When you walk into the store during back to school time, it can be overwhelming. There are so many supplies out and a lot of cute items, but what does your preschooler *actually* need?
No matter if your child is going to a public, private or in home preschool they will need supplies. I have compiled a list of must have school supplies for preschool and pre-k!
What Supplies Do Preschool Kids Need?
Preschoolers need basic supplies to get them through the year. Think along the lines of backpack, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, lunch box, water bottle, etc.
These supplies are the basics that kiddos need to get their start in preschool.
What is the most important item in preschool?
I would say that the most important item in preschool is a backpack. Preschoolers will take lots of things home, and having a size appropriate backpack is important.
Backpacks help preschoolers to stay somewhat organized and help to safely carry things back and forth from school to home and vice versa.
Why do Preschoolers or Pre-K Students Need School Supplies?
Preschoolers and Pre-K students do a lot of hands on projects and the school doesn’t supply everything needed. Many schools put that on the parents to bring supplies for their children.
Will my Child Get to Use Their School Supplies?
This depends on the school and the teacher. Some schools have everyone bring supplies to share among other children.
Doing this helps children to not get jealous of what another student has brought and also ensures that all students have what is needed to complete projects.
Teaching Littles Top Must Have School Supplies for Preschool and Pre K
It is important to have good quality school supplies for your preschool or pre-k student. These supplies are my tried and true brands that I highly recommend.
Must Have School Supplies for Every Preschool and Pre K Student
I just want to remind you that each school will have different preferences or requirements for school supplies. Make sure to check with your child’s school to make sure you are getting their preferred brands and items.
Backpack
Backpacks are so important for preschoolers. Backpacks carry all of their important piece of art and communication.
It can be hard to find a good backpack for preschoolers that doesn’t fall apart and isn’t too big. Here are my top choices for backpacks:
Pottery Barn Lego Backpack
This LEGO backpack is perfectly themed for your little adventurer. The numerous straps and pockets give them plenty of organizational tools for them to keep their important items secured!
Lavender Floral Backpack
The lavender floral backpack is perfect for your girly girl that is obsessed with anything floral.
Disney Princess Backpack
Help your little princess show her true colors with this Disney princess-themed backpack!
Hawlander Boys Backpack
This Hawlander backpack is perfect for your little boy. The durable fabric is water-resistant, making it easy to clean after your child has thrown it around for a while!
Hawlander Girls Backpack
Hawlander little girls’ backpacks let your preschooler or kindergartener pack all the school essentials for an inspired day!
Lunchbox
If you aren’t planning on having your preschooler eat at school everyday they need a good lunchbox. You will want a lunchbox large enough to carry their lunch plus any snacks needed.
Here are our favorite lunch boxes:
Lego Lunchbox
Get your LEGO lover a lunchbox that matches the cute backpack I listed above!
Lavender Floral Lunchbox
Your girly girl will feel prim and proper with lunchbox to match her backpack!
Disney Princess Lunchbox
Your pretty princess will be head over heels for this cute lunchbox!
Hot Wheels Lunchbox
This exclusive Hot Wheels soft lunch box has room to store sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and more! A well-insulated interior keeps your child’s food cold throughout the day, is food-safe and PVC-free.
Simple Modern Disney Lunch Box
This bag is made from high-quality polyester that is food safe and approved for ages 3 and up. This bag is just the right size for kids to take to school.
Reusable Snack Bags
You will spend a lot of money on disposable snack bags. To save you the hassle and some money, you might consider reusable snack bags!
These are some of our favorite reusable snack bags:
Ziplock Reusable Snack Bags
These reusable storage bags are not only useful for meats, vegetables, frozen foods, fruit, snacks, soup, or juice, but also perfect for storing small clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, and stationery.
Bumkins Snack Bags
Great for food and fun, these bags help organize lunches, toys, electronics, and more. They are also machine washable and top rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
WeeSprout Snack Bags
Replacing single-use plastic snack bags with a reusable option that’s better for the planet and your wallet is a no-brainer – but it’s also better for your mini me!
These kid-sized bags are perfect for toddler portions and have an easy-grip texture that’s easy to hold, and the self-standing design makes it easy for little fingers to get to those yummy yogurt melts!
