Mommies, are you still planning to do your last minute school materials shopping? I have here a list of best places to shop and my recommended brands for your kiddos.
Divisoria
If you live in the northern or southern part of Metro Manila where public transportation is accessible and you have three kids and above to shop for, I recommend Divisoria. Many people find the stuff on the streets of C.M. Recto and nearby malls very cheap but when you go to the heart of Divisoria, you'll find more stalls that offer cheaper supplies.
Here are the streets where you can find producers, wholesalers, and retailers of different local and imported brands offering factory prices.
--- umbrellas, shoes, bags, socks, uniforms, underwear, handkerchiefs, towels, rain coats, boots, clothes: Juan Luna Street
--- fabrics, uniforms, and clothes: Ylaya Street
--- wrappers, microwaveable plastic containers, boxes, lunch boxes, paper bags, plastic wares, packaging supplies, home wares: Juan Luna and Sta. Elena Streets
--- ribbons, native products, costumes, sewing and crafting materials: Tabora Street
Note: There is a small "eskinita" or "pasilyo" on Tabora Street near Wellmanson where you can find good quality school uniforms and scrub suits.
--- baking supplies, fruits, hair and fashion accessories: Carmen Planas Street
--- wholesaler of school supplies: Sto. Cristo Street
Here's the map for your reference courtesy of www.smartparenting.com.ph.
If you are not familiar with Divisoria, you may also download the DIVISORIA GUIDE APP on iTunes to have an access to offline map that covers all the streets of Divisoria and where and how to score the best deals.
Website: www.divisoriaguide.com
Photo and Info Credits: http://www.nognoginthecity.com
Pros: When you go to these streets, you'll save so much compared to the malls, stalls, and street vendors along C. M. Recto Avenue. The vendors selling on the streets or "bangketa" get their goods from the wholesalers whose stores are located on the above-mentioned streets. Be patient. It will be a long walk but you'll save more. The best part is you can haggle. You can purchase the items almost half the price compared to shopping malls and other bookstores. There are more shops to choose from. If you wish to buy shoes and bags from a reputable brand, there are nearby malls like Lucky Chinatown, Tutuban Center, or Robinsons. Food stalls and restaurants are accessible too.
Cons: It's very difficult to shop during weekends and holidays. Go there very early. Shops open starting 8:00 AM. Please don't bring very young children. Kawawa sila kasi mainit at maraming tao. I don't recommend bringing your own car due to lack of parking spaces. If you still want to bring your own car, there's a parking area behind Tutuban Center Mall.
Pros and Cons: If you have one or two kids, you don't have to go to Divisoria kasi sayang ang pagod. They offer "Best Buy" or set items which you can save more too. It's a little pricey compared to Divisoria but here you can bring your kids along because it's much convenient to shop and air conditioned.
All the things you need are placed under one roof. The prices are higher compared to Divisoria but there are many reputable brands to choose from. All you need to do is to be a wise and practical spender. Avail of their promos and special offers to save more.
Some of My Recommended Brands:
Bags
HAWK
It's expensive to be very honest but it's durable. My son will use his 3 year old Hawk bag this school year. When washed, it looks like brand new again.
Shoes
GIBI, WORLD BALANCE
Shoes
GIBI, WORLD BALANCE
Uniforms
Pants and Skirts: Colours, Canadian Club, Campus
Blouse and Polo: Campus
These brands are long lasting at hindi naghihimulmol.
Pencil and Coloring Materials
FABER CASTELL, MONGOL, and CRAYOLA
The quality is very good, lasts longer, and produces nice outputs. For preschoolers, make sure to purchase jumbo pencils and crayons since their fine motor skills are not that developed yet.
Ballpens and Markers
PILOT, STABILO, ARTLINE, FASTER, & PANDA
Paper
HARD COPY, ADVANCE, BEST BUY @ National Bookstore, LOW PRICE STATIONERY @ SM
Notebooks
SPRING LEAF, STRADMORE, AVANTI, ADVANCE, STERLING, GREEN APPLE, CORONA
Clearbooks
SM School Supplies Sections offers cheaper clearbooks starting at Php49.75. When you buy them from Divisoria, they're cheaper.
Do the following to be safe and avoid overspending:
Do the following to be safe and avoid overspending:
- Eat a heavy meal.
- Bring big eco-bags.
- Bring a small toiletries kit.
- Bring your own drink and snack.
- Carry a list of what you need to buy.
- When going to Divisoria, don't bring expensive valuables and gadgets or wear jewelry.
- Bring big eco-bags.
- Bring a small toiletries kit.
- Bring your own drink and snack.
- Carry a list of what you need to buy.
- When going to Divisoria, don't bring expensive valuables and gadgets or wear jewelry.
Hope this list helps, Mommies! If you have your own ideas and recommendations, feel free to comment under this post. Thanks!
