The school basket collects everything: for bags, accessories and notebooks and up to 200 euros

Parents and students across Croatia are preparing for the new school year, with many reporting that the cost of school supplies has risen significantly this year. Just over two weeks before the first bell rings, families are busy shopping for notebooks, backpacks, stationery, and other essential items. Some parents say they will need to spend more money than last year, while others are still trying to figure out exactly how much they can afford. The process of buying school supplies often begins well in advance, especially for younger children who are entering their first grade. For example, Ana, a young girl, is excited about starting school and plans to buy notebooks, a backpack, and a pencil case. Her mother, Katarina, says they are preparing her child for the first grade for the first time and hope to find everything they need within their budget. She estimates the backpack alone could cost around 60 to 70 euros, though she admits they haven’t checked the exact price yet. In some areas, such as Gorskog kotara, parents have gone to great lengths to secure the right backpack for their children. One parent, Tomislav, mentions he has already traveled 130 kilometers to get the specific backpack his daughter wants. This highlights the importance of finding the perfect item for children, even if it means making a long journey. According to Marin Mlinar, head of the commercial sector at Narodnih novina, the prices for school supply kits vary depending on the type of school. A basic kit for primary school might start at around 80 euros, while one including a backpack for secondary school could reach up to 111 euros. The cost of backpacks themselves ranges from 30 to 100 euros, with additional expenses for pens, pencils, erasers, and other small items. Danijel Habijanić, owner of a bookstore, notes that art supplies can be particularly expensive due to the variety of materials needed. He suggests that purchasing these items in bulk or using boxes designed for multiple pieces can help reduce costs. These boxes typically range from 24 to 30 euros, offering a more affordable option compared to individual purchases. Quality notebooks are another area where prices have increased. High-quality, thicker notebooks can cost around 1.5 euros each, whereas thinner ones are available for as little as 80 to 90 cents. Pencils remain relatively inexpensive, costing about 80 cents each. Backpacks, however, continue to be a major expense, with some models reaching up to 100 euros. Vanja Čučković, manager of the Znanje bookstore’s retail section, explains that the cheapest complete set of supplies, typically including a backpack and a notebook, can cost around 90 euros, while the most expensive options can exceed 200 euros. Parents are advised to consider which items are most necessary and prioritize accordingly. Beyond notebooks and backpacks, parents are also spending considerable amounts on other essentials such as rulers, compasses, and art supplies. In addition, some families are planning to purchase textbooks for high school, further increasing their overall expenditure. As the school year approaches, many parents are left wondering whether they have enough money to cover all their children's needs. While some are optimistic, others are concerned about the rising costs. Regardless of the outcome, the preparation for the new academic year continues, with families working hard to ensure their children are equipped for success.