To help you navigate through the back to school process we have put together this Must Have Back-to-school Essentials guide created by parents and teachers with years of back to school experience. We hope this list of kids essentials for classroom success will be helpful.
Back to School Essentials
There are so many things to make sure to remember for back-to-school, sometimes’ it’s easy to forget a thing or two.
If you’re a first time school parent, (YAY for your new kindie kid… or preschooler), we’ve got you covered! Here is our list of all the things to make sure to include in your back-to-school shopping.
This article contains affiliate links.
Kids Back To School Basics
Related: Costco Back to School Must-Haves
Back-to-School Accessories
Organization is the key to success especially in school. Teaching our kids why it’s important to stay organized is a great lesson even before they go to school!
So to help them get started, here’s our list of the most important organization tools like backpacks, lunch boxes, pencil bags, binders that you can equip your kids with this school year.
1. You will Need a Backpack
There are so many sizes and styles of backpacks. Make sure you check the dimensions of the backpack to makes sure its not too small or too big for your child.
If you are interested in a rolling backpack, make sure your school allows them. We really like the options at Amazon.
You can find four different sizes in their backpacks. And shipping is always free when you purchase one of their backpacks. Character backpacks are also really popular right now.
My Favorite Kids Backpacks for Back to School
- Wildkin Kids Backpacks are affordable, sturdy, and come in a variety of designs.
- The JanSport Superbreak Backpack is a reliable and comfortable staple.
- Skip Hop Toddler Backpacks are the perfect size and too cute to be believed!
2. You Will Need a Lunch Box
Lunch boxes should either fit inside your backpack or strapped to the front. It’s no fun for kids to have to wear a backpack and carry a lunch box.
A good lunchbox should also be waterproof and not leak any spilled food or drink. A lot of times a backpack will come with a matching lunchbox. Take a look at our favorite Fun Lunch Box Products.
My Favorite Lunch Boxes for Kids
- Bentgo Kids is the easy-to-clean way to keep food separated!
- Wildkin Lunchboxes come in a wide variety of patterns!
- A Dual Compartment Lunchbox is perfect for having varied snacks and meals.
And once you have your lunch boxes ready, you will want to check out these Back-to-School Simple lunch box ideas.
3. You Will Need Reusable Water Bottles
It’s so important to keep your kids hydrated throughout the day. And most teachers will allow kids to keep a water bottle in their cubby or locker.
So send your kids to school with a water bottle that also fits in their backpack or lunch box. We really like Insulated water bottles.
My Favorite Kids Water Bottles
- Camelbak has been a long trusted name in the hydration game.
- These stainless steel bottles from Simple Modern are durable and keep drinks nice and cold!
- Thermos has a more hygienic option that keeps the straw covered when not in use.
3. You Will Need Organizer Binders
Even kiddos in kindergarten need folders and binders to keep their subjects separated. It’s a good idea to select different colors to help them keep track.
My Favorite Binders for Kids
- FiveStar really lives up to its name! My daughter had one last year that actually lasted ALL year!
- Case-It Mighty is another reliable favorite.
4. You Will Need Homework Notebooks
All kids come home with homework. Many times, you have to provide the paper or note cards to do the work. Make sure you keep your home stocked with paper, pens, fun stickers etc.
Most schools stick to spiral notebooks or composition books! Once your child enters higher grades they’ll need more loose leaf paper.
5. You Will Need a Pencil Holder
Pencil holders are great for crayons, markers and cute little erasers too.
6. You May Need Kid Headphones
Don’t forget the headphones! All kids are being introduced to computers and all school want kids to have their own headphones to work on a tablet or computer.
This is a far more hygienic option than letting them use the ones available, at school. The ear buds are good for the older kids, but send the smaller kids with the full padded headphones.
7. Check with Your School About Electronics
If you don’t already own a tablet or iPad, you may consider picking one up for your kids to do their homework at home. There are a lot of great free apps you can download to help them practice their math or reading.
Related: Free Educational Apps for Kids
Essential School Supplies for Kids
Every year we load up our kids with piles of new school supplies. Sometimes the lists feel like they are a mile long, right?
Most schools will provide a list for you to shop from and some schools offer pre-order school supplies kits so you don’t have to shop the stores for the items your kids need.
