The Best School Supply Stores in Singapore to Prepare for the New School Year
Whether you are a French-speaking expat who has been living in Singapore for several years or you have just arrived, the start of the school year is always an important time. Fortunately, the city-state is full of stores where you can find everything you need: notebooks, pens, backpacks, creative supplies, calculators, and even materials suitable for international schools.
Here is our selection of the best school supply stores in Singapore.
1. POPULAR Bookstore: the back-to-school essential
If there is one store that every parent in Singapore knows, it is definitely POPULAR Bookstore.
With locations in many shopping malls, it offers a huge selection of school supplies at affordable prices. You will find:
- notebooks and folders;
- pens, pencils, and markers;
- pencil cases;
- scientific calculators;
- school books and educational resources;
- office accessories.
The largest stores, especially the one at Bras Basah Complex, offer an especially wide selection and allow you to find almost everything on your school supply list in a single visit.
Ideal for: families who want to buy everything in one place.
2. Art Friend: a paradise for creative activities
For children who love drawing, painting, or creative hobbies, Art Friend is a must-visit.
The store is well-known for the quality of its art supplies:
- paint;
- brushes;
- sketchbooks;
- professional markers;
- specialty paper;
- craft materials.
Architecture, design, and fine arts students can also find many products that are difficult to source elsewhere.
Ideal for: international schools and artistic projects.
3. THINK: premium Japanese stationery
Stationery lovers particularly appreciate THINK, located in the Funan shopping mall.
The store offers a wide range of Japanese brands known for their quality:
- Pilot, Zebra, and Uni pens;
- elegant notebooks;
- planners;
- office accessories;
- premium stationery.
The store is often recommended by stationery enthusiasts for its excellent selection and knowledgeable staff.
Ideal for: students, teachers, and stationery lovers.
4. Daiso: affordable school supplies
If you want to keep your back-to-school budget under control, Daiso is an excellent option.
You can find:
- pens;
- erasers;
- rulers;
- glue sticks;
- scissors;
- plastic folders;
- storage boxes.
Most items are sold at very affordable prices, allowing you to equip the whole family without spending too much.
Ideal for: budget-friendly shopping.
5. MUJI: simplicity and quality
MUJI products are popular for their minimalist design and excellent quality.
You will find:
- simple notebooks;
- highly appreciated gel pens;
- pencil cases;
- organizers;
- folders.
MUJI stationery is particularly popular among middle school students, high school students, and university students.
Ideal for: those looking for durable and stylish supplies.
6. Typo: for a colorful start to the school year
Typo is especially popular among teenagers.
The store offers:
- unique notebooks;
- fun pens;
- colorful pencil cases;
- playful desk accessories;
- water bottles and bags.
Collections are regularly updated, making it easy to personalize school supplies.
Ideal for: middle and high school students.
7. Smiggle: the favorite brand among younger children
Very popular with children, Smiggle offers colorful and fun school supplies:
- backpacks;
- compartmentalized pencil cases;
- scented pens;
- novelty erasers;
- illustrated notebooks.
The brand is particularly appreciated for making the back-to-school experience more fun.
Ideal for: kindergarten and primary school students.
8. Bras Basah Complex: the ultimate school supply destination
Rather than just one store, Bras Basah Complex is a true paradise for students.
You will find:
- POPULAR Bookstore;
- Art Friend;
- several specialized bookstores;
- stationery shops;
- art supply stores.
You can compare prices and find supplies that may be harder to find elsewhere.
Ideal for: completing all your back-to-school shopping in one trip.
Tips for Buying School Supplies in Singapore
- Shop several weeks before the start of the school year to enjoy a wider selection.
- Check the supply list provided by your school, especially for international schools.
- Large retailers regularly offer promotions before the school year begins.
- Consider buying extra supplies (pens, notebooks, or folders), as they are often useful throughout the year.
Our Selection Based on Your Budget
Budget-friendly options
- Daiso
- POPULAR Bookstore
Best value for money
- POPULAR Bookstore
- MUJI
For creative activities
- Art Friend
- Bras Basah Complex
For premium stationery
- THINK
- MUJI
In Summary
In Singapore, finding quality school supplies is easy, whether you are looking for affordable products, artistic materials, or premium stationery.
For expat families, stores such as POPULAR Bookstore and Art Friend make preparing for the new school year simple and stress-free, while MUJI, THINK, and Typo will appeal to those looking for supplies that combine practicality and style.