Back-to-school season is officially here—and for many families, that means juggling long shopping lists, packed schedules, and the pressure of getting everything ready before classes begin.
Most Filipino families know Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko as the go-to for home décor, kitchen finds, and bedroom essentials. What tends to catch them off guard? It’s also one of the best answers to back-to-school shopping stress, offering stylish, quality supplies at affordable prices.
We spoke to five moms about the habits and shopping hacks that help make this hectic season feel more manageable and even enjoyable.
Start with What Your Kids Actually Need
For Cristel Go, a mom of two boys, one of the biggest back-to-school mistakes parents make is sticking too closely to the school-issued list.
“My biggest tip is to shop at a store that already has everything you need in one place because it saves so much time and effort. It’s also helpful to choose basic and environmentally friendly items that can be reused or last longer. Planning ahead and making a checklist before shopping really helps avoid overspending, too,” she shares.
It’s not just about completing the required list; it’s about preparing kids for the entire school routine. Donita Joie Lozano, a mom of one, says, “I organize everything by category—uniforms, school supplies, snacks, and daily essentials—so mornings become smoother once classes start.”
Alongside classroom essentials, many parents also look for practical extras like dedicated notebooks for homework, sticky notes for reminders, labels, and small organization tools that help make studying at home feel more manageable. The school list may cover the basics, but creating your own checklist helps families prepare for the bigger picture, from homework routines to home organization.
Croissant Notebook (₱220), Soda Can Notebook with Pen (₱180), Rectangle Labels (₱50), Sticker Labels (₱70), Sticky Note Shapes (₱40), and Gel Pens (₱360) — Anko
Before You Shop, Sweep the House
It sounds almost too simple, but Mj Guasch, a mom of two girls, says one of her biggest back-to-school hacks is checking the house before buying anything new.
“Sometimes there are still unused notebooks, pens, or supplies hidden in drawers,” she shares. “I try to check what’s still usable from last year so we don’t end up buying duplicates we don’t need.”
Beyond saving money, Mommy Mj also recommends setting up a dedicated study corner at home where kids can easily keep all their school essentials in one place. Thoughtful organization finds like desktop pegboards, cable organizers, plug boxes, and pencil cases can help keep supplies tidy while making the space feel more inviting and functional for everyday studying.
“It also helps them learn routines and become more organized with their things,” she adds.
Pencil Case Zip Pop Cherry (₱320), Navy Pencil Case Name (₱60), Pencil Case Twin Zip Pixel (₱220), Organizer Plug box (₱490), Desktop Pegboard Organizer (₱1,400), and Cable Organizer (₱490) — Anko
Let Your Kids be Part of the Process
For Angelica Madrid, a mom of two, involving her children in back-to-school prep has become part of the family routine.
“I also involve my kids when choosing their things because it makes them more excited and responsible,” she shares. “Preparing snacks, uniforms, and bags the night before also helps make mornings less stressful.”
Angelica says involving kids in the process not only builds excitement for the school year ahead but also encourages them to take better care of their belongings. Anko has become an easy place for families like Mommy Angelica’s to shop together, with plenty of options kids can genuinely get excited about.
“What I like about Anko is that the products are stylish but still affordable and practical for families. As a mom, I get excited because there are so many useful finds for kids, home, and everyday life in one store,” she shares.
When buying school essentials, pick options within your price range for your kids to choose from. After all, the most sulit supplies are the ones students actually feel excited to use every day. Anko’s stationery includes a wide selection of everyday school supplies priced as low as ₱20 to ₱100. Whether it’s the start of the school year or a mid-term top-up, parents and students can stock up on the basics without stretching the budget.
Pack Meals Kids will Actually Look Forward to
When it comes to school lunches, Ava Zabat, a mom of three, says durability and practicality matter just as much as design.
“I always look for something durable, worth the money, functional, but of course something that will still make my kids happy, because I think that contributes to them being excited about school,” Mommy Ava says.
It’s not enough for supplies to be practical. They have to be the kind of thing a kid actually wants to carry into class. Which means moms aren’t just shopping for function and value, they’re also shopping for what feels fun, stylish, and exciting for kids to use every day.
430ml Mini Flared Bottle (₱140), Double Wall Sipper Tumbler (₱360), Silicone Bento Lunch Box (₱500), Dino Case and Bottle Set (₱500), Lilac Check Insulated Twin Deck Lunch Bag (₱600), and Camo Insulated Cold Box (₱360) — Anko
Connect with Moms Making School Days Brighter
For many parents, one of the best back-to-school hacks isn’t just finding the right supplies–it’s learning from other moms navigating the same routines, challenges, and everyday wins.
“Being a mom can feel overwhelming sometimes,” says Mommy Mj. “So it’s nice being part of a community where other moms relate to the same experiences like learning practical tips, discovering products that are actually useful, and getting inspiration from moms balancing family life too.”
That sense of community is something many parents have found through Anko Club, where members can discover new finds, join exclusive activities, and connect with like-minded parents through seasonal workshops and activities throughout the year.
“It allows moms like me to discover helpful products, share experiences, and enjoy activities or events together,” adds Mommy Donita.
The moms behind these tips are also part of Anko’s Ko Creator program, where the brand regularly collaborates with content creators who are on the pulse of what Filipino families want and need. More than just a partnership, the program is Anko’s way of giving back to the creators who love the brand—and staying connected to their audiences.
Pick Up Fun Lunchbox Ideas at Anko’s Bento Box Workshop
To make back-to-school prep even more exciting, Anko is hosting a free Bento Box Workshop on June 6 at its Ayala Malls Feliz branch, together with official community partner theAsianparent Philippines.
Families can learn creative ways to prepare fun, school-ready meals that kids will genuinely get excited about while also picking up practical lunch prep ideas for busy school mornings. Register for free through the Anko Club app or by following @anko_philippines on Instagram and Anko Philippines on Facebook.
Visit your nearest Anko store located at Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Ayala Malls Feliz, because when back-to-school shopping feels easier, the school year already starts a little brighter.
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