As the summer comes to an end and students prepare to head back to school, it’s time to make sure they have everything they need. 

From new clothes and supplies to a fresh backpack, here are some of the must-haves for a successful school year.

What to Consider When Shopping for School Supplies

August is right around the corner, and with it comes the inevitable back-to-school shopping. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what supplies to buy for your child (or for yourself), so we’ve put together a list of things to consider when shopping for school supplies.

Keep reading to learn more!

School Supply Lists

The time has come to start shopping for back to school supplies. 

But before heading to the store, it is important to consult the school supply list. This will help to ensure that you purchase everything that your child needs, and avoid spending money on unnecessary items. 

The school supply list should include all of the basics, such as pencils, paper, folders, and notebooks. It may also include some specific items that are required for certain classes, such as art supplies or graphing calculators.

By taking the time to review the school supply list, you can be sure that you are prepared for the start of the new school year.

Age of Child

As parents begin to stock up on supplies, it’s important to consider the age of the child. Younger children will need different materials than older students. For example, a preschooler might need crayons and construction paper, while a high school student will need textbooks and college-level materials. 

Organizational Level 

Finally, consider the organizational level of your child. For example, a first grader who is just learning to read and write may need a simple notebook with wide-spaced lines, while a high school student who is taking advanced placement classes will require a more sophisticated planner. 

By matching the type of supplies to the needs of your child, you can help them start the school year off on the right foot.

22 Back to School Essentials to Rock the ‘22 School Year

Are you ready for the ’22 school year? It’s time to get organized and stocked up on the essentials! 

Whether you’re a new high school or college student, or returning to finish your degree, these tips will help you make the most of your experience. Parents – we’ve got plenty of shopping recommendations for you, too!

Check out our list of back-to-school must-haves and get ready to take on the year ahead!

1. A Fresh New Backpack

A quality backpack will distribute weight evenly, which is important for preventing back and shoulder pain. Additionally, a well-designed backpack will have plenty of compartments and pockets to help kids stay organized. And finally, a durable backpack will stand up to the daily wear and tear of being carried around all day long.

This themed backpack is perfect for toddlers and young kids who are just starting school. With all kinds of themes – dinosaurs! Unicorn! Owl! – there’s sure to be an option to please your pickiest tot. 

2. Personal Planner

The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time for your child to start using a personal planner. A planner can help your child to stay organized and on track with homework and other assignments. In addition, a planner can also be used to keep track of important dates, such as tests and projects. 

By using a planner, your child will be able to better manage his or her time and avoid missing deadlines. In addition, a planner can also help your child to develop good habits, such as setting aside time each week to review upcoming assignments. 

This personal planner is the perfect choice. With its bright colors and uplifting design, it’s sure to inspire your child not only to write down tasks in it – but also to get those tasks done. 

3. Fidget Pop Pencil Case

The new school year is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start shopping for supplies. While your child may be focused on getting the latest fashion trends, there’s one school essential that you shouldn’t overlook: a fidget pop pencil case. 

This unique type of pencil case features a built-in fidget toy that can help your child stay focused and reduce stress. And with so much uncertainty surrounding the new school year, a fidget pop pencil case can give your child the extra bit of support they need to succeed. 

So don’t wait – get your child a fidget pop pencil case before the school year starts! 

4. Insulated Lunch Bag

An insulated lunch bag will keep food fresh and safe to eat. Hot food can spoil quickly, and cold food can lose its flavor if it’s not kept at the right temperature. An insulated lunch bag will ensure that your child’s food is just as delicious at lunchtime as it was when you packed it in the morning.

Plus, it will save you money. Packing lunch from home is much cheaper than buying school lunch every day. But if you’re using a regular paper bag, you’re probably wasting money on ice packs or frozen gel packs. An insulated lunch bag will keep food cold without the need for extra ice packs, so you can save even more money.

This insulated lunch bag comes in a variety of styles and prints, making it the perfect choice for any child, regardless of grade level or personality. 

5. Water Bottle

One essential item for any student is a water bottle. Water is essential for overall health and well-being, and it’s especially important for growing kids. It helps to improve focus and concentration, and it can also help to reduce fatigue. 

Furthermore, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that experts recommend that kids drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. 

