Back-to-School Shopping List by Grade (With Links for Busy Moms)

ByBlissful Mama

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Why a Grade-by-Grade School Supply List Makes Mom Life So Much Easier

Let’s be real: Back-to-school season can feel like a full-time job for moms. Between chasing sales, decoding school supply lists, and convincing your kid that last year’s backpack is still fine, it’s a lot.

Add in managing different grade levels for multiple kids (especially if you’re a mom of four like me!), and the overwhelm can get real — fast.

That’s why I created this ultimate shopping list broken down by grade level — so you can skip the chaos, stay organized, and shop smarter, not harder.

Whether you’re prepping a toddler for their first day of preschool or a 4th grader who insists on Pokémon everything, this guide has you covered with links for every item, time-saving tips, and real mom wisdom.

Now let’s dive in…

Preschool (Ages 3–4)

Preschool is all about learning through play, developing routines, and getting used to the classroom environment.

Most preschools keep it simple, but being prepared will help your child feel confident — and help you avoid those last-minute store runs.

School Supply Essentials

(Ad) Washable Markers – Crayola 10-Pack (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Blunt-Tip Scissors – Safety for Kids (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Glue Sticks – Elmer’s 12-Pack (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Washable Finger Paints – Non-toxic (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Construction Paper – 200 Sheets (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Multicolor Crayons – Jumbo for Toddlers (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Child-Sized Backpack – Skip Hop Zoo Pack (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Spill-Proof Water Bottle – Contigo (Shop on Amazon)

Hygiene & Extras

(Ad) Baby Wipes –(for messes!) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Labeled Change of Clothes – Zip Pouch Included(Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Lunchbox – Leakproof Bento Box Style (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Name Label Stickers – Waterproof (Shop on Amazon)

Clothing & Shoes

(Ad) Velcro Sneakers – Easy On/Off (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Preschooler Rain Jacket – Lightweight & Cute (Shop on Amazon)

Kindergarten (Ages 5–6)

Kindergarten is where structure really begins — circle time, classroom routines, and more academic learning.

Most kindergartners need a mix of creative tools, basic school supplies, and independent lunch gear.

School Supply Essentials

(Ad) Ticonderoga Pencils – My First #2 (chunky) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Crayola Crayons – 24-Pack (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Dry Erase Markers – Expo Low-Odor (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Pocket Folders – 6-Pack (Primary Colors) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Plastic Pencil Box – Durable and Easy to Clean (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Blunt-Tip Scissors (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Glue Sticks – 30-sticks (Shop on Amazon)

Must-Haves for Independence

(Ad) Backpack – With Side Pocket for Water Bottle (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Thermos Funtainer – Keeps Lunch Hot/Cold (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Lunchbox – BPA-Free,(Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Reusable Ice Packs – Slim for Lunch Bags (Shop on Amazon)

Clothing & Extras

(Ad) Kid-Friendly Rain Boots (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 2–3 Labeled Outfits for Accidents (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Waterproof Name Labels – Dishwasher & Microwave Safe (Shop on Amazon)

Time-Saving Tips for Preschool & Kindergarten Moms

🧠 “Do I really need 12 glue sticks?” Yes — kids use A LOT and teachers don’t want to keep asking parents to send more.

🧺 Keep a small “extras bin” at home — stash extra crayons, folders, or lunch ice packs here to save the scramble mid-year.

📸 Take a photo of each child’s backpack, shoes, and lunch gear — just in case something gets lost.

1st Grade (Ages 6–7)

First grade means your child is getting used to more structure, longer school days, and a bit more independence.

Their school list reflects that — more supplies, more expectations, and more chances for things to get lost (so label everything!).

School Supplies

(Ad) 12-Pack Ticonderoga Pencils (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Crayola 24-Count Crayons (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 8-Pack Crayola Broad Line Markers (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 2 Wide-Ruled Notebooks (One for Writing, One for Math) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 2 Plastic Pocket Folders with Prongs (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Blunt Tip Scissors (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Elmer’s Glue Sticks (4 Large) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Small Supply Box or Zippered Pouch (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Dry Erase Markers (Low Odor) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Personal Headphones (Comfortable & Adjustable)(Shop on Amazon)

Clothing & Extras

(Ad) Extra Set of Clothes in a Zip Bag (Labeled) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Lightweight Rain Jacket (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Easy On/Off Sneakers (Shop on Amazon)

Nice to Have

(Ad) Book Buddy Bag or Tote (For Library Days) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Portable Hand Sanitizer (Kid-Safe) (Shop on Amazon)

2nd Grade (Ages 7–8)

Second grade often means more worksheets, group activities, and independent writing. Keep supplies simple, organized, and labeled.

School Supplies

(Ad) 2 Pencils (Pre-Sharpened, 24 Pack) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 2 Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Pencil Sharpener with Shavings Case (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Pencil Box (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Crayola Crayons (48 Count) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Colored Pencils (12 Count) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Dry Erase Markers (Chisel Tip) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 3 Plastic Pocket Folders (Red, Blue, Green) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Glue Sticks (6-Pack) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Blunt or Pointed Scissors (Student Size) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Clip-On Name Tag for Backpack (Shop on Amazon)

Meal Gear

(Ad) Thermos Lunch Jar for Hot Foods (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Bento Box with Snack Compartments (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Leakproof Reusable Water Bottle (Shop on Amazon)

3rd–5th Grade (Ages 8–11)

Here’s where things level up — more responsibility, more homework, and more variety in what teachers expect.

