The Ultimate Back-to-School Supply List for Every Grade (K–12)
Back-to-school season: where the smell of fresh notebooks meets the panic of realizing your kid grew two shoe sizes since May. As fun as it sounds to push a cart through crowded aisles while trying to decode a first-grade teacher’s handwriting, let’s face it—shooping for school supplies can feel like a chaotic scavenger hunt with no prize at the end (except maybe a headache).
But not this year.
This year, you’re going in with a plan—and we’ve got your back with the ultimate K–12 school supplies guide. Whether you’re shopping for your preschooler who still thinks glue sticks are snacks, or your too-cool high schooler who just wants “whatever,” we’ve broken it all down for you in one clean, easy-to-follow post.
Table Of Contents
- Why Planning Ahead Makes a Difference
- Basic School Supplies List 2025
- Essential Preschool School Supplies List
- School Supplies List for Kindergarten
- Elementary Basic School Supplies List (Grades 1–2)
- Elementary School Supply Shopping List (Grades 3–5)
- Middle School Supplies List
- General School Supplies List for High School
- Budgeting for Back-to-School: How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Why Planning Ahead Makes a Difference
Back-to-school shopping might not be your favorite seasonal tradition, but staying ahead of the rush has some major perks:
- Less stress. Avoid the last-minute scrambles and sold-out folders.
- Better deals. July and early August are prime time for supply sales.
- More involvement. Letting your kids check off items helps them feel more prepared (and responsible).
- No surprises. Having a list tailored by grade means you won’t forget something important—like the elusive wide-ruled notebook.
When to Start Shopping for School Supplies
Back-to-school deals start rolling out as early as mid-July, but timing your shopping can make or break your budget—and your sanity.
- Early birds: July is best for snagging doorbuster deals on basics like pencils, folders, and crayons.
- Mid-season shoppers: Early August offers a balance of supply and selection, perfect for those who want to avoid chaos but still get discounts.
- Last-minute dashers: If you’re shopping the weekend before school starts, brace yourself for crowds, low stock, and missing essentials (hello, $8 folders).
Tip: Grab the essentials early and fill in the extras—like classroom-specific items—after the first week of school.
Basic School Supplies List 2025
If you’re shopping for multiple kids and want to stock up on essentials in one go, this list is your ride-or-die. These basics are used across all grade levels:
Bonus Tips for an Easier Shopping Trip
- Go early. Don’t wait until the Sunday before school starts. Supplies will be picked over, and stress levels will be high.
- Order online. If you’ve got the list, skip the chaos and get everything shipped directly to your door.
- Buy in bulk. Grab extras of glue, pencils, and tissues—they’ll run out by mid-year.
- Label everything. If it’s not labeled, it will disappear. Especially those expensive headphones.
- Keep a “homework station” stocked. Having backup supplies at home saves you from frantic after-school runs.
Essential Preschool School Supplies List
Ah, preschool—the land of finger painting, nap mats, and backpacks that are bigger than the kids carrying them. Here’s what your tiny learner needs:
- #2 Pencils
- Zippered pencil case
- Erasers
- Sharpeners
- Glue Sticks
- Markers
- Crayons
- Watercolor paints (8 ct.)
- Regular size backpack
- Zip lock bags
- Paper Plates & Cups
- Change of clothes
- Wet wipes container
- Tissues
School Supplies List for Kindergarten
Kindergarteners need a mix of functional tools and creative freedom—plus backups for the inevitable “I lost my scissors again” moment.
- #2 Pencils
- Colored pencils
- Pencil sharpeners
- Erasers
- Pencil case
- Glue sticks
- Crayons
- Washable markers
- Watercolor paints (8 ct.)
- Pair of scissors (blunt-tip)
- Pocket folders
- Lunchbox
- Backpack
- Construction paper
- Wide-ruled notebook
- Hand sanitizer
- Box of tissues
Elementary Basic School Supplies List (Grades 1–2)
These early-elementary years are all about establishing independence—so supplies should be simple, functional, and sturdy.
- #2 Pencils
- Erasers
- Sharpeners
- Zippered pencil bag
- Spiral notebooks (wide-lined)
- Dry erase markers
- Washable markers
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Pocket folders
- Ruler-12”
- Colored pencil
- Indexed cards (ruled)
- Glue sticks
- Construction paper (assorted)
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- Ballpoint pens
- Backpack and Lunchbox
- Hand sanitizer
- Box of tissues
Elementary School Supply Shopping List (Grades 3–5)
As schoolwork ramps up, older elementary students may need additional organization tools and tech accessories.
