With Kids Likely Returning to School in the Fall, Here's a List of Things They Might Need
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Whoever said "no more pencils, no more books" didn't understand the joys of shopping for a fresh set of school supplies. As back-to-school time nears and kids head back to their classrooms, they'll likely need to fill their backpacks to the brim. But what school supplies will actually make it to finals? We've compiled lists of the school supplies most often needed for each grade, from cute school supplies for kindergarteners and elementary schoolers all the way up through dorm room essentials for college kids. Then, we made our own suggestions of necessities that make the grade. Many of the items were tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, which tests everything from pens, backpacks and lunch boxes up to laptops, printers and mini fridges. Remembering to actually put their homework in their new backpacks? Well, that's up to them.
Where to Get School Supplies for Free
Pro tip: You can get free school supplies, backpacks and uniforms if you don't have the resources to get your own. Contact your school district, who can help lead you to the right contacts or let you know about upcoming supply drives and events. Also, teachers can apply to charity organizations like The Kids in Need Foundation to help supplement items in the classroom.
How to Donate to a Classroom
If you have the means to give to a classroom in need, teachers will be greatly appreciative of your donation. DonorsChoose makes it easy: Teachers can describe supplies the need or projects they're looking to fund, and families can give right through the website. You can search for your school, see what's happening nearby or give to someone across the country. It's especially rewarding knowing exactly how the funds are going to be used.
Just getting started? Find more back-to-school tips, tricks and ideas here.
Kindergarten Supplies
Pre-K is fun and all, but kindergarten is where their real learning journey begins. Make sure they start off on the right foot with these must-have back-to-school supplies.
Pencil bag ($8, amazon.com)
Crayons ($7 for two, amazon.com)
Colored pencils ($2, amazon.com)
Washable markers ($6, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($4, amazon.com)
Pencil grips ($5, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($4, amazon.com)
Glue sticks ($7 for three, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6 for 12, amazon.com)
Blunt-tipped scissors ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($14 for six, amazon.com)
Wide-ruled notebook or pad ($12 for three, amazon.com)
Tissues ($12 for pack of 10, amazon.com)
Backpack ($15 and up, amazon.com)
Assorted construction paper ($15 for two, amazon.com)
Lunch box or bag ($17, amazon.com)
Elementary School Supplies: Grades 1-3
As their studies get more serious, so do their supplies. These will set them up for success with all the tests, assignments and homework in the year ahead.
Pencil box ($15, amazon.com)
Crayons ($7 for two, amazon.com)
Colored pencils ($2, amazon.com)
Washable markers ($6, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($4, amazon.com)
Pencil grips ($5, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($4, amazon.com)
Glue sticks ($7 for three, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6 for 12, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Blunt-tipped scissors ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($14 for 6, amazon.com)
Wide-ruled notebook or pad ($13 for six, amazon.com)
Tissues ($12 for pack of 10, amazon.com)
Backpack ($15 and up, amazon.com)
Assorted construction paper ($15 for two, amazon.com)
Lunch box or bag ($22, amazon.com)
Ruler ($3, amazon.com)
Elementary School Supplies: Grades 4-5
Fourth and fifth graders have more involved projects and, depending on how their school is set up, they might have to start switching teachers for classes for the first time. These supplies will help keep them organized.
Pencil pouch ($14 for four, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($4, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($7 for three, amazon.com)
Highlighters ($6, amazon.com)
Washable markers ($6, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6 for 12, amazon.com)
Personal organizer/ planner ($14, amazon.com)
Three-ring binder ($23 for four, amazon.com)
Three-hole-punch ($9, amazon.com)
Wide-ruled, one-subject notebooks ($15 for six, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($14 for 6, amazon.com)
Glue ($9 for four, amazon.com)
Scissors ($10 for three, amazon.com)
Standard calculator ($11, amazon.com)
Blue or black pens ($10, amazon.com)
Book covers ($22 for 6, amazon.com)
Backpack ($15 and up, amazon.com)
Lunch box or bag ($23 amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Ruler ($6 for four, amazon.com)
Subject dividers ($4, amazon.com)
Middle School & High School Supplies
By now, the training wheels are off. Middle schoolers and high schoolers need supplies that'll perform all year.
