School Budget 2026: How Much It Costs & The Complete School Supplies List
Parents' Guide: Estimated Costs and Checklist for the New School Year
Preparing for the first school bell brings excitement for kids, but also a financial and logistical task for parents. How much does it really cost to complete the school supply list in 2026 without exceeding the budget? The Global Store team analyzed costs, structured the essential checklist by category, and prepared a complete guide for fast, stress-free shopping.
1. Budget Estimate: How Much Does It Cost to Equip a Student in 2026?
Total cost depends on grade level and brand preferences:
- Basic / Budget Package (800 – 1,300 MDL): Includes basic supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, basic art set, simple pencil case), reusing last year's backpack.
- Standard Complete Package (1,800 – 2,800 MDL): Includes a new ergonomic backpack, multi-pocket pencil case, A5/A4 notebooks, covers, geometry set, and complete craft items.
- Premium Package (3,000 – 4,200 MDL): Includes a waterproof backpack with laptop compartment, advanced stationery, and organizers from top brands.
2. Complete School Supply List by Category
A. Main Gear: Backpack and Pencil Case
- Ergonomic school backpack: 399 – 1,200 MDL
- Pencil case (pouch or multi-zipper): 52 – 180 MDL
B. Writing and Correction Tools
- Fountain pen with ink cartridges / Gel pens (blue, red, green)
- Wooden graphite pencils (HB, 2B)
- Soft eraser and sharpener with container
- Colored highlighters
C. Notebooks and Paper Goods
- A5 notebooks (12, 24, 48 sheets) lined and squared
- A4 notebooks for middle/high school
- Music notebook and vocabulary book
- A4/A3 drawing pad, colored paper, and cardstock
- Clear notebook covers and self-adhesive labels
D. Art and Craft Items
- Watercolors or gouache and plastic palette
- Synthetic brush set of various sizes
- No-spill water cup
- Modeling clay, mat, and safety scissors
- Gluestick and PVA liquid glue
Frequently Asked Questions – Back to School
How much does it cost on average to prepare a student for school in Moldova?
Depending on the student's grade, the minimum cost for supplies and a backpack ranges between 1,200 and 2,500 MDL, up to 3,500-4,000 MDL including new clothes and premium supplies.
What are the top 3 items worth investing more money in?
We recommend investing in: 1. Ergonomic backpack (protects the spine), 2. Quality writing tools, 3. Durable pencil case.
How many notebooks are needed for primary vs. middle school?
For grades 1-4, about 10-15 lined and squared notebooks are needed, as well as music notebooks and drawing pads.
How to choose an ergonomic backpack for back health?
The backpack should have an anatomical padded back, wide adjustable straps, reflective safety strips, and an empty weight under 1 kg.
What art and craft supplies are usually required at school?
The standard list includes: watercolors or gouache, brush sets, colored pencils, markers, modeling clay, safety scissors, and glue.
Why is it more advantageous to buy school supplies online at Global Store?
You save precious time avoiding crowded stores, get access to all items in one place at low prices, with fast home delivery across Moldova.