Green Sprouts Reusable Bags
Take your little one’s snacks and accessories on the go with our green sprouts Reusable Snack bags. These reusable bags offer convenient storage for baby’s snacks, utensils, teethers, pacifiers, or for adult travel bags!
Dark Swan Snack Bags
This bag is water-resistant with a metal zipper, making it the perfect durable snack bag for your little one!
Water Bottle
After recess your kiddos will need to hydrate, and the water fountain just doesn’t cut it. Having a reusable water bottle is so important!
I really like water bottles that are stainless steal and don’t have a million pieces.
Here are our favorite water bottles:
Yeti Rambler
Ultra leak & shatter-resistant, this bottle is ideal for impromptu rowdiness. Recess is no match for the straw cap!
Thermos Funtainer
The double-wall stainless steel construction of this bottle is built to handle drops, dings, and assorted roughhousing. It also includes an integrated carry handle with a soft-touch grip, making it easy for kids to carry with them throughout the day.
Mininoo Kids Water Bottle
The double-insulated inner and outer layers in this bottle keep drinks cold all day, no matter how hot it gets in the park. This Mininoo kid’s water bottle for school comes with two types of lids, a straw lid, and a wide mouth lid.
Simple Modern Water Bottle
The Simple Modern Summit with straw lid for kids is the perfect vessel for toddlers and youngsters. This bottle is also dishwasher-safe!
Hydrapeak
This water bottle is designed with kids in mind, combining a flip-up straw with a stem straw tube. This detachable one-piece component is simple for kids to use and simple for parents to clean.
Pencils
At this age, preschoolers are starting to master proper grip and their writing skills. Nothing is more frustrating to a preschooler than a pencil that doesn’t work properly.
Make sure you check out some of our favorite pencil picks:
Ticonderoga Large Pencils
These oversized pencils have a large size diameter, making them easy for small hands to hold, making them ideal for children in the early stages of their writing development!
Channie’s My First Pencil
The perfect tool for young children practicing drawing and handwriting, Channie’s large pencils keep letters and numbers aligned for better penmanship and more accurate practice.
Pencil Buddies Jumbo Pencils for Kids
Specially designed for small hands, these pre-sharpened pencils are 3.5 inches, half the length of an adult pencil, which makes them much easier for kids to control than longer 5-7 inch pencils.
AUTEMOJO Triangular Fat Pencils
This pencil is made of high-quality, smooth poplar providing comfort while holding, and the triangular design can effectively increase grip comfort and reduce finger fatigue
Pocket Folders
Pocket folders are important to have so that your preschooler stays organized and can take important papers back and forth to school.
These are some of our favorite pocket folders:
Mr. Pen Pocket Folders
Mr. Pen pocket folders are made of quality material. Each plastic pocket folder is flexible, tear-resistant, durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant.
Sunee Pocket Folders
Made from high-quality materials, our plastic twin-pocket folders are built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, ensuring they last for years to come.
KTRIO Pocket Folder
These folders are 100% pure polypropylene and thickened to make them more durable. They are flexible, easy to clean, anti-Dust, water-resistant, and tear-resistant to protect your child’s documents.
HABGP Pocket Folder
These folders with pockets are made of thickened high-quality polypropylene, which can greatly extend the lifespan. The package includes 6 plastic folders of different colors.
Amazon Basics Pocket Folder
Made of durable plastic, these smooth, semi-opaque folders help organize and protect notes and papers for your little ones to bring home.
Colored Pencils
It’s no secret that preschoolers can be rough on colored pencils. It’s important to choose a brand that is durable.
Here are my favorite colored pencils:
Crayola Write Start Colored Pencils
These oversized colored pencils are the prefect tool to help your little ones work on their art skills!
Colorations Stubby Chubby Colored Pencils
This set includes 48 colored pencils in ten different colors. The vibrant lead runs smoothly across paper so it is easy to create drawings and other are projects.
BIC Kids Triangular Colored Pencils
These sturdy coloring pencils resist damage, so they are ideal for classroom use and any school art project.
Faith Jumbo Colored Pencils
These pencils have an extra strong special bonding that prevents cracks and sharpens easily, making them great for young learners.
SKKSTATIONERY 144Pcs Colored Pencils
This pack of pencils is high quality and relatively inexpensive, making it great for large classes!
Crayons
Similar to colored pencils, preschoolers can be hard on crayons. Making sure to have a reputable crayon brand is important.
