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Back-to-school season always seems to arrive faster than I expect. One minute it’s summer vacation, and the next I’m making shopping lists, checking school supply requirements, and wondering if we’ve forgotten something important.
Over the years, I’ve learned that having a simple checklist takes so much of the stress out of preparing for the new school year. You don’t need to buy everything at once—you just need the essentials that help your child feel confident and ready for day one.
Here are the 10 back-to-school essentials I always make sure we have before the first bell rings.
1. A Comfortable Backpack
A good backpack is something your child will use every single day, so it’s worth choosing one that’s comfortable, durable, and has enough compartments to keep everything organized.
My Pick: Backpack https://amzn.to/4yBerim
2. A Reliable Lunch Box
Whether your child brings lunch every day or just occasionally, a sturdy lunch box helps keep food fresh and makes packing lunches much easier.
My Pick: Lunch Box https://amzn.to/4yBeF9c
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is so important during busy school days. A leak-proof reusable water bottle is one of those small purchases that gets used constantly.
My Pick: Reusable Water Bottle https://amzn.to/4b2Qyq3
4. Pencil Case
A simple pencil case keeps pencils, erasers, markers, and other small supplies together instead of getting lost at the bottom of the backpack.
My Pick: Pencil Case https://amzn.to/4b8qMRg
5. Notebooks
Every child needs a few notebooks for class notes, homework, and assignments. I like buying an extra one or two to keep at home just in case.
6. Folders
Folders are perfect for keeping homework, permission slips, and important papers organized. They’re an easy way to avoid crumpled papers at the bottom of a backpack.
7. Pens and Pencils
You can never have too many! I always stock up before school starts because they seem to disappear throughout the year.
8. Highlighters and Markers
These are great for studying, projects, and making learning a little more colorful and fun.
9. Glue Sticks and Scissors
These classroom staples always seem to come in handy for homework, crafts, and school projects. Having extras at home is never a bad idea.
10. Hand Sanitizer and Tissues
These two small items often get overlooked, but they’re incredibly useful during the school year. Keeping a travel-size hand sanitizer and a pack of tissues in your child’s backpack helps them stay prepared throughout the day.