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The Ultimate Back-to-School Supplies List for Every Age Group
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The Ultimate Back-to-School Supplies List for Every Age Group

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Ever wondered how one shopping trip turns into a cart full of stuff you'll never use? You head into the store with every intention of sticking to a list, grab a cart, and suddenly it's brimful of random supplies you think your kid might need. Been there, done that.
It’s stressful, expensive, and something that never seems to get easier each year.

But with a bit of planning, you can shop smarter instead of harder. We've broken down the essentials by grade level so you can print this out, head to the store (with or without the kids), and know exactly what to grab.

Elementary School: Building the Foundation

Once they move on from kindergarten, the work gets a little more serious. In addition to looking cute, the elementary school supplies have to be a little more functional, and withstand the daily use of young, not-all-that-careful kids.

Here's what to look for:

  • Crayons (a 24-pack gives plenty of colors)
  • Colored pencils
  • Washable markers
  • Classic yellow pencils
  • Pink erasers (they never last long)
  • Safety scissors (kid-safe versions only)
  • Glue sticks (at least 4)
  • White glue in a bottle
  • Construction paper in mixed colors
  • A sturdy pencil box
  • Folders for each subject
  • Wide-ruled notebooks
  • A ruler
  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitizer
  • A backpack that fits everything comfortably
  • A lunch box
  • A spill-proof water bottle

Label each item with a permanent marker—even art supplies. When everything bears your child's name, lost items find their way back faster.

 

Middle School: Stepping Up the Game

Here, the real work begins. The pencil points and marker tips get finer, the composition lines get smaller and school supplies need to support their bigger assignments and projects.

Here's what to grab:

  • One binder per class, or a couple of large ones
  • Looseleaf paper for notes and assignments
  • Pens in blue and black ink
  • Mechanical pencils (or regular, if they prefer)
  • Highlighters in a handful of colors
  • Erasers
  • A basic calculator
  • Index cards for study prompts
  • Sticky notes for quick reminders
  • A planner to track homework and tests
  • Pocket folders for handouts
  • A lock for their locker
  • A flash drive to back up digital work
  • Graph paper for math and science
  • A pencil case to keep it all together
  • A backpack with extra room for books and projects

Let your middle schooler pick colors or patterns. When they like how their supplies look, they're more likely to use them—and keep them organized.

High School: Getting Ready for Real Challenges

High school brings tougher classes, big projects, and all sorts of extracurriculars. Students need gear that helps them focus, study efficiently, and balance a busy schedule.

Pack these:

  • Large binders with dividers
  • Several notebooks (spiralbound works well)
  • Extra pens and pencils
  • Highlighters for study notes
  • Sticky tabs to mark important pages
  • A scientific or graphing calculator (check with the teacher)
  • A planner or calendar app on their phone
  • Index cards for flashcard drills
  • Folders for handouts and essays
  • A laptop or tablet (if allowed)
  • Headphones for online assignments or quiet study
  • A sturdy locker lock
  • Flash drives
  • Any extra kit needed for clubs, sports, or arts

Before buying everything new, check at home. Last year's notebooks and pens may still have lots of life left.

 

College: The Big Transition

Going off to college is an exciting time for young adults. Buying supplies for moving into university housing is a bit more intensive than getting supplies for other school-levels as you have to make sure to buy personal essentials for the student as well.

For class:

  • Reliable laptop with charger
  • Notebooks or a tablet for digital notes
  • Binders or folders
  • Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  • A calculator (if your major requires it)
  • Flash drives or cloud storage access
  • A planner or app to track deadlines

For the dorm:

  • Twin XL sheets (most dorm beds are this size)
  • Pillows and blankets
  • Towels and washcloths
  • Shower shoes
  • A shower caddy for toiletries
  • Laundry detergent and a basket or bag
  • Desk lamp for latenight studying
  • Storage bins or crates
  • Trash bags
  • A mini fridge and microwave (check dorm rules first)
  • A coffee maker for early mornings
  • Basic cleaning supplies
  • Personal care items like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and any medications

Smart Shopping Tips

Save cash and cut waste with these ideas:

  • Choose store brands over name brands—often just as good and much cheaper
  • Reuse supplies from last year—no need to toss halfused notebooks or pen packs
  • Check dollar stores for basics like pencils and erasers
  • Buy in bulk if you have multiple kids—larger packs cost less per item
  • Compare prices—sometimes small local shops beat big box stores

 

Getting Organized at Home

Having supplies is just the first step. Keep your child focused all year with a few simple habits

  • Designate a homework spot with good light and minimal distractions
  • Store extra supplies in a portable caddy or basket
  • Colorcode by subject
  • Hang a family calendar in a visible spot for tests, projects, and events

 

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school shopping doesn't need to be a stress marathon. With a clear plan, a solid checklist, and a few fun choices for your child, it can even feel manageable.
You don’t need fancy supplies or trendy gear. The most important thing is making sure your child feels prepared and ready to learn.

So grab this list, gather your coupons, take a deep breath, and head out there. This could be the year everything just clicks.