Schoolbooks.ie is Ireland’s leading, largest, and favorite school book store, offering over 1,600 primary schoolbook titles. Schools can find all the main publishers’ books as well as those from smaller publishers, ensuring a comprehensive selection to meet their curriculum needs.

This coupled with fast delivery, excellent customer service, most choice and the least hassle are just some of the reasons people love to shop with Schoolbooks.ie!

Get any help needed quickly and efficiently from the Schoolbooks.ie dedicated school customer team.

By purchasing primary school books from Schoolbooks.ie, schools can enjoy the convenience of a one-stop-shop.

You can find all the necessary textbooks and supplementary materials in a single place, simplifying the procurement process and saving valuable time and effort for school administrators.

Schoolbooks.ie offers a unique service of covering books with highly durable, removable, reusable, and recyclable clear covers.

This ensures that the books remain protected throughout the academic year, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving schools money in the long run.

Schoolbooks.ie is conscious of environmental concerns and promotes sustainable practices. Their clear covers are not only durable but also recyclable, contributing to a greener approach to school supplies.

By choosing Schoolbooks.ie, schools align themselves with a company that values sustainability and encourages responsible consumption.

Sign up with your school email and roll number and through Schoolbooks.ie’s “Submit for Review” feature, schools can browse over 5,000 products and create their own carts.

A dedicated Schoolbooks.ie School Customer staff member will then review the order and provide a quote, ensuring the best value for the school’s budget. This helps schools make informed purchasing decisions and maximise their resources.

Once signed in, you can easily download current and past invoices, track orders and re-order seamlessly.

Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit/debit card, Paypal, Apple or Google Pay or by cheque

Each school has unique requirements, and Schoolbooks.ie understands this. They can work closely with schools to tailor their orders according to specific needs, accommodating different class sizes, subject preferences, and any other special requests the school may have.

This personalised approach enhances the overall experience for schools.

Schoolbooks.ie’s website offers a user-friendly platform.

Schools can easily navigate through the extensive catalog, search for specific titles or publishers, and access detailed information about each book. The intuitive interface makes the book selection and ordering process straightforward and hassle-free.

In addition to offering books from major publishers, Schoolbooks.ie also supports smaller publishers.

By purchasing from Schoolbooks.ie, schools contribute to the growth and sustainability of the local publishing industry, fostering diversity in educational resources.

The award winning Schoolbooks.ie have been serving Irish parents and schools since 2004.

They have a proven track record of providing reliable and efficient service to parents and schools across Ireland. They understand the importance of timely deliveries and strive to ensure that schools receive their orders before the new school year starts.

Scoring 4.9 on Google reviews, let them take the hassle out of ordering for your primary school free schoolbooks scheme.

First things first, pick a school bag that works for your child and the level they are at in school. Books are heavy and a well fitted school bag is important for posture and comfort.

Once you have the school bag sorted, decide on a lunch box and drinks bottle, bearing in mind what pocket space you have available.

I was always a last minute panic school bag packer! My Mum would nag me for weeks before I went back to school to get organised and now I find myself doing the same with my own children. I always seemed to manage to have my school books (thanks to my Mum), but beyond that it was a bit hit and miss!

So my advice would be that a few weeks in advance of returning to school, check you have all the school books on the booklist and get them packed into the school bag. Then you are ready to get onto the other essentials that are needed.

You can download this handy school bag essentials checklist to make back to school a little easier.

Stationery and Supplies:

1. Pens and pencils for writing
2. Colouring supplies
3. Pencil sharpener
4. Glue stick
5. Highlighters
6. Ruler
7. Eraser
8. Pencil Case
9. Folders for school notes
10. Notebooks and copybooks
11. Calculator
12. Homework journal

Hygiene Items:

1. Hand sanitiser
2. Tissues
3. Hairbrush/comb
4. Spare hair ties
5. Deodorant
6. Period products
7. Spare underwear
8. Sun cream

Clothing:

1. Rain gear
2. Gloves, hat, scarf, etc for cold weather
3. Sports wear for PE

Essentials:

1. Lunch box or lunch money
2. Water bottle
3. Medication (e.g. inhaler, epipen, etc)
4. Phone and charger
5. Money for transport
6. Emergency snack (just in case!)

