6 surprising things about school shopping in Czechia: An expat family’s guide

When expat parents hit the shops for all their back-to-school needs, they may quickly discover that their typical supply lists are missing some key local essentials. From mandatory indoor shoes to specialized art supply suitcases, Czech schools have gear requirements that can catch expat families off guard.

That’s when a routine shopping trip is turned into a cultural education. Fortunately, Tesco's comprehensive back-to-school range takes the guesswork out of the equation, stocking everything from the classic aktovka backpacks to the ever-important zápisníček notebook, making it easy for parents to “Czech off” everything kids need in one trip.

Before you go, use this guide to curb any school-shopping culture shock. We've also included a handy vocabulary list to help you navigate the Czech back-to-school aisles like a local.

Forget pencils and notebooks—the first item on your Czech back-to-school list should be bačkory. These mandatory indoor shoes with firm soles are essential in every classroom. While requirements vary by school (some kindergartens require covered toes, while older students can wear Crocs or Birkenstock-style slippers), investing in quality pairs is crucial since children typically go through several sets per year.

TIP: The footwear section conveniently houses a wide selection of children’s indoor shoes in various styles and sizes, alongside other back-to-school wardrobe essentials.

Czech schools, especially kindergartens, operate on a strict indoor/outdoor clothing system requiring complete outfit changes for younger children throughout the day. Inside, Czech kids lounge comfortably in cozy turtlenecks and tights, but outdoors, they transform into weather-ready warriors with rain pants, rubber boots, waterproof coats, neck scarves, and caps at the first sign of wind. This separation means parents must invest in robust clothing storage systems and labeled backup gear for cubbies that children manage independently.

Czech school food culture operates differently from American packed lunches. Snackboxes are reserved exclusively for the pre-lunch snack called “svačinka,” while actual lunch is always a warm cafeteria meal. The typical Czech snack centers around a “rohlík” (crusty bread roll), often paired with cheese, salami, or vegetables. From first grade onward, parents handle snack duty with small containers designed for mid-morning refuel rather than meal replacement.

TIP: Thanks to inflation, back-to-school shopping will be one of the year’s biggest expenses in 2025. Loyalty programs such as Tesco Clubcard help stretch your budget further with exclusive offers, personalized discounts, and points on every purchase.

Czech elementary students need their own portable art studio—a small suitcase (kufřík) that lives in the classroom throughout the school year. This creative arsenal includes watercolors, pencils, tempera paints, modeling clay, paintbrushes, glue, and glue sticks for hands-on artistic exploration. Essential additions include a “tabulka” (personal mini whiteboard with marker and eraser) and a kitchen placemat for desk protection during messy creative sessions.

TIP: Browse Tesco’s comprehensive art supplies section with everything from basic pencils to specialty tempera paints all in one place.

Meet the aktovka—the structured, roll-top rucksack that serves as both Czech school tradition and engineering marvel. These rigid, book-accommodating fortresses handle multiple textbooks and general elementary chaos, ranging from CZK 1,600 to CZK 2,500 (or upwards of CZK 5,000 for complete sets). Though enormous and unwieldy for young shoulders, they’re a rite of passage that nearly every Czech child experiences before transitioning to smaller, cooler models as they mature.

TIP: Take advantage of 25 percent off backpacks (valid through August 27, 2025) to make this significant investment more affordable, with various styles available to suit different ages and preferences.

As Czech students advance, supply lists become surgically specific. You’ll need an endless supply of “gumovací pera” (erasable pens), A5 notebooks for dictation, protective book covers, rulers, compasses, and geometric triangles, all according to exact teacher requirements. Shopping at traditional Czech stationery stores can be challenging, as specialized equipment often lives behind counters. Your Czech skills will be put to the test as accessing these items typically requires specific Czech terminology.

Don’t have everything yet? Don’t panic: Teachers tend to give out a specific supply list during the first week of school, giving you plenty of time to get up to speed on the local lingo.