FROM Disney-themed pencil cases to scented pens, any parent will know that it's all too easy to spend a small fortune on school supplies for your kids.
But one woman, who has been a teacher for 15 years, has now revealed the items that she believes are a total waste of time and money.
In a clip posted to TikTok (@smilesamy70), she begins by discussing erasers.
First up, she shows several fancy ones, including those which can be stuck on the end of a pencil.
"Absolutely not," she says,
"They fall off and they eat them."
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She then holds up a packet of whale-shaped rubbers and quips: "Not going to the aquarium."
Instead, she recommends going back to basics and purchasing a plain rectangular eraser.
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She moves on to say that if the school's supply list says pencil case, then plain and simple is best.
Sharing a selection of fun pencil cases – including a heart silicone pencil pouch and a Batman-themed one, she says: "No, no, definitely not.
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"You're just basically getting them a toy…even I have a hard time opening this."
Instead of forking out £6 on a character-themed pencil case, she heads over to the clear plastic ones that are a total bargain.
"Here's what you should get – absolutely, 100% yes," she enthuses.
"77p…let them pick their colour."
Next, Amy recommends that when the school supply list says pencils, parents should opt for ones that are "sharpened" and "ready to go."
As for binders and notebooks, she suggests avoiding anything with animals or pretty flower prints on and says to stick with "teacher-approved plain ones" that won't end up being a "distraction."
Moving onto crayons, she advises steering clear of anything fancy such as 'neon' colours and to stick with the original colours such as the Crayola set.
Amy notes that while they may be a tad more expensive, they'll "last your child" and won't break.
She adds: "Colour pencils, markers, the same is going to be true.
"Please stick with Crayola – they're like 8p more."
Offering another handy piece of advice, Amy continues; "Also, when you're shopping for a backpack, make sure that a binder fits in the backpack."
She concludes: "I guess my point was, teachers don't need the fancy.
And, yes, your child is going to want to pick the fancy, but it's time to go back to school, time to get focus.
"We don't need those puppets, we don't need those colourful characters.
"We're just going back to school."
The video has since gone viral, racking up a whopping 297k views and several comments from social media users – with very mixed responses.
"YES YES YES!!! We don’t need any more distractions or toys in our rooms! Your kid can have fun items at home!" wrote one.
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A second penned: "I will let my kids pick stuff that brings them joy in their school day. Period."
A third commented: "Some of this I understand – some makes me sad – let kids have some choices!"
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