It’s time to start shopping for back-to-school supplies!
We believe that the most important tool a student needs in the classroom is an active mind, but it’s also important to stock up on essential supplies your child will need in class.
For many parents, this involves wandering through stores, pushing an overflowing shopping cart, and wondering whether their child really needs that pack of glitter pens. Whether your child is starting elementary, middle, or high school, one question echoes in parents’ minds: “What school supplies does my child need to make this year a successful one?”
Back-to-school shopping is stressful, expensive, and never seems to get easier each year.
But this year, that changes. Start your shopping trip prepared with a back-to-school checklist. Your checklist should include everything from art supplies to notebooks to that specialty math calculator.
While there may be some impulse purchases along the way, a back-to-school shopping checklist will help keep you and your child on track.
To help, we’ve put together a back-to-school supplies checklist for high school, middle school, and elementary school students.
Back-to-School Supplies for Elementary School Students
Elementary school is all about hands-on learning, creativity, and creating core habits. Keep your back-to-school list simple with durable, spill-proof, and easy-to-label items.
Organizational Supplies
- One duotang or pocket folder per subject (for handouts)
- Agenda
Stationery
- Loose-leaf ruled paper
- Loose-leaf blank paper
Writing Supplies
- A package of pencils
- Two erasers
- Ruler
- Pencil sharpener
Subject Supplies
- Box of crayons
- Pencil crayons
- Washable markers
- Bottle of white glue
- Two glue sticks
- Safety scissors
Lunch Supplies
- 2 freezer packs
- Water bottle
- Hand wipes
- Lunch bag
- Packaged snacks
Storage
- Backpack
- Pencil box or pencil bag
- Plastic box for art supplies
Discover everything you need to know about back-to-school.
Back-to-School Supplies List for Middle School Students
As students transition among multiple classrooms and may even start using lockers, staying organized becomes increasingly important. This back-to-school list balances a more comprehensive set of academic subjects with a new sense of independence.
Organization Supplies
- One small binder per subject or two medium-sized binders
- One duotang or pocket folder per subject (for handouts)
- Binder dividers
- Post-it notes
- Agenda
- USB drive
- Combination lock
Stationery
- Loose-leaf ruled paper or a five-subject spiral-bound notebook
- A package of graph paper
Writing Supplies
- Two highlighters in different colours
- A package of blue or black pens
- A package of pencils
- Two erasers
- Ruler
- Mini stapler
- Pencil sharpener
- Reinforcements
Subject Supplies
- Math kit (including compass & protractor)
- Pencil crayons
- Scientific calculator
Storage
- Backpack
- Lunch box
- Water bottle
Back-to-School Supplies List for High School Students
High school coursework is demanding, and now your teen will need specialized equipment and tech-friendly tools. Now is the time to focus on high-durability items that can hopefully last their high school years and beyond.
Organization Supplies
- One small binder per subject or two medium-sized binders
- One duotang or pocket folder per subject (for handouts)
- Binder dividers
- Post-it notes
- Agenda
- USB drive
- Combination lock
Stationery
- Loose-leaf ruled paper or a five-subject spiral-bound notebook
- A package of graph paper
Writing Supplies
- Two highlighters in different colours
- A package of blue or black pens
- A package of pencils
- Two erasers
- Ruler
- Mini stapler
- Pencil sharpener
- Reinforcements
Storage
- Backpack
- Lunch box
- Water bottle
Extra Back-to-School Supplies
- Bandages
- Packaged tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Ice packs
Get Your List Ready
A little planning goes a long way. Copy the list that’s right for you and bring it with you on your back-to-school shopping trip. It’ll be quicker, easier, and you’ll end up spending less.
Remember that you can also reuse supplies from previous years. You can replace a backpack every few years, and use up any leftover pens before you buy a new box.
We hope you have a great start to the back-to-school season!
Supplies Are Only Half the Battle
If your student child had difficulties with specific subjects last year or is stepping up to high school math and science, don’t wait until the first report card to ask for help.
Seeing a tutor this new school year can help to build confidence early, prevent back-to-school anxiety, and keep students ahead of the curve.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated for 2026.
