School Supplies Checklist by Grade — 2026

Quuilt is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The short version: your school's official list wins on specifics — this page covers the 90% that's the same everywhere, so you can buy it all in one mid-July trip when loss-leader pricing bottoms out. Buy doubles of the things that vanish: pencils, glue sticks, headphones.

Kindergarten

Crayons (24-count, two boxes) and washable markers
Glue sticks (6+ — they evaporate) and safety scissors
Two-pocket folders and a plastic supply box
Backpack sized to the child (see the backpack guide) and a soft lunch box
Change of clothes in a labeled zip bag; label everything

Elementary (grades 1–5)

#2 pencils (24+), erasers, pencil case
Wide-ruled notebooks and two-pocket folders (one per subject color)
Crayons/colored pencils, glue sticks, blunt-tip scissors
Wired headphones or earbuds for computer time (buy two — one lives at school)
Water bottle with a gasket-sealed lid

Middle school (grades 6–8)

1" binders with dividers, or an accordion file if the school prefers
College-ruled notebooks, loose-leaf paper, sheet protectors
Blue/black pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters (4 colors)
Basic or scientific calculator per the math teacher's list
Combination lock for the locker; gym clothes and deodorant
A planner — the habit matters more than the brand

High school (grades 9–12)

Binders or notebooks per subject, index cards for test prep
Graphing calculator from the approved-model list (see tech guide)
Sticky notes, highlighters, pens in bulk
Laptop or Chromebook if the school doesn't issue one
Backpack with a padded laptop sleeve

College

Laptop (the one big decision — buying guide) and a surge-protected power strip
Notebooks or a tablet with stylus, per note-taking style
Planner or calendar system, index cards, sticky flags
Desk basics: stapler, tape, scissors, USB flash drive
Dorm gear is its own list — see dorm essentials

Covering the list for less

Mid-July is the sweep window: core supplies hit their loss-leader floor and one basket covers the whole grade list, usually for well under $50 excluding tech. Bulk multi-packs win on pencils, glue and paper but check unit prices on markers. Teachers buying for a classroom should watch dedicated bulk listings and educator discounts. The timing logic and retailer comparison live in the deals guide.

FAQ

Should I wait for the school's official list?

Buy the universals above in July; hold the specifics (calculator model, binder sizes, art fees) for the official list. You'll catch the best prices without double-buying.

What gets lost or used up first?

Pencils, glue sticks, headphones and water bottles. Buy doubles in the same trip — replacing them individually in October costs more than the July multi-pack.