100-plus back-to-school supplies and must-haves for every student
Back-to-school essentials for every student
Back-to-school shopping can be challenging. From clothing to classroom supplies and backpacks for carrying supplies to and from school, there are numerous items that students need to get the new school year off to a successful start. To help you shop for this busy time of year, we’ve put together a guide that’s packed with must-haves.
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Whether you need crayons for a preschooler or a mini fridge for dorm life, our back-to-school supplies list has something for students of all ages. What’s more, we’ve organized our favorite products into easy-to-follow categories to simplify your back-to-school shopping goals.
In this article: JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack, Crocs Unisex Child Classic Clogs and Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4)
Top back-to-school buys
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
This classic JanSport backpack is a great choice for students of all ages with its durable construction, roomy interior and comfortably padded straps. It's available in tons of colors and should be able to last multiple years for your kiddo.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
Dorm dwellers have limited options for preparing meals, but the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 significantly increases the possibilities. It’s a multicooker that has 11 one-touch smart functions in one appliance. It’s available in multiple sizes, but the 3-quart model is ideal for students with limited space.
Midea 1.6-Cubic-Foot Compact Refrigerator
A mini fridge is a must-have for dorm life. This compact model doesn’t take up much space but has enough interior room for a small stash of groceries. The door can fit tall bottles and the interior shelf is removable to maximize space. It also has a small top freezer compartment.
If your college student’s dorm is extremely small, that doesn’t mean they have to give up on having a fridge. This mini model offers just enough space for a few beverages, leftovers or skin care products. It can be powered with the included standard or 12V charger cords.
CGK Unlimited 4-Piece Sheet Set
These sheets are available in twin and twin XL sizes in addition to all other standard mattress sizes, so you can find sets for a dorm bed or a college apartment. They are breathable and cooling, so they will be comfy to sleep in. You can choose from a large selection of attractive colors.
Veken French Press Coffee Maker
Many college students need coffee in the morning, and whenever they require an energy boost for late-night studying. A French press brews quickly and has a compact design, which are great features for busy scholars.
Best back-to-school clothing and shoes
Hanes Boys’ Eco Smart Pullover Hoodie
This kid-safe hoodie is cord-free but still blocks the wind on cooler days. It’s made of a cotton/polyester blend, with 5% of the polyester coming from recycled bottles. The fabric also features a high-stitch density for improved durability and pilling resistance.
Crocs Unisex Child Classic Clogs
These versatile, comfy Crocs are perfect for school because kids can quickly get them on and off. They’re also flexible, so they let your child move freely. Best of all, they’re available in more than 20 colors to please any kid.
These soft, lightweight jeggings pair well with tees, sweaters, and more. They have a slim fit from the hip to the ankle and feature a comfortable elastic waistband. They also have five pockets to give your child plenty of room to keep their essentials.
This basic polo shirt is available in tons of colors and is budget-friendly enough to buy several. If your child needs polos as a school uniform, this is a smart buy.
HEYDUDE Girl’s Wendy Sparkle Surprise
These adorable HEYDUDE shoes are sparkly and cute, but comfortable enough for a full day at school. They have a rounded toe and a flexible design that allows the feet to move freely. They also feature elastic laces, making it easy for kids to slip them on and off.
Other clothing and shoes worth checking out
- The Amazon Essentials Zip-Up Hoodie is perfect for layering and features a well-sized kangaroo pocket, so kids can carry small must-have items.
- These The Children's Place cargos are a cute alternative to jeans. The waist is adjustable for the perfect fit.
- These Paw Patrol Sneakers are a must-have for fans of the heroic canine characters.
- Fruit of the Loom Girls' Cotton Briefs are available in affordable multipacks.
- This simple T-shirt with the classic Levi’s logo pairs well with jeans, leggings, and more.
- A pair of comfortable Fila Active Sweatpants is perfect for gym days or other events when kids will be active at school.
