Once again, the September blow for books and school supplies is about to hit Italian families. Spending is increasing, with many families facing a 15% rise in the cost of school supplies.
Codacons has calculated the high costs of school supplies, providing official data each year. School supplies offer a wide range of brands and prices, with new lines appearing annually.
According to initial estimates, backpacks, diaries, and designer pencil cases are seeing the highest price increases.
These items, popular among young people, have seen a 15% rise in specialized stores, including online. In contrast, non-branded products, not linked to popular brands, have only increased by about 3%.
A designer backpack can now exceed €200, while a fully equipped pencil case may cost up to €60. A diary for the 2024/2025 school year could be priced as high as €35.
Codacons also warns book prices are increasing. Istat reported a 4.9% average increase in textbook prices compared to 2023. Families buying new books might spend between €300 and €700 per student, depending on the school and education level.
For the 2024/2025 school year, total expenses – including notebooks, backpacks, diaries, stationery, drawing materials, books, and dictionaries – can reach €1,300 per student.
However, significant savings are possible. By not following trends and influencers, families can reduce costs by 40%, according to Codacons. “Televisions bombard kids with school-related ads these days,” the association noted. Avoiding trends could save 40% on school supplies, while supermarkets offer up to 30% savings compared to stationery stores.
