Back to School: A Basic Essentials Checklist for All Ages

Multiple kids? Any kindergarten or high school first-timers? So much to do, so much to buy! Feeling overwhelmed? I’m here for you!

Remember to check with their teachers, but you shouldn’t need much else other than what’s on this list, so look no further. I even found everything for you on Amazon - a few clicks and you can cross this list off YOUR list while wearing pajamas and watching Netflix. 

Because these are basic supplies, you will find a need for them eventually. If your kids don’t need them all in their backpack every day, create a small area in your home for storing extra supplies. That way, you won’t ever find yourself running to Walmart late at night for a project due the next day!   

You’ll find a lot of repeaters on these lists, so make sure you’re buying the correct quantity according to the number of children in your home and their ages!

K-5 Checklist

• Custom name labels (these things are COOL!)
• Mechanical pencils
• These ones are much cheaper as an add-on!
• Colored pencils
• Another cheaper option as an add-on!
• Crayons
• Blunt scissors
• Add-on option!
• Ballpoint pens (these are my favorite pens, I refuse to use any others!)
• Add-on option
• Water-based markers
• Spiral notebooks
• Add-on option
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• 3-ring binder
• Multicolored dividers
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Backpack (make sure to ask for your kid's input on this one - it's important!)
• PhoneSoap Shine - 2-in-1 Screen Cleaner (spray bottle+microfiber cloth)
• Glue sticks or white glue
• Scotch tape
• Stapler (and a mini one, if you’re into that!)
• Copy paper for the printer
• Extra ink cartridges (this will depend on the type of printer you have!) 

6-8 Checklist

• Mechanical pencils
• Add-on
• Ballpoint pens 
• Add-on 
• Spiral notebooks
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• 3-ring binder
• Multicolored dividers
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Stapler
• Mini stapler option
• Copy paper for the printer
• Extra ink cartridges (this will depend on the type of printer you have!)

9-12 Checklist

• Mechanical pencils
• Add-on
• Ballpoint pens 
• Add-on
• Spiral notebooks
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• 3-ring binder
• Multicolored dividers
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Stapler
• Mini stapler option
• Copy paper for the printer
• Extra ink cartridges (this will depend on the type of printer you have!)
• Calculator dependent on class (graph calculator, scientific calculator, etc.)
• Graph paper

College Checklist

Anyone who has been to college knows that it’s A LOT different than high school. The organizational system that worked for me may not work for your college student, and that’s okay! They will at least need the basics: 

• Mechanical pencils
• Add-on
• Ballpoint pens 
• Add-on
• 5-subject spiral notebook
• Loose-leaf notebook paper
• Highlighters (can't stress this one enough!)
• Index cards
• Charging case or external charger (the type will depend on what kind of phone you're using it for, but these are great for long days on campus!)
• Blender Bottle - this cool bottle can be used to make shakes or as just a water bottle, but also has a compartment on the bottom for snacks, medication, or protein powder!
• PhoneSoap 3 - UV-C Light Sanitizer (keep those sick days at bay!)
• Planner 

If you haven’t already, check out our Tips for Parents blog during this Back to School season!