Parents, it’s back-to-school season once again, and this year, kids will finally be back in school as face-to-face classes resume in the country. After over two years of online classes, though, it’s understandable to feel a bit lost when it comes to preps for in-person schooling, as well as to feel extra nervous about kids’ safety. On top of these, the rising school costs can be overwhelming for any parent—and we’re not just talking about the tuition fees!
The good news? We’re here to help you out with our round-up of wallet-friendly back-to-school buys that are not only stylish and functional, they’re meant to last the whole year, too! With these covered, you and your young ones can focus on enjoying this new season while staying safe in the new normal.
Bonus Tip: You can get up to 50% off when you shop via the SM Malls Online app from August 1 to 31! Get dibs on the deals here.
The Essentials
Check out these affordable but high-quality picks at SM.
School Bags
Images from ShopSM
SM Accessories Backpack with Frog Design - Purple, ₱599, ShopSM
SM Accessories Trolley - Submarine, ₱899, ShopSM
Missed shopping for your kids’ school bags? There’s a bevy of colorful and practical options waiting for you at The SM Store. Aside from choosing a style that matches your child’s personality, don’t forget to check the material: Bags made with nylon, like this purple backpack, are water-resistant and quick to clean. The bonus pouch can also be used for her new normal essentials, like masks or sanitizers. Prefer a trolley? Go for a lightweight but heavy-duty option with lots of pockets and inside storage.
Pencil Case
Images from The SM Store and ShopSM
Plastic Iridescent Pencil Case, 2 for ₱100, The SM Store
Miniso Marvel Pencil Case, ₱89.50 (from 179), ShopSM
Keep your learners’ writing tools organized in these cute minimalist pencil cases that are light to carry—and light on the pocket, too! Available in fun colors and designs for both boys and girls, they’re washable and are roomy enough to accommodate just the right amount of pens, pencils, erasers, and other knick-knacks.
Lunchbox
Images from The SM Store
Cool Bento Lunchbox and Lunch Bag with Removable Ice Pack Set, ₱299.75, The SM Store
Lock & Lock Jumping Cats Lunch Bag Set, ₱779.75, ShopSM
Make lunchtime extra fun and safe with these meal kits complete with a carry-on bag. The Cool Bento Lunchbox features three compartments for your bento-style meals plus removable ice packs, while the Lock & Lock set comes with an airtight 350ml food container, a 300ml water bottle, and a spoon and fork—all in an insulated bag.
Water Tumbler
Image from ShopSM
Hydrofresh Stainless Steel Active Tumbler with Straw Spout and Handle 1L, ₱399 each, SM Surplus Shop
Keep your child hydrated all day long with a tumbler he or she will love! These babies from SM Surplus are a steal: The vacuum insulation lets drinks stay either hot or cold for up to 12 hours, while the sleek design makes it easy to store in their bags. It features a flip spout with straw that makes it easy for your child to drink any time or even when busy studying. Tip: Add waterproof stickers to avoid mix-ups with other kids’ jugs.
Notebooks
Images from The SM Store
Advance We Bare Bears Writing or Compo Notebooks - 6 pieces per pack with plastic cover, ₱100, SM Stationery at The SM Store
7-Pack Spiral Notebook Set - Assorted, ₱100, The SM Store
Whether your kids like cheery character designs or prefer a more simple but stylish aesthetic, SM’s Stationery section is chock-full of choices—from this We Bare Bears set that already comes with plastic covers (a bonus in any parent’s book!) to this pack of multi-colored spiral notebooks that costs just ₱100 for seven pieces.
School Shoes
Images from ShopSM
Easy Soft Kids Girls’ Shoes - Claire, ₱499.75, ShopSM
Fisher Price Boys' Auhley School Shoes, ₱899.75 ₱700, ShopSM
Leather shoes that won’t break the bank? Keep your eyes peeled for awesome deals and discounts from trusted brands at SM, where you can score stylish pairs under ₱1,000—like these doll shoes from local brand Easy Soft and round-toe boy shoes from Fisher Price.
Rubber Shoes
Images from ShopSM and World Balance
Sugar Kids Girls' India Rubber Shoes, ₱599.75, ShopSM
One Up by World Balance PLAY ON Kid’s Shoes, ₱1,599 ₱899, World Balance
F2F classes means back to PE! Make sure your child has the right ankle support during PE and other playtimes with his classmates with the proper footwear. Some things to consider: breathable leather material, soft inside cushion, easy lace-up or velcro closure, and comfortable wear. Allow a bit of allowance so they’re not too tight when worn with socks.
Safety Must-Haves
These new normal items are musts in your kids’ arsenal!
For daily protection:
SM Accessories Kids’ Airbon Mask, ₱149 ₱50, ShopSM
Blurb: Pack 2 to 3 extra masks!
To keep them from losing their masks:
Mask with holder, ₱99, Kultura
For hand hygiene:
Watsons Ethyl Alcohol Spray, ₱29 (60ml), Watsons
For wiping down surfaces:
Pigeon Antibacterial Wet Tissues - 20s, ₱99, Baby Company
For mask storage:
Mask case, ₱95, Beabi
Get Your Kids Vaxxed
For extra protection, get your children vaccinated at vax sites at SM Supermalls nationwide! Check our online tracker to know where you can get primary, booster, or pediatric shots for your family.
To find more of your child’s back-to-school F2F essentials, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or browse through the full SM Directory to find more shops and brands. Check out the mall entry guidelines and updates on mall hours here.
For pick-up/delivery, call the SM Customer Care hotlines via 8876-1111, 0917-876-1111 or 0908-876-1111. You can also order via the SM Malls Online app.
