Essential Back To School Supplies List & Free Printable Checklist 2021

It’s back to school season 2021! Prep your children with all essential back to school supplies for a successful start of the new school year. As the first day of school draws nearer, use this handy list of back to school essential to buy all the school stuff to get your kids up and running for September.

Whether you just want to stock up on the basics or start from scratch, use this school supply checklist as a guide on what kids and teens need for school. I’ve included all the essential items, from backpacks to pencils, notebooks, and lunch boxes, that school children must have, whether they’re in preschool, elementary, middle school, or high school. You might also find the list useful for college kids and university students.

Free Printable Back to School Supplies Checklist

My husband Simon works as a teacher and come August he buys large amounts of school supplies in bulk. I created a printable school supplies checklist to help him stay organised and make sure he doesn’t forget important school supplies.

And I thought: why not make this printable list of back to school supplies available on the blog, too? I modified the list a bit because he usually buys wholesale school supplies for teachers, too. The PDF has a list of many essential supplies that school children need in the 2021/22 school year.

You can download the printable back to school supplies list at the end of the post below. Print out this school supplies list to make sure your kid has everything for the new school year.

Buy school supplies online

Skip the long checkout lines and empty shelves and buy back to school supplies online! I’ve listed the best back to school items on Amazon to make shopping easy and convenient for busy mums and dads. Just tap/click on a link to buy or save for later!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Learn more

Essential supplies for all grades

• backpack (kindergarten & preschool)
• backpack (elementary, middle & high school)
• gym bag
• lunch bag
• lunch box
• water bottle
• thermos
• compact umbrella
• pocket tissue
• hand wipes
• label and label maker

Kinder Garten & Preschool Shopping List

Writing Supplies

• pencil box
• No 2 pencils
• coloured pencils
• pencil sharpener
• eraser
• crayons
• washable markers

Stationery

• wide-ruled notebook

Craft Supplies

• glue sticks
• assorted construction paper
• safety scissors

Filing

• plastic folders

Elementary School Shopping List (Grades 1 to 3)

Writing Supplies

• pencil box
• ballpoint pens
• No 2 pencils
• coloured pencils
• pencil grip
• pencil sharpener
• eraser
• crayons
• washable markers
• ruler

Stationery

• wide-ruled notebook
• index cards

Craft Supplies

• glue sticks
• assorted construction paper
• safety scissors

Filing

• plastic folders

Elementary School Shopping List (Grades 4 to 5)

Writing Supplies

• pencil pouch
• ballpoint pens (blue/black)
• No 2 pencils
• pencil sharpener
• eraser
• highlighters
• washable markers
• ruler

Stationery

• wide-ruled notebook
• index cards
• spiral notebook
• loose-leaf paper
• graph paper
• organizer/planner

Craft Supplies

• glue
• scissors
• three-hole punch

Filing

• three-ring binder
• subjective dividers
• plastic folders
• book covers

Electronics

• calculator

Middle & High School Shopping List

Writing Supplies

• pencil pouch
• ballpoint pens (blue/black)
• mechanical pencils
• No 2 pencils
• pencil sharpener
• eraser
• highlighters
• permanent markers
• ruler
• protractor
• white-out

Stationery

• wide-ruled notebook
• index cards
• spiral notebook
• loose-leaf paper
• graph paper
• organizer/planner
• post-it notes

Craft Supplies

• glue
• tape
• scissors
• three-hole punch
• stapler and staples

Filing

• three-ring binder
• subjective dividers
• plastic folders
• book covers

Electronics

• calculator
• graphing calculator
• laptop
• laptop bag
• USB flash drive
• printer
• ink cartridges
• printer paper

Locker Accessories

• locker shelf
• magnetic pencil holder
• small bulletin board
• locker magnets
• locker mirror

What’s the best place to buy school supplies?

Do you know where to buy the best academic supplies and essentials? Do you prefer to buy school supplies online or in-store? Amazon, Walmart, Target – who has the cheapest school supplies? Or do you have any other tips for buying back to school supplies? Join the conversation and leave a comment to let me and other readers know where you like to shop for back to school supplies.

Over to you!

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Cyna xo