The Ultimate Back-to-School Shopping Lists, From Kindergarten to College
Before you send your kids back to school (or off to college!), make a school supplies list and check it twice. Whether you're starting from scratch or sorting through supplies of year's past, use these checklists, which are broken down by grade for quick reference, as a guide. If you really want a stress-free summer print out the list that fits your needs and bring it with you to the store. Or better yet, order everything — pens, backpacks, mini fridges, and more — online and enjoy your final days of the season. Even if you want to get your shopping done early, check with your kid's teachers for any last-minute adds.
Just getting started? Find more back-to-school tips, tricks, and ideas here.
Kindergarten
Pencil box ($4, amazon.com)
Crayons ($6, amazon.com)
Colored pencils ($6, amazon.com)
Washable markers ($5, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($6, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($7, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6, amazon.com)
Glue sticks ($6, amazon.com)
Blunt-tipped scissors ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($15 for six, amazon.com)
Assorted construction paper ($5, amazon.com)
Wide-ruled notebook or pad ($4, amazon.com)
Tissues ($2, amazon.com)
Backpack ($20 and up, amazon.com)
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Elementary School: Grades 1-3
Pencil box ($4, amazon.com)
Crayons ($6, amazon.com)
Colored pencils ($6, amazon.com)
Washable markers ($5, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($6, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($7, amazon.com)
Ballpoint pens ($6, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6, amazon.com)
Glue sticks ($6, amazon.com)
Ruler ($4, amazon.com)
Blunt-tipped scissors ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($15 for six, amazon.com)
Assorted construction paper ($5, amazon.com)
Wide-ruled notebook or pad ($4, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Tissues ($2, amazon.com)
Backpack ($20 and up, amazon.com)
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Elementary School: Grades 4-5
Pencil pouch ($10 for 4, amazon.com)
Blue or black ballpoint pens ($9, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($6, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($7, amazon.com)
Highlighters ($6, amazon.com)
Washable markers ($5, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6, amazon.com)
Three-ring binder ($7, amazon.com)
Three-hole-punch ($8, amazon.com)
Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebooks ($11 for 6, amazon.com)
Graph paper ($7, amazon.com)
Subject dividers ($8, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($15 for 6, amazon.com)
Glue ($4, amazon.com)
Ruler ($4 for 4, amazon.com)
Scissors ($4, amazon.com)
Calculator ($6, amazon.com)
Personal organizer/ planner ($13, amazon.com)
Book covers ($14 for 4, amazon.com)
Backpack ($25 and up, amazon.com)
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Middle School & High School
Pencil pouch ($10 for 4, amazon.com)
Blue or black ballpoint pens ($9, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($6, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($7, amazon.com)
Highlighters ($6, amazon.com)
Permanent markers ($13, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6, amazon.com)
Three-ring binder ($7, amazon.com)
Three-hole-punch ($8, amazon.com)
Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebooks ($11 for 6, amazon.com)
Graph paper ($7, amazon.com)
Subject dividers ($8, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($15 for 6, amazon.com)
Glue ($4, amazon.com)
Post-it Notes ($6, amazon.com)
White-Out ($4, amazon.com)
Protractor ($4, amazon.com)
Ruler ($4, amazon.com)
Scissors ($4, amazon.com)
Graphing calculator ($110, amazon.com)
Combination lock ($9, amazon.com)
Personal organizer/ planner ($13, amazon.com)
Book covers ($14 for 4, amazon.com)
Backpack ($25 and up, amazon.com)
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College
Academic Supplies
Three-ring binder ($7, amazon.com)
Three-hole-punch ($8, amazon.com)
Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebooks ($11 for 6, amazon.com)
Graph paper ($7, amazon.com)
Subject dividers ($8, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($15 for 6, amazon.com)
Blue or black ballpoint pens ($9, amazon.com)
Mechanical pencils ($5, amazon.com)
Permanent markers ($13, amazon.com)
Highlighters ($6, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6, amazon.com)
Pencil pouch ($10 for 4, amazon.com)
Scissors ($4, amazon.com)
Stapler and staples ($10, amazon.com)
Tape ($5, amazon.com)
Post-it Notes ($6, amazon.com)
White-Out ($4, amazon.com)
Personal organizer/ planner ($13, amazon.com)
Graphing calculator ($110, amazon.com)
Backpack ($25 and up, amazon.com)
Laptop ($1,300, apple.com)
Printer ($50, amazon.com)
Computer paper ($10, amazon.com)
Ink cartridges ($37, amazon.com)
Cleaning Supplies
Swiffer ($12, amazon.com)
Trash bags ($11, amazon.com)
Air freshener ($11, amazon.com)
Disinfectant wipes ($11 for 3, amazon.com)
Laundry bag ($16, amazon.com)
Detergent ($10, amazon.com)
Fabric softener ($8, amazon.com)
Stain remover ($4, amazon.com)
Quarters for laundry
Dorm Furnishings
Mattress cover ($16, amazon.com)
Mattress pad ($36 and up, amazon.com)
Pillow ($33 for 2, amazon.com)
Twin XL sheet set ($31, amazon.com)
Twin XL comforter set ($34, amazon.com)
Bed risers ($14, amazon.com)
Full-length mirror ($42, amazon.com)
Plastic storage bins ($24, amazon.com)
Buildable racks and shelving ($86, amazon.com)
Closet organizer/shoe rack ($18, amazon.com)
Trash can ($13, amazon.com)
Desk and floor lamp ($16, amazon.com)
Fan ($11, amazon.com)
Extension cords ($6, amazon.com)
Alarm clock ($11, amazon.com)
Dorm Supplies
Towels ($35, amazon.com)
Shower caddy ($8, amazon.com)
Flip-flops or shower shoes ($3, oldnavy.com)
Toiletries
Hangers ($11, amazon.com)
Adhesive hooks ($6, amazon.com)
Batteries ($13, amazon.com)
Mini fridge ($112, amazon.com)
Microwave ($89, amazon.com)
Coffeemaker ($25, amazon.com)
Utensils ($9, amazon.com)
Reusable water bottle ($7, amazon.com)
Travel mug ($13, amazon.com)
Resealable plastic bags ($8, amazon.com)
Headphones ($128, amazon.com)
Earplugs ($8, amazon.com)
Eye mask ($10, amazon.com)
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