Updated for 2023
Even though it’s the middle of Summer, it’s time to start thinking about school supplies. Many kids in Los Angeles will be starting classes again in just a few weeks, so whether we are 100% on board with that or not, we need to get them ready.
While each teacher may have a specific list of school supplies they use in their classes, families can get a jump start on the shopping by stocking up now on some of these essential back-to-school must-haves. No matter what grade your kids are in, some school supplies are universally needed, and they will probably often need to get upgrades.
Related: School Calendars for Los Angeles Public Schools.
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Essential School Supplies for In-Person OR Distance Learning
1. Printer Ink
Make sure you’ve got some extra cartridges. You’ll most likely be printing out a lot more than usual. You definitely don’t want to run out of black ink while in the middle of printing out your child’s weekly assignment.
2. Printer Paper
Likewise, you’ll need plenty of printer paper. Order more than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have extra on hand. And remember, you don’t have to just save your printer paper for the printer. It works great for art projects, too!
2A. Printer
It follows that you’ll need a printer to go with all that paper and ink, too!
Find our Printer Picks in our Amazon Shop.
3. Headphones
Between online lessons and content-related games, a comfortable pair of headphones might be what you need for peace in the house. Of course, you know your child best. Younger children might need you to listen in to instructions.
4. Backpack
Some kids wear out or outgrow their backpacks every year, so this is a purchase you’ll probably be making quite a few times! And sometimes kids like to have a backpack with their favorite characters on them, although as they get older they will probably want their backpack to be in solid colors instead. Rolling backpacks are very helpful when your kids have a lot of books or heavy books!
5. Lunch Box or Lunch Bag
Even if your child is getting served hot lunch at school, they may want to bring some snacks along just in case. Lunch bags are so high-tech these days, with serious insulation, multiple compartments, and so many designs to choose from. You’ll probably also want to consider getting a Bento Box type, so you can really go all out!
6. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is super important, and you want to send your child off to school — or to play — with a large container of water to drink. Many schools have refillable water stations now, so they can always get more during the day.
Find all our backpack, lunch bag, and water bottle picks in our Amazon shop!
7. Pencils
There are so many options here. Decide on these with your child — which is better, mechanical pencils (don’t forget extra lead) or wood pencils that need to be sharpened? (Though some pencils are sold pre-sharpened, you’ll want to have a sharpener available. This might be the year you invest in a small electronic sharpener.)
8. Erasers
And don’t forget about the erasers! Get creative and pick out some fun ones in designs that match your child’s personality and interests.
9. Pens
Older students will most likely be using pens (except for math) so have a stash of those on hand. Erasable pens make life easier. And Highlighters become more important as kids get older. Some students respond well to highlighting passages, important dates, etc. Make sure you get some in colors other than standard yellow.
Find all the Pens and Pencils in our Amazon Shop.
10. Basic Office Supplies
Think stapler and staple remover. Scissors. Ruler. Glue (liquid glue or glue sticks). Tape.
See all the Office Supplies we think are cool in our Amazon Shop.
11. Essential Art Supplies
Crayons, colored pencils, and markers. Crayola is known for its large assortment, including washable markers and colored pencils with erasers. And don’t forget a box of “Colors of the World” crayons, so your child can create a true self-portrait.
Get our Art Supplies Ideas here in our Amazon Shop.
12. Small Dry Erase Board
Your child won’t run out of ways to use a small dry-erase board. Great for working out math questions and writing practice (some boards come with lines on them for just this purpose).
13. Dry Erase Markers and Eraser
Don’t forget to snag some fun colors in addition to the standard black and blue markers.
White Board and Dry Erase Markers and Supplies in our Amazon Shop.
14. Index Cards
For many students, index cards are an absolutely essential study aid. For younger students, they also work as flashcards — great for practicing letters, multiplication facts, states and capitals, etc.
15. Three-ring Binder (or a few)
In addition to one or more three-ring binders, you’ll also need dividers to separate the papers for each class as well as plenty of binder paper.
16. Spiral Notebooks
Some students find it helpful to have one single-subject spiral notebook for each class.
Tons of Paper Goods, Notebooks and Supplies in our Amazon Shop.
17. 2-pocket Folders
If your child isn’t using a binder, a 2-pocket folder is an effective way to keep important class papers in one location. You can also make things easier by designating one color for each class. Math class might use a purple spiral notebook and purple folder, for example, while history class uses a green spiral and green folder.
18. Accordion Folder
Still, another way to organize school papers is by keeping everything in one spot in an accordion folder. Designate one section for each class, and have extra spaces left over for school forms, school contact information, etc.
19. Pencil Pouch/Box
Your student will need a way to keep all those pencils and highlighters organized and neatly stashed away when not in use. Now’s the perfect time to purchase a fun, colorful pencil pouch for your child.
20. Post-Its
Sticky notes are a great way to write yourself a reminder, mark a particular page in a textbook, or keep a password handy near the computer.
21. Student Planner or Desk Calendar
While many students put important dates into their phones, it’s also helpful to have an analog version of keeping track of upcoming assignments, projects, and Zoom meetings. A desk calendar is easily accessible so parents can also keep track of their child’s progress on long-term assignments.
Calendars and Planners in our Amazon Shop.
22. Snacks
Now is the time to stock up on some easy-to-grab, no-mess snacks kids can enjoy while working. Just a few ideas to get your list started — raisins, trail mix, pretzels, or granola bars.
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Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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