Okay, so I just got my daughter’s back to school shopping list for the fall, and here’s the thing: It doesn’t look all that thorough. I mean, yes, every back to school list should include pencils and notebooks, but what about all the other important stuff? The stuff they don’t put on the list? After the first few weeks of school, I know there are going to be a lot of trips to Target and orders placed on Amazon, so why not bite the bullet and get it all done ahead of time?
Of course this list has the coolest scented colored pencils and pretty desk calendars, but I’ve thought outside the box and included must-haves like a playful alarm clock, touch-screen laptop, everything you could possibly want on, in, and under your desk, and even some cute clothes and snack ideas. Basically, I want all of the items on this essential back to school supplies list, and I bet you will too.
More School Ideas:
101 Essential Back to School Supplies
Colorful Mouse Pad
Dress up your kid's computer station at home with a fun mouse pad.
Buy it
Photo: Zazzle
Bento Box Organizers
Make after-school snacks a little easier to plan with these simple bento box organizers.
Buy it
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
Desktop Pencil Holder
Here's a cute way to keep those pencils in place.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Scented Colored Pencils
These markers smell sweet without too many fumes!
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Playful Alarm Clock
Make sure everyone is up and at 'em with this adorable alarm clock.
Buy it
Photo: Modcloth
Desk Calendar
Buy one for your kid and one for yourself to stay on top of those school events.
Buy it
Photo: The Container Store
Cute Tape Dispenser
Add some whimsy to any desk with this adorable tape holder.
Buy it
Photo: Target
Cool Lunch Bag
This eco-friendly lunch sack is hard to beat.Buy it
Photo: Dabba Walla
Calculator
Make sure your child has a small calculator on hand for tricky problems.
Buy it
Photo: Zerbee
Wall Organizers
Keep your kid's schedule (and homework for the night) top of mind by hanging this scheduler in her study area.
Buy it
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
Cute iPhone Case
Help keep your kid's iPhone safe with a fun protector.
Buy it
Photo: Walmart
Drawstring Backpack
This floppy backpack can hold smelly gym clothes (and fold neatly into your child's main backpack).
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Character Two-Pocket Folders
Make organizing papers more fun with these cool cartoon folders.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Touch-Screen Laptop
It's the best of both the tablet and computer worlds.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Fun File Folders
Organize homework with these fancy (yet inexpensive) folders.
Buy it
Photo: The Container Store
Locker Light
This clickable light is the ultimate locker accessory (and it's useful too).
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Locker Magnets
These handy magnets are great to use in lockers, or for hanging up important school notices at home.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Reusable Snack Bags
These reusable bags are great for snacks that you buy in bulk.
Buy it
Photo: Target
Classic Shirts
Short-sleeve shirts are cheap to stock up on during summer sales and easy to layer in the winter.
Buy it
Photo: GAP
Winter Coat
A wool coat can't be beat on cold mornings!
Buy it
Photo: Nordstrom
Rain Boots
Don't get stuck with the right shoes when it storms; rubber boots will keep her feet nice and dry.
Buy it
Photo: Target
Cool Shoes
This shoe works for every outfit for boys and girls of all ages.
Buy it
Photo: Zappos
Gym Shoes
Great running shoes for PE class are a must.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Composition Books
Your kid will use this classic every day.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Pencil Pouch
This pencil pouch will stand out in your kid's messy backpack.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Academic Planner
There's no excuse for forgetting homework with one of these.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Whimsical Journal
It's perfect for that English class journal—or a private one to keep at home.
Buy it
Photo: EcoJot
iPod Shuffle
This small MP3 player will let your kid enjoy her favorite tunes inexpensively.
Buy it
Photo: Apple
Personalized Pencils
How cool is it to have a set of pencils with your own name on them?
Buy it
Photo: Lillian Vernon
Cool Erasers
Erasing mistakes has never been more fun!
