Officeworks has revealed the top shopping trends emerging as families, teachers and students gear up for the 2026 school year, with early data showing strong demand for classic classroom essentials, creative supplies and teachers’ most‑trusted tools.

Across the first major back to school shopping weeks of January, Officeworks customers purchased more than 200,000 Bostik Glue Sticks, enough to supply all the students in more than 7000 classrooms, making it one of the most popular items in school desks across Australia.

Despite the rise of tech in classrooms, scrapbooks remain one of the most-purchased back to school items from Officeworks nationally, with the Studymate Mega Monster Scrapbook selling 17x more units than the closest tech product (Keji Headphones).

Casio fx‑82AU PLUS II Scientific Calculator, and Staedtler Natural Graphic Pencils (HB) were also among the top sellers, reflecting the continued importance of foundational learning tools in classrooms.

Teacher‑focused products are also proving to be in high demand, with whiteboard markers, Bostik Blu Tack and laminating pouches topping the list of items teachers purcahsed outside of standard school lists, as they prepared to refresh and personalise classroom spaces for Term 1.

Back to school highlights

Officeworks also revealed that:

• Lunchtime is the peak back to school shopping hour, with more customers visiting Officeworks stores around midday than any other time of day.
• HB pencils continue to dominate over all other grades, accounting for the majority of pencil sales – showing classroom habits haven’t changed in decades.
• Blue pens are still the most popular writing colour, though more customers are increasingly opting for assorted sets with blue, black and red.

Simplifying school shopping

Officeworks General Manager Merchandise Tim Lane said, as a dad, he too knows how quickly the back to school checklist can pile up – so the brand is focused on making it feel simpler, with great value on everyday essentials and easy ways to shop in-store or online.

“We know back to school can be a big moment for families – and it can be expensive and overwhelming. So, we’ve worked hard to keep the classic, everyday essentials that pop up on booklists around the country affordable, with many items starting from just 10 cents.”

“From free 2‑hour Click & Collect to fast and flexible delivery options, including Uber Eats offering for those last-minute items, we’re focused on giving families more choice in how they shop. Whether you’re uploading a school list in minutes, getting help to match a BYOD device to school requirements, or using our Price Beat Guarantee, our goal is simple: take the stress out of back to school and help families start the year feeling confident and ready.”