How much does a first-day-of-school bag cost? The invoice records a cost of 6,000-15,000 lekë
September is the month of back to school, a period that marks the start of the new school year for 9-year-old and high school students. In addition to the children's emotions and preparation for new knowledge, this beginning also brings a financial challenge for parents, the necessary expenses related to school supplies.
In 9-year education, books continue to be distributed free of charge by the state, but this does not mean that the preparatory costs end there. For high school students, books remain a direct expense, but even for younger students there are many more to buy, all of which together translate into figures that are significant for parents, especially if they have more than one child.
No student can start the school year without a new bag. This is the basic, indispensable and perhaps the most durable accessory of all. In the market, the price of bags varies significantly from 1,500 lek for the simplest models to 9,000 lek for the highest quality and well-known brands.
Like bags, notebooks are also indispensable. Depending on the subjects, a student needs several pieces, regular notebooks cost from 20 to 90 lek each, while drawing notebooks cost from 50 to 300 lek. If we consider 10 notebooks for each child, this item alone comes to around 550 lek.
For elementary school students, an apron is an integral part of the first day of school. A black apron with a white collar costs around 2,500 lek, while in some schools where a personalized uniform is required, the cost is similar.
Added to this list are a portfolio (300–1,500 lekë), a set of rulers (250–400 lekë), pencils (50 lekë each), an eraser (20 lekë), a compass (80 lekë), a protractor (40 lekë) and correctors (200 lekë). Not to forget the coloring and creativity tools such as plasticine, paints, color palettes, stickers or pencils, all with prices starting from 20 lekë and going up to several hundred lekë.
How much does everything cost?
If we add all of this up, the cost of the first day of school ranges from 6,000 lek for the most basic purchases, to 15,000 lek for a more complete and quality package. If a family has two or more children, the expenses can easily multiply, turning September into a “heavy” month for the family budget.
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