September challenge for parents: smart ways to save when getting kids ready for school
August 2025 • 3 min
September is fast approaching, and parents once again face the yearly challenge of getting ready for a new school year – when time is running short and expenses keep climbing. According to Paysera data, online payments typically rise by 4–5% in the second half of August, largely due to back-to-school shopping. The Deputy CEO of Paysera, Justina Šidlauskienė, offers practical tips on how to keep costs down without overlooking the essentials.
Start with a home inventory
Before heading to the stores, take a good look around at home. Maybe last year’s pencil case is still in great shape and can serve another year. An older sibling’s backpack can easily become the younger one’s – just add a patch of a favourite basketball team or music group. The backpack gets a fresh look, and you save a few dozen euros.
Give items a second life
Second-hand school supplies are an excellent way to cut costs. Platforms like Vinted offer barely used items, often still with tags, while donation-based shops such as DĖK’ui and Daiktų kiemas provide quality pre-loved goods, from desks to bicycles, free of charge or at a fraction of the price.
Embrace the power of swapping
Bartering is far from outdated. Set up a swap group in your class, school, or neighborhood. Perhaps someone has barely worn sports gear, while you’ve got a spare calculator lying around. Trade them – it saves money and builds stronger community bonds.
Hold out for September sales
Not everything needs to be bought before 1 September. Once the back-to-school rush passes, retailers often clear out seasonal stock to make room for new collections. Non-essentials like a second sports kit, a new pencil case, or extra notebooks can wait. A little patience can turn into saved euros.
Compare prices and use competition to your advantage
Lithuanian e-commerce market offers plenty of variety, meaning the price of the same product can vary significantly between stores. Before adding something to your cart, spend a few minutes checking price comparison websites such as Kaina24.lt or Pricer.lt. This simple step lets you take advantage of competition and ensures you won’t overpay.
Team up with other families
Join forces with other families, make a shared shopping list, and buy in bulk. Specialised stores and wholesalers often offer discounts for larger quantities, reducing the final cost for each family. Combining these methods helps cut expenses significantly while also encouraging more sustainable consumption.
"The key to smart and budget-friendly back-to-school preparation is sustainable choices and careful price comparison. It’s not only about hunting for the cheapest option, but also considering swaps, group purchases, or buying quality items second-hand. Turn this into an annual ritual rather than a one-time effort, and you could save several hundred euros," summarises J. Šidlauskienė.
Before heading to the stores, take a good look around at home. Maybe last year’s pencil case is still in great shape and can serve another year. An older sibling’s backpack can easily become the younger one’s – just add a patch of a favourite basketball team or music group. The backpack gets a fresh look, and you save a few dozen euros.
Give items a second life
Second-hand school supplies are an excellent way to cut costs. Platforms like Vinted offer barely used items, often still with tags, while donation-based shops such as DĖK’ui and Daiktų kiemas provide quality pre-loved goods, from desks to bicycles, free of charge or at a fraction of the price.
Embrace the power of swapping
Bartering is far from outdated. Set up a swap group in your class, school, or neighborhood. Perhaps someone has barely worn sports gear, while you’ve got a spare calculator lying around. Trade them – it saves money and builds stronger community bonds.
Hold out for September sales
Not everything needs to be bought before 1 September. Once the back-to-school rush passes, retailers often clear out seasonal stock to make room for new collections. Non-essentials like a second sports kit, a new pencil case, or extra notebooks can wait. A little patience can turn into saved euros.
Compare prices and use competition to your advantage
Lithuanian e-commerce market offers plenty of variety, meaning the price of the same product can vary significantly between stores. Before adding something to your cart, spend a few minutes checking price comparison websites such as Kaina24.lt or Pricer.lt. This simple step lets you take advantage of competition and ensures you won’t overpay.
Team up with other families
Join forces with other families, make a shared shopping list, and buy in bulk. Specialised stores and wholesalers often offer discounts for larger quantities, reducing the final cost for each family. Combining these methods helps cut expenses significantly while also encouraging more sustainable consumption.
"The key to smart and budget-friendly back-to-school preparation is sustainable choices and careful price comparison. It’s not only about hunting for the cheapest option, but also considering swaps, group purchases, or buying quality items second-hand. Turn this into an annual ritual rather than a one-time effort, and you could save several hundred euros," summarises J. Šidlauskienė.