Finally, be sure you have given up-to-date contact details to the school in case of an emergency.

Are you looking for the best lunch box for your kids? A lunch box that little fingers can open, yet doesn’t burst in a schoolbag by mid-morning? It’s not easy to find a balance between a practical lunch box that will hold the essentials, and one that won’t take up all the space in a school bag.

The lunch boxes below were the top-rated from our parent audience. We have put links to where you can buy these, NB we get a small commission if you buy through our Amazon links.

These stylish, colourful lunch boxes from Sistema come in a range of sizes with multi compartment options to keep food and snacks separated – something to suit everyone’s lunch needs and perfect if you would like to try these 13 Brilliant Bento Box ideas for Kids.

Key Features

• BPA and phthalate free
• Dishwasher, microwave, fridge and freezer safe
• Separate compartments keep food fresh and protected

“I bought Sistema ones in Home Store + More. They are easy to get into but the lid won’t come off on its own. The water bottles are great as they don’t leak.” – Lisa

Available from Amazon.co.uk & Amazon.com and from other retailers.

Smash lunch boxes and insulated bags and bottles come in a range of colours and designs, including this cute Owl lunch box/bag and bottle.

Key Features

• PVC free with a PEVA food safe lining that can be wiped clean
• Thermal insulation to keep food warm or cool
• Padded carry handle
• Panel on back to personalise

“We got a Smash one last year in Tesco and it lasted the whole year. Easy to clean as you can put it in the washing machine.” – Rachel

“Smash are great and BPA free” – Lynda

“Smash are amazing – we used them last year and have got new ones for this year. My sons have no problem opening them either.” – Samantha

“Our boy & girl both love Smash…funky and brilliant value” – Sandra

Smash lunch boxes are available from Amazon.co.uk, & other retailers.

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The dilemma of keeping food cold through the day is solved with these lunch boxes and bags from Packit. Just fold it up and put it in the freezer, no ice packs are needed to keep food chilled.

Key Features

• BPA free
• Foldable and freezable to act like a fridge on the go
• Keeps food and drink cold on the go
• Available in different sizes and styles

Available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and other retailers.

The Polar Gear ranger has Dual Compartment Lunch Coolers offering an ideal storage solution for both lunch and snacks, providing an insulated storage solution that is able to keep food and drinks cool. And Minions fans might enjoy this Minion-themed Polar Gear lunch cooler.

Key Features

• Dual compartment to keep foods separate
• Durable easy clean fabric
• Thick insulation for better cooling and protection
• Easy cleaning reflective lining
• Distinctive colour suitable for kids and adults
• Cooling effect for up to 3 hours

“I have the Polar Gear Little Ones lunch bag for my son. I got it when I went back to work – it took all his food and bottles for the day back then and we still use it now.” – Claire

“I like the Polar Gear cool bags as they have plenty of space. I bought the Sistema ones last year, but found the compartments very shallow so couldn’t fit the likes of an apple or yoghurt pot in them.” – Tara

Available in different colours and themes from Amazon.co.uk and other retailers.

Go green and pack a Yumbox for school, play and work for mess-free lunches every time. You can pack yoghurt or hummus next to crackers with no worries – Yumbox’s unique single lid seals all food wells individually. Food won’t touch or leak outside of the box. No plastic bags or tin foil! No cling film! No lost lids! No mess!

Key Features:

• Leak-proof single lid
• Portion control
• Green design
• Dishwasher and food safe
• Child friendly and easy to open
• BPA-free and phthalates-free

“It’s super ideal for kids who like choice as the little compartments allows for different food options without having to fuss about with different boxes and lids. It also lightweight, leak proof, airtight and most importantly dishwasher safe. We have six kids and all six of them have one, even the baby for days out and running errands.” – Kellie

Available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Earthmother.ie and other retailers.

Bentgo Kids’ Lunch Boxes come in bright colours and are designed with kids in mind,  with compartments that are perfectly sized for kids. They also have drop-proof rubber-coated edges.

Key features:

• Leak-proof technology to avoid messy lunches
• 5 practical compartments portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite (recommended for ages 3-7).
• Durable, drop-proof and sturdy design
• 2 kid-friendly latches that are easy for small hands to open and close.

Available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and other retailers.

