Whether your child is virtually learning from home this year or looking to enrich their skills at home, it's time to stock up on some back-to-school essentials. From classics must-haves like folders and notebooks to items you never thought you'd need to invest in, like a kid-friendly tablet, these finds will make school and learning a little easier and organized. We rounded up the best back-to-school supplies your kids will use all year long.
— Additional reporting by Hedy Phillips
If your child is at home working on school work all day, it's a good idea to invest in a proper desk. This 39-inch ODK Computer Writing Desk ($47) is not only at pretty good price point but it also has additional storage that will keep them organized.
You can't beat a classic, and composition notebooks are a staple for elementary school. These AmazonBasics Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks ($10) come in four colors so your child can separate their school subjects by color.
If they prefer spiral bound notebooks, the Amazon Basics Wide Ruled Wirebound Spiral Notebook ($10) is a must.
POPSUGAR's latest book, You've Got This! by Jessica MacLeish, is the perfect gift to give to any young person struggling as they embark on a new school year. The book is filled with writing prompts, inspirational quotes, and mindfulness techniques to help the reader stay focused and channel their creativity in positive ways.
Your little one can color-code these Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Plastic Folders ($11) with their notebooks to match subjects. They can keep track of homework and practice problems all in one place.
No school year is complete without a planner. The 2021-2022 Academic Planner ($12) has both monthly and weekly pages for easy year-round scheduling. There's enough space for detailed daily planning, assignments, and post-school activities. There's even a notes section for writing important things, appointments, or inspirational quotes.
Whether it's bookmarking, a helpful reminder, or active note-taking, a set of these Mr. Pen- Sticky Notes Set ($8) will come in handy. In fact, the whole family will be able use these handy sticky notes.
Kids and parents can use this Quartet Cork Board Bulletin Board ($22) to hang daily reminders, assignments, calendars and more. It's a great way to stay organized while seeing what tasks and assignments need to be completed. Hang it right above their desk at home.
Stock up on these BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils ($8, originally $12), especially if your kid has a tendency to lose pencils. You won't have to worry about constantly sharpening pencils since they are mechanical.
The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook ($32) is a smart notebook that can be digitized so your kid doen't have to carry around a ton of notebooks and folders. It's a 32 page lined notebook can be used endlessly by wiping clean with a damp cloth. All you have to do is scan the notes with your phone, and organize it in a dedicated folder in a cloud-based service or notetaking app like Google Drive or Evernote.
If your kid is learning virtually or doing a hybrid-based program, they'll need a good, easy-to-use laptop. The Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop ($260) is a flexible option that kids can use as a laptop with a proper keyboard or as a tablet.
This Yaheetech Ergonomic Desk Chair ($50) comes in a variety of colors, so you and your child can pick which is best for them. Having them do schoolwork in a desk chair at a proper desk will help them stay focused.
Keep papers, books, and other supplies organized in this Seville Classics 8-Drawer Multipurpose Storage Cart ($60). It'll keep it contained and make it easy to find every day. They can even organize their assignments by class.
If you want to get everything your elementary-age child needs, opt for this Back To School Supply Box ($30). It has all the supplies, like markers, scissors, and glue, that you child should need to get the year started. Amazon also sells kits like this for older children as well.