Back-to-School Essentials: A Guide to School Supplies Lists

Back-to-school shopping is an annual adventure in our house. From choosing that first superhero backpack for kindergarten to the perfect graphing calculator for high school, all school supplies lists are filled with excitement, chaos, and nostalgia.

Whether it’s your child’s first day or your teen’s last year, having solid school supplies lists is key to starting the year right. Ready to hit the shopping aisles? Pin, save, or share the image below for a quick reference guide to all your back-to-school needs!

Kindergarten School Supply List

Starting school in kindergarten is a huge milestone for your little one. Therefore, having the right supplies can make the experience easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what to get:

• Backpack
• Crayons and coloring books
• Washable markers
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks
• Pencil box
• Tissues and hand sanitizer
• Water bottle
• Change of clothes
• Nap mat or blanket
• Name labels

Elementary School Supplies List

As your child dives into elementary school, the right supplies become essential for their growing curiosity and learning. Here’s a detailed list to help them:

• #2 pencils
• Erasers
• Wide-ruled notebooks
• Folders
• Ruler
• Glue sticks
• Crayons and markers
• Colored pencils
• Safety scissors
• Pencil sharpener
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Dry erase markers
• Backpack
• Lunchbox

Middle School Supply List

Middle school is all about balancing growing independence with more challenging coursework. Here’s a thorough list to keep your child organized:

• Binders
• Loose-leaf paper
• Spiral notebooks
• Folders
• Pencil pouch
• Mechanical pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Calculator
• USB drive
• Sticky notes
• Index cards
• Earbuds
• Locker accessories

High School Supply List

High school is a critical time for academic growth and preparing for the future. Here’s a list to ensure your teen is ready:

• Graphing calculator
• Binders and dividers
• Loose-leaf paper
• Spiral notebooks
• Pencil pouch
• Planner
• Folders
• Index cards
• Sticky notes
• USB drive
• Backpack
• Laptop
• Water bottle
• Personal care items

College School Supplies List

College brings new responsibilities and a need for organization. Here’s what your college-bound student will need:

• Laptop
• Printer
• Notebooks
• Pens and pencils
• Binders and dividers
• Highlighters
• Planner
• Backpack
• Desk lamp
• Desk organizer
• USB drive/external hard drive
• Earbuds or headphones
• Reusable water bottle
• Mini fridge and microwave
• Bedding
• Shower caddy
• Laundry supplies

Back-to-School Shopping List

No matter what grade your child is entering, a comprehensive back-to-school shopping list is your secret weapon. Here’s a quick rundown to make sure you don’t miss a thing:

• Basic stationery
• Folders and notebooks
• Backpack and lunchbox
• Tech gadgets
• Personal care items
• Art supplies
• Organizational tools
• Calculator
• Locker accessories

Wrapping Up

Tackling school supply lists can feel like a mix of challenge and excitement. But it’s more than just gathering materials—it’s about preparing your child for new experiences and maybe even sparking some of your own school memories.

What’s on your back-to-school shopping list this year? Share it with us below. Cheers to a year filled with learning and plenty of freshly sharpened pencils!