Make sure to check out my favorite crayons:
Cra-Z-Art Washable Crayons
These crayons wash easily from skin and most children’s fabrics, making them perfect for little children.
Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons
This kids coloring set includes 50 Crayola Mini Twistable Crayons that are perfect for little hands to hold and use.
Color Swell Bulk Crayon Packs
These bulk crayons are teacher-approved quality, comparable to major brands at a budget-friendly price, and designed with high-quality wax and finely sharpened tips offering smooth consistency great for your kids’ crayon coloring and creative drawings.
Crayola 64 Crayons
The classic 64-pack of Crayola crayons that you wanted growing up, WITH THE SHARPENER!
Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Crayons
These large crayons are easy for your little ones to hold, and easy for you to clean up when they draw on something they shouldn’t!
Washable Markers
The thought of giving a 3-5 year old a marker makes me cringe. Making sure that you have washable markers makes it a little less cringey.
These are my favorite washable markers:
Crayola Washable Marker Set
This huge box of markers includes broad line markers, glass markers, and gel markers, which will keep the kids and adults occupied for hours.
Washable Dot Markers
Kids can easily unscrew the caps and put the caps back on when they are done! Easy for little hands to grip and great for fine motor development!
Mr. Pen Washable Markers
Mr. Pen washable Markers are non-toxic and easy to wipe away from most surfaces, with durable felt tips that retain their shape and feature longevity.
Madisi Washable Markers
Special CONICAL TIP allows you to draw fine lines with the point and broad strokes with the side, and they are easy to clean off unwanted surfaces or clothes!
Amazon Basics Washable Fine Tip Markers
This 24-pack of assorted colored marker pens is perfect to inspire artistic creativity, while the washable formula that’s easy to remove from skin and most washable clothing with warm water and soap!
Watercolors
Watercolors are a fun way to expose children to paint with the ability to easily wash out anything that gets on clothes.
These are my favorite watercolors!
blurb some of our favorites
Keebor Watercolor Set
Keebor watercolor paints are non-toxic. Thanks to its special formula, the paints in this tray wash easily from skin and fabrics.
Neliblu Watercolor Set
Let your child’s creativity soar with this watercolor paint set. Perfect for classrooms, parties, or individual use, this set features 24 colors and a brush.
Masllutn Watercolor Set
100% non-toxic, tested, certified for safe use, conforms to MSDS, and acid-free. The vibrant colors hive high transparency, are easy to dissolve and blend, are washable and quick-drying, making them ideal water colors for children, adults, students, and teachers!
Cra-Z-art Watercolors
Stir the imagination, boost self-esteem, develop dexterity, and maybe even discover a new lifelong passion that doesn’t require a screen. These all-purpose, washable watercolor paints have a water-based formula that cleans up quickly and easily.
Glue Sticks
Glue sticks are something that all preschoolers will need. Bottles of glue are sure to create a mess.
These are my favorite glue stick options:
Amazon Basics Purple Washable Glue Sticks
The safe non-toxic formula makes them ideal for school, home, and arts and crafts with your little one!
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks
The disappearing purple formula helps kids see where the glue is and contains a washable, non-toxic, acid-free formula is ideal for classrooms and homes!
AVERY Glue Stick
Heavy-duty glue adhesive sticks to paper, cardboard, foam board, fabric, photos, glass, and more with a non-toxic formula that is perfect for kids, larger crafts, and school projects.
Colorations Washable Glue Sticks
Get ready to craft with students with a bulk supply of quality, non-toxic, acid-free glue sticks. With 50 per pack, it’s perfect for art rooms.
Safety Scissors
Safety scissors are different than regular scissors because the blade is shorter and the handles are smaller. This design is easier for children to cut with and control.
These are my favorite safety scissors.
PECULA Toddler Scissors
These safety scissors are made of ABS plastic and are safe and durable. Suitable for children, they will not cut fingers and hair.
KUONIIY 5″ Scissors
These scissors have a blunt tip and comfortable grip, making them perfect for you little ones!
Huhuhero Kids Scissors
Made of durable stainless steel flat-ground blades with safer rounded tips. The soft grip cushioned handles add textured non-slip surface on the finger loops
OneName 5″ Kids Scissors
The safety blade angle protects while easily cutting through materials and are made of extra strong, durable, wear-resistant, and anti-rust stainless steel.
