:
- Encourages Responsibility: When children are involved in choosing their supplies, they are more likely to take care of them during the school year.
- Builds Excitement: Picking out their backpack, lunch box, or stationery can create excitement about going back to school.
- Teaches Decision-Making: Allowing your child to make choices within certain parameters helps them learn decision-making skills.
- Personalizes Their Experience: When children choose items they love, it helps personalize their school experience, making them feel more connected to their daily routine.
Preparing for the new school year doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By choosing the right supplies and involving your child in the shopping process, you can make back-to-school preparations enjoyable and efficient. Whether you’re shopping online or at the many stores across Dubai, there’s no shortage of options to get your child ready for a successful school year. With the right supplies, your child will be set up for success, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they have everything they need.
