22 Back-to-School Essentials for Kids

Back-to-school shopping with kids can quickly turn into a cart full of colorful things they want and a few things they actually need.

Between school supply lists, lunch essentials, backpacks, water bottles, homework supplies and all the little extras that somehow become important by the second week of school, it can be difficult to know where to start.

So instead of buying everything at once, I like the idea of creating a practical back-to-school setup that covers the basics while adding a few fun things kids will actually be excited to use.

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, heading back to elementary school or getting ready for another year of middle school, these back-to-school essentials can help make mornings, school days and homework time a little easier.

This post contain affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

1. A Backpack They'll Love

A backpack is probably the most important item on the list.

For younger kids, look for a lightweight backpack with comfortable straps and enough room for folders, lunch and a few school supplies. Older kids may prefer something with multiple compartments for books, electronics and smaller essentials.

A fun color or favorite character can make kids more excited about carrying it every day, but durability is just as important.

Look for: padded straps, sturdy zippers, water-resistant material and multiple compartments. 

A fun and practical pick for younger students, this 12L Disney Pixar backpack offers plenty of room for school essentials while keeping everything organized. The padded straps and kid-friendly design make it a great everyday choice for school.

More backpack options are available here.

2. A Pencil Case That Keeps Everything Together

Without a pencil case, pencils, erasers, markers and crayons have a way of disappearing into the bottom of a backpack.

A zippered pencil pouch keeps everything together and makes it easier for kids to find what they need.

For younger children, a simple case may be best. Older kids might prefer a larger multi-compartment style.

A cute and practical pick for keeping school supplies together, this soft corduroy pencil case has plenty of room for pens, pencils, markers, and other everyday essentials. Its simple design makes it easy to add to any kid or teen’s back-to-school setup.

More pencil case options are available here.

3. Notebooks for Every Subject

Notebooks are a back-to-school classic for a reason. Depending on the grade, kids may need several notebooks for different subjects. Having a different color for each subject can also make organization easier. Try assigning:

Blue = Math
Red = Language
Green = Science
Yellow = Social Studies

It is a small system, but it can make finding the right notebook much easier.

Mead Spiral Notebooks – 6 Pack is a practical choice for keeping kids prepared for the school year. This 6-pack gives them a separate notebook for different subjects, making it easier to keep class notes, homework, and assignments organized throughout the year.

More notebook options are available here.

4. Crayons, Colored Pencils & Markers

For younger children especially, creative supplies are often part of the school routine.

A basic set of crayons, washable markers and colored pencils can cover everything from classroom projects to homework assignments.

If you're shopping for younger kids, washable options can be particularly helpful.

5. Pencils and Good Erasers

Pencils may not be the most exciting purchase, but kids go through them quickly.

Stock up before school starts so you're not searching for a new pack halfway through the semester.

Add a few comfortable erasers as well. Fun-shaped erasers can also make a practical school supply a little more exciting for younger children.

6. Folders for Keeping Papers Organized

Homework sheets, permission slips, artwork, tests and classroom handouts can pile up quickly.

A few sturdy folders can help keep important papers from getting crumpled at the bottom of a backpack.

Consider using one folder for homework and another for papers that need to come home.

More folder options are available here.

7. A Reusable Water Bottle

Kids need easy access to water throughout the school day, so a reusable bottle is one of those purchases that will probably get used every single day.

Choose one that's easy for your child to open and close independently.

For younger kids, a straw-style bottle can be particularly convenient.

Look for: leak-resistant lids, easy cleaning, durable construction, and a size your child can comfortably carry.

Owala FreeSip Kids Stainless Steel Water Bottle – 16 oz is a great addition to a school backpack, especially for kids who need a bottle that can keep their drink cold throughout the day. Its leak-proof lid, built-in straw and easy-to-carry design make it a practical choice for school, sports, and everyday outings.

More reusable water bottle options are available here.

