Seven Things Students Don't Need for Back to School

Parents everywhere are hearing the retailer's call of what latest gadgets and gizmos their kids need to dazzle their peers this fall and start the school year on the right foot.
But what nobody seems to be talking about is what students don't need -- an important consideration when you're drawing up the back to school shopping list. According to a recent poll, Canadians will spend an average of $362 on school supplies this year and 54 per cent of Canadians will take part in back to school shopping.
So, for all of those Canadians ready to open up their wallets this season, here are seven items that you should probably stay away from to keep spending under control:

SLIDESHOW: WHAT KIDS DON'T NEED FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

1. A Tablet
As unbelievable as it may seem to most parents, kids today actually do need a computer at school. What they don't need is a $600 glorified video game machine. Yes, there is something to be said for an iPad being a learning device but most kids have access to a computer. Oh, they'll try to convince you they need it to keep up with the world but you know they mean Facebook.

2. The Latest Laptop
Obviously becoming computer savvy at a young age is becoming increasingly more important but it's worth holding off buying the MacBook Air until you know what would most benefit your child. Questions need to be answered such as: Is a laptop or computer provided at the school? What programs will be necessary for your child's learning?
There is a big difference in price between a computer with basic features as opposed to one with specialized qualities, so it's worth waiting to know what Brenda or Bobby needs.

3. Laptop Tables
The salesperson at your local tech store might tell you they're great because they'll allow your laptop to breath. But forget about spending the extra $50 - $100 on a table that will sit rusting beside your child's desk and give your wallet some breathing room instead.

4. A Smartphone for the Young'ns
In today's digital world, tweeners and teens have good reason to want smartphones -- even if it's just to fit in (an important consideration at that age).
Younger kids may lobby hard for their own iPhone or Android but it's not necessary. At an age when they're still losing their shoes, don't give them a $300 phone. For tweens and up, look closely at the plan you put them on and don't let them text their way over a certain amount. If they do, yank that Blackberry away.

5. Smartphone Accessories
Once your child is connected with the world of smartphones, the next issue that might come up is personalizing and protecting the expensive little gadget. And there are a lot of ways to dress up smartphones that can be fun and flashy but are so not necessary.
Sure you can get the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection of "outfits" for your iPhone or the Juicy Couture smartphone case but that's an extra $40 - $50 you really don't have to spend.

6. Monogrammed Belongings
It seems there is a big push towards branding objects this season -- not only can students smother their smartphones with their own personal touches but everything from bags and towels to lap top desks (which they don't need anyway -- refer to number three).
Be warned, monogramming belongings most always comes at an extra cost. What ever happened to simply introducing yourself -- or labeling things with a Sharpie?

7. A Dictionary or Thesaurus
Most students have access to a dictionary, thesaurus and spellcheck feature on their computers and on line. A dictionary or thesaurus in actual book form will load up their backpacks and that's pretty much all they'll do. But if you're not sure about how often your child is accessing a computer, talk to the teacher and then decide. If you do eventually need to buy a dictionary, there's sure to be a sale on since eventually they'll likely be phased out like the penny.

Related Links:

Five Ways to Shop Back to School Essentials for Less
9 Stand-out Gadgets for Back to School
How to Save $$$ on Back to School Essentials