A water bottle is the perfect way to make sure your child stays hydrated throughout the day, and it’s an essential item for any backpack or desk.

If you’re on the hunt for a new water bottle, this stainless steel pick is the way to go. It will keep your child’s drinks cold while also being durable enough to withstand bumps and drops. 

6. Clip-on Hand Sanitizer 

A clip-on hand sanitizer is a must-have for any child heading back to school. Not only will it help to keep their hands clean, but it will also remind them to use sanitizer throughout the day. Hand sanitizer is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, and it’s especially important as COVID-19 continues to be a problem for school systems around the country. 

7. Zip Binder Book 

One way to help your kids stay organized and prepared for the year ahead is to provide them with a zip binder book. These books have a variety of pockets and compartments that can be used to store everything from school supplies to important documents. In addition, the binders themselves are usually brightly colored, making them easy for your child to spot in their backpack.

8. Kids’ Face Masks

As the new school year approaches, it’s important to make sure your child is prepared with a fresh set of face masks. Face masks are an important part of staying healthy and preventing the spread of illness, and over the course of a school year they can get quite dirty. 

A new set of masks will help your child stay healthy and comfortable, and it’s always good to have a few extras on hand in case of spills or accidents. Plus, with all the fun new designs available, your child is sure to find a set of masks that they love. Consider buying in bulk so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost or damaged!

9. Sandwich Wrap & Snack Pocket Set 

Packing a healthy lunch can be a challenge, especially if you’re short on time. That’s where the Sandwich Wrap & Snack Pocket Set comes in. This handy set includes everything you need to make a healthy sandwich, wrap it up, and grab some snacks on the go. The durable fabric is easy to clean, and the insulated pockets keep food fresh all day long. 

10. School Name Labels 

One essential item for any student is a set of name labels. Name labels help to ensure that your child’s belongings stay safe and organized throughout the year. They also make it easy for teachers and classmates to identify your child’s belongings if they are misplaced.

These name labels are customizable so you don’t have to worry about making your own – or about other students and teachers not being able to read your handwriting!

11. Over-Ear Headphones 

One essential item for any student is a pair of over-the-ear headphones. Here are just a few reasons why your child needs a pair of over-the-ear headphones for the new school year.

First, over-the-ear headphones can help your child focus on their work. With the distraction of classmates and other noise in the background, it can be difficult for students to stay focused on their studies. But with a pair of over-the-ear headphones, they can block out all distractions and concentrate on their lesson.

These headphones aren’t the fanciest ones you can buy – but they’re also durable and most importantly, affordable, making them a good option for parents.

12. New Shoes

As any parent knows, kids grow fast. And that growth can lead to some serious wear and tear on their clothing, especially their shoes. 

By the end of the school year, many kids’ shoes are too small, too scuffed, or simply too worn out to last another year. That’s why it’s important to start the new school year with a new pair of shoes. Shoes that fit properly are important for both comfort and safety. They also help kids to feel good about themselves and ready to take on the new school year. 

So don’t wait until your child’s old shoes are falling apart – get them a new pair now, and start the year off right.

These shoes are uniform shoes, so if your child has to stick to a school uniform requirement, they’re perfect. However, they would also be great as a basic pair of shoes for any other student, too. 

13. Travel Containers for Lunch Essentials 

If you’re packing your child’s lunch every day, travel containers are a must-have. Not only do they keep food fresh but containers can help to prevent leaks and spills. They’re also more environmentally friendly than disposable bags or wrappers. When it comes to lunchtime, travel containers like these bento boxes are an essential part of any parent’s arsenal.

14. Plastic Book Covers 

While pencils, paper, and notebooks are certainly essential, don’t forget to pick up some plastic book covers as well. 

They help to keep books clean and in good condition. Plus, these covers make it easy to identify books that belong to your child. Book covers can even help prevent lost or damaged books.

Plastic book covers are an inexpensive way to protect your child’s books, and they can make a big difference when it comes to keeping them in good condition. So be sure to pick up a few before the school year starts!

15. Stationary 

Though many schools are now digitizing educational resources, there is still a place for good old-fashioned stationary in your child’s backpack. Not only does it provide a backup in case technology fails, but using physical materials can also benefit your child’s learning. 

