It's that dreaded time of year again, parents—sorry! Stores are stocking up on back-to-school supplies, and the sibling rivalry is heating up over the trendiest school shoes, the best rucksack, and the sparkliest gel pens. Meanwhile, the only thing keeping you sane is the thought of the sweet peace and quiet that will return once they're back in school.

To help navigate the chaos, Queensgate Shopping Centre has created a checklist to ensure you don't have that dreaded moment of getting home only to realize you forgot the spiral notebook your child has been nagging you about since last term.

1. Good quality school bag

There is always rucksack showdown battle. Arguing over the trendy bag over the most practical. I’m sure most kids would rather have one shoulder in constant agony with a cute single strap bag from New Look, than get a practical two-strap ruck sack from JD Sports. If you lose the battle on the one shoulder factor, just make sure you win the on making sure it's of high quality, you don’t want to be replacing by October half-term.

2. The Shoe Struggle 

Finding the right school shoes is a crucial part of back-to-school shopping, blending practicality with style. Comfort should be at the forefront of your decision, ensuring that the shoes offer good support for long days on their feet. Look for durable materials that can withstand playground activities and daily wear and tear. It’s also important to consider the school’s uniform policy to avoid any non-compliance issues.

You may not know that Smart Kids in Westgate Arcade, also offers school shoes. Plus, they have little stations of games to keep the children entertained while you are trying to find each one of them a pair of practical, well-fitting school shoes.

3. Stationery Stockpile / Lunch Box delights

Next up, the stationery section. This is where the real fun begins. From glittery gel pens to cute pencil cases, let your kids go wild (within reason).

Smiggle is the ultimate destination for back-to-school stationery because it combines vibrant, fun designs with exceptional functionality, ensuring that students of all ages can express their individuality while staying organised and prepared.

4. Gym Kit

Most schools require you to order your child's PE kit online to ensure it has the school logo. However, when it comes to finding the right trainers, this is where the brothers begin to battle it out over who gets the best pair.

Amidst the frenzy, don't forget to refuel. Queensgate Shopping Centre has a variety of dining options to suit every palate. Whether it's a quick bite at a grab and go place like Auntie Anne’s, a cheeky maccies or a more relaxed meal at one of the sit-down restaurants, take a break and recharge. Happy kids (and parents) are fed kids.

Before you had home why not stop at our Summer Safari. Visitors of all ages can walk among life-sized, breathtakingly realistic animal sculptures, including a majestic elephant and a fearsome tiger. This unique experience is designed to captivate and educate, with engaging facts about each animal displayed along the way, sparking curiosity and wonder in all who come. But it doesn't stop there! There are various activities to participate in, so keep your eyes peeled—it might just be the perfect break after a busy day of school shoe shopping.

With your shopping bags full and your checklist ticked off, it's time to head home. But the adventure doesn’t end there—now comes the task of labelling everything. Good luck!

See what Queensgate Shops have to offer: https://www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk/