Seven (7) Essential Back to School Items You Should Get Now

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Back to school season is right around the corner, and students, parents, and teachers are all preparing for another academic year. While technology and digital tools are gaining popularity, traditional school supplies remain indispensable for everyday learning.

It’s time to get prepared for a smooth start. Whether you’re a student gearing up for another year of learning or a parent making sure your child is ready, having the right supplies can make all the difference. While school supply lists may vary, there are a few must-have essentials that every student needs to succeed.

To help you make the right choices, this article explores seven essential back-to-school items in detail. From glue sticks to highlighters, we will break down different product options, their pros and cons, and which ones are best suited for your needs.

This detailed guide covers:

1. Glue Sticks
2. Folders
3. Erasers
4. Colored Pencils
5. Pencils
6. Notebooks
7. Highlighters

1. Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are a staple in every student’s backpack. Unlike liquid glue, glue sticks are clean, easy to use, and mess-free, making them ideal for classroom projects and quick fixes. From attaching worksheets to creating art projects, glue sticks are an essential supply that teachers often request.

Why They’re Essential:

• They allow for neat, precise gluing without sticky messes.
• Perfect for arts, crafts, and school projects.
• Compact and lightweight, so they fit easily in pencil cases or supply boxes.

Having a few glue sticks on hand ensures you won’t run into last-minute struggles during creative assignments or classroom activities.

Recommended products

Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Stick

Pros: Goes on purple so children can see where glue is applied; dries clear; non-toxic; washable.
Cons: May dry out quickly if left uncapped.
Best For: Younger students who need visual guidance while gluing.
Review: Parents and teachers love the disappearing purple formula because it prevents mess and over-application.

Elmer’s Washable School Glue Stick

Pros: Easy to wash off hands and clothes; dries quickly; safe for kids.
Cons: Not as strong on heavier materials.
Best For: Elementary school projects and crafts.
Review: A classroom favorite for its safety and reliability.

Elmer’s School Glue Stick

Pros: Affordable; dries clear; versatile for paper crafts.
Cons: Can struggle with thicker or glossy paper.
Best For: Everyday schoolwork and lightweight projects.
Review: A standard staple in classrooms and highly accessible.

AdTech Glue Stick

Pros: Stronger adhesion than many school glues; applies smoothly; good for arts and crafts.
Cons: Slightly pricier; may clump if over-applied.
Best For: Older students or projects requiring stronger bonding.
Review: Well-rated for craft projects beyond schoolwork.

2. Folders

Staying organized is key to school success, and folders are one of the best tools to achieve that. With multiple subjects, assignments, and handouts, it’s easy for papers to get lost or crumpled at the bottom of a backpack. A sturdy set of folders can help keep everything in order.

Why They’re Essential:

• Great for separating subjects (math, science, English, etc.).
• Helps protect assignments and worksheets from damage.
• Keeps homework, projects, and study materials easy to find.

Color-coded folders can be especially useful for younger students or those juggling several subjects. Organization saves time and reduces stress, making folders a must-have.

Recommended products

Hilroy Twin Pocket Folder

Pros: Simple design; lightweight; affordable; multiple colors.
Cons: Less durable for long-term use.
Best For: Elementary and middle school students with light paper storage needs.
Review: Great starter folder for students beginning school.

Mr. Pen Plastic Folders

Pros: Durable plastic; water-resistant; colorful designs.
Cons: Slightly bulkier than paper folders.
Best For: Students who want reusable, long-lasting folders.
Review: Popular among parents for its resilience.

Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Plastic Folder

Pros: Affordable bulk packs; heavy-duty construction; professional look.
Cons: Limited color/design variety.
Best For: High school or college students with multiple classes.
Review: Praised for affordability and sturdiness.

Pendaflex File Folder

Pros: Professional grade; available in large packs; excellent for organization.
Cons: Made from paper—less durable than plastic.
Best For: Teachers, office workers, and older students.
Review: Reliable for academic and office organization.

Oxford Folder

Pros: Well-constructed; neat look; available in many colors.
Cons: Mid-range durability—lasts longer than basic paper, but less than heavy plastic.
Best For: Middle school to college students.
Review: Trusted choice for years with consistent quality.

Amazon Basics Folder

Pros: Affordable; minimalistic; available in bulk.
Cons: Not as durable as heavy-duty versions.
Best For: Budget-conscious families.
Review: A reliable basic folder for everyday school use.

3. Erasers

Mistakes happen—that’s part of learning. Erasers are a simple yet crucial supply for every student. Whether you’re solving math problems, sketching in art class, or editing notes, having a reliable eraser can make a big difference.

Why They’re Essential:

• They allow students to correct errors neatly without damaging paper.
• Essential for drafting essays, solving equations, or practicing handwriting.
• Available in different forms—pencil-top erasers, block erasers, and fun shapes for kids.

Good erasers not only make your work cleaner but also encourage students to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of ruining their assignments.

Recommended products

STAEDTLER Mars Plastic Vinyl Eraser

Pros: High precision; clean erasing; doesn’t smudge.
Cons: Slightly more expensive.
Best For: Artists, designers, and perfectionists.
Review: Widely praised for professional-quality erasing.

