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Stock up for school success



Essential supplies for students of all ages

Essential school supplies for students of all ages


With 34% of U.S. adults saying they expect to shop for back-to-school season, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual 2024 June survey, going into the school year with a plan can make all the difference.

Because a fresh set of school supplies is likely near the top of the shopping list, this guide can help you tackle the essentials and ensure your student has the necessities for a successful school year.

Organization Tools
Having the right tools is essential for helping students stay organized and keep track of their assignments, notes and other important documents. Some must-have organization tools include:

  • Backpack
  • Planner or calendar
  • Binders
  • Folders
  • Dividers or tabs
  • Sticky notes
  • Page flags

Writing Utensils
From taking notes to completing assignments and participating in classroom activities, ensure your student has these important writing utensils at his or her disposal:

  • Blue or black pens
  • Pencils
  • Highlighters
  • Colored pencils
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Dry erase markers

READ MORE: First day of school traditions

Tech Gadgets
In today’s digital age, having the right technology can help enhance the learning experience. Consider these essential gadgets:

  • Laptop or tablet
  • Graphing calculator
  • USB drive
  • Headphones
  • Portable charger

Other Essentials
Beyond pens and pencils, these supplies can be found on most school supply lists and should be in your child’s backpack on the first day of school:

  • Notebooks or loose-leaf paper
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Glue or glue sticks
  • Erasers
  • Pencil sharpener or extra lead

Emergency Supplies
Be prepared for unexpected situations by ensuring these essentials are in your student’s backpack or locker:

  • First aid kit
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Tissues
  • Umbrella or raincoat
  • Extra clothes

Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more tips and information to prepare for the new school year.

(Family Features)
Photo courtesy of Unsplash



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