We’ve come up with the basics list and a few things we love for extra school success. Here is our list of favorite MUST HAVE School supplies.
1. Pencil Box
Pencil bag or Plastic school box – Keep those pencils from floating around their desk or in their backpack.
2. Pencil Sharpener
Pencil sharpener – it’s difficult to write without a sharpened pencil… unless you go with mechanical. We like having a sharpener handy, especially for colored pencils.
3. Folders
Pocket & Brad folders set of 12 – We’ve tried the paper and the plastic, the plastic is definitely worth the extra quarters for a year’s worth of use.
4. Scissors
Scissors – We love Fiskars!
5. Index Cards
Ruled Index Cards – Great for note taking, flash cards, and presentations.
6. Coloring Utensils
Crayons, Markers and Colored Pencils – Every kid needs to color something throughout the year, right?
7. Post-its
Post-it notes – Love these little stickie papers for notes, temporary bookmarks and idea doodling.
8. Writing Utensils
Highlighters and Red Pens – Great for idea brainstorming, paper correcting and presentations.
9. Paper
Ruled notebook paper, spiral note books, and composition books – Even with today’s computer filled classrooms, nothing beats a good learning practice on a piece of paper.
10. Protective Case
Tablet and protective case – Many schools are now offering electronics in the classroom. Having these tools available at home is becoming very helpful for kid learning.
11. Classroom Supplies
Don’t forget the extras that might not be on your school list. These things come in handy and are especially helpful to include in your child’s backpack for the teacher.
12. Snacks
A snack – we know this isn’t a “school supply” but a little bag of snack mix can really be helpful for the little ones.
Back to School Clothes (Apparel)
Getting ready for the school year also includes shopping for new clothes and shoes. There is nothing like picking our your first day of school outfit!
While you are shopping for all the new styles and sizes, don’t forget the accessories. Even if you wear a school uniform, you can have fun picking out colorful hair accessories or new socks to go with your skirt.
This is a good time to also change out the old socks and underwear! Print out this list of MUST HAVES and keep it handy when you start your shopping.
1. Shirts
It’s a good idea to think variety when picking out shirts. For boys, pick out a few polos, button up shirts, athletic tees, graphic tees (age and school appropriate).
Girls need both short and long sleeve dressier tops, shirts with a collar for layering and graphic tees. Be careful with sleeveless shirts, these are not approved at all schools but are great for layering.
2. Sweaters and hoodies
For girls, it’s a good idea to have at least 2 cardigans for layering over tops or dresses.
Depending on where you live, you will want to pick up a few warmer sweaters for the winter.
Boys tend to choose a hooded sweatshirt over a cardigan when they want to warm up. It’s a good idea to pick up a zip-up sweater for dressier occasions.
3. Skirts
If you have young kids, consider picking up skorts instead of skirts. This will avoid any unwanted exposure. Make sure you have something to go with the skirt for both warm and cold weather. Leggings also go great with skirts.
4. Pants, Jeans, Leggings and Shorts
It’s a good rule of thumb to have enough pairs of pants, jeans, leggings or shorts for at least 5 days (this way you aren’t doing laundry during the week).
Pick up a variety of solid colors for your pants and shorts — it’s much easier to match colorful tops with solid pants.
Kids spend a lot of time sitting on the floor in elementary school, so pick out pants that aren’t paper thin but have some weight to them. It will keep you from patching up their knees!
5. Dresses
All girls love pretty dresses just make sure it’s not too short. A lot of dresses come with leggings so the length isn’t an issue.
6. Socks, tights and undies
Again make sure you have enough pairs to get you through the week + a few for emergencies!
7. Shoes
2 pairs of shoes for the school year is a good place to start. Nice shoes and gym shoes.
8. Jacket
It’s a good idea to have a light jacket and a heavy winter coat. The light jacket can also be a rain jacket or a hooded sweatshirt. Kids spend a lot of time outside either at recess or waiting for the bus — they will need a light jacket sooner than you think.
9. Cute scarves
Scarves have become really popular to add a pop of color to an outfit or to keep warm. These are fun accessories for kids to have.
10. Hair Accessories
Headbands pony tail holders and barrettes are a must!