Fiskars Kids Scissors
Fiskars kids scissors feature innovative, safety-edge blades with a safer blade angle, and a blunt tip provides added safety while cutting all classroom materials.
Ruler
Rulers serve more purposes than just measuring. They are great for drawing straight lines and other creative things.
These are my favorite rulers:
Dagongren Color Transparent Ruler
These rulers are hard and not easy to shatter with translucent color which allows for easy reading of numbers and letters on the page.
Eboot Clear Plastic Ruler
These rulers are made of good quality plastic and are flexible and shatter-resistant, making them perfect for young children!
GIFTEXPRESS Rulers
Made of hard plastic, these durable rulers are perfect for your little ones to learn with!
BAZIC Jeweltones Color Plastic Ruler
These Bazic rulers are suitable for all crafts and school-related projects for the young ones. Each ruler is durable and made for long-lasting use.
SZLSFX Wooden Ruler
Made of good quality wood material, very tough and not easy to bend, with smooth surface, easy to use, these rulers are perfect for young children to start with!
Pencil Case
Pencil cases are important to have so that all of their supplies are in one place. These are the pencil cases I love:
School Bus Pencil Case
This pencil case is made of waterproof polyester and the two SBS zippers are smooth and well-sewn in, making the pencil bag easier to open and close. The pencil case for kids is easy to clean, washable, and wear-resistant.
Mesh Pencil Case
Have your little ones store their pencils and pens neatly and all in one place with this cute transparent mesh pencil case! This will prevent them from getting lost or misplaced while they’re at school.
EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Case
This cute pencil case is perfect for keeping your little scholar’s pencils and craft supplies contained!
Art Smock
Art smocks are important to have so that little ones keep their clothes as clean as possible. I love these art smocks!
KUUQA Waterproof Art Smock
These specially designed paint smocks for preschoolers and kids are perfect to protect clothes from paint, ink, or other potentially messy mediums, so children can enjoy craft time while staying neat and clean.
JaGely Kids Art Smocks
this painting smock uses an elastic band on the cuffs and is equipped with a string at the back, adjustable for children to wear comfortably, and is designed with cute cartoon patterns!
Art Smock for Kids
This art smock is made of waterproof fabric, which is water and stain resistant, reusable, long-lasting, and offers nice protection to your kids’ clothes while painting. This allows them to immerse in painting while keeping parents from having to wash dirty clothes
Personal Care Items You May Need To Send
Personal care items are important to have on hand so that everyone stays clean and well.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is a staple in all classrooms, especially preschool classrooms. When little ones are learning to not spread germs, sanitizer is a must.
These are my favorite hand sanitizers:
Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer
Equip your child’s school supplies with Germ-X sanitizing products that offer reliable protection.
PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer
Help your family and those you care about kill germs on their hands with PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals, made with naturally derived alcohol.
Amazon Basics Hand Sanitizer
Kills more than 99.99% of common germs while moisturizers leave your hands feeling smooth.
Sunscreen
If you have fair skinned babies like me sunscreen is an absolute must! In all actuality, fair skinned or not sunscreen is important.
Here are my favorite non toxic sunscreen brands:
Alba Botanica
Made with 100% vegetarian ingredients and botanicals, our biodegradable SPF 50 formula offers sun protection your skin will love.
Blue Lizard
Spray and rub into skin for mineral sun protection that is easy to use and dries clear.
Badger
Help prevent sunburn and skin damage with mineral zinc oxide sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA UVB protection.
Bare Republic
This ultra clean SPF 30 sunscreen spray offers a layer of physical protection while non-nano Zinc Oxide provide 100% chemical-active free broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Now more transparent than ever, our most advanced mineral spray from Bare Republic is super sheer and light, but tough enough to keep up with all life’s adventures!
Supergoop!
This lightweight & hydrating broad-spectrum sunscreen absorbs both UVA (aging) & UVB (burning) rays so your skin doesn’t. the oxybenzone & octinoxate-free PLAY sunscreen includes clean, antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower & rosemary leaf extracts that nourish & protect your skin.
Prescription Medications
Think about anything that your preschooler takes as a prescription or needs in case of an emergency like an epi-pen. You may want to talk to your child’s pediatrician about having a prescription for school just in case.
