The summer holidays might still be in full swing, but for many families, the countdown to a new school year has already begun — and with it comes the annual shopping scramble.
A new survey by AliExpress, has found that nearly two-thirds of people admit to feeling stressed about ticking everything off their back-to-school shopping list.
And for mums, the load is even heavier: almost half (47%) say the responsibility for getting the essentials in falls squarely on their shoulders.
With just weeks to go until the start of the autumn term, August is peak time for spending on school and university must-haves. A quarter (25%) of students and parents are hitting the shops — or more likely, their laptops — right now.
In fact, more than one in ten (14%) say the week of 18 August is the time to kick-start their shopping, perfectly timed with the launch of the AliExpress Back-to-School Sale.
Running from 18–27 August, the sale is packed with deals on everything from laptops and printer accessories to gaming gear, small appliances and even foldable e-bikes. The first 48 hours will see shoppers bag up to £100 off orders over £500 — the biggest discount of its kind yet.
Not just pens and pencils anymore
Gone are the days when back-to-school shopping meant just a blazer and a pencil case. Today’s lists are expanding… and so are the pressures. Tech gadgets (22%) now rank almost as highly as stationery (33%) for must-buy items.
Looking sharp is also on the agenda, with 14% feeling the need to add new beauty products to the basket before term starts.
‘Back-to-school is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year,’ says Bonnie Zhao, AliExpress UK’s General Manager. ‘But we know it can also be stressful. That’s why we’re offering deals to help customers stretch their budgets and still get everything they need.’
Men vs women: who feels the pinch?
The research also revealed a gender gap in how people feel about the financial strain of the season.
More than one in ten men (13%) strongly disagree that the back-to-school rush impacts their finances, compared to just 3.5% of women. A quarter of men say they don’t feel the pinch at all, versus 14% of women.
Savvy spending still rules
Despite the pressures, shopping intentions remain strong. Almost half (42%) say they won’t let money worries stop them from buying what they need, and nearly a quarter (23%) admit they actively wait for discount events before getting started.
This year’s AliExpress Back-to-School Sale will feature lightning deals, exclusive bundles and must-haves at value prices, alongside free shipping and easy returns. Plus, first-time Klarna Pay users will get an extra discount on top of existing offers.
The countdown is on – and for families across the UK, August isn’t just about squeezing in the last beach trip. It’s about stocking up smart, saving money, and getting ready to start the new term in style.
Shop the AliExpress Back-to-School Sale via the AliExpress app or at www.aliexpress.com
Children’s School Bag
An adorable backpack adorned with an eye-catching pink tartan with a clasp and bow detail.
Multiple compartments are perfect for all the school day’s essentials.
Password Lock Pencil Case
Keep your stationery safe with your very own code with this password-locked pencil case.
Available in multiple colourways, this large capacity bag is great for keeping hold of your favourite pens and pencils.
Eight-Piece Geometry Set
Make math and geometry a breeze with this eight-piece drawing tools set.
Perfect for students, it comes with a compass, rulers, circle gauge, and more—all neatly packed in a handy stationery box.
Football Backpack
For the sporty kid in your life, this black and gold backpack lets them wear their love of football with pride.
Four compartments make staying organised easy, whether running late for maths or gearing up for PE.
Cat Ear Wireless Headphones
These wireless cat-ear headphones aren’t just cute – they’re packed with fun!
Perfect for kids and teens, they feature RGB lights, a built-in microphone, stereo sound for music or gaming, and easy earbud controls.
What is AliExpress?
Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a global e-commerce platform dedicated to creating a better shopping experience for hundreds of millions of consumers in more than 200 countries and regions.
In addition to the English version, the AliExpress platform is available in 14 other languages. AliExpress is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.
