Mexico’s Education Ministry published the suggested list of basic school supplies for the 2025-2026 academic year covering preschool, primary and secondary levels. The guidance stresses that materials should not represent an economic burden and confirms all pupils will receive free textbooks on the first day of classes, which begin on 1 September. To give parents a pricing benchmark, the consumer-protection agency Profeco released a nationwide survey of eight essential items. Prices vary sharply by retailer: liquid glue ranges from MXN 12.40 to 85, scissors from 14.60 to 72, pens from 12 to 23, glue sticks from 12.20 to 30, pencils from 13.3 to 49, erasers from 11.25 to 64, a 30-centimetre ruler from 14 to 35, and a 100-sheet notebook from 19.50 to 129. Profeco will stage a ‘Feria de Regreso a Clases’ on 16 August at Expo Reforma in Mexico City, running 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and plans additional fairs in other states. The event will offer discounted supplies, uniforms and shoes, with multiple payment options including the capital’s school-stipend card. The twin measures by SEP and Profeco are designed to cushion household budgets as families prepare for the new 185-day school year amid elevated back-to-school spending.