21 Back-to-School Essentials Every Kid Actually Uses
After a long summer of using hand-me-downs and cast-offs, having a set of unique back-to-school supplies is an excellent way for kids to express their personality and feel good.
Plus, when kids take pride in their appearance and have supplies they love, they're more likely to use them, which can help them stay organized and prepared for success in class.
So whether it's a flashy new backpack or a set of personalized pencils, encouraging kids to choose their own back-to-school supplies is a great way to set them up for a successful year.
Let's look at some of the best unique school supplies for your kids this year!
Kids love a good haul of colorful pens, rulers, erasers, and other little treasures to help them learn and channel their creativity.
But having those scattered all over the house or their bags might be quite a hassle.
If you're looking for a gift to celebrate your kid's first day of school or organize their study supplies, we have an idea: a unique pencil case designed just for them.
Let the pencil case be the kids' companion on this growth journey where countless more stories have yet to be told. A perfect, personalized gift for kids.
Colored pencils are a great way to add color and personality to any drawing or piece of artwork. They come in various colors and can be used to create subtle and bold effects.
Colored pencils can create shading and shadows, add highlights, and even create gradients.
When combined with other mediums, such as paints or pastels, colored pencils can help create truly unique and one-of-a-kind pieces of art
Whether a professional artist or a beginner, colored pencils offer an easy and affordable way to add color and interest to your work.
Fine tip markers are great for several reasons. First, the colors are more vibrant and easier to see with fine tips.
This is especially important for kids who need to be able to see the small details in their work. Second, fine tips are great for drawing and coloring in tight spaces.
It's helpful for kids who have trouble staying inside the lines. Third, fine tips don't bleed through the paper so that kids can use both sides of their notebooks.
This is a great way to save money on school supplies. Finally, fine tip markers come in various colors so kids can color code and organize their school supplies.
A highlighter is a felt-tipped pen that is used to mark important text. Highlighters come in various colors, but the most popular colors are yellow, pink, and green.
Yellow highlighters are ideal for marking textbooks, as they do not obstruct the text as darker colors can.
Pink and green highlighters are often used for taking notes in class, as they help to differentiate between different types of information.
Highlighters can also add a splash of color to any project. For example, a child could use a highlighter to personalize their notebooks or to help them stay organized.
Glue sticks are an essential back-to-school supply for a variety of reasons. They can hold even the thickest sheets of paper together and are simple to use and tidy up after.
Given that they are available in kid-friendly shapes and sizes, glue sticks are a straightforward and enjoyable alternative for school assignments.
They could even come in first place in terms of significance. Glue sticks will save time during arts and crafts projects and schoolwork assignments.
They adhere well to various materials like cardboard, photos, and fabric. Moreover, they come in different colors and can be found in thicknesses.
Therefore, if you're looking for a versatile, user-friendly product, glue sticks should be at the top of your list of varieties.
Elmer's glue is a classic school supply that has been around for generations.
Elmer's has you covered. Their products are affordable, making it easy to stock up for a classroom of kids or just your own little learner.
Best of all, their products are practical and fun, making them the perfect back-to-school supplies.
So, whether you're looking for slime kits or glitter notebooks, Elmer's has everything you need to make your child's school year shine.
Scissors are one of those essential school supplies that are often overlooked. But why settle for a boring pair of scissors when so many fun and innovative options exist?
Patterned scissors add a bit of personality to otherwise mundane tasks and can make even the most tedious projects more enjoyable.
And for parents who are tired of their kids constantly losing their scissors, brightly-colored scissors are much easier to spot.
So this year, don't settle for the first pair of scissors you see at the store. Instead, take a little time to find a stylish and functional pair. Your child (and your wallet) will thank you for it!
Staplers are a school supply staple, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring! Check out these unique staplers that are both practical and fun. The first is the JAM Free Stapler.
This Stapler uses an advanced mechanism to staple up to 20 sheets of paper with no jams. It's perfect for anyone who's had enough of dealing with jammed staplers!
The second is the Smiley Face Stapler. This Stapler will put a smile on your face every time you use it! It's perfect for any desk, and it's sure to make school a little bit brighter.
The third is the Neon Stapler. This Stapler is perfect for anyone who wants to add a pop of color to their desk. It's also suitably bright for locating in a backpack or book bag.
Tape dispensers are often overlooked but can be extremely helpful.
Tape dispensers come in various styles, so it's easy to find one that matches your child's personality.
A tape dispenser is perfect if they prefer fun and colorful design or a more classic look.
Many tape dispensers even come with built-in scissors, so your child can have everything they need to complete the job in one compact package.