Buy it
Photo: Graphite
DIY Pencil Case
Or, if you're feeling crafty, make your own eye-popping pencil holder.
Get step-by-step DIY instructions
Photo: Momtastic
Colorful Binders
These colorful polka dot and patterned binders will keep papers organized and easy to find.
Buy it
Photo: Target
Word Processing Software
Because your kid will be using it for years to come.
Buy it
Photo: Office Depot
Binder Clips
Some stacks of paper need more than a paper clip; in those cases, these binder clips will come in handy.
Buy it
Photo: The Container Store
Cool Pencil Sharpeners
Make sure those #2 pencils are always sharp with these portable sharpeners.
Buy it
Photo: U.S. School Supply
DIY Book Covers
You don't need to spend lots of money on book covers from the store when you can make your own at home.
Get step-by-step DIY instructions
Photo: Momtastic
Laptop Sleeve
Keep that brand new laptop scratch free in your kid's backpack.
Buy it
Photo: Zazzle
Quirky USB Drive
Jump drives are the floppy disks of your childhood. Buy them in bulk because they will be lost.
Buy it
Photo: Gadgetsin
Creative Paper Clips
Why use regular paper clips to keep things organized when you can use fancy number clips instead?
Buy it
Photo: Fancy
DIY Pencil Toppers
Add fun flair (on the cheap) to your kid's pencils.
Get step-by-step DIY instructions
Photo: Momtastic
Crayola Crayons, 64-Count
Every child should start the year with a giant box of fresh crayons.
Buy it
Photo: OfficeMax
Freezer Packs
Keep your child's lunch nice and cool with these playful reusable ice packs.
Buy it
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
Locker Padlock
Make it easy for your child to identify their gym locker with these great padlocks.
Buy it
Photo: MasterLock
Great Homework Desk
This stylish desk will help take some of the pain out of homework time.
Buy it
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
Task Chair
Pair a comfy chair with a great desk for homework time.
Buy it
Photo: OfficeDepot
Laptop Light
Now here's a bright idea that will come in very handy!
Buy it
Photo: Bed Bath & Beyond
Push Pins
Pick up some colorful push pins to go with your child's scheduler.
Buy it
Photo: Auntie Moo's
Desk Organizer
Keep your kid's desk at home neat (and stocked with homework essentials) with this organizer.
Buy it
Photo: The Container Store
Chalkboard Globe
Studying geography has never been more fun.
Buy it
Photo: Land of Nod
Colored Chalk
To use on the chalkboard globe, of course.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Electric Wall Charger
Keep the juice flowing in all of those electric devices with this portable charger.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Kindle E-Reader
Keep your child reading day after day with an e-reader. You can fill it up with books from the local library or ones that you purchase.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Kindle Cover
Keep that e-reader clean (and fun to carry around) with this Harry Potter cover.
Buy it
Photo: Nerd Approved
Translucent Boxes
Organize homework-area pencils, paper clips, and more using these inexpensive containers.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Portable Desk
This sturdy work surface will let her get a change of scenery when she needs a break from her desk.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Cool Clipboard
Homework should be finished the night before, but clipboards come in handy when there's more to do in the car or on the bus.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Washable Markers
The ink from these markers will wash off every non-paper surface, making after-school craft clean-up a snap.
Buy it
Photo: Target
Highlighters
Summarizing text is much more fun when you've got bright highlighters to play with!
Buy it
Photo: Walmart
Kids Scissors
These scissors are fun to use and extra safe.
Buy it
Photo: Office Depot
Wooden Ruler
This classic wooden ruler is so much sturdier than the flimsy plastic ones.
Buy it
Photo: Office Depot
Mini Stapler
Help her keep her papers organized and together with this handy stapler.
Buy it
Photo: Office Depot
Gel Ink Pens
The ink in these pens won't smudge or smear.
Buy it
Photo: Office Depot
Colored Construction Paper
Be prepared for any art project with a pack of this stuff.
