There’s a back-to-school meme going around that goes something like this: "It’s August. Someone just tell me if I’m buying uniforms or pajamas for fall." And like most memes, it’s (moderately) funny because it’s true. With just weeks — or, for some of us, days — before “school” is in session, we hardly know what’s in store. Are we homeschooling, micro-podding, sending kids to classes a couple days a week? Or is it instruction as usual (until there’s an outbreak)?
And then there are these headlines:
“Parents and students are poised to spend more on back-to-school shopping than ever before despite uncertainty about schools reopening”
— Business Insider
“Back-to-school sales could hit a record $100 billion this year, even if kids stay home”
— CNN Business
It goes without saying, this is no ordinary back-to-school shopping season. Here’s what’s new and notable on back-to-school shopping lists this year.
Tech
Perhaps the biggest difference in back-to-school shopping this year will be technology. Remote learning, as we’ve learned, isn’t cheap. Laptop computer sales are up 40% in the past three months, compared to back-to-school season 2019, one industry analyst told The Chicago Tribune.
“Desk” accessories
We learned a lot from the impromptu homeschooling that happened in the spring — mostly, how to turn a dining room table into an office and classroom and lunch table. According to the National Retail Federation Back-to-School 2020 report, 17% of respondents plan to buy things like desks and chairs to make the home classroom work.
Noise-canceling headphones
As we Zoom our way through the pandemic, good headphones are a must — for students and employees, alike.
Virtual learning tools
According to the 2020 Deloitte back-to-school survey, 51% of parents plan to increase spending on virtual learning tools, to supplement distance learning.
All the printer ink
My family went through more printer ink between March and June than we did for the entire year since we bought our new wireless printer. Time to buy in bulk.
So much disinfectant
Prepare for another shortage, folks. On some back-to-school shopping lists, students are being asked to purchase five packages of disinfecting wipes, as well as at least two bottles of hand sanitizer.
Heavy-duty backpacks
If your older kids are back on campus, they might be asked to avoid lockers during the pandemic. So a hefty, ergonomic backpack is a must.
Snacks
Some things never change. You still have to feed those little people, and an excellent array of healthy snacks keeps the hangries at bay and brains ready to learn.