- These Sperry Washable Sneakers have breathable uppers to keep feet cool and are easy to clean if your kids put them through the wringer.
- Kids can wear these Amazon Essentials Girls and Toddlers' Leggings on their own with tunic-style tops or under skirts or shorts for extra coverage.
- A comfortable Polo Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cardigan can layer well over T-shirts, button-downs, and more.
- Stock up now on Nike Socks and you'll have plenty for your youngster when classes begin.
- A pair of soft, stretchy straight-leg jeans by The Children's Place is a school wardrobe staple that kids can wear with T-shirts, hoodies, and sweaters.
- These classic Timberland Boots are ideal for wet, muddy school days.
- These super-soft Hanes Long-Sleeve T-shirts make excellent transition pieces as the weather cools at the start of the school year.
Best college dorm room essentials
Bedsure Comforter Duvet Insert
Most college dorms have twin XL beds, so it can be trickier to find bedding in the correct size. This duvet insert can be used on its own or inside of a duvet cover and comes in twin XL. It's available in tons of trendy colors.
Keurig K-Mini Mate Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Coffee-loving students will appreciate having a quick way to make coffee so they don't have to pick some up before class. Since the Keurig K-Mini Mate is a pod coffee maker, there's no hot plate, so it's allowed in most dorms.
Dorm rooms can sometimes be stuffy or musty, but an air purifier improves air quality, making them more pleasant places to spend time. This model is also great for filtering out airborne allergens. It's energy-efficient and quiet, so you can run it all night.
World Menagerie Orndorff Upholstered Accent Chair
This chair doesn't take up a lot of space, which makes it a good option for a dorm dweller. But don't let the size fool you, as it has a thick cushion that's soft and comfortable. The stylish round design is available in 19 colors.
One of the latest versions of over-the-ear headphones by Bose, the QuietComfort model stands out for offering 24 hours of play time on a single charge. It offers two listening modes and plush over-ear cushions for comfort. The trim design is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Other college and dorm life picks worth checking out
- A Black + Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum is perfect for cleaning up small messes and keeping your dorm room clean and tidy.
- Attmu Mesh Shower Caddies are perfect for toting toiletries into shared bathrooms and storing them between uses.
- Large laundry hampers by HomeHacks feature reinforced handles for holding dirty clothes and transporting them to the laundry room.
- This digital alarm clock by Jall will help you get to class on time, even if your phone dies during the night.
- A Hydro Flask Reusable Water Bottle with an integrated straw makes it easy to stay hydrated in your dorm room, in class and when you’re out and about.
- Simple Houseware Over-Door Pocket Organizers help make the most of the limited space available in dorm rooms.
- A compact fabric steamer by Conair easily removes wrinkles from creased clothing without the need to find space for a bulky ironing board.
- Silver Buffalo Ramen Bowl and Chopstick Sets with "The Mandalorian," "Star Wars" and Marvel designs to make eating instant noodles more of an event
- Dash Miniature Waffle Makers not only cook waffles but also hash browns, quesadillas, cookies and more.
- A set of Ailtec Glass Food Storage Containers will keep food fresh in the fridge and come in handy for packing lunches.
- This Goodfill Silicone Microwave Popcorn Maker is great for quick healthy snacking and spicing up movie night with roommates and neighbors.
- Quick-drying Shower Shoez will help dorm dwellers avoid getting foot fungus or stepping on something nasty in shared shower blocks.
- The JBL Flip Bluetooth Speaker is an excellent device for listening to music in your dorm or out on the lawn around campus.
- A Sunwill Travel Mug makes it possible to pour yourself a coffee and head straight out of the door if you're running late for class.
- The American Soft Linen Towel Set contains bath sheets, hand towels and washcloths to cover all your bases.
- This organic cotton Lane Linen Twin XL Sheet Set includes bedding essentials that are breathable, comfortable, and wash well.