One final suggestion! One of our parents made a great suggestion of re-using their plastic takeaway boxes. We all have them lying around, but have you ever used them for lunches?

“My kids have cute lunch bags – Hello Kitty, Angry Birds, etc – but the actual lunch boxes are the boxes our Chinese takeaways come in! They are the perfect size, easy to open, dishwasher safe, and FREE!” – Lynda

The Jansport backpack collection are incredibly durable (my son’s has lasted for years!), comfortable and practical, and are always winners with parents and kids.

There’s a good range of colours available too, so there is sure to be one to suit everyone. And once they start to get a bit grubby, just pop into the washing machine and they’ll look as good as new again!

Key Features

• Lifetime warranty
• One large main compartment
• Front utility pocket with organiser keeps essentials handy
• Straight-cut padded shoulder strap
• 2/3 padded back panel for cushioning comfort
• Web haul loop

Available from Schoolbooks.ie & other retailers worldwide.

Available in a range of colours and designs, the St. Right school bags are all made of waterproof material. They are designed fit A4 books and folders and have ergonomically designed straps and handles.

Key Features

• Comfortable, adjustable straps and ergonomic back support
• Water-resistant material
• Sponge reinforced bottom of the backpack
• 4 chambers and 2 outer pockets.
• Reflective elements

Available from Schoolbooks.ie and other retailers worldwide

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The North Face have an extensive range of school bags and backpacks in a large array of colours and designs. They are made from durable materials and the Vault range has added features perfect for school.

Key Features

• Padded laptop sleeve within main compartment
• Front elastic bungee for external storage
• Internal organisation compartment with zipped and velcro pockets
• Sternum strap with whistle buckle
• Padded straps and top handle
• Reflective tabs

Available from Amazon.co.uk & other retailers worldwide.

Quiksilver’s 1969 range of rucksacks are durable and practical, due to the large number of compartments and zippered pockets. They come in a stylish range of muted colours, and will last your growing child’s needs for many years.

Key Features

• Ergonomic, padded, adjustable shoulder straps
• Laptop sleeve
• Two main zippered compartment
• 2 side zip pockets
• Zippered front pocket

Available from Amazon UK & other retailers worldwide.

If your child is a fan of Vans footwear, then they are going to love this ultra-cool backpack. It’s hard-wearing, long-lasting and has plenty of room for all the school essentials. It can also be used as a laptop bag. It comes in lots of different colours.

Key Features

• One large main compartment
• Laptop sleeve that fits most 15″ laptops
• Front zip pocket with organizer
• Padded shoulder straps
• Capacity: 22 Liters

Available on Amazon & Vans retailers worldwide.

The HEAD 17″ backpack comes with a laptop compartment and a fleece lined mobile device pocket – perfect for school, sleepovers and trips. It comes in a range of designs, perfect for all ages.

Key Features

• 2 outside pockets – mesh
• Comes with a reinforced handle and stiff, contoured sponge back
• Straps are padded sponge and are adjustable
• Backpack has an output for headphones and an organizer with a key ring in an outside pocket
• Backpack also has reflective elements

Available on Schoolbooks.ie & other retailers worldwide.

The high quality and durable Ridge 53 Backpack is multi-functioning, making it ideal as a schoolbag, laptop bag or rucksack.

It’s got oodles of compartments and a foam back for comfort. We particularly love it for its practical waterproof raincover, which is ingenious when caught out in a shower on the way home from school.

Key Features

• Foam back panel and shoulder straps for added comfort
• Zipped pockets on both sides
• Integrated waterproof raincover
• Reinforced easy lift top handle
• Interior organiser pockets
• Secure and durable zips
• Triple stitching at all stress points
• Available in a large selection of designs to suit all tastes

Available from Schoolbooks.ie & retailers worldwide.

Depending on what school stage your child is at, the weight of their school books can vary greatly. I often see children struggling to school with weighty bags that look bigger than them.

It is essential as they move into older classes and have more books, that their bag is ergonomically correct for the stage they are at. Check for padding around the lower back and in the straps and plenty of space for all the books they require.

Don’t be tempted to buy a bigger school bag because it will work for a few years, it is better to buy the right size school bag for the books they have now and upgrade as you go.

Fashion and styles change too and what they may like today, may not be what they want next year, so it can be a false economy to try and cover several years with one school bag!

