Back-to-School on a Budget: Smart Shopping for UAE Parents

Back-to-School on a Budget: Smart Shopping for UAE Parents

July 2025

Hey there, super moms and dads 👋

Let’s be real — back-to-school season in the UAE can hit the wallet harder than we expect. Between tuition, uniforms, activity fees, and the endless supply lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And if you’ve got more than one child? Multiply the chaos (and the cost!).

After a few years of trial and many receipt-stuffed handbags later, I’ve figured out some go-to tips to keep back-to-school shopping under control — without sacrificing quality, style, or those must-have CUBS vibes we all love.

1. Prioritize the Essentials

Before you hit “Add to Cart” on that tenth sequin pencil case (guilty 😅), take a moment to list what your child actually needs:

  • Backpack

  • Lunch bag

  • Pencil case

  • Water bottle

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Name labels (trust me, they’re lifesavers)

Start there, and then add the fun extras if your budget allows.

💡 CUBS Tip: Our Back-to-School Sets bundle the backpack, lunch bag, and pencil case in matching designs — not only do they look amazing together, but it saves you the time (and money) of buying them separately.

2. Invest in Durability, Not Just Design

Sure, the sparkle and cartoons are cute, but what happens when the zipper breaks in week two?
Durability is everything. Look for:

  • Water-resistant fabrics (hello, juice spills)

  • Reinforced back padding

  • Smooth SBS zippers

  • Easy-to-clean materials

🛍️ CUBS products are made for Gulf weather and school-day hustle — tough on the outside, fun on the inside.

3. Choose Items That Grow with Them

Instead of switching gear every term, pick bags and accessories that can last an entire academic year (and maybe more). Neutral but playful designs like Pterosugar Blue or Strawberry Love work for every age and mood swing. Trust me, I’ve got a tween who switches personalities daily.

4. Set a Budget — and Let the Kids Choose Within It

This one's a game-changer. Give your child a fixed amount to "spend" on their school gear. Not only do they feel more involved, but you also avoid last-minute impulse buys.

My daughter proudly picked the Unicorn Sequin Backpack last year — and she still packs it every morning with pride.

5. Think Long-Term: Reuse & Rotate

If last year’s lunch bag still looks great, use it again! And don’t forget to rotate pencil cases or footwear across terms to keep things feeling fresh without breaking the bank.

CUBS designs are easy to mix and match — so even if you only buy one or two new pieces, they’ll still feel brand new when paired with existing gear.

Final Thought: Back-to-School Can Be Fun and Frugal

You don’t need to spend big to give your child a school experience they’ll love. With a bit of planning, some smart picks, and a few colorful pieces from CUBS, you’ll save money, avoid stress, and make mornings smoother for everyone.

Shop Smart, Shop Happy

Check out our budget-friendly bundles and most-loved gear:
🎒 Explore Backpacks https://cubsgoplaces.ae/collections/school-gear
🍱 Shop Lunch Bags https://cubsgoplaces.ae/collections/lunch-bags
✏️ Browse Pencil Cases https://cubsgoplaces.ae/collections/pencil-cases

Got your own money-saving tip? Drop it in the comments — let’s help each other out this BTS season 💛

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