Let’s be honest—tackling the school supply list each year can feel like a mini scavenger hunt (with your wallet crying a little by the end). But we actually love this part of the season!
There’s something so satisfying about fresh notebooks, sharp pencils, and colorful folders that scream “new beginnings.”
Whether you’re shopping for your little one’s first day of school or gearing up your not-so-little one for another big year, we’ve rounded up our go-to tips, must-haves, and favorite finds to make back-to-school shopping easier—and dare we say, fun.
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Back to School Shopping Tips
Back to school shopping can get expensive fast. But with a little planning and a few smart moves, you can totally keep it budget-friendly and still grab everything your kids need (plus a few fun extras, of course).
Make the List, Check it Twice
We love starting with a solid list—either from the school or one we create ourselves. Before heading to the store, we always do a quick sweep at home. You’d be surprised how many half-used notebooks, unopened packs of crayons, or extra rulers we already have from last year.
Shop the Sales
One of our favorite mom hacks? Watch the sales like a hawk. Big box stores usually roll out their school promos early, and they add more as the first day gets closer. We like to stock up on the basics and keep a mini supply drawer at home for mid-year emergencies.
Buy in Bulk—When It Makes Sense
We’re all for buying in bulk when it comes to things like glue sticks, pencils, and paper. Especially if you have more than one kiddo in school—it just makes sense. Plus, those extras always come in handy during the school year.
Let the Kids Pick a Few Fun Things
And yes, we always let our kids pick one or two “just for fun” items. Whether it’s a sparkly pencil case, a folder with their favorite cartoon, or a fluffy unicorn eraser—it makes them excited to use their stuff, which is a total win in our book.
Organization Tools That Make a Difference
We like to think of organization tools as the secret sauce to keeping our school year stress-free. Honestly, they’ve saved our sanity more than once—especially when the homework starts rolling in! Plus, organization in general can help in making you calmer and for your mental health!
Planners That Actually Get Used
We love using student planners to keep our kids on top of assignments and deadlines. You can go classic with a dated paper planner, or grab an undated version so they can start fresh any time. For younger ones, a visual chart with stickers works wonders too—it’s fun and functional!
Folders, Binders & Dividers
Color-coding is our best friend. We like to assign each subject a color (math is green, English is blue—anyone else does this too?). Then we match folders or binders with labeled dividers for each class. It keeps papers in the right place and cuts down on those “I lost my worksheet!” moments.
Desk Setup = Game Changer
Having a designated homework station makes a huge difference. We use a rolling cart or a small shelf stocked with supplies—pens, paper, scissors, sticky notes—you name it. Our favorite addition? A cute pencil cup and a mini whiteboard for reminders or quick doodles during breaks.
At the end of the day, we just want our kids to feel prepared and confident—and these tools make it all feel a little more doable (for them and for us!).
Must-Have Basics for Every Student
There’s something magical about brand new school supplies, like a fresh start packed into a backpack. Over the years, we’ve figured out which basics we can’t live without, and we’re sharing our go-to list below.
Whether your little one is starting preschool or heading into high school, these items are always must-haves.
Pens, Pencils & All the Write Stuff
You really can’t have too many! We always stock up on #2 pencils (Ticonderoga is our favorite), plus fun gel pens for note-taking and black or blue pens for writing. And don’t forget sharpeners and erasers, those cute animal-shaped ones? Yes please.
Notebooks, Paper & Folders
We love grabbing a few spiral notebooks, a composition book, and plenty of loose-leaf paper. Folders with pockets and prongs are our go-to for organizing classwork, they help everything stay neat, even if your kiddo is a little…chaotic. (No judgment, we’ve all been there!)
The Bag That Holds It All
Backpacks are such a big deal. We always look for ones with strong zippers, padded straps, and a water bottle holder. Our kids love picking theirs out—and it makes them so excited for the first day!
Lunch Bags & Water Bottles
We love reusable options—insulated lunch bags and stainless steel water bottles keep everything fresh. Add a little surprise snack or note inside? That’s the kind of mom magic we live for!
More Back to School Articles Just for You!
We know back-to-school season can feel like a whirlwind, so we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite reads to help you get inspired, stay organized, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Whether you’re a first-time school mom or a seasoned pro, these articles are packed with tips, ideas, and activities to make the season smoother.
- Get your kids excited for the new school year with these 10 fun back to school activities! Perfect for easing first-day jitters and building classroom connection. Great for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers preparing for back to school 2025.
- Ease the nerves and bring on the smiles! These 15 fun and simple first day of school activities are perfect for preschoolers and early elementary students heading into back to school 2025.
- Prep for back to school with the best educational apps that make learning fun and screen time worthwhile. These picks are great for reinforcing classroom skills, homework help, or homeschool support.
- Whether you’re homeschooling or prepping for preschool, these easy activities are perfect for back to school routines at home. Fun, educational, and designed to support early learning through play.
Take a peek, save your favorites, and enjoy this season of fresh starts. You’ve got this, mama—and we’re cheering you on every step of the way! 💛
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