8. A Lunch Box They'll Actually Use

A lunch box doesn't have to be boring.

There are insulated lunch bags in all kinds of colors, patterns, and designs, making it easy to find something your child likes.

Look for one with enough space for a main meal, snacks, and a water bottle.

Bentgo Prints Kids Lunch Bag is a cute and practical choice for school lunches. Its insulated design helps keep food fresh, while the adjustable strap and easy-clean exterior make it convenient for kids to carry every day.

More lunch box options are available here.

9. A Bento Box for Easier Lunches

Bento-style lunch boxes are especially handy if your child likes variety.

Separate compartments allow you to pack different foods without needing several small containers.

You can use sections for fruit, vegetables, a sandwich, crackers, and a small treat.

Bentgo Kids Lunch Box is a convenient choice for packing a balanced school lunch. With separate compartments, it keeps sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and sides neatly organized without everything mixing together.

More Bento-style lunch boxes options are available here.

10. Reusable Snack Containers

Small reusable containers are useful for everything from fruit and crackers to yogurt and snacks.

Choose containers that fit easily inside the lunch box and are simple enough for your child to open without help.

Reusable Snack Containers with Lids are a handy addition to kids’ lunchboxes and school bags. The divided design makes it easy to pack different snacks separately, while the reusable containers are great for portioning fruit, crackers, veggies, and other school-day favorites.\

More Reusable Snack Container options are available here.

 11. Reusable Ice Packs

An ice pack can help keep lunches and snacks cool until lunchtime.

Small, slim designs are particularly convenient because they don't take up too much room inside a lunch bag.

Healthy Packers Ice Packs are a simple way to help keep kids’ lunches and snacks cool throughout the school day. Their slim design fits easily into lunch bags, making them a practical reusable option for school, outings, and family trips.

More ice pack options are available here.

12. Child-Friendly Scissors

For younger students, a pair of appropriately sized scissors may be required for classroom crafts and projects.

Choose a comfortable pair designed for your child's age and make sure they are suitable for the school's requirements.

Channie’s Safety Scissors for Small Hands are designed for preschoolers ages 3–5 who are learning to cut. The kid-friendly design is easy for small hands to hold and helps children practice cutting skills and hand-eye coordination during crafts and school activities.

More Child-Friendly Scissors options are available here.

13. A Ruler

A simple ruler is another inexpensive item that can be surprisingly useful.

Keep one in your child's pencil case or supply box so it's always available when needed.

Color Clear Ruler Plastic Rulers – 12 Inch are a simple and practical addition to a child’s school supplies. The colorful, transparent design makes measuring and drawing straight lines easy, while the 12-inch size is convenient for everyday classroom projects and homework.

More ruler options are available here.

14. Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are another classroom staple, especially for younger children.

It's worth buying extras because they have a habit of disappearing much faster than expected.

Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks are a handy classroom essential for crafts, posters, school projects, and everyday paper activities. This 30-count pack is washable, acid-free, and goes on clear, making it easy for kids to create, stick, and craft without the mess.

More glue stick options are available here.

15. A Kids' Planner or Weekly Calendar

A simple planner can help older elementary-school kids begin learning how to manage homework and activities. For younger children, a visual weekly calendar can work even better. Use colors, pictures, or simple symbols to show:

• School days

• Homework

• Sports

• Activities

• Special events

• Family plans

It turns a busy week into something much easier to understand.

A fun and practical way to help kids stay organized! This large magnetic weekly planner sticks right to the fridge and gives children an easy place to track school activities, homework, chores, playtime, and important reminders. The dry-erase design makes it simple to update each week.

More Kids' Planner or Weekly Calendar options are available here.

16. Kids' Headphones

Headphones can be useful for classroom technology, educational apps, travel, or homework.

For younger children, look for a comfortable, appropriately sized pair with simple controls.

A carrying case can also help protect them from getting damaged inside the backpack.