If you're looking for practical and stylish supplies, get a tape dispenser!
Push pins aren't just for hanging up pictures and memos; they can also be used to create some pretty impressive art pieces.
All you need is a corkboard and some imagination, and you can start pushing in those pins to create all sorts of patterns and shapes.
You can even spell out words or write messages. And when you're done, taking your artwork down is as easy as pulling out the pins.
You might be surprised at what you can create with just a few simple push pins.
Paper clips might seem like a boring school supply, but they can be pretty fun! For starters, they come in all sorts of colors and sizes.
You can even get them in shapes other than the traditional 'U' shape. Some paper clips are even scented!
And if you're looking for something more practical, paper clips can be helpful for organizing papers. For example, you can use them to clip together papers that are related, or you can use them to mark important pages in a textbook.
Either way, paper clips are a versatile and practical school supply every student should have. Who knows, they might even make learning a little bit more fun!
Rubber bands are one of the kids' most versatile and affordable school supplies. They can be used for various purposes, from holding pencils and pens to securing papers.
Rubber bands are also great for making friendship bracelets, hair ties, and other fun crafts.
And when they're not being used for school work or crafts, rubber bands make great toys for kids to play with. They can be stretched, bounced, and even shot across the room.
So next time you're looking for an affordable and practical school supply for your kids, don't forget the rubber bands!
Index cards are a must-have for any school-age child. They are perfect for various uses, including school projects, flashcards, and extra credit assignments.
And with so many fun and colorful designs to choose from, your child will surely find a set they love.
Index cards are also great for at-home learning, helping kids to memorize their multiplication tables or vocabulary words.
Plus, index cards can be used for games like Go Fish or Memory when it's time to take a break from schoolwork.
Dividers are one of the most practical school supplies for kids. Not only do they help to keep papers organized, but they can also be used to create fun artwork.
Simply draw a design on the divider and color it with markers or crayons. Dividers are also great for creating customized notebooks.
Simply write the subject's name on the divider and then use it to separate different notebook sections.
Dividers are a must-have for any organized student and can also be used to add a personal touch to school supplies.
An item for school that could be both useful and enjoyable is a planner or calendar.
A planner can help kids to stay organized and on track with their schoolwork, while a calendar can be a fun way to keep track of upcoming events and birthdays.
Planners and calendars can be personalized to suit each child's style.
Whether it's a bright and colorful design or a simple and chic layout, there's sure to be a planner or calendar perfect for every kid.
Post-its are super practical – you can use them to stick notes on papers, books, or even on your desk. But they can also be a lot of fun.
You can write little messages for your friends or use them to decorate your locker. You can even make your post-it art.
Another thing to remember is that you may use them to mark the days on your calendar that you want to assist your child with their homework since occasionally, parents provide color-coded graph calendars to kids to help them grasp the lesson.
Notepads are perfect for taking notes in class, drawing pictures, or jotting down ideas.
But that doesn't mean they have to be boring! On the contrary, there are plenty of fun and practical notepads that kids will love using.
For example, try a notepad with fun animal illustrations on the cover. Or, go for an interactive notepad with space to doodle and color.
Notepads are also a great way to encourage kids to be more organized. Look for notepads with dividers and pockets so kids can keep track of all their essential school papers.
A good eraser not only helps to keep your child's desk tidy but also allows your child to make corrections on their work.
Unfortunately, many erasers are made from harmful chemicals that can damage your child's health.
Look for an eraser made from natural materials, such as rubber or felt. These erasers are just as effective at removing pencil marks, but they won't harm your child if they accidentally ingest them.
In addition, try to find an eraser that is fun and colorful. This will help to keep your child's desk tidy and their spirits high.
One of the essential educational supplies for youngsters is a ruler. It can be used for everything from measuring lines and angles to drawing straight lines.
But that doesn't mean that rulers have to be boring! On the contrary, plenty of fun and practical rulers can make learning fun.
For example, see-through rulers are great for helping kids line up their drawings accurately.
Rulers with built-in erasers are perfect for quick corrections, and transparent rulers are ideal for use with overhead projectors.
When it comes to school supplies, every student needs a few must-haves in their backpack. But beyond the basics, there are also a few items that can make learning more fun. Take protractors, for example.
These simple tools are essential for any student taking a geometry class. But they can also be used for all sorts of other fun activities.
With a protractor, students can measure angles and draw perfect circles. They can also use them to create symmetry equations and explore the world of fractals.
So whether you're an mathlete or just looking for a new way to have fun, a protractor is the perfect addition to your school supply list.
Backpacks are a necessary school supply for any kid. But why settle for a boring, average backpack when there are so many fun and functional options out there?
