How to maximize Back-to-school supply list-2025 guide for parents, students

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As the summer winds down, you can practically smell the return to school in the air.

Back-to-school sales dominate targeted ads and passing billboards, and families are cramming in as much vacation and ice cream time as they can. It’s just about time to stock up on pencils and new sneakers, and to do it best you’ll want to look for deals while looking for school supply reviews, too.

Back-to-school supplies for elementary students:

• 1 pocket folder per subject
• Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)
• Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebook
• Loose-leaf blank paper
• Pencils
• 2 erasers
• Ruler
• Pencil sharpener (metal ones, even small ones, will last longer if kids can hold onto them)
• Box of crayons
• Colored pencils
• Washable markers
• Bottle of glue
• 2 glue sticks
• Safety scissors
• Backpack
• Pencil box or bag for supplies.

Your child’s teacher may also request classroom supplies like disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer or tissues. When in doubt, send a quick email to their new teacher ahead of the first day of school.

Back-to-school supplies for middle school students:

• 1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders
• Binder dividers
• 1 pocket folder per subject
• Sticky notes
• Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)
• Combination lock for lockers
• Loose-leaf ruled paper and/or notebook
• Loose-leaf graph paper or notebook
• Mini stapler
• Highlighters
• Blue or black pens
• Pencils
• 2 erasers
• Ruler
• Pencil sharpener
• Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)
• Colored pencils

Your teacher may also ask for some specific supplies depending on the type of work you’re doing, like USB drives, calculators or a compass and protractor. Check in with your teacher before school starts if you’re not sure what to buy.

Back-to-school supplies for high school students:

• 1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders
• Binder dividers
• 1 pocket folder per subject
• Sticky notes
• Agenda
• Combination lock for locker
• Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebooks (one per subject)
• Loose-leaf graph paper or notebooks
• Highlighters
• Blue or black pens
• Pencils
• 2 erasers
• Ruler
• Pencil sharpener
• Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)

How to shop for back-to-school supplies

Take a deep breath – we know this is an overwhelming time for parents. Take it step by step.

Consult the list

Run through the required supplies and contact your child’s teacher if you have questions or don’t see something you think will be important. If you have a little extra in your budget, ask your child’s new teacher if they need help supplying their classroom.

Search for deals

School supplies can be expensive. The National Retail Federation estimated American households would spend nearly $900 in the 2023 back-to-school season.

Decide if you want to shop in person at major retailers or avoid the lines entirely by shopping online. Check out these discounts from Amazon, Target, Walmart and Staples.
If you’re in the market for a new back-to-school wardrobe or are purchasing big this school year, here’s a list of the best student and teacher discounts

Plan ahead

After you’ve shopped your way down the list, the next best thing to do is be prepared. Game plan go-to healthy school lunches and after-school snacks for the weekly rotation. Make sure to pack your backpack or child’s backpack ahead of time so you’re not scrambling on the first day. We’ve also got tips for how to clean your kid’s backpack, which is probably pretty gross.

.Amazon Basics Pressboard Classification File Folder with Fasteners, 2 Dividers, 2-Inch Expansion, Pack of 10, 12.17 x 10.67 Inch (Letter), Red

Kpdoit for iPhone 15 Pro Max Wallet Case, for iPhone 15 Pro Max Case with Card Holder & Wrist Strap & Lanyard, RFID Blocking Rugged Sturdy Shockproof PU Leather Crossbody Case-6.7″ (Violet Purple)

Pink Erasers, Shuttle Art 200 Pack Pink Erasers Bulk for School, Office, Latex-Free Soft Erasers for Kids, Teachers as School Supplies

Discover the Best Back-to-School Deals

Get ahead of the game and start shopping for back-to-school supplies today! We have gathered the best deals from top retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Staples just for you. Whether you need to stock up on pencils and paper or want to upgrade your technology, we have got you covered. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your back-to-school shopping, shop now and save!

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