High School Supplies List 2022
The Ultimate High School Supplies Checklist, According to Editors
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Aside from picking out the perfect first day of school outfit and ensuring you're stocked up on their favorite snacks, another major order of business is scooping up all the necessary school supplies. You'll need the basics, like notebooks, pens, and a backpack, but chances are, they don't want anything that's super ordinary. After all, certain products have the power of making them feel like they can take on anything the year might throw at them, be it the perfect locker accessories or a brand-new pencil case.
We just know they'll also appreciate those items that *probably* don't make the cut of their official high school shopping list — like a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and hand sanitizer to ward off germs before diving into your lunch. So ahead of their first day, we've curated a list of our favorite items that are both stylish and functional to help cross the essentials off the list. Check it out ahead, and don't forget to peruse our kindergarten, elementary, and middle school guides, as well.
1 A Backpack: All in Motion 17.5" Backpack Lifestyle
Run, don't walk to get your hands on the All in Motion 17.5" Backpack Lifestyle ($35), which looks luxe but won't break the bank. It features a loop handle, adjustable over-the-shoulder straps, two bottle pockets, and a laptop pocket.
A Backpack: Herschel Supply Co. Daypack Backpack
You can't go wrong with the classic Herschel Supply Co. Daypack Backpack ($40), featuring a front storage pocket and adjustable shoulder straps. It comes in enzyme-washed cotton canvas colors as well as fun patterns.
A Backpack: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
The Fjallraven Kanken Backpack ($80) is stylish and functional. It comes in over 25 different colors and can be carried like a backpack or a top handle bag — your call.
2 Cool Jeans: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
If they're going back to school, they need cool jeans. We're big fans of these Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean ($104, originally $138) which are now 25 percent off for Madewell's Insiders event. They're aptly named; the perfect vintage-inspired fit, with modern touches that make them feel current and cool. These are the jeans everyone's going to be asking about this year.
3 A Lunch Bag: Homespon Reusable Lunch Bag
The Homespon Reusable Lunch Bag ($13) is arguably the chicest lunch bag on Amazon, plus it's super easy to clean and roomy. Need we say any more?
A Lunch Bag: BAGGU Puffy Lunch Bag
The BAGGU Puffy Lunch Bag ($38) is made from recycled materials and comes in three retro-inspired prints. It's anything but ordinary thanks to its puffy shape.
4 A Pencil Case; KALIDI Grid Mesh Pencil Case
The KALIDI Grid Mesh Pencil Case ($14) is made of see-through mesh, so you can conveniently see what's inside. It can hold a whopping 50-60 pens and comes in nine colors.
5 A Laptop: MacBook Air 13.6" Laptop
The MacBook Air 13.6" Laptop ($1,199) is an investment you won't regret. It's the brand's latest model, with up to 18 hours of battery life and durable, all-aluminum unibody.
A Laptop-Tablet Hybrid: Samsung Chromebook Plus V2
You can use the Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 ($320, originally $500) like a laptop and tablet (cool, right?). It's so convenient and easy to use.
6 Headphones: Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
If they need silence when they study, reach for the Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones ($200). They'll tell everyone in the library that they mean business, and the sound quality is excellent.
7 A Smart Notebook: Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook ($21, originally $32) is a great option for the tech-obsessed. How it works is that they can transfer handwritten notes to popular cloud services like Google Drive, which prevents paper waste while keeping them organized. Simply wipe the pages of the 48-page dot grid notebook clean with a damp cloth and they'll be able to use it over and over.
8 Locker Organizers: U Brands Locker Organizer and Decorating Kit
The U Brands Locker Organizer and Decorating Kit ($20, originally $28) comes with everything they need to deck out their locker and keep their belongings organized: a shelf, mirror, white board, magnets, and pen holder.
9 Locker Lock: Zarker XD35 Padlock
A lock like the Zarker XD35 Padlock ($9) is a must have for keeping their belongings safe. We love how this one comes in a bunch of fun colors like yellow, blue, and pink.
10 Pens: BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen
If they're known for losing pens (us too), this BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen Set ($5, originally $7 for 60) is a game changer — especially for the price. Plus, they have tens of thousands of five-star ratings, so you don't have to worry about them not working well.
11 Highlighters: BIC Brite Liner Highlighter
The BIC Brite Liner Highlighters ($11) are this editor's personal favorite. They're thin enough to be precise, and so bright. The brand notes they won't dry out, even when left uncapped for up to eight hours.
12 Pencils: BIC Velocity Max Mechanical Pencil
If they're only allowed to write in pencil, the BIC Velocity Max Mechanical Pencils ($5, originally $6) are the ones to get. They have a soft gel grip that molds to your hand for optimal comfort, and dark smooth writing that practically looks like pen, but erases easily.
13 Hand Sanitizer: Touchland Glow Mist Rejuvenating Hand Sanitizer
The Touchland Glow Mist Rejuvenating Hand Sanitizer ($16) is infused with a rosewater scent that sanitizes while giving hands a hydration-boost. Plus, the packaging is so cute that everyone's going to want a spritz.
14 Post-Its: Cape Town Collection, 18 Padsd
Stay stocked on sticky notes for the year with the Post-it Notes, 3x3 in, 18 Pads ($23, originally $26). We love the Cape Town collection, which comes in five vibrant hues that'll boost your spirits and grab their attention.
15 A Planner: Blue Sky 2022-23 Academic Planner Weekly/Monthly 8.5"x11" Solid Slate
Keep them on track of deadlines with a planner they'll actually look forward to using, à la the Blue Sky 2022-23 Academic Planner Weekly/Monthly 8.5"x11" Solid Slate ($10) from Target. An added bonus of this one is that inside, there's helpful student resources like a periodic table, breakdown of the scientific method, a map of the states and capitals, and more.
16 Notebooks: Mintra Office Spiral Notebooks
If they like organizing their school subjects by color, check out the Mintra Office Spiral Notebooks ($16). You get six college-ruled notebooks in pretty pastel hues. Looking to supply the whole family? Check out the Mintra 24-Pack ($45).
17 A Graphing Calculator: Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator, Mint
If you know they're going to need a graphic calculator, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator ($140, originally $149) is one of the best on the market, evidenced by its five-star rating, rated by nearly 30,000 shoppers.
18 Binders: Yoobi 3-Ring Binder Set
The Yoobi 3-Ring Binder Set ($25) comes with four two-inch, three-ring binders, each of which holds up to 500 sheets, with inside pockets to store loose notes and handouts.
19 Erasers: Mr. Pen Pencil Erasers Set
The Mr. Pen Pencil Erasers Set ($9) includes six pink erasers and 60 colorful pencil top erasers they'll love using at school and home. And according to the brand, they won't tear paper like some erasers do.
20 Book Covers: Blue Summit Supplies Stretchable Book Covers
Book covers are a staple in most schools. We love the Blue Summit Supplies Stretchable Book Covers ($15) because they're durable and fairly priced.
21 Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Cap Bottle
The Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Cap Bottle ($45) will keep iced water cold all day long. It may be on the pricier side, but it will last for years. Oh, and it comes in a bunch of different colors.
22 Compass & Protector: Up & Up Compass and Protractor Set
Make sure they're prepared for geometry with the Up & Up Compass and Protractor Set ($4) from Target, which is durable and adjustable, with a comfortable grip handle. Plus, it's hard to beat the price.