There are backpacks in every color and style imaginable for the fashion-savvy student.
But there are also backpacks with cool features like built-in speakers or rain covers. And for the organized student, there are galore backpacks with compartments and pockets.
Whether your child is looking for a backpack that makes a statement or simply gets the job done, there's sure to be an option perfect for them.
Now that you know some of the best back-to-school school supplies for kids, it's time to go shopping! With so many great options available, it's easy to find practical and fun supplies.
So ditch the boring pens and paper and let your child pick out supplies they'll love using. There are plenty of ways to make learning more enjoyable, from cool backpacks to fun erasers.
And who knows, with the right supplies, your child might be excited to go back to school! Plus, don't forget the all-important backpack to carry it all in!
This is one school supply that is both necessary and functional. With so many great backpack options, your child will find one they love.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
12 minutes ago
- CBS News
Baltimore preservation group raises concerns after asphalt used to cover historic Fells Point road
A Baltimore preservation society is sharing concerns with city leaders after asphalt was used to cover historic railroad tracks in Fells Point. According to the Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fells Point, the "inappropriate repairs" in the 1500 to 1800 blocks of Thames Street took place despite years of concerns and visits by advocates and transportation officials. The preservation group claims that the improper use of asphalt patches has further degraded the historic street's Belgian block surface. "Most notably, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has egregiously violated Article 6 of the Baltimore City Code, which clearly requires that all repairs be reviewed by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) before they begin," the group said in a letter to city leaders. The group also said the project violates the Baltimore City Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, also called CHAP guidelines, which promote responsible preservation practices. Under the city's CHAP guidelines, builders are urged to "preserve historic street paving materials where they still exist, even if the paving materials have been covered by later paving." The guidelines also ask builders to "assess the potential impact upon the character of individual streets and alleys" when starting new construction projects or improvements. In their letter, advocates said the community has been requesting repairs to Thames Street for the past decade. Around 2018, the city provided an estimate for the restoration project. "Regrettably, instead of following these documented and agreed-upon directives, DOT proceeded unilaterally with a hot patch asphalt repair, bypassing essential consultations," advocates wrote. "This action undermines public trust and constitutes a serious breach of established protocols." In the letter to city leaders, the group demanded a timeline for when the damaged street can be repaired. WJZ has reached out to the DOT and the mayor's office for comment. Parts of Fells Point are known for their historic significance, and the preservation society, which was founded in 1967, aims to ensure that historic areas of Baltimore are renovated and maintained in keeping with city guidelines. The Fells Point waterfront served as one of the biggest seaports in the U.S. during the British War of 1812, and was a major supply channel for guns and flour during the Revolutionary War, according to the preservation group. Thames Street, where the paving project took place, features historic buildings, including the Merchant's House, which was built in the 1790s. Preservation advocates have worked to revive the area as a major commercial and residential corridor.
Washington Post
29 minutes ago
- Washington Post
A personal investigation of Indigenous history on Martha's Vineyard
As a child in the 1990s, journalist Joseph Lee spent his summers on Martha's Vineyard — not in the wealthy celebrity enclave that most associate with the island, but on tribal land in its remote southwestern corner. Lee, whose maternal grandfather is Aquinnah Wampanoag, took for granted that the tribal summer camp he attended, where he learned how to speak his tribe's language, was generations old. After all, his people had been stewarding their land for more than 10,000 years, since the legendary giant Moshup walked the Massachusetts coastline and dragged his big toe, creating a trench that carved off the island of Noepe, now known as Martha's Vineyard. 'I assumed the tribal government had just naturally extended from Moshup's time to the present, when my cousins and I made moccasins and played tag outside the tribal administration building,' Lee writes in his first book, 'Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity.' 'The first time I noticed the plaque commemorating the building's 1993 construction, I was shocked that I was older than the tribal building. I quickly realized that while I knew we had survived, I had no idea what that survival meant or looked like.' Lee not only traces how the Aquinnah Wampanoag survived in the past but paints a nuanced and compelling portrait of the ongoing fights by Indigenous peoples for land, sovereignty and community. Lee spends the first half of the book grappling with revelations from tribal and family history: 'Each new piece of information I learned complicated the simple story I had been told about colonization.' The Wampanoag are unusual in that they escaped the fraudulent treaties, settler violence and forced removals that gobbled up many Indigenous homelands in the colonial period and early years of the United States. But, Lee writes, the tribe couldn't avoid 'the next phase of settler colonialism,' in the late 1800s, when the United States used allotment laws to turn Native lands into privately owned plots that could be easily expropriated. When Massachusetts incorporated Aquinnah in 1870, the