15 Back To School Supplies You'll Need This Year
It’s that time again—fresh notebooks, new routines, maybe a little bit of panic-buying the night before school starts. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a parent trying to get organized, the right back to school supplies can make a big difference.
This isn’t a list of random stuff you’ll forget about in two weeks. These are the school supplies that are actually helpful, cute, and worth having on hand this year.
What Makes a Good Back-to-School Supply?
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, the best supplies are the ones that:
- Help you stay organized
- Add a little joy to your daily routine
- Don’t break the bank
- Actually get used
The goal isn’t to buy more stuff—it’s to find the tools that make life a little easier once school gets going.
Where to Buy Back-to-School Supplies
You don’t need to drive all over town to find what you need. These spots make it easy to stock up on supplies that are both practical and nice to look at:
- Amazon – Great for fast shipping, basics, and tech accessories.
- Target – Affordable, stylish options for students, teachers, and dorm life.
- Etsy – Personalized pencil cases, aesthetic planners, and handmade decor.
- Small Shops (like Live Oak Print!) – If you want wall calendars or planners, you're in the right place!
Pro tip: shop early if you can—popular items tend to sell out fast once August hits. And don’t forget to check for student or teacher discounts where available!
15 Back To School Supplies You'll Need This Year
Here are 15 practical (and cute!!) back-to-school supplies that will actually make your year a heck of a lot easier!
Writing Tools
1. Mildliner highlighters
Mildliner highlighters are my go-to—I’ve been using them for years and they’re still the best.
I love them for planners (especially the gray mildliners for crossing things out, but still being able to see them!), and they seriously last forever. Totally worth the investment if you want highlighters that are both cute and functional.
2. Fine tip pins
I literally can’t survive without these Pilot G2 pens (specifically the 0.38 tip!). After trying a ton of different brands, these ultra-fine gel pens are hands-down my favorite—they’re nothing fancy, but they make writing feel effortless. I use the 0.38 mm and honestly can’t go back to anything else.
Muji-style pens are a great alternative with a bit more color. They have a cleaner, more minimalist look and still write super smoothly—perfect if you’re going for that aesthetic upgrade.
3. A cute and functional pencil case
If you’re a maximalist who carries all the things, this jumbo pencil case has been a lifesaver. It fits everything—pens, highlighters, sticky notes, even scissors—and keeps it all organized.
Prefer something sleeker? If you travel light (think under 30 writing utensils), this compact pencil case is perfect. I’ve used it for travel and everyday use, and it holds up beautifully without the bulk.
Want to fast-track back-to-school shopping? Check out this highly-rated all-in-one set: 78 aesthetic school supplies including a cute pencil case, pastel highlighters, gel pens, mechanical pencils, and more.
Calendars, Planners, and Notebooks
4. Mid-Year Wall Planners
A mid-year wall calendar is perfect for visual planners, starting in July to align with the school year. Whether you’re a teacher or student, seeing the whole year at a glance makes staying organized SO much easier!
🛒 Shop mine here and use code BLOG10 for 10% off.
Shop You Are Exactly Where You Need To Be Planner
Shop Colorful Vertical Planner
5. Paper Planner
I might have a slight obsession with Clever Fox Planners. I’ve used them for years and gifted them more times than I can count. These are SO worth the price tag!
The best part? They’re undated—so you can start whenever your school year starts, and skip weeks like winter break without wasting any pages.
They also come with fun features like habit trackers, fun stickers, and goal-setting pages, which make them super functional and motivating.
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Clever Fox Daily Planner
- Clever Fox Weekly Planner (my fave!)
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Clever Fox Pocket Planner (a great budget option!)
6. Midyear Calendars
Mid-year calendars are perfect for anyone who plans around the school year instead of the calendar year. They make it easy to see the whole academic year at a glance—and they’re way cuter than whatever the school hands out!
🛒 Shop mine here and use code BLOG10 for 10% off.
Shop Seasonal Produce Calendar
Organization necessities
7. Rotating Desk Organizer
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A rotating desk organizer keeps pens, markers, and supplies within easy reach—perfect for staying tidy during busy school days. The fun design makes it both functional and cute for any classroom or study space.
8. Binders binders binders!
Binders are a back-to-school essential!
This is the best deal I could find on classic 3-ring binders - perfect for families or lots of subjects!
Looking for something a little more elevated than your standard binder? This 3-ring clipboard binder is a total upgrade—it comes with a notepad, dividers with pockets, and a built-in clipboard, all wrapped in a sleek faux leather cover.
It’s functional, durable, and comes in multiple colors like pink and olive green for that extra touch of cute. Perfect for staying organized and looking put-together.
Tech Must-Haves
9. Portable Charges / Power Banks
A portable charger is one of those things you don’t think you need—until you really need it. Whether you’re stuck at after-school activities, heading out on a field trip, or just forgot to charge your phone before class, having backup power can be a total lifesaver
10. Blue Light Glasses
If you’re staring at screens all day, blue light glasses are a game-changer. They help reduce eye strain, headaches, and that weird wired-but-tired feeling after too much laptop time.
11. Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a must if you need to focus in noisy places. Whether you’re in a busy classroom, dorm, or café, they help you stay in your zone.
🎧 Investment pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 – Top-rated for sound, comfort, and battery life. Worth it if you want the best.
🎧 Save: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 – Great noise cancellation under $75 ($39.99 at the time of writing this!). Budget-friendly and super comfy.
Wellness and Self Care Must-Haves
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Mini First Aid Kit or Wellness Pouch – The kit here has it all - linked with Advil, bandaids, etc.
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Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are non-negotiable—because if you’re not drinking water, can you really do anything? Staying hydrated is half the battle during school days, and having a bottle you actually like makes it way easier.
Here are two water bottle options that are high quality and totally on trend!💧 Hydro Flask 32 oz – Keeps drinks cold forever, super durable, and comes in tons of colors. It’s a classic for a reason.
💧 Owala FreeSip 24 oz – Affordable, cute, and has a built-in straw and spout. It’s leak-proof and TikTok-famous for a reason.
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Mini Essential Oil Roller or Calming Spray – For those back-to-school jitters
Bags & Backpacks
14. Lunch bags that don't look like lunchbags
If you’re over the clunky, logo-covered lunch totes, go for one that looks like a chic handbag or mini cooler.
👜 Top Picks
1. Corduroy Strawberry Lunch Box:
Soft, playful, and perfect for anyone who loves a little whimsy. It looks more like a cute pouch than a lunch bag, and it’s insulated too.
This one’s giving vintage picnic vibes but in a totally modern way. The green stripe design is subtle, stylish, and works for school, work, or weekend errands.
15. Best backpacks for back-to-school
Backpacks can set the tone for back-to-school, and although I could write a whole post on this - here are 3 affordable picks I absolutely love
If you want something that feels a little more elevated than your standard school backpack, this quilted option is so cute. It fits up to a 15.6” laptop, has tons of pockets!
Price: $29.98
This one’s a total vibe if you want something playful but still useful. It’s roomy enough for all your books and notebooks, has a front pocket for your essentials, and the design is so minimal, but cute!
Price: $20.89
3. Phaoullzon School Backpack
Don’t let the name fool you—this one works for teens and adults who want a cute, affordable backpack that gets the job done. It has multiple compartments to keep everything organized and a lightweight build that’s easy to carry all day. Bonus: the colors are super fun.
Price: $19.99
I hope this roundup helped you find a few back-to-school essentials you’re actually excited about. Wishing you the absolute best as you head into a new school year—whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just love a good planner season. 💛 You’ve got this!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through them. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think teachers will actually use and enjoy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.