As my tween and teen daughters prepare to go back to school, they’re experiencing a mix of emotions. One way that helps them feel more in control of their routine is planning out their back-to-school supplies. With my tween and teen’s help, I’ve put together this back-to-school list of essentials.
This back-to-school essentials list covers everything from homework and locker supplies to wellness items, helping you and your child feel prepared and confident for the year ahead.
Binders and Dividers
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Binders and Dividers
Samsill 1.5 inch 3 Ring Binders: My teen daughter loves this 6-pack of Samsill binders, but they're also available in other quantities. These made-in-the-USA binders are PVC-free, non-stick, and come in a variety of colors. Each one can hold up to 325 sheets.
Intojoy 3 Ring Binder 1 Inch 6 Pack: This 6-pack of white Intojoy binders is a great option for tweens. They're PVC-free, making them better for your kids and the environment. The clear front covers and spine inserts help with organization, and the 3-ring design is easy to use.
Mr. Pen Plastic Folders: Perfect for my teen’s back-to-school organization! These plastic folders are durable and come in fun colors. They'll help her keep track of all her papers and stay on top of her schoolwork.
Mr. Pen Plastic Dividers With Pockets: Out tween is planning to keep her binder organized with these colorful Mr. Pen dividers. They come in eight pastel shades and have pockets on both sides. Designed for 3-ring binders, they'll fit perfectly into any existing system.
Notebooks
Five Star Spiral Notebook College Rule: Organize your tween's notes with this 4-pack of durable notebooks. Scan notes with the Five Star Study App, and enjoy ink-proof, water-resistant pages. Eco-friendly and perfect for back-to-school!
Mintra Durable Office Notebooks: Offered in wide and college-ruled sheets, 15 beautiful colors, and a water-resistant cover. The spiral has a lock on it to prevent snagging on other items in your backpack or locker.
Pencils, Pens and Highlighters
Paper Mate Colorful Gel Pens: Vibrant gel pens with smooth, quick-drying, and smear-resistant ink. Perfect for note-taking with a pop of color.
Mr. Pen- Pens, Black Gel Pens, 6 Pack: My tween is obsessed with these black gel pens! She loves how smooth and skip-free they write, and the ink dries super fast. Plus, they’re comfortable to hold and seem to last a long time.
Shuttle Art Highlighters 18 Colors: This set of 18 vibrant colors helps organize and emphasize information. Their chisel tips allow for both broad highlighting and precise underlining, making them perfect for students’ needs.
Four Candies Mechanical Pencils Set: This pretty pastel color set includes 6 mechanical pencils (0.5mm), 6 tubes of lead (360 pieces), 3 pastel erasers, and 9 eraser head refills.
Accessories
Swingline Tot Mini Stapler: These cute mini staplers have a 12 page capacity, fits in a pencil case, and has a built-in staple remover.
Mr. Pen- Erasers, Pencil Eraser, 12 Pack, Pastel Colors: Our teen loves these latex-free erasers! They're super soft and come in a bunch of cheerful, pastel colors. Best of all, there's no torn paper or smudges with Mr. Pen products.
BIC Wite-Out Quick Dry Correction Fluid: This handy corrector pen dries fast, so you can quickly fix mistakes and keep your writing looking neat. Its precision tip allows for easy application, and the opaque white formula provides good coverage.
15 Piece Locker Organizer and Accessories Kit: My middle schooler likes her locker to be organized so she chose this locker kit for making the most out of her locker space.
5” Micro-tip Craft Scissors: For heavy duty school craft projects, our teen is testing out these scissors this year.
3.5" Sharp Small Craft Scissors all Purpose: Our tween prefers smaller size scissors because they fit inside her pencil pouch.
Post-it Dispenser Pop-up Notes 3in x 3in: My kids started using Post-it Notes in middle school, and we always make sure to have plenty on hand. They're perfect for keeping track of reminders, jotting down ideas, or organizing their notes.
Nicpro 600pcs Mechanical Pencil Refills 0.7 mm: In our house we can never have enough mechanical pencil refills so this 10 tube value pack, total of 600, is a great starter kit for the school year.
Shuttle Art Highlighters, 18 Colors Pastel Highlighter Pens: After our teen stole her sister’s highlighters she now finally has her own set for her freshman year of high school.
Mini Refillable Retractable Quick Dry White Out Correction Tape:
Bags and Storage
JanSport Right Pack Backpack: Both of our kids chose this backpack because they love the off white, creamy color.
Addidas Classic 3S 4 Backpack: Our older daughter used this backpack last year, loved it, so we’re recommending it as an options .
Period Care
Teen and Tween Pick - Always Feminine Wipes 32 Count: Feminine wipes are a must-have for my daughter's period kit. They're small enough to fit in her backpack, so she's always prepared.
Teen and Tween Pick: Period Cramps Pain Relief Patch: Another must have for any period care routine. My daughters find them discrete and easy to use.
First Aid and Safety
Teen and Tween Pick - DMI Mini 20-Piece First-Aid Kit: Packed with essentials like bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes, it's small enough to keep in a backpack, locker, or P.E. bag.
Teen and Tween Picks For Health and Wellness
eos Shea Better Hand Cream - Lavender: My kids really like this cream! They think the lavender smell is calming, and the shea butter keeps their hands soft. Plus, it's tiny, so they can take it anywhere.
Secret Dry Spray Aluminum Free Deodorant: This deodorant is a lifesaver for my busy kids! It keeps them smelling fresh all day without any harsh stuff. I love that it comes as a two pack – one for their gym bag and one for their locker.
PAMI Ultra-Soft Pocket Tissues 8 Pack: With these 8 pack tissues the kids don’t run out of them as quickly. Soft, compact and easy to throw into the backpacks.
Cool Mint Ice Breakers Mints Tin, 3 Pack: If your kids have braces, like mine do, these mints are a fantastic alternative to gum.
Back To School Electronics
Teen and Tween Pick- Casio FX-300ES Plus 2 Pack: My tween and teen wanted to try a new calculator, so I bought this Casio FX-300ES Plus 2-pack. They're happy with all the features and it's great having an extra one for homework or group projects.
Storage and Organization
Teen Pick - Dugio Big Pencil Case For Girls Teens: Our teen chose a small, compact pencil case to keep with her between class periods.
Tween Pick - EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case: Opposite of her sister, our tween decided to try out a large capacity pencil case.
Back To School Vision Board: If your teen or tween wants to make a back-to-school, here’s my step-by-step Vision Board Guide guide showing them how.
Final Thoughts
I hope this back to school essentials list helps your family choose the best supplies for the upcoming school year.
