The right supplies and resources can kickstart a smooth school year

With summer coming to a close and the new school year just around the corner, the right supplies and resources can kickstart a smooth transition into your little (or big) one’s academic journey and facilitate their learning experience.

STATIONERY: No one wants to be the student asking their deskmate for a pen and spare leaf of paper.

#1- BAKIER: A trusted name in the world of stationery since 1991, Bakier is your go-to for everything from basic office supplies to custom business giveaways. What sets Bakier apart is that for some listed schools, they’ve crafted specialized supply packages for each year group, ensuring that each student gets exactly what they need to succeed.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 3 for BRAVO 200 Ball point pen to EGP 1.2k for Staedtler color pen set.

LOCATION: They have various branches across Cairo. You can find them in Maadi, Heliopolis, Mall of Arabia, Point 90, Mivida, Concord Plaza and Sheikh Zayed.

#2- ALWAN: True to its name, this colorful stationery shop is a one-stop destination to all the knickknacks you need to fill up your kids pencil case.

PRICE RANGE: Their website is still yet to celebrate a hard launch, but unlisted prices range from EGP 8 for a pencil to EGP 2k for a Coloring Pastel Set.

LOCATION: They have nine branches across Cairo in areas such as: New Cairo, Mohandessin, October City, Giza, Downtown Cairo, Heliopolis, Nasr City, Zamalek and one in Alexandria

#3- EL MAAYERGY: Another tried and true store. Attendees of Hayah International Academy in both their East and West campuses can also find supply packages for different year groups.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 2.20 for a Pentel Metallic Lead Automatic Pencil to EGP 2.2k for the STABILO CarbOthello Pastel Pencil Metal box.

LOCATION: They have five branches in Cairo: New Cairo, Madinaty, Nasr City, DowntownCairo and Gamaleya.

BACKPACKS: Maybe the most fun part of back-to-school shopping. Deck your kid out in comfy, durable, and trendy backpacks.

#1- CUBS: Made by mothers who know what a backpack needs.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 2k Unicorn Backpack to EGP 3.1k Grey XXL Backpack.

LOCATION: If you want your kids to experience the old-school tradition of picking out their backpack, you can visit Cubs at City Stars Mall, Point 90 Mall, Nasr City, Heliopolis, Mall of Egypt, Mall of Arabia, and Al Dokki. They also have two branches outside of Cairo in City Center Alexandria, and Damietta.

#2- SHAILLA: Shailla’s backpacks are too cool for school, and come in six different colors that feature ergonomic design, adjustable straps, and a reinforced bottom panel for a perfect fit and unbeatable durability.

PRICE RANGE: They’re on the splurge side, and for good reason too — quality is essential. The prices range from EGP 7.6k for a small backpack and EGP 8.4k for the large.

LOCATION: You can order their products online from their website only.

#3- DEA: Style and practicality is their thing. They have sets that include matching lunch boxes and pencil cases, but you can still go solo with a sleek, single backpack.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 300 for the Ocean Dea-buzz to EGP 1.2k for the FunnyMonsters school dea-trio set trio.

LOCATION: They’re peppered all over Cairo with over 15 branches, but you can always shop on their website.

LUNCH BOXES & WATER BOTTLES: Keep your kid energized with fresh meals and a healthy dose of H2O without too much of a hassle.

#1- M-DESIGN: Their lunchboxes aren’t just durable — they’re also easy to clean, and eco-friendly.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 27 Eden cutlery set 3 pcs to EGP 425 Fresco LunchBox + Alpha Bottle.

LOCATION: You can find them anywhere and everywhere — here’s an extensive list.

#2- HOME SIGNATURE: It’s a no-frills solution to your lunchbox prep needs.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 100 for a standard Lunch Box to EGP 545 for the Lock& Fresh Covered Storage Container.

LOCATION: You can order their products online from their Instagram page.

#3- BYTE: Stylish lunch boxes, water flasks, and a whole range of playful add-ons that cater to every mom’s needs and every kid’s lunch box dreams.

PRICE RANGE: Items range from EGP 680 for a basic silicone container to EGP 2.5k for the multi-compartment HotMunch lunchbox.

LOCATION: You can order their products online from their website.

THE EXTRA MILE: Some resources to make your life a little easier and make sure your kiddo has a great school year.

#1- FOR MONEY SAVING: Made for mothers, the Rahet Bally app allows you to splurge a little extra while shopping for school essentials by unlocking exclusive discounts.

#2- FOR EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: Learning Ally offers audiobooks for those with reading or visual impairments, Co:Writer assists with writing via word prediction and speech recognition, and Voice Dream converts text to speech. For math, ModMath helps users with dysgraphia by digitizing problem-solving, while Mathway provides step-by-step solutions. To improve soft skills, Time Timer aids in time management, Inspiration Maps helps with organizing ideas, Focus@Will offers music to enhance concentration, and BrainHQ provides brain training exercises to boost cognitive skills.

#3- FOR LEARNING TOOLS: The rise of AI has transformed education with tools that enhance learning rather than replace it. Socratic by Google AI offers online tutoring with step-by-step solutions across various subjects. For research, Monic.ai generates customized resources and summaries, and Consensus delivers expert-level search results from peer-reviewed papers. AudioPen helps with transcription and note organization from spoken content, and StudyNinja aids in time management and task prioritization. For more details click here.

#4- FOR TUTORS: Finding a tutor for your child in Egypt is a trial and error process. These should make it more trial and less error. Online platforms like Orcas, Skooli, and Rafikee offer extensive tutoring options tailored to various subjects and educational levels, often more accessible than physical centers. For specialized needs, including support for neurodiverse children, institutions like The Lighthouse Center and The Learning Resource Center provide targeted programs. For more details click here.