Pencil pouch ($11, amazon.com)
Blue or black ballpoint pens ($5, amazon.com)
No. 2 pencils ($4, amazon.com)
Pencil sharpener ($3, amazon.com)
Highlighters ($6, amazon.com)
Permanent markers ($10, amazon.com)
Personal organizer/ planner ($10, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6 for 12, amazon.com)
Three-ring binder ($23 for four, amazon.com)
Three-hole-punch ($12, amazon.com)
Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebooks ($13 for 6, amazon.com)
Graph paper ($4, amazon.com)
White-Out ($7 for two, amazon.com)
Protractor ($5, amazon.com)
Ruler ($3, amazon.com)
Scissors ($7, amazon.com)
Graphing calculator ($118, amazon.com)
Combination lock ($14 for two, amazon.com)
Book covers ($15 for 7, amazon.com)
Backpack ($37 and up, llbean.com)
Lunch box or bag ($14, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($14 for 6, amazon.com)
Glue ($9 for four, amazon.com)
Post-it Notes ($7, amazon.com)
Subject dividers ($4, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
College Supplies
When your student heads off to college, they don't just need school supplies. Now, they also need dorm essentials and other supplies that will help them if they're boarding away from home.
Academic Supplies
Three-ring binder ($19 for four, amazon.com)
Three-hole-punch ($9, amazon.com)
Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebooks ($13 for 6, amazon.com)
Graph paper ($4, amazon.com)
Subject dividers ($9, amazon.com)
Index cards ($3, amazon.com)
Plastic folders ($14 for 6, amazon.com)
Blue or black ballpoint pens ($9, amazon.com)
Mechanical pencils ($7, amazon.com)
Permanent markers ($10, amazon.com)
Highlighters ($6, amazon.com)
Erasers ($6 for 12, amazon.com)
Pencil pouch ($11, amazon.com)
Scissors ($7, amazon.com)
Stapler and staples ($11, amazon.com)
Tape ($4, amazon.com)
Post-it Notes ($5, amazon.com)
White-Out ($7 for two, amazon.com)
Personal organizer/ planner ($10, amazon.com)
Graphing calculator ($119, amazon.com)
Backpack ($25 and up, amazon.com)
Laptop ($130 and up, amazon.com)
Wireless printer ($85, amazon.com)
Computer paper ($11, amazon.com)
Ink cartridges ($45, amazon.com)
Cleaning Supplies
Swiffer ($15, amazon.com)
Trash bags ($7, amazon.com)
Air freshener ($12 for three, amazon.com)
Disinfectant wipes ($15 for three, amazon.com)
Laundry bag ($17, amazon.com)
Detergent ($11, amazon.com)
Fabric softener ($10, amazon.com)
Stain remover ($9, amazon.com)
Quarters for laundry
Dorm Furnishings
Mattress cover ($18, amazon.com)
Mattress pad ($30 and up, amazon.com)
Pillow ($43, amazon.com)
Twin XL sheet sets ($47, amazon.com)
Twin XL comforter set ($39, amazon.com)
Bed risers ($19, amazon.com)
Full-length mirror ($60, amazon.com)
Plastic storage bins ($40 for six, amazon.com)
Shelving, ($30, amazon.com)
Closet organizer/shoe rack ($17, amazon.com)
Trash can ($16, amazon.com)
Desk and floor lamp ($14, amazon.com)
Fan ($15, amazon.com)
Space heater ($36, amazon.com)
Air purifier, ($320, amazon.com)
Extension cords ($6, amazon.com)
Alarm clock ($35, amazon.com)
Dorm Supplies
Towels ($25, amazon.com)
Shower caddy ($14, amazon.com)
Flip-flops or shower shoes ($14, amazon.com)
Hangers ($26, amazon.com)
Duct tape ($3, amazon.com)
Adhesive hooks ($11, amazon.com)
Batteries ($14, amazon.com)
Mini fridge ($130, amazon.com)
Microwave ($115, amazon.com)
Coffeemaker ($50, amazon.com)
Utensils ($32, walmart.com)
Reusable water bottle ($26 for two, amazon.com)
Travel mug ($27, amazon.com)
Resealable sandwich bags ($13, amazon.com)
Headphones ($50, amazon.com)
Earplugs ($9, amazon.com)
Eye mask ($10, amazon.com)
Toiletries
Toothpaste ($14 for four, amazon.com)
Toothbrush ($14 for two, amazon.com)
Body wash ($10, amazon.com)
Shampoo and conditioner ($12 for two, amazon.com)
Deodorant (18, walmart.com)
Floss ($6, amazon.com)
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