Spend a little or splurge a lot with your personal shopper Sam Wylie-Harris. This week, make sure your little one earns extra brownie points with these back-to-school essentials

SPEND

  • From A to Z... Girls can swot up on their spelling and grammar with this cute pocket-sized Hello Kitty dictionary - a schoolbag must-have. Collins Gem Hello Kitty Dictionary, £4.99 (children aged 10 onwards), available from all good book shops or Amazon. To buy online, visit www.amazon.com

 

  • All the colours of the rainbow... Why not encourage some artistic creativity with the help of these wacky, Gruffalo-inspired pencils? Gruffalo Chunky Pencil Set, £10 (24 pack), from John Lewis. For stockists, visit www.johnlewis.com

 

  • Superhero... This racing red rucksack makes total spider-sense for carrying homework, a pencil case and the latest Marvel comic book. M&S Younger Boys' Spider-Man Rucksack, £12, from Marks & Spencer. For stockists, visit www.marksandspencer.com

SPLURGE

 

  • Pen friend... Cath Kidston's pretty Kempton Rose print has been fashioned on to this stylish fountain pen which comes with a matching tin for safe-keeping. Kempton Rose Fountain Pen, £25, from Cath Kidston. For stockists, visit www.cathkidston.co.uk
  •  
  • Budding student... This floral rucksack is blooming brilliant for little fashionistas. It's the ideal size for holding youngsters' everyday essentials, from homework to sports kit. Junior Carryall Girls' Bag, £29.95, from Little Joule at Joules. For stockists, visit www.joules.com

 

  • Look and learn... LeapFrog's new children's learning tablet is its most advanced yet. It is designed to help teach and introduce kids aged three to nine to the next generation of learning, digital reading and personal creativity. Little ones can have fun while engaging with reading, writing, maths and science, and the tablet features high-resolution cameras and video recorders. LeapPad2, £89.99, from LeapFrog. For stockists visit www.LeapFrog.co.uk