Significant variations in the prices of school supplies have been recorded in a survey by the Cyprus Consumers Association, carried out both online and through visits to 10 businesses with stores across all Cypriot towns. According to the data collected, prices are running at roughly the same levels as in 2025, with small increases or decreases on certain products. The association also noted that some businesses offer their products at a lower price when purchased online compared with buying in person at the store.
School bags range from €1.89 to €209.95
The price gap for school bags is wide, with costs starting at €1.89 and reaching as much as €209.95, depending on size, design and brand.
School pencil cases sell for between €0.48 and €45.55, while pencils, pens and markers start at €0.20 and can reach €18.99. For 50 and 100-sheet notebooks, as well as two-subject spiral notebooks, prices range from €0.32 to €12.99. Filing folders cost between €0.19 and €8.48.
Prices for school clothing
For clothing items, school T-shirts and shirts, including discounted offers, cost between €3.99 and €48. School trousers range from €12 to €27, while school skirts range from €11.50 to €25.
The Cyprus Consumers Association clarified that the final cost depends on the choices and needs of each pupil. It also noted that this year's survey data comes from the exact same points of sale used for the equivalent survey in 2025.
Advice for parents and pupils
The association is urging families to plan their purchases, carry out market research and compare both prices and quality before buying. Among its recommendations, it suggests drawing up a list in advance of strictly necessary school items, so that children can distinguish between what they actually need and what they merely think they need.
Parents are also urged to check whether each product is age appropriate and to avoid buying school items that resemble food or are food scented. Particular care is recommended when choosing a school bag, which the association said should match the pupil's physical strength, as well as the bag's weight and construction.
For in-store purchases, consumers are advised to check a retailer's returns policy in advance, since there is no legal obligation to accept returns or exchanges and the matter depends on each business' own policy. The Cyprus Consumers Association stressed that school items are tools for learning, not for showing off.
In cases involving breaches related to pupil safety and health, discrepancies between shelf price and the price ultimately charged, misleading offers or a failure to display the retail selling price, consumers can contact the Cyprus Consumers Association at info@katanalotis.org.cy or via the Consumer Line on 1429.