- #2 Pencils
- Zippered pencil bag
- Erasers
- Sharpeners
- 1-inch 3-ring binder
- 3-hole punch
- Pocket folders without fastener
- Washable markers
- Dry erase markers
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Subject dividers
- Scissors (blunt tip)
- Protractor
- Ruler-12”
- Colored pencil
- Blue or black ballpoint pens
- Glue sticks
- Spiral notebooks
- Wide ruled loose leaf paper
- Index cards
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
Organize like a pro: Color-code notebooks and folders by subject—it helps kids stay on top of assignments (and avoids the “I forgot my math notebook” excuse).
Middle School Supplies List
Middle school = more teachers, more subjects, and more attitude. Equip them to manage the transition with the right tools.
- No. 2 Pencils
- Ballpoint pens
- Pencil pouch
- Erasers
- Sharpeners
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Scissors
- Personal calendar
- Pocket folders
- 3-ring binder
- 3-hole punch
- Index cards
- Subject dividers
- White-out
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Glue Sticks
- Graphing calculator
- Wide ruled loose-leaf paper
- Graph paper
- Drawing paper
- Watercolor paints
- Spiral notebooks
- Stapler
- Locker accessories
- Lunchbox
- Backpack
Digital Reality Check: More schools now rely on Chromebooks or tablets—don’t forget chargers, cases, and stylus pens if needed.
General School Supplies List for High School
High schoolers usually have preferences—and opinions—about what they actually need. But there are a few non-negotiables that will help keep them on track:
- #2 Pencils
- Colored Pencils
- Pencil Sharpener
- Pens: Red, Blue, Black
- 12 inch Ruler
- TI Calculator
- Pocket Folders
- 3-Ring Binder
- 3-hole punch
- College Ruled Loose Leaf 3 Hole Paper
- Spiral Notebooks
- Sticky Notes
- Highlighters
- Markers
- Tabbed Dividers
- Book Covers
- Foreign language dictionary
- Wire Bound Weekly Planner
- USB Flash Drive
- Backpack
- Lunchbox
- Hand sanitizer
- Locker organizers
- Glue stick
- Pencil case
- Stapler
- Scissors
Let them lead: Encourage high schoolers to review their own list and add items they know help them stay organized. Ownership = responsibility.
Budgeting for Back-to-School: How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
School supplies add up quickly, especially with multiple kids or grade levels. Here’s how to save smartly:
- Stick to the list. Don’t let your child convince you they need three unicorn pencil cases.
- Use competitor price matching. Many big retailers like Target and Walmart will match prices from Amazon or Staples—just show them at checkout.
- Shop tax-free weekends. Many states offer tax holidays on school supplies (and sometimes clothes).
- Buy in bulk, split with friends. Grab a 10-pack of notebooks and split it with another family.
Parent sanity tip: Keep a small “extras stash” at home so you’re not scrambling mid-year to find more glue sticks or erasers.
Supporting Learning Styles with the Right Tools
Not every kid learns the same way—some need structure, others thrive with color coding and creativity. Here’s how to match supplies with your child’s learning style:
- Visual learners: Color-coded folders, highlighters, sticky notes, and illustrated planners can help.
- Hands-on learners: Dry-erase boards, manipulatives, and interactive notebooks keep them engaged.
- Digital learners: Tablets, styluses, and headphones for focus-friendly apps and lessons.
The right tools aren’t just about convenience—they support focus, retention, and independence, especially for students with ADHD or learning differences.
Back-to-school shopping may never be fun, but it doesn’t have to be painful. With a clear breakdown by grade, a checklist in hand, and maybe a coffee in the other, you can tackle this task like the organized grown-up you are. Whether you’re shopping for one kid or a whole classroom’s worth of children, this guide keeps things structured, sane, and stress-free (mostly).
Stay tuned—each grade-level list is included below so you can print, save, or screenshot your way through the supply aisle like a pro.
More Back-To-School Articles:
- 10 Money-Saving Tips to Make Back-to-School Shopping Successful
- Back-to-School Survival Guide for Parents
- Back-to-School Tech Upgrades That Make Your Life Easier
- Dorm Room Essentials You’ll Love for Style, Storage, and Sanity
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