Best Back-to-School Supplies List for Elementary Kids

Back-to-school is coming quickly, and rather than posting single links all over the place, I want to keep everything in one place for you. I am a mom to three boys (the oldest in fifth grade) and a former teacher. Over the years, many back-to-school supplies last, fall apart or break mid-year. I am here to put all my favorites in one place, simplify your search, and get you a school supply list of items that last.

RELATED: Get FREE printable back-to-school checklists to organize the new school season.

Table of Contents:

1. Back-to-school thoughts
2. Backpacks
3. Lunch MVP
4. Getting out the door
5. On the first day
6. Homework and papers
7. Extras schools ask for
8. Food Allergies
9. For the teacher
10. More back-to-school posts

View MoreView Less

Read this first

PLEASE NOTE: I carefully curated this list of items we use and love. Each category has a quick write-up about what makes the items listed a winner and how they have made my life easier. This is NOT an endless list of unnecessary items you should purchase. Instead, it is a guide to help you find what you need if you are already looking.

Days with Grey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and LTK, which are affiliate advertising programs. As an Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

Back-to-school thoughts

I’ll be the first to tell you that I went into my Kindergartener’s first year thinking he would want a monogrammed Pottery Barn backpack, and we ended up with a Target Lego bag. (Boy, was I wrong.) It was unexpected and also made the sweetest memory.

What’s my point with all of this?

The Pottery Barn backpack will last longer but is not the be-all and end-all. If your child picks a loud bag you would have passed by; it may be okay to get that one instead. Sometimes, feeling the joy of picking something yourself helps you become more excited about the new school year.

However, if you’d like the backpack to last longer than one school year, we’ve had luck with Pottery Barn Kids and L.L. Bean Bags.

When I examine the dimensions closely, I see that the large Pottery Barn backpack resembles the L.L. Bean Original Book Pack®, 24L. I added my top three backpack picks below.

PRO TIP: Once kids reach third grade, their backpacks will likely become heavy. We have had a lot of luck switching to a rolling backpack.

Backpacks

Here are the backpacks built to last. We have used these packs in the past in the mix of Target and Amazon bags.

Lunch MVP

Over the years, Sistema Bento boxes have been our MVP. They aren’t fancy, but they do the job! The Hydro Flask is worth the investment if you pack a hot lunch. Just remember to put your name on it in case it goes missing.

I like the Yeti water bottles for kids because of their bright colors. Because of their unique color, they are less likely to get left behind.

Getting out the door

If I know one thing, getting kids out the door on time takes a lot of organization on the front end. Once all three had the same wake-up schedule, I invested in alarm clocks. (Before that, I didn’t need an alarm to wake my preschooler, who could sleep in.)

We love and use the Yoto player often. If you already have an alarm clock, the Yoto Mini is another great option. My boys use it to decompress after a long school day.

This hair mister has been a GAME CHANGER getting the boys to comb their hair in the morning. Don’t miss it.

On the first day

Nothing says, “It’s the first day of school,” like a chalkboard and “good” chalk markers. Arteza is my favorite brand for many art supplies.

I purchased these chalk markers in 2021 and continue to use them years later. This book list for back to school has all of my favorites.

RELATED: If you are headed to Kindergarten, read this parent’s guide.

Homework and papers

Let’s get a head start on the organization! Here are a few extras that help me organize the homework station and incoming papers. I added a snack board to prep after-school snacks ahead of time.

Having your OWN pencil sharpener is a big deal. If you get one thing, it is a pencil sharpener for each kid. IYKYK

PRO TIP: Always offer food before or during homework! Some kids have lunch at 10:30.

Extras schools ask for

I have not done much research on headphones. However, we are happy with Target’s option listed below. Headphones get tossed around in the classroom, and I suggest not spending too much time on them. Younger grades may ask for these wider pencils and extra erasers.

Food Allergies

My oldest has a peanut allergy and his own EPI. Here are a few school supplies we use to manage his food allergy at school. He wears his Spi Belt around his waist.

I also add safe snacks for parties and celebrations to the 13-qt bin and bring them to school before the first day. I label the bin with his name and a reminder that he only eats his food. It is a lot of prep work, but it keeps him safe all year. Now that he is older, there are more bins for the different teachers.

READ THIS: I wrote a parent’s guide to food allergies, so you have everything you need heading back to school with a food allergy.

For the teacher

Do you need to start the year off with a gift for the teacher? No. But if you want to, Paper Mate Pens and gift cards (even in small amounts) are greatly appreciated. I like to write a note saying, “This week is busy! Grab yourself a coffee on the way to school.”

The rainbow pencils are a great gift when teachers want to give students something to show appreciation.

More back-to-school posts

And that’s not all! I wanted to create a handful of quick guides to help you find what you are looking for on this corner of the web.

• 9 Back to School Tips
• Back to School with a Food Allergy
• Best Books for Back to School
• Parent’s Guide to Kindergarten