School Supplies

(Ad) Mechanical Pencils or #2 Pencils (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Handheld Pencil Sharpener with Lid (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Highlighters (Pack of 4–6) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Ballpoint Pens (Black and Blue) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Crayola or Prismacolor Colored Pencils (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 2–3 Composition Notebooks (Wide or College Ruled)(Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) 3-Ring Binder (1.5” with View Cover) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Tab Dividers (5 Count) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Notebook Paper (Wide or College Rule) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Zippered Pencil Pouch (Binder Compatible) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Glue Sticks (Pack of 3 or More) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Fiskars 7-Inch Scissors (Pointed Tip) (Shop on Amazon)

Digital & Tech

(Ad) Over-Ear Headphones (Durable for Chromebooks)(Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Laptop Sleeve for School Tablet or Chromebook (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) USB Flash Drive (If Required) (Shop on Amazon)

Art & Projects

(Ad) Markers and Crayons for Projects (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Poster Board (Pre-Cut Sheets) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Ruler with Inches & Centimeters (Shop on Amazon)

Extras

(Ad) Locker Shelf (If Allowed) (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Drawstring PE Bag with Change of Clothes (Shop on Amazon)

(Ad) Reusable Ice Packs (Shop on Amazon)

How to Organize Supplies for Multiple Kids

Back-to-school season can get wild when you’re juggling supply lists for different ages.

Here’s how to stay ahead of the chaos:

✅ Use Color Coding

Assign each child a color (e.g., red for one, blue for another).

Use matching folders, lunchboxes, labels, and water bottles to help you and teachers keep track of their stuff easily.

✅ Create a “Launch Pad”

Set up a back-to-school command center at home:

Hooks for backpacks

Shelf for lunchboxes

Baskets or bins labeled with each child’s name

Whiteboard calendar with school dates and reminders

✅ Pack Early

Don’t wait until the night before school starts!

Start packing backpacks at least 3–5 days early.

Include:

Supplies sorted and labeled

PE clothes or indoor shoes

Teacher paperwork or forms

Emergency contacts in the front pouch

Where to Shop (and Save)

If you’re too busy to run around from store to store — I see you, Mama. Stick to:

Amazon – For all the essentials with fast Prime shipping

Target – For cute styles and lunch gear

Walmart – For affordable bulk basics

Dollar Tree – Great for folders, glue sticks, and extra pencil boxes

Don’t forget to check the teacher’s specific supply list online (usually posted in late July or early August).

Middle School Must-Haves (Grades 6–8)

Middle school is all about independence, lockers, switching classes, and carrying everything on their backs (literally). Organization becomes critical.

Here’s what your tween really needs to start the school year off right:

School Supplies for Middle Schoolers

✅ Backpack with laptop sleeve

Big enough for textbooks and a Chromebook. Look for extra padding and compartments.

(Ad) Amazon Backpack Pick

✅ Pencil case or pouch

Middle schoolers can actually lose their pens between class changes.

(Ad) Cool Zip-Up Pencil Pouch (Shop on Amazon)

✅ Mechanical pencils

Less sharpening, more writing.

(Ad) Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils (Shop on Amazon)

✅ Erasable pens + highlighters

So they can revise notes (and mistakes) easily.

(Ad) Frixion Erasable Pen Set (Shop on Amazon)

✅ Scientific calculator (TI-30XIIS or similar)

Even if they don’t have advanced math yet, it’ll come fast.

(Ad) TI-30XS Calculator (Shop on Amazon)

✅ 1-2” Binders + dividers

Some classes still use binders. Keep one per subject.

(Ad) Colorful Binder Set (Shop on Amazon)

✅ Spiral notebooks or composition books (5)

Pick wide-ruled or college-ruled depending on preference.

(Ad) Amazon Basics Notebook Pack

✅ Sticky notes & tabs

Perfect for quick reminders in planners or textbooks.

(Ad) Post-it Tabs + Notes Combo (Shop on Amazon)

✅ Index cards

Great for flashcards and study prep.

(Ad) Ruled Index Card Pack (Shop on Amazon)

Tech Tools They’ll Actually Use

High School Essentials (Grades 9–12)

Now we’re talking serious prep. Between AP classes, early mornings, sports practice, and after-school activities, your high schooler needs a setup that supports real multitasking and focus.

Core Supplies for High Schoolers

✅ Laptop or Chromebook

Many high schools now require them. Check with your school.

👉 Highly Rated Chromebook for Students (Shop on Amazon) (Ad)

✅ Planner or digital calendar

Time-blocking is essential for teens managing homework, part-time jobs, and life.

👉 Academic Planner for Teens (Shop on Amazon) (Ad)

✅ Gel pens, mechanical pencils, and colored pens

They need variety for notes, tests, and creative assignments.

👉 Color Pen Variety Pack (Shop on Amazon) (Ad)

✅ 3-ring binders + sheet protectors

For portfolios, college apps, and organizing printed assignments.

👉 Binder + Sleeve Set (Shop on Amazon) (Ad)

✅ Composition books, notebooks, and filler paper

Go for college-ruled. Stock up now—it always runs out mid-semester.

👉 Bulk College-Ruled Notebook Set (Shop on Amazon). (Ad)

✅ Graphing calculator (TI-84)

Especially for Algebra II, Pre-Calc, and AP classes.

👉 TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator (Shop on Amazon). (Ad)

Lunch & Snack Must-Haves (All Grades)

Bonus Supplies Moms Forget Until It’s Too Late

🌸 Want to stay on top of school, chores, and your personal goals? Grab the That Girl Planner – the ultimate digital planning tool made just for moms who do it all.

👉 [Check it out ]

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right supplies, and this guide, you can check off every item with confidence — from pre-K to high school.

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