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Back to school season is here, and if you’re anything like me, the supply list your child’s teacher sent home has you feeling a little overwhelmed. Between the specific notebook brands, the exact number of glue sticks required, and trying to figure out what your kid actually needs versus what will just end up stuffed at the bottom of their backpack — it’s a lot. The good news? I’ve done the legwork for you. Whether your little one is just starting kindergarten or heading into fifth grade, this list covers everything they need to have a smooth, successful school year. And the best part — everything on this list is available on Amazon, so you can get it all done in one sitting without making five trips to different stores.
Before we dive in, here’s a tip that will save you money: don’t wait until the last minute. Back to school supplies sell out fast, especially the good stuff. Order early, check your teacher’s specific list for any requirements, and if your school asks for community supplies to be shared with the whole class, grab a little extra of the basics like pencils and glue sticks. Your child’s teacher will thank you for it!
Also worth knowing — buying in bulk almost always saves money. A 24-pack of pencils costs about the same as a 10-pack, and trust me, you will go through them. Kids lose pencils the way adults lose socks. Stock up now and you won’t be making emergency supply runs in October.
Now let’s get into the list!
1. Ticonderoga #2 Pencils
If there is one thing every teacher agrees on, it’s that Ticonderoga pencils are the best. They sharpen cleanly without breaking, the eraser actually works, and they last significantly longer than cheaper brands. Many schools even specifically request Ticonderoga on their supply lists, and for good reason. When you’re sharpening pencils five times a day, quality really does matter. Buy the biggest pack you can find — a 48-pack seems like a lot until you realize your child will go through them faster than you expect. These are worth every penny and will last most of the school year if you grab enough. 👉 Check price on Amazon
2. Elmer’s Glue Sticks
Glue sticks are one of those supplies that disappear into thin air. One week your child has six, the next week they have none and have no explanation for where they went. Buy a multipack of Elmer’s glue sticks and stash a few extras at home. Elmer’s is the go-to brand for a reason — they go on smoothly, they actually stick, and they dry clear. Many teachers request Elmer’s specifically, so it’s worth sticking with the name brand here. A 30-pack multipack is a great investment and will easily last the whole school year. 👉 Check price on Amazon
3. Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks
Composition notebooks are a classroom staple from kindergarten all the way through elementary school. They’re sturdy, they hold up well through daily use, and unlike spiral notebooks, the pages don’t get caught and torn. For elementary-aged kids, wide-ruled is the way to go — the bigger lines make writing much easier for little hands still developing their handwriting. Grab at least four or five in different colours so your child can colour-code by subject. Red for math, blue for language arts, green for science — it makes staying organized so much easier and kids actually enjoy picking their colours! 👉 Check price on Amazon
4. Crayola Crayons 24-Pack
You can try the off-brand crayons, but you’ll end up coming back to Crayola every time. The colours are more vibrant, they don’t break as easily, and the tips hold their shape better with regular use. For elementary kids, the classic 24-pack is the perfect size — big enough to have all the colours they need without being overwhelming. If your child is in a higher grade and doing more detailed artwork, consider the 48-pack for even more colour options. Either way, Crayola is the brand you want in their backpack on the first day of school. 👉 Check price on Amazon
5. Pencil Case or Pouch
A good pencil case is a game changer for keeping small supplies organized. Without one, pencils, erasers, and markers end up scattered all over the inside of the backpack, getting lost or broken. Look for a pencil case with a sturdy zipper and at least two compartments — one for pencils and one for smaller items like erasers and sharpeners. Soft fabric pouches are lightweight and fit easily into any backpack, while hard-shell cases offer more protection. Either works great for elementary kids. Let your child pick one they love — when kids are excited about their supplies, they’re much more likely to take care of them! 👉 Check price on Amazon
6. Handheld Pencil Sharpener
Every single child needs their own pencil sharpener — this is non-negotiable. Classroom sharpeners are often broken, slow, or have a line of kids waiting. A small handheld sharpener with a built-in shaving catcher means your child can sharpen their pencil quietly at their desk without any mess. Look for one with a secure lid on the shaving catcher so nothing spills out in the backpack. This is one of those small supplies that makes a huge difference in your child’s daily school experience. Buy two — keep one in the pencil case and one at the homework station at home. 👉 Check price on Amazon
7. Rectangular Block Erasers
The little pink eraser on the top of a pencil is basically useless — it smears more than it erases and runs out almost immediately. Rectangular block erasers are so much better. They erase cleanly without tearing the paper, last a long time, and are easy for little hands to hold. Keep a few in the pencil case and a couple in the backpack as backups. These are cheap enough that you can buy a big pack and not worry about running out. Your child’s teacher will appreciate how cleanly their work looks when they’re using a proper eraser! 👉 Check price on Amazon
8. Plastic Folders with Pockets
Folders are essential for keeping homework, permission slips, and notices organized. Without a good folder system, papers get crumpled at the bottom of the backpack and important things get missed. Buy at least five folders in different colours — one for each subject — and label them clearly. Plastic folders hold up much better than paper ones, which get torn and soggy within weeks. Many teachers use a “take home” folder and a “stay at school” folder system, so having extras on hand is always a good idea. This is another supply where buying a multipack saves you money. 👉 Check price on Amazon
9. Reusable Water Bottle
Keeping kids hydrated during the school day has a direct impact on their focus and energy levels. A good reusable water bottle is one of the best investments you can make for your child’s school year. Look for a stainless steel bottle that is leak-proof, fits in the side pocket of their backpack, and is easy for them to open and close on their own. Avoid bottles with straws that are hard to clean, as they can get mouldy quickly. Many kids love personalizing their water bottle with stickers, which is a great way to make sure it doesn’t get mixed up with someone else’s at school! 👉 Check price on Amazon
10. Backpack with Multiple Compartments
Last but definitely not least — a great backpack ties everything together. For elementary kids, look for a backpack that sits above their waistline when worn, has padded shoulder straps for comfort, and is made from water-resistant material to protect everything inside. Multiple compartments are key — one main section for notebooks and folders, a front pocket for the pencil case, and side pockets for the water bottle. Avoid backpacks that are too large, as kids tend to overload them and end up carrying more than they should. Let your child pick a design they love — they’ll be wearing it every single day! 👉 Check price on Amazon
Tips for Saving Money on Back to School Supplies
Now that you have your list, here are a few ways to keep costs down. First, check what your child still has from last year before buying everything new — notebooks that are half empty and folders in good condition can absolutely be reused. Second, buy multipacks whenever possible. The per-unit price is almost always lower, and you’ll have extras on hand when things run out mid-year. Third, take advantage of Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature for items you go through quickly like pencils and glue sticks — you’ll save an extra percentage and never run out at the wrong time.
Back to school shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. Stick to the essentials on this list, buy smart, and your child will head into the new school year feeling prepared and confident. Happy shopping, and here’s to a great school year ahead!