Buy it
Photo: Quill
Neon Page Markers
These colorful page markers mean no more school books with folded-over pages.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Index Cards
The days of creating flashcards will continue through college, so stock up now for the entire school year.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Glue Sticks
Cut back on the glue mess with these sticks that won't drip.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Washable No-Run Glue
If your child prefers bottles (instead of sticks) of glue, use this washable formula.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Dry Erase Markers
Keep a few of these dry erase markers on hand for school projects.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Paper Pouches
These pouches are the ideal way to keep homework organized in backpacks and binders.
Buy it
Photo: The Container Store
Math Tool Kit
This nifty plastic kit will keep your kid's math tools organized when school isn't in session.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Erasable Dividers
These erasable tabs take the hassle out of labeling dividers.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Paper Protectors
Keep important school papers safe with these heavyweight sheet protectors.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Powerhouse Backpack
Protect their little backs with a backpack on wheels, like this superhero one.
Buy it
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
Headphones
Chances are your child will use a computer or tablet for homework; keep him focused with his own headphones.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Report Covers
Because your child will have book reports all year long.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Correction Tape
This tape is easier and less messy than Wite Out for correcting mistakes made in ink.
Buy it
Photo: Staples
Trapper Keeper
The ultimate binder from the eighties is back and just as awesome!
Buy it
Photo: Kmart
Doodling Pens
Make it easy for your kids to doodle and write fun notes to their friends (after class, of course).
Buy it
Photo: Target
Printer Paper
Printer ink is a commodity, so expect to do most of your child's paper printing at home.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Graphing Calculator
This gadget is a must for more advanced math classes.
Buy it
Photo: Office Depot
Cute Post-it Notes
These sticky notes are fun and functional.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Washi Tape
This fun paper tape is great for crafts.
Buy it
Photo: Walmart
Artist Smock
Protect your kid's clothes during art class with a bold smock.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Three-Hole Punch
Keep papers organized into binders with this easy-to-use hole punch.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Inkjet Printer
Your kid can print documents and make copies with this gadget.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Sanitizing Wipes
Help prevent cold and flu by tucking these wipes in her backpack (and encouraging her to use them lots!).
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Labels
These labels will help ensure that your kid's school gear makes it back home.
Buy it
Photo: Namebubbles
Love Notes
These personalized lunch box notes will brighten his day.
Buy it
Photo: Personalization Mail
Kid-Sized Umbrella
Be prepared for the first rainy school day with the cutest umbrella in the class.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Jeans
These Levi's will last through rough and tumble days at recess.
Buy it
Photo: Macy's
Zip-up Hoodie
Every kid needs a hoodie or two to go between indoors and outdoors on a fall day.
Buy it
Photo: Gap
Fall Jacket
A lightweight jacket is perfect for those chilly fall days (and nights).
Buy it
Photo: Disney Store
Socks
Socks will be lost, misplaced, and mangled throughout the year, so start with a giant stockpile in the fall.
Buy it
Photo: Old Navy
Watch
Help kids learn to keep time and to keep on time with their own watch.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Clothing Stamp
Mark your kid's clothes with this ink stamp to keep items from getting lost.
Buy it
Photo: Laundry Stamp
On-the-Go Snacks
Send your kids to school with high-protein, low-sugar snacks.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon
Nature Box
You'll always have a cabinet stocked with healthy treats for after-school snacks with a snack delivery subscription.
Buy it
Photo: Nature Box
Water Bottles
These reusable water bottles mean you don't have to buy one-time-use plastic water bottles anymore.
Buy it
Photo: Pottery Barn Kids
Basic Skills Worksheets
Have your kids brush up on basic skills with these worksheets.
Buy it
Photo: Dollar Tree
Art Easel
Give your kid an artistic outlet when he gets home from a day of serious schoolwork.
Buy it
Photo: IKEA
Photo Box
Store school mementos in this box, and then make scrapbooks at the end of the year.
Buy it
Photo: Amazon