Everything you need to know about the back-to-school shop

The best strategy for back-to-school shopping is to get organised, stock up on the basics and look out for sales and promotions. Getting a plan in place before the last week of summer really gives you an advantage, letting you take first pick of items available in the sales (hello, Life Style Sports!) and also lessening your stress.

Here’s what you need to know to get an A+ on the back-to-school shop.

Fitting the right school shoes

School shoes are an important part of your child’s school uniform. While good quality shoes are expensive to buy, they are usually durable and won’t wear out during your child’s playtime at school, so they are worth the investment if you don’t think your little one will grow out of them too quickly. Not just PE gear, Life Style Sports have a wide range of super comfortable black school shoes, instore and online, starting from just €20!

adidas Boys LK Trainers, €20

Don’t forget the PE gear

Getting the school uniform together is a big priority for Mum, but often the PE tracksuit and supplies can be neglected. If you still have their school tracksuit from the previous year, make sure tops and bottoms still fit. You should also pick up a few new t-shirts for the new school term. Life Style Sports have a huge range of tracksuits, hoodies, trackpants and trainers from top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Canterbury and many more. Invest in tops that are suited for sporting activities and allow your child’s skin to breathe, like Nike Miller T-Shirt for older girls in vibrant pink (€20). Updating their PE kit needn’t break the bank, Life Style Sports are offering up to 30% off Back to School Essentials in store and online.

And of course, the runners

This is also a good time to see if their PE runners are still in good condition. It’s worth investing in durable trainers that are built to last through the rough and tumble of the playground and the pitch. These Adidas boys Hyperfast are a great all round runner and a bargain at just €30.

adidas Younger Boys Hyperfast Trainers, €30

Buy the right school bag

Studies show that poorly chosen school bags can cause back pain and damage children’s spines, causing muscle strain and rounding of the shoulders, particularly when worn incorrectly. Life Style Sports has a great range of backpacks on offer for both girls and boys, including the Adidas Versatile Backpack in pink or blue for just €20.

adidas Versatile Backpack, €20

School stationery and accessories

This is something you need to be very practical about. School bags are heavy enough they don’t need to be over stocked with stationary and accessories, be smart and just get the essentials. Remember, the right bag will help make the daily trek to school easier and Life Style Sports have an unbeatable range in school backpacks, great brands such as Nike, adidas and JanSport that are designed to help relieve the strain on kid’s backs!

JanSport Big Student Backpack, €40

Organising the right lunch box and drink bottle

It’s a good idea to invest in a lunch box and drink bottle for children to carry their lunch to school. The traditional “thermos” is a good idea as it will keep interesting lunch choices such as soup, pastas and stews warm. Perfect for fussy eaters!

Available from 60 stores nationwide and online at www.lifestylesports.com, the nation’s favourite sports and leisure store has everything for the new school season for first time school-goers right up to college students. Customers buying online can have purchases delivered to their door or to their nearest Life Style Sports store with the free Click & Collect service. Next day delivery is also available on all orders placed before 7pm so there’s no excuse not to arrive at the school gate in style this term.