The iClever HS27 Kids Headphones are a colorful, practical choice for school, online learning, travel, and everyday listening. With a kid-friendly design and multiple colors in the 5-pack, they’re easy to share or keep as backups—great for classrooms and families with multiple children.

More Kids' headphone options are available here.

17. A Protective Tablet or Laptop Case

If your child's school uses tablets or laptops, a protective case is worth considering.

Choose one designed specifically for the device's size, preferably with padding and a secure closure.

A separate compartment for the charger can be a bonus.

Kids Case for iPad A16 11th Generation 2025/iPad 10th Generation 2022 Blue | DJ&RPPQ- This kids’ iPad case is designed for everyday school, learning, and travel. The shockproof cover, built-in handle/stand, and screen protector help keep the tablet protected while making it easier for kids to carry and use.

More Protective Tablet or Laptop Case options are available here.

18. Supply Labels

Labels can save a lot of lost-and-found headaches.

Add your child's name to appropriate school supplies, lunch containers, water bottles, jackets and backpacks.

Personalized labels can also make ordinary supplies feel a little more special.

More Supply Labels options are available here.

19. A Compact Umbrella

For rainy school days, a child-sized umbrella can be useful.

Choose a lightweight option that's easy to open and close and small enough to fit into a backpack or school bag.

Automatic Kids Umbrella - This cute, compact umbrella is designed to make rainy-day outings a little easier for kids and parents. Its lightweight, folding design makes it convenient to tuck into a backpack or school bag, while the colorful, kid-friendly style makes rainy walks more fun.

More child-sized umbrella options are available here.

20. Storage Bins for School Supplies

Not everything needs to live inside the backpack.

Storage bins can keep extra notebooks, art supplies, paper, markers and other school materials organized at home.

Clear bins are particularly useful because kids can see what's inside without opening every container.

Keeping a playroom organized becomes much easier when everything has a designated spot. The SpaceAid Toy Storage Organizer combines six open shelves with 12 storage bins, giving kids plenty of room for toys, books, games, building blocks, stuffed animals, and craft supplies.

More Storage Bins for School Supplies options are available here.

21. A Comfortable Homework Setup

Kids don't need a picture-perfect study room, but having a comfortable place to do homework can make a difference. Consider creating a simple setup with:

• A suitable chair

• Desk or table

• Desk lamp

• Pencil holder

• Small organizer

• Homework calendar

Keep the area relatively uncluttered so it feels like a place for focusing rather than another play area.

More Comfortable Homework Setup options are available here.

22. A Few Fun Backpack Extras

Here's where kids can have some say in the shopping. Consider letting them choose a few fun extras, such as:

• Backpack charms

• Stickers

• Fun pencil cases

• Colorful pens

• Character notebooks

• Cute keychains

• Decorative folders

They don't need everything. A few personal touches can make their school supplies feel more like theirs.

How to Make Back-to-School Shopping Easier

You don't need to buy everything in one shopping trip. Before you start, check what your child already has. There may be perfectly good notebooks, pencils, folders, or art supplies left over from last year.

Then divide your shopping list into three groups:

NEED

Items specifically requested by the school or teacher.

USEFUL

Items your child will probably use regularly.

FUN

Things that aren't essential but make going back to school a little more exciting.

This can help keep your shopping trip focused and prevent you from spending money on supplies that will sit untouched in a drawer.

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to mean buying everything in sight.

The best school supplies are the ones that make your child's day easier, from a backpack that keeps everything together to a lunch box that's easy to open, a water bottle they'll actually remember to carry and a homework space that helps them settle into a routine.

Start with the items your child's school actually requires, add the everyday essentials and then let your child choose a few fun things that make them excited about the new school year.

A little organization before the first day can go a long way toward making those busy school mornings feel much more manageable.

Ready to shop? Explore my favorite back-to-school finds for kids, from school supplies and lunch essentials to organization and fun accessories on my Amazon storefront here.