We write about school supplies for a living, so we’ve seen it all. The viral TikTok water bottles. The cutesy lunchboxes that hold one bite of food. The pencils that break if you look at them wrong. So when it’s time to stock up for our own kids, we don’t mess around. From genius name stamps to the only scissors we’ll buy again, these are the best school supplies we’re actually adding to our carts this year.
Our Go-To: Staples
Staples nailed it this year (and we’ve been relying on them big-time): backpacks around $20, notebooks that last more than a day, water bottles that don’t leak on homework, and glue that does its job (plus everything else on that classroom list—seriously). Prices start low (yes, 25 cents is a thing), so we’ve been stocking up for the whole year without panicking.
Staples Back-to-School (starting at $0.25)—Shop Here!
Lunch Box Joke Notes
Swap the “You’re a champ!” index cards for hilarious jokes you can tear off and slide right into their lunch box. It’s a low-effort way to make your kid the lunch table legend.
Lunch Box Joke Notes ($9.29)—Buy Here!
Elmer’s Scented Glue Sticks
Because our kids will definitely glue something they shouldn’t, we might as well make it smell like cupcakes. These washable, clear glue sticks come in fun dessert scents like sugar cookie, apple pie, and watermelon, making them slightly less annoying when they’re used to bedazzle the dog. Kid-fave, teacher-approved, and totally snack-scented (but not edible—tell them twice).
Elmer’s Scented Glue Sticks, 6pk/4ea ($26.97)—Buy Here!
Standing Pencil Case
This zippered pouch fits so much stuff and stands upright on the desk like the overachiever it is. Durable, roomy, and easy to access mid-meltdown over math homework, it’s basically the pencil case equivalent of a supportive best friend. Comes in cute colors, too.
Standing Pencil Case ($12.99+)—Buy Here!
Takeya Actives Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Water Bottle
Hydration meets cafeteria disco. Stainless steel, dishwasher-safe, straw lid, and easy to find on hectic mornings (whether it’s still dark outside or not).
Takeya Actives Kids Glow-in-the-Dark Water Bottle ($28.99)—Buy Here!
Ooly Make No Mistake Erasable Markers
The erasing is still sorcery, but the colors are bright, the tips last, and you just flip them over to erase any outside-the-lines accidents.
Ooly Make No Mistake Erasable Markers ($14.95)—Buy Here!
Ballpoint Character Pen Set, 10pk
Fun enough that our kids actually want to use them. The characters are cute, the colors pop, and having ten in a pack means we can stash a few in backpacks, a few at home, and still have extras when one inevitably disappears into the couch cushions.
Ballpoint Character Pen Set, 10pk ($12)—Buy Here!
Bostitch Twist-N-Sharp Pencil Sharpener, 3pk
Because the “I can’t, my pencil’s broken” excuse gets old fast. This little guy has a twist-to-sharpen design, a covered blade for safety, and an easy-open tray that actually keeps shavings contained (phew). It even lets you choose between sharp or blunt tip for smaller kids.
Bostitch Twist-N-Sharp Pencil Sharpener, 3pk ($7.08)—Buy Here!
SmileyWorld Erasable Cover Notebook
We love this one because it works as both a mini notebook and a doodle pad. Kids can take notes, then draw all over the erasable cover when they need a break—wipe it clean, and it’s ready to go again.
SmileyWorld Erasable Cover Notebook ($8)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
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