Essential Back to School Shopping Supplies: Must-Have List & Tips

Before you know it, it’ll be time for back to school shopping. The best way to be in and out of the store quickly is to have an organised back-to-school supplies shopping list. Not only will that make your shopping experience hassle-free, but it can also save you money. In this article, we will go through all the must-have back-to-school supplies your kids will need. Make sure to make your personalised back to school shopping supplies list based on this one. You may have leftover must-have school supplies hanging around the house from last year, so check that out before buying doubles.

The Basics – Back-to-School Supplies

Backpack

Whether you need a trolly or a regular backpack, this is the first item you should pick up at the store. Starting a new year with a new backpack is the best feeling. Some great brands include Potterybarn, Kane, and Jansport.

Pencils

Both mechanical and wooden pencils are necessary to start the year. Teachers often prefer students use wooden pencils, such as the Ticonderoga wood pencils, for specific assignments. Students, of course, enjoy using mechanical pencils, such as the Bic 10-pack extra smooth pencils.

Binder

A sturdy binder is one of the must-have school supplies for the school year. Invest in a binder with a durable cover and spine that will make it through the year. You don’t want to be buying binders every few months.

Folders

Folders are definitely bought a few times throughout the year. They tend to get filled to the brim and then torn as a result. The pen+gear two-pocket folders are known to be pretty durable, with pockets on the inside and holes for binder use.

Erasable Pens

Students are often scared to use pens, fearing they’ll make a mistake and not be able to erase it. Erasable pens are a great solution for that. The Pilot FriXion Clicker erasable pens are a great buy.

Lined Index Cards

Index cards are multi-use, especially for students. They can be great for studying and test prep, for jotting down important notes, and for DIY math cards.

Eraser

Mistakes are common, and when they happen, students need a good-quality eraser to get the job done. Erasers also get lost often, so make sure to stock up on these bad boys to ensure they have backup for the rest of the year.

Notebook

Notebooks are necessary, whether in primary school or high school. Invest in a notebook for each subject, and we recommend buying a few backups.

Planner

Many students love having a school planner to stay organised and on schedule. A school planner is a great place for students to jot down their homework or to-do list for the school week. It’s a great way to stay on track with assignments, etc.

Sticky Notes

Sticky notes are super useful for note-taking, in-class activities, and more. Post-it notes are a great buy. They’re extra sticky and less likely to fall off books or notebooks as students place them in their backpacks and lockers.

Sticky Flags

Sticky flags are handy for studying and reading comprehension. They allow students to mark up books instead of using highlighters. They can also be used by school planners to mark a specific date or event.

Highlighters

A four-pack of Sharpie highlighters is a must-have for students. The angled tips allow students to make thick or thin lines, depending on their preference. The four-pack Sharpie highlighters will usually last the whole year.

Tips for Back to School Shopping Supplies List

– The first helpful tip we can give you for back-to-school supply shopping is to make your list. With all the updated lists on the internet or from their school, each student needs their personalised list. Make some time, review the online lists, and jot down your necessities.

– School supplies don’t go out of style, even if your child thinks so. Unsharpened pencils can be resharpened and used again. Set a budget for school supply shopping; this will help your child learn how to manage money and choose needs rather than wants. It will help your child set priorities.

– Start the shopping early. Things go on back to school sales before the buying season, so keep a lookout and snatch some of the necessities on your list while they’re on sale.

– Buy the basics in bulk. Although you may be buying too much paper or pencils, glue sticks and notebooks, don’t fear. These supplies are used constantly in the classroom, and the more prepared your child comes to school, the easier time they will have.

– Set up a supply shelf in your house for easy refills. Set up this shelf with your child so they know they can grab anything they need when they need it.

– Quality counts. Sometimes, the more expensive products will save you money in the long run. Leaky pens will result in you buying new packs every few months. Invest in a good pack of pens, a good quality backpack that will last the year and a good quality planner to help your child stay organised.

Make sure to check out our article on Healthy Sleep for all Ages before the start of a new school year.

Conclusion – Back to School Shopping

Back to school shopping can often be a dreaded task for parents. Year after year, it’s a battle to get your kids out of the store and tell them that most of the things they insist they need are unnecessary. Throughout this article, we reviewed some of the must-have school supplies every student needs for a successful school year. We went through some tips that can help make back to school shopping fast and easy. We hope this article will help you make your school supply shopping hassle-free.