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Your ultimate 2025 back to school checklist

The bell to signal the start of the 2025 school year is about to ring.

Getting ready for school after the holidays can be a huge task - from remembering what to pack in their school bag to making sure they have the right-sized uniform, shoes and more ready to go. Luckily, Westfield West Lakes is your one-stop-shop for everything they’ll need for the school year.

Here's your official checklist to help you on your way when your little one returns to the classroom.

Fresh stationery

Depending on their year level, your child may only need a few new pens and pencils, or the works: a diary, calculator, notebooks, and a new pencil case. Either start fresh or check what is missing from the last school year. Try visiting Smiggle, Target and Kmart and grab all their stationery needs in one go.

Upgraded gadgets

A decent pair of headphones is necessary for all kids these days – if not used for school, then to silence the sounds of them watching their favourite show or playing their video games after school. Head to JB Hi-Fi, Target and David Jones.

If your kids use smartwatches or child-friendly mobile phones, consider treating them to a fun new band or tech case for the year from JB Hi-Fi, Pop Phones or Target.

Don’t forget extra chargers and batteries – the essentials that can never be found when we really need them!

Smart school shoes

If they’re due for new school shoes (and sports shoes), head straight to Rebel Sport, Betts, Williams and David Jones.

Some footwear stores also have professional fitting services to make it as easy as possible to get your kids’ footwear sorted for the new school year. Try Athletes Foot.


Image: Skechers

Backpack basics

Whether it’s time to update their bag or size up, there’s lots of great designs to suit your child’s age group. Head into Smiggle, Strand, Target and David Jones.


Image: Strandbags

Essential accessories

You can never have too many of the day-to-day basics like hair accessories, lunchboxes, school and sports socks and even spare undies. Shop the basics from stores like Bonds, Smiggle, Price Attack, Priceline and Kmart. Pro tip: Invest in iron-on or sticky labels and attach them to everything in their bag.


Image: Howards Storage World

Homework station

Create a desk set-up that will get your kids excited to study...well, you can try, right?! Set your child up with a desk, chair and storage space to keep their homework supplies organised by visiting Kmart, Target and Castle Home.

Encourage your kids to get creative and personalise their desk area with some posters and decorative touches from Castle Home, Price Savers and Kmart.

Visit a hairdresser

Time to tidy up the kid's hair after a summer of swimming in the ocean or pool. Get it done at Salon C Boutique, Just Cuts, Hairhouse or H Barber.

Uniform alterations

Almost all uniforms need a little tweaking. We have you covered with alteration services available at Jeans Express and LookSmart Alterations.

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