Paper Mate Speed Eraser

Pros: Affordable; efficient at removing graphite; durable.
Cons: Can sometimes smudge softer pencil leads.
Best For: General classroom use.
Review: Dependable eraser with long-lasting performance.

Amazon Basics Block Eraser

Pros: Very affordable; available in multi-packs; good performance.
Cons: Bulkier than precision erasers.
Best For: Students needing many erasers for everyday use.
Review: Great value option without sacrificing effectiveness.

Shuttle Art 72 Pack Premium Erasers

Pros: Large quantity; affordable for bulk purchases; soft texture.
Cons: Not as long-lasting as premium erasers.
Best For: Classrooms and group settings.
Review: Ideal for teachers stocking up supplies.

Shuttle Art Pink Eraser

Pros: Classic style; firm erasing power; inexpensive.
Cons: May leave behind eraser dust.
Best For: Everyday schoolwork.
Review: A nostalgic, functional choice that works well.

Mr. Pen Eraser

Pros: Comes in variety packs; good for both light and heavy erasing.
Cons: Some packs are inconsistent in quality.
Best For: Families seeking affordable variety.
Review: Reliable mid-tier eraser option.

4. Colored Pencils

Creativity is an important part of learning, and colored pencils give students a way to express ideas visually. Beyond art class, colored pencils are useful for diagrams, maps, charts, and projects that require a splash of color.

Why They’re Essential:

• Encourages creativity and artistic expression.
• Helpful in science, geography, and history projects for labeling or highlighting.
• Can make study notes and visual aids more engaging and easier to remember.

From kindergarten to high school, colored pencils remain a versatile and valuable tool in every student’s school supply kit.

Recommended products

STAEDTLER Colored Pencils Set

Pros: Smooth color application; break-resistant; wide color range.
Cons: Pricier than basic sets.
Best For: Art students and serious hobbyists.
Review: Highly recommended for its professional quality.

Pencil Crayons

Pros: Affordable; widely available; good for younger students.
Cons: Not as vibrant as premium brands.
Best For: Everyday coloring and school art projects.
Review: A standard choice for general school use.

Crayola 24 Twistables

Pros: No sharpening required; vibrant colors; child-friendly design.
Cons: Limited longevity compared to wood pencils.
Best For: Younger kids and quick coloring tasks.
Review: Loved by parents for convenience and mess-free design.

Crayola 2 Pack

Pros: Affordable bulk purchase; consistent quality.
Cons: Basic colors only.
Best For: Families needing multiple sets.
Review: A trusted, budget-friendly Crayola option.

PRISMACOLOR Premier

Pros: Professional-grade; highly pigmented; smooth blending.
Cons: Expensive; fragile tips.
Best For: Advanced artists and serious coloring enthusiasts.
Review: Widely regarded as the gold standard for colored pencils.

AmazonBasics Colored Pencils

Pros: Affordable; decent color range; reliable performance.
Cons: Not as smooth as higher-end brands.
Best For: Students who want quality on a budget.
Review: Excellent for its price point.

KALOUR 72 Count Pencil Crayons

Pros: Large color selection; smooth application; good blending.
Cons: Packaging can be flimsy.
Best For: Students and beginners experimenting with art.
Review: Great balance of quantity and quality.

5. Pencils

Perhaps the most iconic back-to-school item, pencils are an absolute necessity. They are used for nearly everything—taking notes, solving problems, sketching, or completing homework. Even in a digital age, pencils remain unmatched for flexibility and reliability.

Why They’re Essential:

• Great for writing, drawing, or test-taking.
• Mistakes can be erased, unlike with pens.
• Affordable, easy to carry, and available in both traditional and mechanical options.

Stocking up on pencils ensures you’ll always be prepared, no matter the subject or assignment.

Recommended products

STAEDTLER The Premium Pencil

Pros: High-quality graphite; durable; precise writing.
Cons: Higher price point.
Best For: Students who value precision and reliability.
Review: Known for professional-grade performance.

Amazon Basics Wood-Cased Classroom Pencils

Pros: Affordable bulk packs; smooth writing; reliable.
Cons: Sharpening can be inconsistent.
Best For: Classrooms, teachers, and families on a budget.
Review: Great everyday pencil choice.

BIC Extra Precision 0.5 mm Mechanical Pencil

Pros: Fine point for detailed writing; consistent performance.
Cons: Lead breaks more easily.
Best For: Students who prefer fine handwriting.
Review: Loved by students for its precise lines.

Four Candies Cute Mechanical Pencil Set

Pros: Fun, colorful designs; comes with accessories.
Cons: Not as durable as professional brands.
Best For: Younger students who enjoy personalized stationery.
Review: Attractive and functional.

BIC Extra Smooth Mechanical Pencil

Pros: Smooth writing; widely available; good grip.
Cons: Standard design—lacks uniqueness.
Best For: Middle school and high school students.
Review: Dependable and comfortable.

PM Everstrong 10CT Card CNDA

Pros: Break-resistant; durable lead; long-lasting.
Cons: Less widely available.
Best For: Students who need sturdy pencils for exams.
Review: Great reputation for reliability.

