1 : The ultimate back-to-school checklist:
It’s that time of year again! The kids are heading back to the classroom, which means you’ll need to stock up on back-to-school supplies. Whether your child, teen or college-goer is learning in person, online or a combination of the two, items like affordable laptops and laptop backpacks, in addition to regular backpacks and other learning essentials, are necessary to stay ahead of the curve.
Sure, some of the items on your list, like masks and hand sanitizers, are expected at this point, but several tech items and even college dorm room essentials are key back-to-school supplies to add to your list this year. But here’s a bit of excellent news: You won’t have to spend a fortune on them, because many of the featured products and brands below are running major back-to-school sales right now. Plus, you can have all of them delivered right to your doorstep. Spend your newfound free time enjoying the last few days of summer and these relatable (and hilarious) back-to-school memes.
2: Pens, pencils and writing materials:
While many schools will likely continue to provide basic learning supplies, you may want to supplement your children’s stash if you’d like them to benefit from specialty gear or you don’t want them to share potentially germy items. “I require all my students to have the basic supplies like binders, clearly labeled folders, pencils and erasers,” says Levin, a veteran elementary school teacher with a focus on Montessori-style learning. “This helps them produce quality work in an organized, independent manner. I also have them purchase basic art supplies like markers, pastels and colored pencils. This way, they can embellish their work with artistic detail and creativity.”
Here are the basic writing supplies you’ll need to get your kids through their in-person classes—and for any remote-learning stretches at home:
3: Notebooks and organizers:
Helping your student stay organized wherever they are will let them keep track of their thoughts and assignments and better focus on the business of learning. That’s why you’ll need back-to-school supplies like binders, tab dividers, desk caddies, trays and pencil holders.
Levin suggests ordering name labels for those always-misplaced items like sweatshirts, headphones, winter coats and backpacks. You can create your own design with your child’s name from Minted and even coordinate with their favorite colors. Keep the color theme going with notebooks and planners, but buy folders in a variety of colors to separate subjects. While you’re committed to starting the school year right with the best back-to-school supplies, you’ll probably want to brush up on these kids’ closet ideas too, because tidy rooms help get them (and you) out the door faster in the morning.
4: Sketch Pads:
Taking a studio class for the first time? You’ll need more than just glue sticks and construction paper. You’ll also want to invest in real art supplies, starting with a proper sketch pad.
5: Highlighters:
Raise your hand if you like to highlight and underline everything when you’re studying. If you are team colors when it comes to notetaking, these will come in handy (and look amazing on your desk!)
6: Art supplies:
As Levin mentioned above, now is the time to be a little bit extra with the markers, colored pencils, glitter glue and all the fun art-project supplies kids need to let their creative flags really fly. Giving students an outlet and something to feel excited about is half the battle when it comes to getting them back into the school spirit. Whether they use these colorful back-to-school supplies in the classroom, at home or a hybrid of both, kids will be excited about finishing their projects, expressing their feelings and moving ahead. Plus, they can use them on these Halloween crafts soon enough!
7: Lunch boxes and water bottles:
Make after-school cleanup as easy as possible by opting for washable lunch materials and meal organizers. Levin suggests, “Buy a lunchbox for your child that is as mess-free and easy to clean as possible. Think bento-style lunch boxes and well-insulated materials.”
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, send your big kid with a smart water bottle like the Spark, which glows to remind students to hydrate and tracks their water intake. Mom will get an A+ for that one!
8: Colorful gel pens for note-taking. …
Gel pens are best for writing precisely, and they come in a rainbow of ink colors. A subset of rollerballs, gel pens write smoothly but typically with thinner lines. These are the best pens for reducing hand stress. Their large grips are easier to hold, and they’re available in ballpoint, rollerball, and gel versions.
9: Personal-care essentials:
Though COVID-safety essentials are pretty commonplace these days, it’s also essential to stock up on personal-care items to keep students of all ages as germ-free as possible. In addition to the usual stain removers and cleaning products, take this back-to-school season as a reason to refresh your student’s reusable face mask collection. And throw a few stress-relief wonders in while you’re at it, like an essential oil diffuser and kid-friendly bath bombs.
10: Correction Pens (Whiteout):
Mistakes happen! If you notice a small typo or error right before handing in a paper or research project, you’re going to want some correction pens handy for a quick fix. They’re available in liquid or tape form for ultimate convenience. With a multi-pack, you can keep one in your desk at your dorm and one in your pencil pouch.
10: Scissors:
Good for school and good for tasks around the room. Scissors are a must-have: whether you’re snipping the tag off a new shirt or cutting up definitions and gluing them to note cards.
12: Dry-Erase Board / Cork-Board:
your schedules in check. You can use magnets or thumb-tacks to keep tickets or coupons in a noticeable place or hang up fun pictures. You’ll have your most important reminders right in your face!
College requires more than just your laptop and backpack. Yes, it’s important to have those things but getting real school supplies will help you throughout the semester. Stocking up before classes start will prevent you from panicking right before mid-terms or finals because you can’t find flashcards anywhere. Even if you don’t use it all in one semester, you can use all these supplies for your entire college career. Read your course syllabus to find which school supplies would benefit you best.
