As most full-time child-wranglers know all too well, back-to-school shopping requires a ninja black belt level of concentration and skill. You need to go in primed to withstand lengthy negotiations with pushy youngsters who don’t seem to understand basic concepts like “you don’t need this”, “we can’t afford this” or, simply, “no”. You need to keep a cool head in the face of a salvo of nagging – sometimes coming at you from multiple directions at once – performing the verbal equivalent of Matrix-style back-bends when a fresh barrage ensues. And you need to keep at least one sniper-eye on the shopping trolley at ALL TIMES (look away for a split-second and risk three or four items that weren’t there before mysteriously appearing in your cart).
But once it’s all over and done with, you then get to sit back and enjoy that sweet (albeit brief) period of time where the kids actually feel excited to go back to school and show off all of their shiny new gear to their peers.
Because for sprouts of all ages, especially the majority who wear uniforms to class every day, non-uniform items like shoes, backpacks and lunchboxes are way more than just material possessions, they’re opportunities for your littley to express his or her own unique sense of individual identity, creativity and style.
So with that in mind, the only surefire way to minimise the chances of your back-to-school shopping trip descending into a taxing tug-o-war between temper tantrums and maxed out credit cards is to do your homework beforehand. Strategise. Write a checklist of everything you need in advance, then sit down with your kids and browse catalogues to see what brands they like, and weigh up whether or not their faves fit into your family budget before you set foot in the store.
To help get you started, I’ve compiled my own wishlist of the most stylish back-to-school products, as vetted by my 12-year-old son Max and 9-year-old daughter Gracie. Enjoy!
Back To School 2020
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What: Clarks Bow & Clarks Kaptain school shoes
First of all, Myer currently has 20% off its entire range of school shoes, so you can sink your tootsies into some serious savings all the way up until Feb 9. But the snazzy Clarks Bow comes with yet another added bonus. Not only are they cute, but this particular style also includes a Surprise Shopkins Lil' Secrets toy in every box! And it’s not just for the gals -- Clarks’ Kaptain shoes for boys are also hiding a special surprise… namely a hidden compartment in each heel with a collectable Treasure X toy inside. What better way to make the first day back more fun than by throwing in a bonus new toy to play with? You can alleviate some of the Back to School stress by hitting up The Fit Squad at selected Myer stores to help you find that perfect fit.
Price: $111.96 (down from $139.95)
Where to get them: Myer (Bow / Kaptain)
Or visit www.myer.com.au/whatson to find a store near you. -
What: Penny Scallan backpacks, water bottles (500mL) and lunch boxes
This delightful range of back-to-school swag is the perfect blend of stylish and functional. Penny Scallan have matching sets of accessories that includes a backpack, bento box and drink bottles in a bunch of bright, fun designs. Not only will the playful, fashion-forward styles brighten your tots’ day and help them stand out from the crowd, they’re also purpose-built to withstand all the rigours of the school day.
FYI the 500mL drink bottle is made from food-grade stainless steel with a BPA-free, spill-proof lid and fits perfectly in the side pocket of the matching large backpack (smaller versions are also available), while the bento box is a level up from your average lunch box, with 6 compartments tucked away in a handy inner tray to make nutritious lunches more exciting and fun to chow down on!
Price: $19.95 - $69.95
Where to get them: Myer (Shop online here) -
What: Adidas shorts & T-shirt
OK so these weren’t originally on my list, but my 12-year-old Max mounted a surprisingly compelling case for why his dad and I should consider them and dammit, did the little scamp win us over. Sometimes we forget that play and movement aren’t just a big part of the whole school experience, but also healthy growth, learning, development and wellbeing in general, so having reliable activewear is pretty gosh darn important. We all know the Adidas brand is renowned for its ‘cool’ factor, and this matching shorts and tee combo is the perfect way for tweens to stay both active and on-trend during their after-school sports sessions.
Where to get them: Myer (Shop online here)
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What: Beats solo pro, noise-cancelling wireless headphones, Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker & Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 Smart Watches
Speaking of active and on-trend, you can cap it all off with a stylish set of headphones so your little lad (or ladette) can blast their favourite tunes on the way to the oval, footy field or basketball court (in our case, these were a Christmas present that we’re letting Max take to his new high school). Not only are they wireless (no cords to get tangled up in!), they’re also built to last, which makes them a worthwhile investment if, like me, you’re sick of having to constantly buy new sets of earphones that keep getting lost on daily adventures!
Tech is a crucial part of how kids learn and play in 2020 and Myer’s range of smart watches and activity trackers are also the perfect intersection of functionality and style. Not only do they allow your littles (and you!) to monitor their daily activity levels and fitness, they also come in a variety of cute designs for both boys and girls.
We all know that one big way kids love to express themselves is by repping merch from their favourite shows and movies, and these groovy designs dedicated to popular characters like Captain America, Minnie Mouse and the Disney Princesses will have your mini film buffs squealing with joy!
Price: $429, $129.95 & $129
Where to get them: Myer