Favorite places to shop for Back-to-school clothes and shoes
We all have our favorite places to shop for school clothes and shoes. We also have our favorites! This list was created with 3 things in mind … price, quality and convenience. So here’s a list of some retailers we like for back to school clothing and shoes.
- Amazon – Amazon always has good prices and a wide selection. With how hectic back to school can be, we just love the convenience!
- Zulily – Zulily has great, unique looks for back-to-school. We love the Zulily Best Sellers list!
- Gymboree – We love the way Gymboree puts together a full outfit for your kids + free shipping when you spend $75 or more!
- Tea Collection – Tea Collection offers very colorful shirts and dresses for kids!
- Zappos – Zappos has a huge selection of back-to-school shoes for boys and girls. You’ll find tons of SKECHERS Light Up options too!
- Find a great selection of school uniforms at Walmart.com.
- Target – Target is a great one-stop shopping experience. There are also special deals when you shop online.
- Kohls – A wide variety of new looks for boys and girls at great prices.
- Old Navy – Great for basics with a little extra style plus you’ll find a good selection of uniform pieces.
Homework Areas and Organization for School
Aside from the backpack, binders and other organizational tools for your kids, you will need a designated space for them to do homework at home. Helping your kids organize their school life at home will teach them how to be organized at school.
1. Kid’s Desk
Kids Desk – Having a desk for kids to work on their homework is a great way to keep them organized.
2. Bookcase
2-Shelf Bookcase – This bookcase from Pottery Barn Kids is perfect for keeping track of school work and other supplies.
3. Bookshelf
5 Shelf Bookshelf -Here’s another bookcase option. This 6-shelf bookshelf from Target can hold books, school supplies and toys.
4. Storage Bins
Canvas Storage Bins – These storage bins are the perfect compliment to the bookcases. Add your child’s name to separate each child’s school supplies.
5. School Organizer
Family Noteboard and School Organizer – I love this school organizer from Opensky.com. There is a note board and peg board to hang coats or backpacks. Put this at the backdoor to keep track of upcoming events.
Back-to-School extras for Homeschoolers
1. Green Kid Crafts Subscription Box
Green Kid Crafts subscriptions boxes – Green Kid Crafts has everything from eco-friendly Discovery Boxes, Creativity Kits, and STEM Science Kits (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). You can find kids subscription boxes for preschoolers and kids ages 3-10. All subscriptions always include free shipping!
2. Activity Subscription Box Reviews
Even more great monthly products – Check out our Activity Subscription Boxes Reviewed.
Where to Shop for Back-to-School
Back-to-School shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it can be fun too! There are so many choices so to make it a little bit easier for you and less scary, we narrowed it down to a few of our favorite places to shop.
We love shopping here because these retailers have a great selection and variety, quality, price-point and convenience.
1. Discounted School Supplies
Head to Discount School Supply for amazing deals on all kinds of kids supplies for school.
2. Disney Store
Disney Store – Make sure your shopping list includes favorite Disney characters! From Frozen to the Avengers, whether you pick a backpack or a cute outfit, Disney has you covered with favorite character products perfect for back-to-school.
3. Pottery Barn
Pottery barn – Get that homework desk in order and find adorable school accessories.
4. Target
Target – has an amazing selection of school supplies for all grades . Target also has a Top School Picks page full of products we love.
5. Zulily
Zulily – Zulily offers a unique shopping experience with fun and unique items for your kiddos.
6. Amazon
Amazon – With Amazon you get variety and in most cases free shipping. Amazon is really the best online retailer for everything!
Last but not least, don’t forget – take the kids in for a haircut!
Free Printables for Back-to-School
Back To School Signs
And if you are looking for those really cute Back to School signs for the First Day of School — we have you covered! Here’s our list of Over 30 Great Back To School Free Printables And Counting for you to enjoy!
Back To School Checklist
Get the Printable checklist! Jen good has created a printable Back-to-School checklist you can download and print.
Printable Lunch Notes
Printable lunch love notes – Print out these super cute lunch notes and send a little love to school with your kids every day.
More Back To School Ideas from Kids Activities Blog
Are you prepared for the kids to go back to school? Was this guide helpful? Let us know down below in the comments!
