There’s something about that first “back to school” display at the store that gets me every single year — the smell of fresh crayons, the rows of tiny backpacks, all of it. As a mom (and someone who’s tested more school supplies than I can count), I wanted to round up the stuff that’s actually worth your money this year — not just cute, but durable, kid-approved, and easy on the wallet. Here’s everything on my list for elementary schoolers this fall.
Backpacks That Go the Distance
JanSport SuperBreak Plus Backpack
JanSport is one of those brands I trust blindly at this point — they just don’t fall apart. This version has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve and a bottle pocket, so it works just as well for a fifth grader as it does for a college freshman.
Girls School Backpack, Kawaii Corduroy
This backpack is pure sweetness — soft corduroy texture, a little flower charm, and a multi-pocket layout that keeps folders from turning into a jumbled mess. It’s a great budget-friendly pick if your daughter wants something a bit more “fun” than the basics.
Headphones for Homework, Reading Apps, and Quiet Time
Kids Headphones K11 Foldable
These are genuinely one of my favorite kid-headphone finds — foldable, tangle-free cord, and that mint-and-coral color combo is just so cheerful. With over 41,000 reviews, I’m clearly not the only one who’s a fan.
Wired Headphones with Microphone
If your kid needs headphones for video calls or online learning, this pair has a built-in mic and volume control right on the cord, which is a small detail that makes a big difference for little hands. They’re lightweight and foldable too, so they’re easy to toss in a backpack.
Pencil Cases and Pouches Worth Having
It’s Academic Video Game Controller Pencil Case
This is the pencil case that gets kids excited about pencil cases, which is saying something. It’s shaped just like a game controller, zips up to protect everything inside, and comes in a few different colors depending on your kid’s vibe.
It’s Academic Avocado Pencil Case with Mesh Pocket
I love a novelty pencil case that’s still genuinely functional, and this smiling avocado pouch checks both boxes with its zip closure and mesh interior pocket. It’s a small thing, but these little personality touches make school supplies feel a lot more fun.
Mr. Pen Standing Pencil Case Pouch
This pencil case stands upright on the desk and unzips flat so your kid can actually see every pen and marker instead of digging through a pile. The black and pink colorway is cute without being over the top, and it’s held up really well through daily use.
Everyday Writing Supplies
BIC Xtra-Smooth Pastel Mechanical Pencils, 40-Count
These write smoothly and erase cleanly, which honestly matters more than people realize when a kid is redoing the same math problem for the third time. A 40-count pack in soft pastel colors means you’re covered for the whole year without another supply run.
Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, 18 Count
You really can’t go wrong with Ticonderoga — teachers love them, kids can actually sharpen and use them without constant breakage, and they’re a classic for a reason. This 18-count pack is an easy add to any supply list.
Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils, Pack of 10
Same trusted Ticonderoga quality, just in a soft assorted-color finish that feels a little more fun for the pencil box. Great as a little upgrade from the standard yellow pencils.
Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers, 12 Count
These are the erasers I remember from my own school days, and they still do the job better than most of the “fun shaped” erasers out there. Smudge-resistant and latex-free, so they’re a safe, no-fuss pick for any grade.
Mr. Pen Pencil Top Erasers, 120 Pack
If your kid loses erasers the way mine does, this 120-pack of colorful pencil-top caps is basically a lifesaver. They slide right onto any standard pencil and come in a rainbow of colors that make erasing feel a little less boring.
Coloring, Crafting, and Creative Supplies
Crayola Colored Pencils, 36 Count
Crayola colored pencils are just a staple — smooth color payoff, pre-sharpened, and a wide enough range that art projects never feel limited. This 36-count set is a solid year-round option for both school and home.
9″x12″ Sketch Book, 2-Pack
For the kid who’s always doodling, this two-pack of 50-sheet sketchbooks gives plenty of room to create without you worrying about running out of paper mid-project. The heavier acid-free pages hold up well to markers and colored pencils alike.
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, 22 Count
These scented markers are a total nostalgia trip for me, and kids still go just as wild for them. The chisel tip works for both coloring and lettering, and the scents add a fun little sensory element to art time.
200 Sheets Classroom Colored Paper
This is one of those unsung heroes of the school supply list — a big stack of colorful paper for every art project, poster, or “just because” craft session. At 200 sheets, it’ll easily last through multiple projects.
Everyday Essentials
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks, 12 Count
Elmer’s is the #1 teacher-recommended glue brand for a reason — it’s washable, dries clear, and the purple-to-clear formula helps little ones see exactly where they’ve applied it. A 12-count pack means you won’t be restocking mid-semester.
Snack Boxes (3-Pack) Stackable Bento Containers
These divided, stackable snack boxes have made packing lunches so much easier around here — no more sad, squished sandwiches. They’re BPA-free and reusable, which feels like a small win for both the budget and the planet.
Amazon Kindle (Newest Model, 16GB)
This Kindle less of a “school supply” and more of a reading-motivation tool, but I had to include it — it’s lightweight, has faster page turns, and higher contrast for easier reading. If your elementary reader is ready to level up from picture books, this is a great way to keep them excited about reading.
Until the next inspiration ~ Paige 🌟
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