Back to School Supplies List You’ll Need This Year

July 2, 2025

Back-to-school season is here! Use this simple checklist to grab the essentials every student needs for a great year ahead.

It’s that time of the year again when parents everywhere pull out their calendars, sigh at how fast summer flew by, and start Googling: “Back to school supplies list—do I really need all this?”

Whether your child is in 5th grade or finishing high school, a solid back-to-school supplies list is essential for a smooth start. Isn’t it?

Well, it can feel overwhelming, but you can start this on a good note: start with the classic notebook, pencil, pens, and highlighters. This is highly desirable for everyday learning.

Also, add folders or binders with pockets for wrangling loose assignments and a good backpack and of course, have a lunch box.  Don’t forget erasers, glue sticks, scissors. For high scholars, a scientific calculator and a USB drive, which are practically non-negotiable.

Although we must say, the trick isn’t in buying everything—it’s about buying what’s actually useful.

Back to School Supplies List Essential for All Grade

There are some essentials, such as a backpack and desk essentials, that every student needs to stay prepared and focused. Meanwhile, some supplies bring style and uplift productivity. You should balance both in your back-to-school supplies.

Check out this list. It isn’t about overloading your cart with trendy extras; it’s about covering the basics that actually help your child succeed in the classroom.

Organizational Supplies

These are some must-have back-to-supplies your child will need to stay organized. Keeping these falling items handy Helps kids stay organized, express their ideas clearly, and complete assignments with confidence.

Pencil Organizer
Blinders and Folders
Rubber Bands

General Stationery Supplies

The general stationery supplies also have relevance in the back-to-school supplies list. The right tools make learning smoother and less stressful. Plus, having their own supplies builds a sense of responsibility and independence—something that’s just as valuable.

Papers
Adhesives
Clip Boards

Writing Supplies

Writing supplies are just classroom basics. Having the right writing materials, as listed below, helps kids stay engaged and organized in their studies.

Pen
Pencil
Markers
Notebooks
Pencil Box
Erasers
Pencil Sharpener
Rulers

Art and Craft Supplies

Art and craft supplies play a significant role in children's development paths. These tools spark creativity, enhance fine motor skills, and provide students with a hands-on way to express themselves.

The following art and craft subject supplies are the basics that school kids need to explore their imagination and enhance their class projects seamlessly.

Crayon
Colored Pencil
Washable markers
Safety scissors
Glue stick
White glue
Watercolors
Fabric colors
Sketchbooks
Calligraphy Pen sets
Staplers
DIY supplies

Essentials Supply List for Every School Day

Beyond the usual notebooks and pens, there’s a handful of must-haves as follows that every student can use to make school days run smoothly.

Blinder Dividers
Backpacks
Water Bottles
Sticky Notes
USB drives
Packedges Tissues
Hand Sanitizers
Clear Tape and All Purpose glue

Get Back to School Supplies Handy

A little prep now can save you a lot of stress later. Use the list that corresponds to your child’s grade and check what you already have at home. If any products are missing, you can obtain them all at our Dollar Store Supplies. We have a wide selection of school supplies and stationery in specific categories to cater to all your needs.

Don’t forget, not everything has to be brand new! A gently used backpack or leftover notebooks from last year can still do the job just fine. Here’s to a smooth, stress-free start to the school year!

Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll need the basics, such as notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, folders, a backpack, and a lunch box. Depending on the grade, you may also need items such as glue sticks, scissors, highlighters, or calculators.

Notebooks, pens, pencils, backpacks, lunch boxes, and folders are everyday essentials, regardless of the grade level.

Back-to-school supplies are the tools and essentials students need to start the school year ready to learn—things like writing materials, notebooks, bags, and classroom-specific items. It’s everything that helps them stay organized, engaged, and successful throughout the year.

For 5th grade, stick to the essentials: notebooks, pencils, pens, colored pencils, a ruler, folders, scissors, glue, a pencil case, and a sturdy backpack. A basic calculator may also be needed. Always check the teacher’s list—some schools have specifics.

The core items are simple: notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, folders, and a backpack. These basics support day-to-day learning and are usually needed across all grades.

For kindergarten, consider hands-on and easy-to-use items: crayons, glue sticks, safety scissors, washable markers, a small backpack, and a lunch box. Don’t forget extra tissues, a change of clothes, and sometimes nap mats, depending on the school.

High schoolers require more subject-specific supplies, such as binders, graph paper, calculators, USB drives, and a variety of writing tools, including pens, highlighters, and notebooks. A reliable backpack and planner help them stay organized through busy schedules.

From 6th grade onward, students usually need notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, highlighters, a ruler, erasers, and a calculator. As they advance, items such as index cards, USB drives, and subject binders also become more critical. A good-quality backpack and water bottle are always essentials.