Must Have School Supplies for Preschool and Pre K Every Teacher Will Appreciate
These are more general supplies that are used by everyone in the classroom. A lot of times, teachers will end up buying their own supplies.
If you are able to, these supplies would be very appreciated by teachers!
Tissues
Tissues are one of the most essential parts of any classroom. Having a runny nose can be extremely distracting for your little one, and very messy if left alone!
Tork Advanced Facial Tissue
Reduce tissue waste and minimize lint with this Tork box of tissues that has a soft, protective poly-shield opening.
HOMEXCEL Soft Dry Wipe
Multi-use facial tissue can be used for Personal care/Baby care/Women makeup removing/Incontinence wipes/Kitchen cleaning/Countertop cleanup/Office cleaning and car cleaning, etc.
Puffs Ultra Soft Non-Lotion Facial Tissues
Dermatologist tested to be gentle on skin, these are perfect for a child’s sensitive nose!
Paper Towels
Paper towels may be one of the most important supplies for a preschool class. With a group of children that are accident and mess prone, there is going to be a lot of cleanup happening.
Bounty
With it being one of the most popular brands of paper towels, you can never go wrong with Bounty.
Amazon Basics
Just as absorbant as the leading brand names, these paper towels are great for cleaning up after your little ones.
Sparkle
These are perfect for everyday messes, and at a value that’s just right for your budget.
Disinfecting Wipes
Kids are all germy and messy, which makes it hard to keep them all healthy. Thats why disinfecting wipes are a must-have in preschools!
Lysol
Use these disinfecting wipes to wipe down spills and remove allergens, including pet dander, dust mites, and pollen.
Clorox
Disinfect and deodorize with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes for a bleach-free, all-in-1 cleaning alternative that’s safe to use on toys and more.
Amazon Basics
Thick wipes for tough messes that are great for cleaning up after your little ones.
Construction Paper
Construction paper is a great item to have in a classroom. It’s very versatile and provides resistance when children are cutting, while also providing a great medium for their artistic side!
Colorations
Every Textured Sheet of paper cuts and folds without risk of unwanted cracks and tears. The ultimate paper for all your arts and crafts at home and school.
Prang
Medium-weight, groundwood construction provides the best value in school-grade construction paper. Its slight texture allows for clean cuts and folds without cracking
Crayola
Sturdy art paper that’s both thick and malleable, this bulk set is ideal for school projects and classroom crafts.
Printer Paper
Teachers use tons of paper and often buy cases of their own! Paper is something that everyone will use and is much appreciated!
Teachers use so much and often buy cases on their own!
Printworks
100 percent post-consumer recycled printer and copier paper for everyday use at an affordable price.
Hammermill
Hammermill copying and printing papers are 100% made in the USA, helping to support 2.4 million sustainable forestry jobs in America!
Amazon Basics
Smooth 20lb weight paper allows for consistent ink and toner distribution. It dries quickly and resists paper jams!
Optional Preschool Supplies
This is a list of preschool supplies that are optional, and some preschools may request!
Fave Blankie or Other Comfort Item:
Going to preschool is hard for little ones, especially if your little one has never been in daycare or anything. Letting them take a blanket or comfort item to preschool can make the transition easier for everyone.
Family Photo:
Sometimes preschoolers will miss their parents or siblings during the day. It’s nice to have a family photo so they can see your faces.
They also may want to talk about your family, and this is a fun way to show everyone!
Extra Clothes:
Having an extra pair of clothes is never a bad idea. Preschoolers may still occasionally have potty accidents or make messes.
Indoor Shoes:
Kid shoes can get pretty nasty, especially if they like to jump in puddles or run in the dirt. You may think about having a pair of indoor only shoes to help keep down messes.
Extra Supplies
Extra supplies are always handy to have, especially if your kiddo goes through supplies quickly. This way you aren’t having to replenish in the middle of the year.
Nap Mat:
Some preschools require children to bring a nap mat. Even if your child is no longer a napper, they still will have them lay down for quiet time.
I like nap mats that are easy to wipe off and do not require them to be washed.
School supplies for preschoolers are just as important as supplies for older kids. Remember to review your child’s school supply list and school preferences before purchasing.
I hope that this blog helps you navigate school supply buying season!