For example, studies have shown that students who take notes by hand tend to retain information better than those who type them out on a laptop. In addition, having a dedicated notebook for each subject can help your child to organize their thoughts and keep track of assignments. So while digital resources are convenient, there’s no need to get rid of all of your child’s stationary just yet.

If you’re looking for a fun alternative to regular, boring old note paper, check out this stationary. It’s the perfect design for back to school!

16. Highlighters 

While notebooks and pencils are essential, don’t forget the importance of highlighters. Highlighters can help your child to focus while they are reading and make it easier to identify key concepts. 

When studying for a test, your child can use highlighters to mark important information in their textbook. And when writing an essay, highlighters like these can be used to highlight quotes from sources. In short, highlighters are a versatile tool that can help your child to succeed in school.

17. Index Cards and Organizers

One way to help your child stay on top of their workload is to provide them with index cards and organizers. Index cards are great for keeping track of assignments, due dates, and test dates. They can also be used to jot down ideas for papers or projects. 

Keep everything contained with a helpful index card organizer like this one.

18. Weekly Fridge Calendar

A fridge calendar can be a helpful tool for keeping your family organized, and it can be especially useful for children as they adjust to a new school year. By having a central place to track upcoming events and deadlines, your child can stay on top of their commitments and avoid being overwhelmed. 

A magnetic dry erase fridge calendar like this can also help you as a parent to keep track of your child’s activities and ensure that they are getting enough rest and down time. In addition, a fridge calendar can be a fun way to get your child involved in the family routine and help them to feel more invested in their own lives. 

By taking the time to sit down together each week and plan out the coming days, you can help your child to feel prepared for whatever comes their way.

19. Pens and Pencils 

One of the most important supplies on any school list is a good set of pens and pencils. Here’s why.

For one thing, pens and pencils are essential for taking notes and doing homework. No matter what subject your child is studying, they’ll need a dependable writing implement to record information and complete assignments. 

In addition, pens and pencils are great for brainstorming and problem-solving. Sometimes the best way to figure out a tricky math problem or come up with an original story idea is to grab a pen or pencil and start doodling.

Looking for a good set? Here’s a great option. 

20. Pencil Sharpener 

A pencil sharpener is an essential tool for any student, and there are several reasons why your child needs one for the new school year. 

First of all, a sharp pencil is simply more effective for writing and drawing. If a pencil is dull, it can be difficult to create fine lines and details. In addition, a sharpened pencil is less likely to break, meaning that your child will be able to use it for longer periods of time. 

Finally, using a pencil sharpener helps to develop good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. As your child grows older, these skills will become increasingly important. So be sure to stock up on pencil sharpeners before the new school year begins.

21. Calculator 

Whether your child is just starting middle school or entering their senior year of high school, a graphing calculator can be a valuable tool for success in math and science classes. 

A graphing calculator can help your child visualize concepts and solve problems more effectively. In addition, many teachers now require students to use graphing calculators on tests and quizzes, so it’s important for your child to have one that they’re comfortable using. 

Quality graphing calculators can range in price from around $100 to $200, but investing in one now can save you money in the long run by ensuring that your child is prepared for their math and science classes.

22. A Laptop or Tablet 

While pens and paper are always a necessity, more and more schools are requiring students to have a laptop or tablet. There are several reasons for this. 

First, laptops and tablets offer a level of flexibility that is not possible with traditional textbooks. With digital resources, students can easily access additional information and materials when they need them. 

Second, laptops and tablets help to promote collaboration. Students can easily share documents and work on projects together, even if they are not in the same classroom. 

Finally, laptops and tablets provide a unique opportunity for personalized learning. With the right apps and programs, each student can tailor their learning experience to their own needs and interests. As the new school year approaches, be sure to put a laptop or tablet on your child’s list of supplies.

This tablet is a great choice for younger students (particularly elementary-age kids) since it is more accessible and can be equipped with parental locks, if necessary. 

Final Thoughts

It can be tough to know what you need as you head back to school, but hopefully, our list of essentials has given you a good starting point. 

Whether you’re a parent shopping for your child or you’re prepping for your own academic term, consider this your official shopping list for the upcoming school year – and don’t forget to enjoy all the shopping!