- A quality Nest Reed Diffuser will come in handy since scented candles aren't allowed in most dorms
Best back-to-school supplies
Blue Sky 2026-2027 Weekly & Monthly Academic Planner
Keeping track of assignment due dates and after-school activities is easy with a daily planner. This one is designed for 12 months and has ample space to fill in and organize daily activities on each date.
Samsill Earth’s D-ring View Binder, Four-pack
Kids always need binders for projects, assignments, and other important documents. Each of the binders in this pack of four has the capacity for 350 sheets of paper. They’re made of recycled and renewable materials, which makes them a good choice for eco-conscious students.
BentoHeaven Premium Bento Lunch Box
With multiple compartments in one convenient unit, this bento lunch box makes it possible to pack a nutritious lunch with several courses. The lids feature silicone seals to prevent leaks. It includes a compartment for storing utensils.
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HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Students who like the convenience of being able to print their assignments at home will appreciate the features that this versatile printer has to offer. It’s compact, affordable, and has built-in Wi-Fi. It’s able to print in black and white and color, and it comes with three months of Instant Ink to support these capabilities while saving money.
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator
When it comes to classes such as algebra, geometry, and statistics, a standard calculator just won’t do. The TI-84 graphing calculator is packed with features for solving complicated equations. Its impressive features include a lightweight build, a large and vivid screen, a rechargeable battery and a choice of several colors.
Other school supplies worth checking out
- School supply kits like this bundle for Grades K-5 offer all the essentials for the new school year.
- Bostich Twist-n-Sharp Pencil Sharpeners are perfect for keeping pencil tips sharp and ready to work.
- Classic Paper Mate EverStrong #2 Pencils come in handy for numerous types of schoolwork
- A SanDisk Ultra Flair Flash Drive is what you need for saving important assignments and working on them on school and home computers
- Ulbemoll Hand Sanitizer comes in fun keychain holders and keeps germs at bay.
- A cloud-driven model, the Rocketbook Reusable Notebook features pages that wipe clean with ease.
- Hammermill Printer Paper is a top-quality option for printing important assignments from a home printer.
- The Bentgo Classic Bento Box has numerous compartments for keeping food items separated until lunchtime.
- A Trapper Keeper has lots of space for assignments and a cool throwback design.
- Paper Mate Profile Retractable Ballpoint Pens have an extra smooth design and a soft grip that prevents hand fatigue.
- These Crayola colored pencils are an art class staple and come in a 36-pack.
- Multiple Five Star Spiral Notebooks are great for students who need one for each class for taking notes, writing assignments, and more.
- These Mead composition books have wide ruling ideal for younger students who need more space when writing between the lines.
- These Crayola Washable Paints are made for art class.
- Small packets of tissues are simple to stash in bags, backpacks or pockets.
- A budget-friendly pack of 40 BIC Mechanical Pencils is likely to last all school year.
- Emoji erasers by Mr. Pen are great for kids to use, share and collect
- The Five Star Zippered Binder provides extra protection for important assignments and paperwork.
- Bulk Crayola Crayons are perfect for kindergartners and young art students.
- A set of Learning Resources Calculators will inspire kids to learn math.
Best back-to-school computers and tech
An iPad is a versatile tablet computer that’s great for creative individuals. A student can use one for writing papers, taking notes, keeping track of assignments, doing research and more. However, they’re also excellent tools that allow a student to flex their creative muscles when it comes to making art, movies and musical compositions. If you are going to invest in one, we recommend the iPad Air with its M4 chip, liquid retina display and flexible windowing system that allows you to run multiple apps at once.
The Galaxy Tab A11+ is a popular Samsung tablet that makes everyday tasks easier thanks to its long battery life and Google Gemini intelligence. It offers plenty of memory to store large files and a huge screen with a refresh rate up to 90Hz.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds
Wireless earbuds that have active noise cancellation, like the Apple AirPods Pro 3, are great for a student. They can block out environmental noise and allow them to focus on their studies. Additionally, they can be used to listen to educational podcasts or instructional videos. If the student needs to hear what’s going on around them, they can switch to transparency mode.
