Coding for Kids
It’s that time of year again. The leaves start to turn, the air gets cooler, and the aisles of stores are suddenly filled with notebooks, backpacks, and everything else you need to get ready for brand new back to school supplies. Yes, it’s back-to-school season, and whether you’re a seasoned parent who’s been through it all or a new parent feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm, it’s easy to feel buried under a mountain of pencils and glue sticks.
Back to school supplies shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, though. With some planning, savvy shopping, and this handy guide, you can check off everything on that school supply list without breaking the bank—and maybe even have some fun along the way.
Table Of Contents:
- Back to School Supplies Checklist: Don’t Forget a Thing.
- Stretching Those Dollars: Smart Back-to-School Shopping Tips
- FAQs about back-to-school supplies
- Conclusion
Back to School Supplies Checklist: Don’t Forget a Thing.
Classroom supply lists are about as unique as each student’s. While the exact supplies your child needs might differ from others’, there are some common threads—those trusty No. 2 pencils, sturdy binders, and colorful art supplies. Here is a basic list to get you started, but remember to consult your child’s school or individual teachers for specific requirements:
Elementary School
Elementary school is all about bright colors and fostering a love of learning, and the right back to school supplies can help make that happen. Don’t forget paper towels, hand sanitizer, and other cleaning supplies that teachers often request.
- Backpack
- Lunch Bag
- Pencil Box
- No. 2 Pencils
- Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Markers
- Safety Scissors
- Glue Sticks
- Eraser
- Construction Paper
- Wide-Ruled Notebooks
- Folders
Backpack Shopping: Choosing the Right Fit
For younger kids especially, a good backpack isn’t just about what cartoon character is printed on it (though, let’s be real, that’s important too.). A good, properly fitted backpack can make a difference in your little one’s health and posture. Make sure to pick a size that’s appropriate for your child’s height and build—it should fit snugly against their back without hanging down too low.
Lunchtime Essentials
These days, there are so many cool options available. From insulated lunch boxes that keep food cold to bento box-style containers that make packing fun, lunchtime is another great opportunity to express personality. And, of course, a sturdy, reusable water bottle is essential for keeping those little ones hydrated throughout the day.
Middle School
Middle school often marks the start of switching classrooms and more challenging subjects. Having the right back to school supplies helps them stay organized. Teachers often ask for extra boxes of facial tissues and disinfecting wipes on the school supply list.
- Backpack
- Lunch Box
- Pencil Pouch
- Mechanical Pencils
- Blue or Black Pens
- Highlighters
- Erasers
- Three-Ring Binders
- Dividers
- Loose Leaf Paper
- Spiral Notebooks
- Graph Paper
- Index Cards
- Ruler
- Protractor
Organization is Key (and Cool.)
Help them conquer the chaos of changing classes and multiple assignments with binders, dividers, and folders galore. This is also a great time to introduce them to a planner—helping them learn valuable time-management skills.
High School
High school is about navigating heavier workloads (literally and figuratively), juggling extracurricular activities, and prepping for those all-important college applications. These high school students buying guides may also need a desk lamp and other desk accessories for studying at home.
- Durable Backpack
- Lunch Box
- Laptop Case (depending on the school’s technology policies)
- Scientific Calculator or Graphing Calculator
- Pens (Blue, Black, Red)
- Highlighters
- Pencils (No. 2)
- Permanent Markers
- Binders
- Loose Leaf Paper
- Spiral Notebooks
- Index Cards
- Planner
- Flash Drive
Think Long-Term
Invest in high-quality, long-lasting supplies. A durable backpack will be a lifesaver, and a good-quality laptop will see them through those late-night study sessions. Consider going for a more sophisticated color palette or design—after all, high school is about expressing personal style, right?
Stretching Those Dollars: Smart Back-to-School Shopping Tips
You’ve got that school supply list, and you’re ready to conquer those aisles. But don’t just grab the first things you see (we’ve all been there, right?) – shop smart. Back-to-school supplies, while necessary, don’t need to blow your budget.
Hunt for Sales and Deals
Retailers often have fantastic back-to-school sales in July and August, both in-store and online. You can also check online coupon sites or browser extensions for extra discounts and cashback opportunities. It can add up fast. In 2023 alone, the National Retail Federation anticipated families to splurge around $890 on back-to-school shopping—that’s no small chunk of change.
Take Advantage of Sales Tax Holidays
Many states have “sales tax holidays” in late July or early August. During these holidays, certain school supplies and clothing items are exempt from sales tax, which can save a considerable amount of money if you plan your shopping strategically. Seventeen states, to be exact, are ready to make back-to-school shopping a little easier with sales tax holidays specifically for school essentials.
Prioritize and Reuse What You Can
Take stock of what you already have. Before you go on a shopping spree, dig through those drawers and pencil cases – chances are, you’ll find perfectly good supplies from last year that can be reused, especially basics like rulers, scissors, or pencil sharpeners. Even gently used notebooks can often be repurposed for the new school year. Every bit of savings helps.
Compare Prices and Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)
Compare prices from different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your money. You can often score better prices when you buy certain items in bulk. If you have multiple kids or you know they’ll use a lot of a particular supply throughout the year, like pens or pencils, buying in bulk is a good strategy.
FAQs about back-to-school supplies
What are the top-selling back-to-school supply items?
The top-selling back-to-school items vary from year to year, but some perennial favorites back to school supplies include notebooks, backpacks, pens, pencils, and crayons. These items are essential for most students, regardless of their grade level.
Why are school supplies important?
Having the right back-to-school supplies makes all the difference in a student’s ability to learn, focus, and succeed in the classroom. The tools for success aren’t limited to just academics. School supplies can help students stay organized, express their creativity, and feel prepared for their school day.
How much do Americans typically spend on back-to-school shopping?
It’s certainly no small figure—in the back-to-school season of 2023, American families collectively shelled out an eye-popping $41.5 billion on back-to-school needs. Now, this covers everything from those essential school supplies to trendy new wardrobes. And, let’s not forget those tech gadgets that are increasingly making their way onto school supply lists.
Conclusion
Back-to-school supplies shopping is a rite of passage. From picking out the perfect first-day outfit to meticulously labeling every notebook (come on, admit it, you do it too.), these last fleeting summer moments are etched in our memories. Embrace those moments, shop smart, and send them off for a fantastic school year, prepared with all the tools for success—not just the ones that come in a backpack.
