Back To School Supplies

Your Guide to Back-to-School Supplies

Summer seems to be flying by with all the fun and activities going on with your kids. But you know it’s almost time to prepare your kids to return to school.

You have to start preparing schedules, decluttering, and organizing before the school year begins. And, of course, you need to start your back-to-school shopping.

The earlier you start, the more you will be prepared and less stressed as the school start dates approach.

Every teacher has their own list of supplies they want their kids to bring into their classroom. While you wait for those lists to arrive, there are a few staple supplies that are essential for every classroom that you can stock up on before your teacher’s lists are sent out.

Scroll to the bottom of this post to find a FREE checklist and “my first day back” printout.

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Where to Shop For School Supplies

Shopping for back-to-school is always best done as soon as possible. If you’re anything like me, you want to find the best deals. Back-to-school shopping can quickly come with a high price tag if you’re unprepared or wait until the last minute.

Every time you go shopping, if you happen to see a sale on supplies, take advantage of it. Just about everywhere will start to have sales closer to the start of the school year in your area.

When it comes to choosing where to shop, you want to shop wherever it’s most convenient for you.

If you prefer online shopping, just make sure your school supplies are delivered before school starts. Check out your local Walmart or Target for those back-to-school sales and get to them early.

The later you start shopping, the more picked through the supplies will be, making school supply shopping more of a challenge for you.

Essential Back-to-School Supply Guide

Picking out school supplies early requires you to have a plan. To have a good plan, you need to know where to start.

This back-to-school supply list will help ensure you have all the school supplies your kids need for a successful start to the school year.

The best way I get prepared for school is with this back-to-school planner. This planner keeps me organized and helps my kids do their chores with a simple chore chart!

Bags and Backpacks

For the most part, backpacks don’t seem to last after a year of carrying supplies and being tossed around by the kids.

Letting your kids pick their new backpacks can be one of the more exciting moments for them when it comes to school shopping. They get to choose a design that reflects their styles and personalities. What more could you ask for?

Rainboots, a Rain Jacket, and a Winter Coat

Much of the school year is during fall, winter, and spring, and you want to be prepared when rain and cold come.

More so, depending on where you live.

Be prepared for the cold and rainy season before it hits. Buy them a nice rain and winter jacket, and a pair of boots.

New Wardrobe

It goes without saying that your children will likely need some new clothes for their first day of school.

Start with the basics like a couple of pairs of pants and shirts and some new shoes like you’re building a capsule wardrobe.

You will have a good foundation for your new wardrobe to bring in a new year of style.

Lunch Boxes and Reusable Water Bottles

Backpacks, lunch boxes, and reusable water bottles can get worn down as the school year goes by.

Investing in a new lunch box and water bottle for your little ones is always great. Buy a lunch box that is easy to clean and mess-free with well-insulated materials to keep food fresh throughout the day.

A reusable lunch box and a water bottle are also better for the environment.

Art Supplies

Most children, especially in grade school, need art supplies to participate in fun art projects.

With art supplies, your basics start with Crayola markers or colored pencils, kid-friendly scissors, glue sticks, liquid glue, and construction paper.

Binders and Organizers

Organizational supplies can make a big difference in a school routine.

Providing them with some binders to help keep their schoolwork organized can help prevent rummaging through crumpled papers or losing important notes and paperwork.

Pencils, Pens, and Pencil Sharpeners

This is one of the less glamorous school supplies, but they are always on the essential list.

Your kids need to be able to write and have basic art supplies. Stock up on the trusty Ticonderoga Number 2 pencils, pens, and highlighters, and you’ll be ready.

Tech Supplies

School supply lists sure have evolved over the years. Most schools ask that you supply your kids with at least earbuds or headphones, as much of the learning can be digital these days.

Some other things that may be useful in the tech category include graph calculators, a little table keyboard to help with typing, and a portable laptop desk.

Usually, your school will provide your kids with an assigned tablet for homework and school work. One less thing to worry about!

Health and Care Supplies

This is one category many parents are now adding to their regular school supply list and many teachers.

Including some portable hand sanitizer, eco-friendly disinfecting wipes, and a stock of some kid’s masks can help with routine hygiene. Masks are not usually required in school anymore, but it’s good to have them just in case.

Back to school is the perfect time to review your kid’s wardrobes and any school supplies from the previous year.

It’s an excellent way to start decluttering their closet to make way for the new. Pass down any outgrown items to younger siblings if you can or donate to your local charities.

Being prepared for the back-to-school shopping season can help you cut costs and reduce the number of unnecessary items your kids don’t need.

Following these tips are sure to have your kids ready to go for a great school year.

Back-to-school life can be stressful and creating an organized home can help you reduce that stress. Check out my YouTube channel for quick and easy tips on tackling decluttering and organizing your home for a simple and happier life.