A quality webcam is essential for remote learning and study groups that can’t meet up in the same physical space. This model lets you remove, blur, or replace your background without a green screen. It offers 1080p video calling and records at 30 fps. The camera also has HD lighting adjustment and autofocus, so you always look your best, even in low-light settings.
Other computers and tech worth checking out
- An Apple iPad mini is the perfect size for carrying to class, so you’re always prepared for learning.
- For the student who only wants the very best, the Apple MacBook Pro is the only way to go.
- When it comes time to charge your MacBook Pro, only the MacBook Pro Charger can accomplish the task.
- An ergonomic Amazon Basics Wireless PC Mouse can help protect a student’s hands when they’re engaged in long hours of work.
- The Logitech Wave is an ergonomic keyboard can help keep a student focused on assignments without worrying about developing aches and pains in the hand and wrist.
- The Fire 7 Kids tablet is a great way to jump-start that thirst of curiosity and love of learning at an early age.
- Believe it or not, an Echo Dot is an extraordinary educational tool that can function as a tutor who’s available whenever you call their name
- For the ultimate in durability and portability, consider a waterproof, foldable silicone keyboard like this model by Sungwoo.
- Lenovo’s Chromebook S330 Laptop is a choice option for students on a tight budget.
- Students who learn better by listening will love this remarkable Scanmarker Handheld Scanner that can scan and read pages of text to make learning more natural.
Best back-to-school backpacks and storage
Since it’s designed with premium vegan leather on the bottom and trims, those searching for an eco-friendly option will appreciate this JanSport backpack. A 15-inch padded pocket secures and protects a laptop, while the flap pocket is helpful for organizing cords and other electronic accessories.
Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack
With over 35 color combinations and a trendy silhouette, students can finally get a backpack that expresses their style. At 16 liters, it has enough room for every product on the school supplies list. Plus, it features a two-way zipper for functionality and a rain flap for protection.
The North Face Borealis School Laptop Backpack
From school to sports practice to commuting, this backpack features the brand’s flex vent technology to ensure breathability and support. Fill it to the brim with art supplies, tech or clothing, thanks to its 28-liter capacity and durable padded pockets. You can choose from a nice selection of colors and patterns to suit any student.
Sweetbriar Classic Vintage Canvas Messenger Bag
Some students may prefer the style of this messenger bag for its versatility and spacious main compartment. There are front pockets, side pockets and an interior zippered pouch for storing small items. This bag is made of durable 100% cotton that comes in 17 colors. It fits laptops up to 15.6 inches.
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Other backpacks and storage worth checking out
- A padded Puma Backpack with adjustable straps will stay comfortable, even when carrying must-have supplies from morning to night.
- For a lightweight and compact option, the HotStyle Backpack has an 18-liter capacity.
- Get the style of this 100% leather messenger bag by Oak Leathers with three pockets to organize electronics and other accessories.
- The High Sierra Loop Backpack is stylish and packed with pockets.
- A Nike Backpack that puts a new twist on a classic favorite with additional features and pockets
- A mini version of the trendy and durable Fjallraven Kanken is ideal for young children or those seeking a compact alternative.
- Styles always come back around, and this JanSport backpack is one that never stops being trendy.
- A totepack modeled after the popular Fjallraven Kanken backpack that can be worn as a backpack or carried over the shoulder.
- This Patagonia Tote Pack is made of water-repellent fabric that shields textbooks, laptops, and tablets from the elements.
- A waterproof and stylish travel school backpack by Himawari is made of eco-friendly canvas.
- This tech-friendly laptop backpack by Matein is made with an external USB port, padded pocket and anti-theft back pocket for valuables.
- A durable and water-repellent Carhartt Backpack is tough enough to last through just about anything
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