BIC Mechanical Pencil Medium

Pros: Affordable multipacks; widely trusted; consistent.
Cons: Average durability.
Best For: Everyday use.
Review: A classroom standard pencil.

6. Notebooks

Notebooks are the foundation of learning and organization in school. Every student needs a dedicated space for taking notes, jotting down ideas, and completing assignments. Depending on grade level, students may need multiple notebooks for different subjects.

Why They’re Essential:

• Provides a structured place to keep track of lessons and notes.
• Encourages organization by keeping subjects separated.
• Available in a variety of formats: wide-ruled, college-ruled, spiral-bound, or composition books.

Notebooks are an investment in academic success—they’re where ideas take shape and knowledge is stored.

Recommended products

Hilroy 1 Subject Coil Notebook

Pros: Affordable; lightweight; variety of colors.
Cons: Limited page count.
Best For: Single class or subject notes.
Review: Classic notebook for students of all ages.

Hilroy 3 Subject Coil Notebook

Pros: Dividers for organization; more pages.
Cons: Heavier to carry.
Best For: Middle and high school students with multiple classes.
Review: Great for staying organized.

Hilroy 5 Subject Coil Notebook

Pros: Excellent for multi-class use; built-in dividers.
Cons: Bulky and heavy.
Best For: College students or heavy note-takers.
Review: One of the best options for comprehensive organization.

Amazon Basics Classic Lined Notebook

Pros: Professional look; durable binding.
Cons: Pricier than basic notebooks.
Best For: College students and professionals.
Review: Reliable for long-term use.

Oxford Notebook Spiral

Pros: Smooth paper; durable cover; good for pens.
Cons: Slightly more expensive.
Best For: High school and college students.
Review: Highly rated for quality writing experience.

7. Highlighters

Highlighters may not be the first supply that comes to mind, but they are incredibly helpful for studying and organization. Students can use them to emphasize key points in notes, textbooks, or handouts, making review sessions more effective.

Why They’re Essential:

• Helps identify and remember important information quickly.
• Useful for color-coding notes and assignments.
• Makes study sessions more engaging and organized.

Whether used for highlighting definitions, marking deadlines, or reviewing lecture notes, highlighters are a powerful study tool.

Recommended products

BIC Brite Liner Grip Pastel Highlighter

Pros: Soft pastel tones; comfortable grip.
Cons: Limited color range.
Best For: Students who want subtle highlighting.
Review: Perfect balance of comfort and color.

Sharpie Tank Highlighter (36 Count)

Pros: Bold, bright colors; long-lasting ink; bulk pack.
Cons: Thicker tips—less precise.
Best For: College students with heavy reading.
Review: Highly dependable for extensive highlighting.

Sharpie Tank Highlighter (4 Count)

Pros: Compact pack; consistent performance.
Cons: Limited color variety.
Best For: Students needing basic highlighting options.
Review: Reliable everyday choice.

Sharpie Accent Pocket Assorted

Pros: Assorted colors; slim design; portable.
Cons: Smaller ink reservoir.
Best For: On-the-go students.
Review: Convenient and colorful.

Amazon Basics Highlighters

Pros: Affordable; brightly colored; transparent ink; chisel tip.
Cons: Not as long-lasting as Sharpie or BIC.
Best For: Students who like aesthetic notes.
Review: Excellent value for stylish highlighting.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for the new school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These seven categories of school supplies—glue sticks, folders, erasers, colored pencils, pencils, notebooks, and highlighters—form the backbone of a productive academic experience. Each product mentioned above has its strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, your choice depends on your needs, budget, and preferences.

Preparing for back-to-school season doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on these seven essential items—glue sticks, folders, erasers, colored pencils, pencils, notebooks, and highlighters—you’ll be equipped for a smooth and successful year. Each supply serves a purpose, from keeping work neat and organized to sparking creativity and improving study habits.

Starting the school year with the right tools not only sets students up for academic success but also boosts confidence and motivation. Don’t wait until the last minute—stock up now and be ready for whatever the school year brings.

By stocking up on these essentials now, you’ll set yourself up for an organized, creative, and successful school year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. When should I buy school supplies for back-to-school?
Ans. It’s best to shop a few weeks before school starts to avoid last-minute crowds and shortages. Many stores also offer discounts during this time.

Q. How many notebooks should a student have?
Ans. This depends on the number of subjects. Younger students may only need one or two, while middle and high school students may need one per subject.

Q. Are glue sticks better than liquid glue?
Ans. For school use, yes. Glue sticks are neater, dry faster, and are less likely to cause messes compared to liquid glue.

Q. Why are highlighters important for studying?
Ans. Highlighters make it easier to spot key information, organize notes, and improve memory by emphasizing important concepts.

Q. Do students really need colored pencils if they aren’t in art class?
Ans. Yes—colored pencils are often used in various subjects for diagrams, charts, and projects, making them useful beyond just art.

Q. What’s the difference between wide-ruled and college-ruled notebooks?
Ans. Wide-ruled paper has more spacing between lines, making it ideal for younger students. College-ruled paper has narrower lines, which is better for older students who write more notes.