Back to school 2026 - when to buy school supplies without overpaying

• JulyShops launch their first "back to school" promotions and the selection is still complete. It is the best moment for AliExpress orders (delivery will comfortably arrive before September) and for items worth comparing prices on, such as a solid backpack.
• First half of AugustThe peak of stationery promotions in discount stores and supermarkets. Notebooks, supplies and basic office items are usually at their cheapest of the whole year.
• End of AugustThe biggest crowds and time pressure. Prices are no longer the best, and popular backpack designs and shoe sizes start disappearing. Buy only what you could not have predicted earlier.
• September and OctoberPost-season markdowns - backpacks, pencil cases and some accessories drop by tens of percent. A good moment to stock up for next year, if your child’s tastes are unlikely to change.

Laptops, tablets and headphones have their own promotional season: electronics stores usually launch "back to school" campaigns in August. It is a good moment, but not the only one - compare the price against the lowest price from the last 30 days (stores must display it under the Omnibus Directive) and check whether the same model was cheaper during the summer sales.

For cheaper accessories - cases, mice, desk mats, organisers - you will save the most on AliExpress, provided you order in advance. Remember that since 1 July 2026, parcels from outside the EU worth up to 150 EUR carry a 3 EUR customs duty per tariff item - for small items, choose shipping from warehouses in Poland or the EU.

Every studying child up to the age of 20 (24 for children with disabilities) in Poland is entitled to the Dobry Start benefit of 300 zł, regardless of income. Applications are submitted online only - via the mZUS app, online banking or the Emp@tia portal - between 1 July and 30 November. The earlier you apply, the better the chance the money arrives before September. Check the current programme rules before applying.

• Make a complete list before your first purchases and stick to it - buying single missing items in September is the most expensive way.
• Split the list into "buy early" (AliExpress, July promotions) and "buy in season" (things that need fitting or depend on the school’s requirements).
• Buy notebooks and supplies during August discount-store promotions - the price difference versus September can reach double digits.
• For electronics, compare prices across several stores and against the lowest 30-day price, and treat 0% instalments as a payment method, not proof that something is cheap.
• Check what is left from last year - part of the kit, like scissors, rulers or paints, will easily serve another season.