To not buy kids new stationary/pencil case for September?

[Needstotidyup]

I'm not sure if I'm being sensible or mean. We have loads of stationary and pencil cases in perfect condition at home. I usually just buy everything new in sept for the kids (which is probably why I've accumulated so much crap stationary). Aibu to just sharpen what we have and use these pencil cases or do I need brand spanking new stuff to he the kids motivated to learn?
They will be in year 3 and 5.

[melonandpapayaandmango]

yabvu!

seriously no but DH is a teacher and buys new

[Vinomcstephens]

Noooooo!! YAVVVVU!! The only thing that got me even remotely excited/interesting about the dreaded going back to school in September was dragging mum down to Woolies to buy tons of unnecessary crap stationary essentials! If I was very lucky she'd take me to Smiths for what she termed "smarter stuff" for some reason. Aw go on, let your DC have the fun of buying all the new stationary - you know you want to really

[Socknickingpixie]

well it very much depends if you wish to encourage the 'if its old its crap' view towards stuff or not

[Lucyellensmum99]

YABVVVU and mean and horrible and sensible Everyone knows you have to have new stationary in september - your children will fail miserably without new stationary, you know this, now get a grip and get thee to staples.

[Needstotidyup]

Thank you I thought I was bu as I loved buying all the silly erasers and sharpeners when I was a kid but then I thought it would be more grown up to use what we had. I'm assuming a new bag is also necessary?

[olibeansmummy]

Nooo! Buying stationery is the best type of shopping ever!

[amck5700]

YANBU - my kids sometimes get new, sometimes not - depends on what they need. They couldn't care less and if it means they don't have to go in a shop, even better. They still manage to be top of the class every year, so I guess they either don't need the motivation or are closet geniuses who are seriously under-performing cos of their cheapskate/lazy mother :o

In my defence, when I do buy, i buy the proper stuff i.e. pencils that actually sharpen, Staedtler Noris pencils and not the supermarket shit that you have to through away as soon as the lead breaks :)

[amck5700]

sp throw!!!

[fluffiphlox]

Stationery with an e as in envelope
Stationary with an a as in car
HTH

[MushroomSoup]

I'm a head teacher and I've banned pencil cases! They drive me mad. We have plenty of pencils, rubbers and crayons at school. All pencil cases in school just waste time and cause arguments!!

[firawla]

Buying new is the best thing about september! If your dc are not bothered then yanbu but if they would like to, then i think yab a bit u. If there are too many pencil cases hanging round the house in good condition, give them away I'm sure can find someone to have them?

[TidyDancer]

Ooh, you have to buy all the stuff new! It's a rite of passage!

It's the only good thing about being back at school!

[Viviennemary]

It's about the only nice thing about going back to school. YABVVVVVVVVVVVU.

[ginmakesitallok]

DDs not getting new this year - we had to get her a new schoolbag about 3 weeks before end of last term, she has pencil cases coming out her ears, school provides all pencils etc. She's not even getting new shoes as her "old" ones fit her fine and again were bought about 3 weeks before end of last term.

[GnocchiNineDoors]

Yabvu.

I have bought myself all new stationery for returning to work after maternity leave - helps make these things bareable.

[funchum8am]

Buy new and give them the stuff you already have as replacements if they lose any of the bits (or give it to them as spares to lend to friends who have lost theirs?)

[McHappyPants2012]

If they don't need it don't buy it. My mum always did a lovely back to school breakfast now that got us out of bed

[muddyjumpers]

YANBU, but my DC would say you are!

I spent over £20 the other week filling up DD' new pencil case.

I'm lucky if it lasts until half-term.

DD loves to spend an hour or two choosing the latest thing to go inside her bloody £6 urber cool pencil case.

[muddyjumpers]

..and DD' new school bag. ( my eyes were watering while paying for it!).

DS2 will have a few pens/pencils he's not bothered and i have got him a new Geo. set, as i know he won't find his old one first day back.

I always pick up bits and pieces when i see them half price in Smiths/rymans.

[lovebunny]

new clothes, new stuff - part of the fun of september. why not parcel up the rest and send them in to the teachers for spares?

[inchoccyheaven]

I have never bought a pencil case or pens etc for my dc when they have been in primary school as there was no need and one of the teachers actively discouraged it as it usually caused more arguements than not.
On the otherhand when ds1 started secondary school last year we did go the whole hog and get everything he needed. Will only be replacing items that need to be though.

I am obviously a meanie