Back-to-school supplies List for Every Grade Level with Budget – Everything You Need – From Preschool and Kindergarten to High School. From Preschool to High School – Plan & Budget with Ease.

The back-to-school season can be exciting… and a little overwhelming! Whether you’re preparing your child for their very first day of kindergarten or sending a teen off to high school, having the right supplies can make all the difference.

Here’s your must-have school supply checklist by grade level and estimated prices – with all the essentials your child will need for a successful school year.

Back to School Supply Checklist with Price Column

Preschool (Ages 2–4) & Kindergarten Supply List (Ages 4–6)

Everything you need for basic motor skills, creativity, and classroom routines.

Label all items with your child’s name using waterproof labels to avoid lost items.

Must-Haves

• Child-sized backpack (no wheels): Durable and small for little ones. Estimated price: $15–$25
• Reusable water bottle (12 oz, stainless steel): Easy to open, promotes hydration. Estimated price: $10–$20.
• No. 2 pencils (12-count, pre-sharpened): For early writing. Estimated price: $3–$6
• Washable crayons (24-count): For art and fine motor development. Estimated price: $3–$6
• Blunt-tipped scissors: Safe for cutting practice. Estimated price: $2–$5.
• Glue sticks (2-pack): Non-toxic, easy for small hands. Estimated price: $2–$4.
• Plastic folder with pockets: To organize artwork. Estimated price: $1–$3.
• Change of clothes (labeled): For accidents, in a labeled bag. Estimated price: $10–$20.
• Tissues (2 boxes): For classroom sharing. Estimated price: $4–$6.
• Hand sanitizer (8 oz): For hygiene, often shared. Estimated price: $3–$5.
• Washable markers (10-count): For creative projects. Estimated price: $4–$7
• Wide-ruled composition notebook: For drawing or early writing. Estimated price: $2–$4
• Large pink eraser: For mistake correction. Estimated price: $1–$2.
• Total estimated cost: $54–$101.

Try to shop during tax-free weekends (check your state’s schedule) to save 6–8% on eligible items like backpacks and clothing.

Back-to-School Elementary School Supply List (Grades 1–5)

You probably still need to label all items with your child’s name using waterproof labels to avoid lost items.

Must-Haves

• Backpack: Durable, with compartments. Estimated price: $20–$35.
• Reusable water bottle (16 oz): $12–$22.
• No. 2 pencils (24-count, pre-sharpened): $6–$10.
• Crayons (24-count): $3–$6.
• Washable markers (10-count): $4–$7.
• Scissors (5-inch, blunt for grades 1–2, pointed for 3–5): $2–$5.
• Glue sticks (4-pack): $3–$6.
• Plastic folders with prongs (4, color-coded): $4–$10.
• Wide-ruled spiral notebooks (3): $6–$12
• Loose-leaf wide-ruled paper (100 sheets): $2–$5.
• Ruler (plastic, 12-inch): $1–$3.
• Pencil pouch: For organization. Estimated price: $3–$6.
• Tissues (3 boxes): $6–$9.
• Hand sanitizer (8 oz): $3–$5.
• Headphones (wired, non-Bluetooth): For classroom tech. Estimated price: $10–$20.
• Total estimated cost: $85–$151.

If you buy in bulk at office stores like Staples or online at Walmart you will get deals on pencils and notebooks.

Back-to-School Middle School Supply List (Grades 6–8)

Middle schoolers need supplies for multiple classes and lockers, think organization.

Must-Haves

• Backpack: Sturdy, with laptop compartment. Estimated price: $25–$40.
• Reusable water bottle (20 oz): $15–$25.
• No. 2 pencils (24-count): $6–$10.
• Ballpoint pens (10-pack, blue/black): $3–$7.
• Highlighters (4-pack): $3–$6.
• Colored pencils (12-count): $4–$8
• Scissors (7-inch): $3–$6.
• Glue sticks (2-pack): $2–$4.
• Spiral notebooks (5, college-ruled): $10–$15.
• Loose-leaf college-ruled paper (150 sheets): $3–$6.
• 3-ring binder (1.5-inch): $5–$10.
• Plastic folders with prongs (5): $5–$10.
• Ruler (12-inch): $1–$3.
• Pencil pouch: $3–$6.
• Combination lock: For lockers. Estimated price: $5–$10.
• Headphones (wired): $10–$20.
• Basic calculator (e.g., TI-30XS): $15–$25.
• Tissues (2 boxes): $4–$6.
• Total estimated cost: $119–$197.

If you start shop early (June–July) during sales like Target’s Back-to-School-days you could get discounts up to 20% on some supplies.

High School Supply List (Grades 9–12)

High schoolers juggle multiple subjects, think some advanced organizational tools, and some tech.

Must-Haves

• Backpack (clear, if required): $25–$45.
• Reusable water bottle (20 oz): $15–$25.
• No. 2 pencils (24-count): $6–$10.
• Ballpoint pens (10-pack, blue/black): $3–$7.
• Highlighters (4-pack): $3–$6.
• Colored pencils (12-count): $4–$8.
• Spiral notebooks (6, college-ruled): $12–$18.
• Loose-leaf college-ruled paper (200 sheets): $4–$8.
• 3-ring binders (2, 1.5-inch): $10–$20.
• Dividers (8-tab): $3–$6.
• Plastic folders with prongs (6): $6–$12.
• Graphing calculator (e.g., TI-84): $90–$130.
• Pencil pouch: $3–$6.
• Combination lock: $5–$10.
• Headphones (wired): $10–$20.
• USB flash drive (16GB): $8–$15.
• Tissues (2 boxes): $4–$6.
• Total estimated cost: $216–$352.

Make sure you check for student discounts at Dell or Apple for tech like calculators, and reuse supplies from previous years to cut costs.

Money-Saving Tips

Shop Early

Start 4–6 weeks before school to catch sales like Target’s Back-to-School Days or Amazon Prime Day.

Use Tax-Free Weekends

Many states offer tax-free days in August for items like backpacks and clothing.

Buy in Bulk

Office stores like Staples or Walmart offer deals on pencils, paper, and notebooks, if you buy in bulk.

Check Dollar Stores

Dollar Tree or Dollar General have basics like folders and glue sticks for $1–$2.

Reuse Supplies

Inventory last year’s supplies to avoid duplicates. Pencils and rulers don’t expire!

Label Everything

Kids lose stuff, as simple as that. Use waterproof labels to prevent buying replacements.

Check also how to start homeschooling easily!