Wampanoag gained U.S. citizenship but lost all their collectively owned land, which became property of the state. Wampanoag maintained ownership of the land they lived on, but they had to pay property taxes — difficult to afford with their subsistence lifestyles. In this tension between sovereignty and economic survival, many sold their plots. It would be more than a hundred years before the Aquinnah Wampanoag regained their sovereignty and some of their land, a process rife with tensions and tribulations. The tribe was granted federal recognition in 1987, but the Bureau of Indian Affairs had initially rejected its claim due to the tribe's dispersed community and lack of sufficient self-governance. In other words, as Lee points out, the government was blaming the tribe for suffering the consequences of colonization. Around the same time, the tribe struck a settlement agreement with the town of Aquinnah that granted them nearly 500 acres of land. This was much less land than the tribe had lost in the 1870s, and to get it, the Wampanoags had to sacrifice some self-governance rights, agreeing that they would follow all town and state laws and cede all future land claims. Still, this agreement ensured that the tribe would always have a home in Aquinnah — an important safeguard, as multimillion-dollar property valuations and high property taxes have made it increasingly difficult for Wampanoags to hold onto privately owned plots. In recounting his personally driven inquiry into the tribe's troubles, Lee's approach can be repetitive. He begins each chapter with what he didn't know about his tribe as a younger person, and that naive attitude becomes tiresome, as does Lee's occasionally imprecise language. For instance: 'There was stuff I had as a kid, but then as I grew older, I realized it was up to me to figure out what I wanted and where I could get it from.' That said, once Lee zooms out from his personal experiences, he finds surer footing. He realizes that while the Wampanoag's recent fight for recognition and land back enabled his childhood connections to Native culture, their struggle to 'make the most of the land we have before it's too late' remains. Tensions within tribal government encourage him to look outward in the back half of the book, setting off to report on how other tribes grapple with questions of sovereignty and maintaining community. In his discussions with other Native people and study of the challenges they face — both external and internal — Lee gains new perspective. While visiting with the Shasta of Northern California, who were violently displaced during the Gold Rush and lack federal recognition or reservation lands, Lee 'felt humbled by the sheer willpower it must have taken to keep a community together without some kind of homeland that people could visit,' giving him a greater appreciation for the slice of Aquinnah his people won back. And through the struggle of the Cherokee and Muscogee Freedmen — descendants of Black people these tribes had once enslaved — to gain tribal citizenship and rights, Lee reflects on the fallibility of tribal governments and how internally policing Native identity weakens communities, putting the individual over the collective good. In its focus on recent Native history, 'Nothing More of This Land' offers a fresh perspective on what Indigeneity looks like now, and how it might evolve in the future. As Lee writes, 'After disease, stolen land, persecution, violence, racism, and near extermination, Indigenous peoples across the country are still here. And we aren't going anywhere.' Kristen Martin is a cultural critic based in Philadelphia and the author of 'The Sun Won't Come Out Tomorrow: The Dark History of American Orphanhood.' Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity By Joseph Lee One Signal. 235 pp. $28.99
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Donation aids improvements at Civil War battlefield in Vicksburg
Vicksburg National Military Park is receiving over $5 million toward restoring a key monument and removing a building that previously was used as a visitors' center. Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park recently announced a $2.8 million private donation to the park by John L. Nau III, a Texas businessman and philanthropist who was a founding board member of the nonprofit Friends organization. The National Park Service's Centennial Challenge program will match the donation with $2.5 million in federal funds. The money will go to restoring the Illinois Memorial and removing an unrelated building that was 'erroneously constructed on core battlefield ground — an intrusion that obscures the story and sacrifices of the men who fought and died there in 1863,' according to the Friends. 'Standing on restored battlefield ground gives visitors a chance to truly understand the story of Vicksburg — not just read about it, but feel it,' Bess Averett, executive director of the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park, said in a press release. 'Visitors deserve to walk this hallowed ground and see it as Union and Confederate soldiers saw it during the siege.' In 1863, Union forces led by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant laid siege to Vicksburg. After 47 days, the Confederate army surrendered, and the defeat turned the tide of the Civil War as the Union gained control of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg National Military Park was established in 1899 at the battleground. It commemorates the siege and its role in the Civil War, as well as those who fought. The Illinois Memorial is dedicated to more than 36,000 soldiers from that state who fought in Vicksburg. Both the stone and the inscriptions inside the building have worn down from weather exposure. In the release, Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park said the park needs both public and private support, as the National Park Service manages over 400 units nationwide. 'We need donors and volunteers now more than ever before,' Averett said. ___ This story was originally published by Mississippi Today and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
