Elementary-School Supplies List 2023
The Ultimate Elementary-School Supplies List For 2023
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Back-to-school season is upon us, and whether your little one is embarking on their first or last year of elementary school, there's likely a lengthy list of items their school has sent over.
While some things will be specific to the teacher or grade your child is in, other items are basic necessities, like backpacks, notebooks, and pencils. But not all the good stuff makes it onto the official list — like a stylish bento box or a dry-erase markers.
To help guide your shopping and get your kids the necessities you maybe haven't thought about yet, we rounded up the best back-to-school essentials you and your elementary schooler will use all year long. Keep reading to check out our top picks for all elementary-age kids.
— Additional reporting by Marisa Petrarca
1 Best For Documenting Memories
First and Last Day of School Photo Chalkboard Signs ($10)
If you want to take school comparison photos of your kids through the years, these chalkboard signs will help you make memories. The set includes a double-sided chalkboard with white paint and a black marker.
2 Best Supplies Set
Back to School Supply Box ($30)
If you want to get everything your elementary-age child needs, opt for this well-stocked kit. It has all the supplies, like markers, scissors, and glue, that your child should need to get the year started. PS: Amazon sells curated kits like this for older children, too.
3 Best For Making Mistakes
72 Pcs Back to School Mini Erasers ($12)
This will get little ones excited about going back to school. These vibrant erasers come in six different shapes, plus, they'll signal to your little one that it's OK to make mistakes — and plenty of them.
4 Best Insulated Lunch Box
JanSport Lunch Break Insulated Cooler Bag ($25)
This lunch box has thermal insulation to help keep food and beverages hot or cold for hours. It also comes in various patterns and colors so your little one can choose their favorite.
5 Best Utensil Set
Travel Utensil Set With Case ($8)
This utensil set is a sustainable alternative to disposable utensils — and you get four in a pack, which means you'll have extras on standby.
6 Best For Note-Taking
Oxford Spiral Notebook 6 Pack ($13)
Classic composition notebooks are a staple for elementary school. These come in six colors so your child can separate their school subjects by color.
7 Best For At-Home Practice
Crayola Dry Erase Markers ($5)
These fine-tip markers come in bright colors, and they're great for practicing school lessons at home on white boards, whether it's writing, spelling, math, or just keeping the household organized.
8 Best For Warding Off Germs
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel — 6 Pack ($14, originally $18)
Keep little hands clean in between handwashing with this pack of gel santizers. They're all travel-size, so they can always carry one in their bag or jacket pocket.
9 Best For Keeping Food Cold
Fit & Fresh Soft Cool Coolers Ice Packs ($10)
These ice packs are flexible, making them perfect for just about any type of lunch box or bag. Plus, check out these fun designs.
10 Best Trendy Backpack
HotStyle Trendymax Backpack ($25)
This pack is a reliable favorite. It has spacious storage in the main compartment, a front utility pocket, and two exterior slip pockets perfect for a water bottle. It comes in a variety of patterns as well!
11 Best For Reliable Writing
BIC Xtra-Smooth Mechanical Pencils ($8, originally $14)
Stock up on this writing tool, especially if your kid has a tendency to lose pencils. Plus, you won't have to worry about a sharpener since these are mechanical and easy to refill.
12 Best For Reminders and Active Note-Taking
Mr. Pen Sticky Notes Set ($8, originally $11)
Whether it's bookmarking, a helpful reminder, or active note-taking, a set of these sticky notes will come in handy. In fact, the whole family will love using them.
13 Best Sharpener For #2 Pencils
Mr. Pen Pencil Sharpener, 6-Pack ($8, originally $11)
These fun and expressive sharpeners are the perfect companion for Ticonderoga Pencils ($6, originally $9), or any #2 pencils, for that matter.
14 Best For Snack Storage
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bags ($7, originally $10)
Make their in-class snacktime eco-friendly with a reusable food baggie. This one is dishwasher safe and has an airtight pinch-lock seal to keep food fresh.
15 For Reading: BiC 5pk Highlighter Brite Liner
BiC 5pk Highlighter Brite Liner ($2)
Don't forget to add this pack of highlighters to the cart. These will come in handy for word searches and reading assignments. This set comes with a variety of colors.
16 Best For Projects
Crayola Construction Paper ($12, originally $15)
Stock up on this pack of construction paper before the school year starts. It's a must have for drawing and school projects, and this 240-count pack will last you a while. Be sure your young one has a Westcott Classic Kids Scissors ($4) to go with it, too.
17 Best For Crafts
Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks ($3, originally $13)
Buy a pack of Elmer's glue sticks so you won't have to run out to the store for a while. Put one or two in your elementary schooler's pencil cases, and save the rest for home.
18 Best Lunch Box Alternative
Bento Lunch Box For Kids ($15, originally $23)
A bento box for kids reduces the need for foil or plastic wrap, encourages portion control, and makes cleanup a breeze. This one's spill-proof and BPA-free.