Another way to cut down on the weight of school bags is to buy soft cover folders and notebooks rather than hard cover ones. And if the budget stretches, you could look at purchasing a second copy of some of the heavier books second hand so that your child has one set at home and one for school, so they don’t have to carry them to and from school each day.

Bear in mind when choosing the best school bag for your child that the total weight of your child’s packed school bag, should not exceed 15% of their body weight.

Two shoulder straps are best as this puts less strain on the back, shoulders and neck muscles. Be sure to adjust the shoulder straps, once your child has all their books, stationery etc in their bag, to ensure your child’s posture is at its best.

Too long and your child will lean forward. Too short and they may lean backwards, putting more strain on the shoulders and neck.

The perfect position is where the bag sits comfortably between the shoulders and in the middle of the back. Having an adjustable waist strap also helps take the strain away from the shoulders and neck and distributes the weight into the pelvis and legs.

It is best to have a large centre pocket for less heavy books and a padded pocket to the rear for a laptop, tablet or very heavy books. Along with pockets for lunch, water, stationery etc.

Ensure the weight is evenly distributed throughout the bag with heavier items placed closer to the back and less weighty items placed near the front of the bag.

This will help to balance your child and not have them being pulled backwards or forwards by the weight.

It is good if your child can walk or cycle to and from school or take the bus where possible. It fosters independence and they get time with their friends alongside getting some exercise.

Look for school bags that are waterproof or have a rain cover for days that are not so good. This will protect the items in the bag and also protect a large portion of your child’s back too!

I have purchased school bags that can be placed in the washing machine. I tend to wash them during mid-term breaks and holidays. It helps to keep them looking good and smelling fresh too!

If your child’s school bag is not machine washable, simply empty out the contents and sponge it inside and out with hot soapy water before leaving it to dry. This is also a great way of having a clear out and getting rid of non essential papers, books and items you thought were gone forever!

I don’t know about you, but on the rare occasions when I go looking for items in my children’s school bags, I find all sorts of wonders! From notes that should have been passed on, to water bottles and food pots that I presumed were long gone, there is a myriad of non essential stuff that they are ferrying too and from school daily.

From the very 1st day of their schooling, educate them to empty their school bags at least once a week and as they get into 2nd level, to only carry the books they need to and from school each day! It will really save them from potential back pain in the future.

Look for school uniforms that offer stain resistance. Kids will get messy, that is part of the fun of playing, climbing, sliding and eating their lunch quickly so they can get out to meet their friends in the school yard.

Keeping their uniform neat and stain free is the last thing on their minds, so give yourself a break and get uniforms with built in stain resistant super powers!

The weather is not always going to be warm and sunny and there will be days that your child has to walk, cycle or get the school bus when the rain is pouring down. Choose water repellant school uniforms to ensure they are not sitting in wet clothes for the morning after they arrive at school.

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Check care labels before you buy your school uniform. Things to look our for include:

• Crease resistant materials
• Non or easy iron shirts, tops and bottoms
• Items suitable for washing at a lower temperature
• Stay fresh technology to keep items fresh between washes
• Permanent pleats built into skirts and pinafores
• Anti bobble jumpers and cardigans

Having easy care items is essential to make life that little bit better when it comes to caring for school uniforms. I know for me, it is important that my kids uniforms look good wash after wash and that ironing is kept to the minimum!

While you don’t want your child looking like they are wearing their older siblings school uniform, it is good to allow for some growth.

Look out for school skirts, pinafores and trousers that have extra material built into the hems so that can be taken down as your child grows.

Adjustable waists and cuffs are also great, as they allow for growth and comfort from the beginning of the school year right through to the end.

Do you remember the scratchy school cardigan or jumper? I certainly do from my days at school! When choosing school uniforms make sure your child fits on everything and ensures that tops, tights and PE gear feels soft and doesn’t irritate their skin.

Let kids be kids and buy school uniforms where they can run, jump and play with their friends day in day out without the worry of the usual wear and tear. Look for StayNew technology that helps avoid bobbling, fading, stretching and keeps uniforms looking like new wash after wash.

Don’t forget footwear. Look for shoes and runners with built in scuff resistance and stay fresh technology. Keep in mind the season and how the weather will change as you move through the school year for every adventure your child will have, big or small.