Education resumes: find out the worth of the necessary school supplies for the academic year 2025-2026 in Tomsk
In the city of Tomsk, Russia, the cost of school supplies for first-graders has seen a significant decrease over the past year. The minimum set for a first-grader, which was priced between 16,000 and 18,000 rubles in 2024, has now dropped to 6,000 rubles in 2025, marking a 63% total increase over the last five years but a 7% reduction compared to 2024.
This decrease can be attributed to the absence of "August markups" caused by the rush, allowing parents to save money when buying stationery. Experts advise parents to start buying supplies in advance to reduce expenses by 30-40%.
The school uniform prices in Tomsk also show a more gradual decrease. In 2025, a boy's school uniform, including trousers, cardigan, and shoes, costs 13,350 rubles, while a girl's uniform, including a dress, cardigan, shoes, and shoes, costs 13,500 rubles. These prices represent a 24% increase over the last five years but a decrease compared to 2024.
To help parents manage costs amid rising expenses, key strategies include buying early and shopping sales, utilising school-provided supply lists, buying in bulk or sharing supplies, reusing supplies from previous years, choosing generic or store-brand items, and exploring secondhand or discounted options.
These cost-saving methods can be particularly beneficial, considering that spending on elementary school supplies averaged around $620 per child in 2025—a figure that reflects a noticeable increase compared to previous years.
Parents are also encouraged to check with their child’s school for recommendations or supply drives, as some school districts may offer resources or guidance on supply needs and ways to save. For instance, the Evergreen School District may provide such resources.
With these tips in mind, parents in Tomsk can effectively navigate the rising costs of school supplies and ensure their children are well-equipped for the new school year without breaking the bank.
While managing rising expenses, parents in Tomsk can save money by shopping for school supplies early and participating in home-and-garden deals-and-discounts. Implementing these strategies can help parents reduce costs, especially since spending on elementary school supplies averages around $620 per child in 2025.
