Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol

Every end-of-summer, the annual rush to buy books, notebooks, uniforms, and stationery happens around the world, and in Spain it’s the local papelería that becomes the go-to place where convenience, community, and expertise meet. Here’s how to navigate the process smoothly for your family.

Spanish families typically spend between a few hundred to a thousand euros (depending on number of children and public vs. private school) on school supplies—including textbooks and uniforms—making this a sizable annual investment. Instead of visiting multiple stores, your local stationery/bookstore simplifies the process:

1. Drop off your official school list, complete with grade and codes.
2. Shop staff pull exactly what’s needed, from textbooks to colored pens and rulers.
3. Possibly reserve with a small deposit if the list is dropped off well in advance or something needs to be ordered.
4. Pick up your full kit ahead of the school start, all ready to go.

No hunting from store to store, no guesswork—just a ready-made pack tailored to your child’s needs.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Families

Local stores often offer discounts—5–15% off textbooks depending on the level (primary, secondary), especially if it is a store that works closely with the school. Combine that with other strategies and you can significantly reduce costs:

• Second‑hand books from school book banks or resale sites (Wallapop, OkLibros)
• Reuse materials—ask in local Facebook groups if any families are selling or donating gently used books or uniforms they no longer need.

Online vs In‑Store

While a growing number of Spanish parents buy school materials online for ease and bundle deals, here’s when in-person still excels:

• Personal help—clarify any confusion with shop staff as they do this year after year.
• Support local businesses—librerías are community hubs and a great way to shop local.

Large retailers like El Corte Inglés and Carrefour also stock school supplies, and these can be a good option if you also need to supply things like wipes, or anything in bulk.

Tips for First-Year Families

• Bring the exact list from the school, with subject headings and textbook codes.
• Reserve early in July or August.
• Ask if the shop offers a deposit system—pay now, pick up later.
• Learn the notebook sizes— A4 and graph‑paper styles are standard.

Let Us Help

At Españaula, we help families plan school visits, prepare paperwork, and understand what’s actually possible during a summer trip.

 Join our Facebook group to connect with other parents and ask questions or reach out for personalized support.