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Kindergarten Back-to-School Essentials 🎒✏️
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items Starting kindergarten? I put together the ultimate kindergarten shopping list with the school supplies, backpack essentials, lunch gear, and little extras that make the first year easier. 💛
Everything is organized in one place so you can shop witho...
Perfect kindergarten size without being bulky. Choose a backpack with padded straps and enough room for a folder, lunchbox and change of clothes. No wheels unless the school allows them.
Wildkin Kids 16" School Backpack Boys Blue Camo
Kindergarten-friendly latch that’s easy for little hands to open. Practice opening it at home before the first day!
Bentgo Kids Leak-Proof 5-Compartment Lunch Box (Dino Fossils)
My pick for kindergarten: 12 oz is small enough for little hands but holds enough for the school day. Look for a leak-proof straw bottle. Some schools specifically request the Thermos FUNtainer 12 oz and don’t allow larger bottles like Stanley/Owala.
THERMOS FUNTAINER 12oz Kids Water Bottle
Label EVERYTHING that leaves the house: backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, jacket, folders and headphones. It can save a lot of lost-and-found headaches.
Avery No-Iron Fabric Labels, 1/2"x1-3/4", 54
⭐ My #1 pencil pick for kindergarten. The thicker barrel is easier for little hands to grip and control. Make sure you choose My First/Primary Size, not regular Ticonderoga pencils.
Ticonderoga My First Wood-Cased Pencils
Don’t overthink this one! The classic 24-count box is the kindergarten standard. I’d add 2 boxes to the list if the school hasn’t given a quantity.
Crayola Crayons 24 ct (Pack of 2)
⭐ Choose Broad Line + Classic Colors rather than fine-tip markers. The Ultra-Clean formula is especially nice for kindergarten because markers WILL end up on hands and clothes.
Crayola Broad Line Markers 12 Count, Washable
Look for the 5-inch children’s blunt-tip version. If your child is left-handed, make sure you choose the left-handed version.
Fiskars 5" Kids Blunt-Tip Scissors 3-Pack
⭐ Purple makes it obvious where the glue was applied, then disappears when dry. Buy a multipack because kindergarteners go through glue sticks FAST.
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks & Buddies
Clear makes it easy for kids to see what’s inside. Check the school’s required size before buying because some teachers specify exact dimensions.
Sterilite Pencil Box with Splash Tint Lid
Plastic folders hold up MUCH better than paper folders for kindergarten. If the teacher specifies colors, follow their color coding.
Five Star 2-Pocket Folder w/ Tabs & Fasteners, 4 Pack
Look specifically for the kindergarten-style journal with a blank drawing area at the top + primary handwriting lines underneath. Don’t substitute a regular wide-ruled notebook.
Mead Primary Journal Story Tablet, 7.5x9.75, K-2, 100 Sheets
Full-size colored pencils are easier for kindergarteners to control than tiny mini pencils.
Crayola Colored Pencils 12-Count, 3-Pack
Black is the safest choice because it’s the color most commonly requested. Check whether your teacher wants fine tip or chisel tip before buying multiples.
EXPO 86074 Low Odor Fine Point Markers 4/Set
Get WIRED, not Bluetooth. Many elementary schools specifically require corded headphones, and some don’t allow earbuds.
LilGadgets Connect+ Pro Wired Kids Headphones Blue
Put a complete change of clothes inside one labeled gallon bag: shirt + pants + underwear + socks. Keep it in the backpack or classroom as requested.
Amazon Basics Reclosable Gallon Food Storage Bags, 120 Count, 2 Pack
Classroom donation — check the teacher’s requested quantity before buying.
Kleenex Ultra Soft Facial Tissues, 8 Boxes
Only buy if requested by the teacher/school. These are commonly requested classroom donations.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Fresh Scent, 75ct 3pk
A fun classroom supply that some kindergarten teachers request. Don’t buy until it’s on the actual supply list.
Play-Doh 4 Classic Colors, 3oz x4 Set
Only add if the school requests watercolor paint. Several 2026–27 kindergarten lists do.
Prang Oval Pan Watercolor Paint Set, 8 Colors