How much does it cost to prepare a first-grader for school in 2026

Preparing a child for first grade is not only about the excitement of a new stage in life, but also, of course, about expenses for the family budget. In addition to clothes and shoes, it is also necessary to purchase school supplies, so UNN decided to calculate how much a basic set for a first-grader will cost on average in 2026.

Details

A backpack is one of the most important purchases before school. For primary school students, it is recommended to choose lightweight models with an orthopedic back, wide straps, and reflective elements. Prices for backpacks for first-graders start from 800 hryvnias, but quality models cost more. On average, parents will have to spend about 1,300 hryvnias.

Notebooks for school

• Squared notebooks, 12 sheets (5 pcs.) - approximately 30 hryvnias.
• Notebooks with slanted lines, 12 sheets (5 pcs.) approximately 30 hryvnias. This number of notebooks is usually enough for the first period of study.
• A drawing album will cost approximately 25 hryvnias per piece.
• Colored paper - A4 sets (usually 10-20 sheets) cost from 17 to 30 hryvnias, so two packs of colored paper will cost approximately 50 hryvnias.
• Colored cardboard - on average 30 hryvnias per pack.

Stationery

Scissors will cost approximately 50 hryvnias. For younger students, it is better to choose models with rounded ends.

Glue stick - on average 12 hryvnias per piece.

Pencils - 2 pieces will cost approximately 8 hryvnias.

Colored pencils - on average 25 hryvnias. One standard set is enough for most school tasks.

Sharpener - the price varies greatly depending on the purpose. Simple models for pencils cost approximately from 15 to 80.

Ruler - 12 hryvnias. For first grade, a ruler 15 centimeters long is usually sufficient.

Plasticine – the price of plasticine in Ukraine depends on its type, number of colors, and brand, ranging from 40 to 350 hryvnias.

Modeling board - in Ukraine it ranges from 25 to 120 hryvnias. The cheapest basic options cost about 25-45 hryvnias, while standard sets made of quality plastic with 2-3 stacks cost 50-90 hryvnias.

Gouache paints - approximately 70 hryvnias.

Brushes - a set of three brushes of different sizes will cost on average 45 hryvnias.

Pens - 45 hryvnias. Three blue pens at 15 hryvnias each is the minimum set for starting school.

Covers for notebooks and textbooks - approximately 100 hryvnias. For a first-grader, about 25 covers of different formats are usually needed.

Eraser - 10 hryvnias. A small but necessary item in every student's pencil case.

Bookstand – the price in Ukraine starts from 27 hryvnias and can reach 350+ hryvnias depending on the material (plastic, metal), brand, and design. For example, regular ones cost about 40-50 hryvnias, and popular branded bookstands can be purchased for 65-108 hryvnias.

Sippy cup - standard plastic models cost between 15-50 hryvnias.

Folder for notebooks - 1 piece. Prices for notebook folders in stores range from 35 to 195 hryvnias, depending on the material, format, and design.

Pencil case - prices for pencil cases for school supplies in Ukraine start from 35 to 50 hryvnias for the simplest models

So how much will a basic set cost on average

A basic set of school supplies for a first-grader in 2026 will cost on average about 2,400-2,500 hryvnias. The most expensive purchase traditionally remains the backpack, while the rest of the money will go towards notebooks, stationery, and art supplies. 

The amount may vary depending on the brand, quality of goods, and place of purchase, but this is the budget parents should aim for when preparing their child for first grade.

How to choose the right backpack for a child for school19.07.26, 13:28 • 6593 views