There’s something about that first back-to-school display at the store that gets me every single time — the smell of fresh crayons, the rainbow of colored pencils, tiny backpacks that somehow already look like they’re ready for an adventure. My kids aren’t little anymore, but this season still lights me up, because getting the right supplies (not just the cheapest, not just the cutest) makes such a difference in how smoothly the first few weeks of school actually go. I rounded up everything I’ve been eyeing (and buying!) for pre-k and elementary this year, broken down by what’s actually worth your money.
Backpacks
Neverwhy Corduroy Toddler Backpack
Soft corduroy and a size that’s genuinely made for little ones rather than scaled-down adult bags — this is one of those “why didn’t I think to look for this” finds. It’s an easy, affordable grab if you want something a little more elevated than the standard character backpack.
Soimeat Clear Backpack
Clear backpacks are becoming such a common school requirement, and this one manages to be both compliant and actually cute, which isn’t always a given. It’s a budget-friendly option if your school has a see-through policy and you don’t want it to feel like a punishment.
Mesh Backpack for School, 18 Inch Extra Large
This is the practical, no-nonsense backpack option for older elementary kids who need to fit a laptop, binders, and a water bottle without the bag falling apart by October. The mesh panels keep it lightweight and let you (and the teacher) see what’s actually inside, which is a nice bonus for organization.
Writing & School Supplies
Crayola Crayons Bundle (3 Pack)
You really can’t do a back-to-school post without classic Crayola crayons — they’re a teacher-approved staple for a reason. Grabbing the 3-pack means you’re covered for the classroom supply list and have a backup at home, and the price per box is genuinely hard to beat.
Amazon Basics Wood-Cased #2 HB School Pencils (30 Count)
These are exactly what they sound like: reliable, pre-sharpened, no-frills pencils that get the job done for a fraction of the name-brand price. When your kid loses a pencil approximately every four minutes, having a big bulk pack like this on hand is a total sanity saver.
Ticonderoga Pencil-Shaped Erasers (3 Count)
If you know, you know — Ticonderoga erasers just work better than the cheap ones, cleanly lifting pencil marks without shredding the paper or leaving smudges everywhere. They’re a small purchase, but honestly one of those little upgrades that makes homework time less frustrating for everyone.
Crayola Classic Bundle: Crayons, Markers & Colored Pencils
This bundle is such a smart one-stop shop if your supply list calls for all three coloring tools, since you’re not piecing together three separate purchases. It’s Crayola quality across the board, and buying it as a set usually saves you a little compared to buying each item on its own.
Pencil Sharpeners with Lid (4 Pack)
Having a sharpener at home and one in the backpack solves so many “my pencil broke” mid-homework meltdowns. This four-pack in fun colors means everyone in the house can have their own, and the lid keeps shavings contained instead of all over the desk.
Pencil Grips for Kids (3 Pack)
These little grips are a genuinely helpful tool if your child is working on handwriting or has a tendency to grip their pencil too tightly — they encourage a proper hold without feeling like a big intervention. Affordable, easy to pop on and off, and honestly worth having even if you’re just curious whether it helps.
ECOTREE Pre-Sharpened Eco Rainbow Pencils (12 Count)
I love finding supplies that feel a little more thoughtful, and these recycled paper pencils in rainbow colors do exactly that without costing more than a standard pack. Pre-sharpened means one less step in your morning routine, which we can all appreciate.
Crayola Colored Pencils (36 Count)
For the kiddo who wants all the colors, this 36-count set covers every shade they could possibly need for art projects or coloring homework sheets. It’s a great mid-range option if the basic 12-pack just isn’t going to cut it this year.
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers (40 Count)
Washable is the key word here — these come out of clothes and off skin (mostly!) way easier than standard markers, which as a parent is worth its weight in gold. Forty colors in one box means this will likely last well beyond just this school year.
Large Capacity Clear Pencil Case
This pencil box is deceptively roomy, easily holding pencils, markers, and a few extra supplies without bursting at the seams, and the snap-tight lid keeps everything contained on bumpy bus rides. The clear design also makes it easy for kids to actually find what they’re looking for, which is half the battle.
Learning & Activity Books
School Zone Reading 4-Pack Flash Cards
This set is such a great value if you’re working on sight words and early reading at home, since you’re getting four books’ worth of cards in one bundle. It’s an easy, low-pressure way to sneak in a little extra practice without it feeling like “more school.”
LeapFrog Prep for Preschool Activity Book
This interactive book is genuinely engaging for the pre-k set, with a wipe-clean design so it can be used again and again instead of being a one-and-done workbook. It’s a fun bridge between playtime and actual school-readiness skills like letters and shapes.
Everyday Extras
JoyCat 78-Piece Magnetic Letters & Numbers
These magnetic letters and numbers turn the fridge into a low-key learning station, which is such an easy win for reinforcing the alphabet and early math without any extra effort on your part. They’re colorful, chunky enough for little hands, and genuinely fun to play with, not just educational.
V1 Kids Wired Headphones
If virtual learning days, tablet time, or just quiet reading time are part of your routine, these foldable, adjustable headphones are a solid, budget-friendly pick sized right for kids. They fold up small enough to toss in a backpack pocket without taking up much room.
DaCool Adults Bento Lunchbox, 74 oz
Okay, this one’s technically for the grown-ups packing the lunches, but it deserves a shout-out — the stackable, leakproof compartments make meal prepping for the week so much easier. If you’re the one making lunches every morning, this is one of those upgrades that quietly makes your life better.
A Quick Recap
Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming fast, but it really comes down to covering the basics well: a backpack that fits your kid’s age and needs, reliable writing supplies that won’t fall apart by week two, a few learning tools to ease into the routine, and maybe a couple of everyday extras that make mornings smoother for everyone. Hopefully this list gives you a solid, budget-friendly starting point so you can check things off your list and get back to enjoying these last few weeks of summer.
Until the next inspiration ~ Paige 🌟
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