Back to school supplies can get overwhelming! You want to the year to have a good start but where do you begin? Here are some teacher approved ideas for the best school supplies for kids as well as survival kits for teachers, girls, and boys.
Elementary School Supplies
As a teacher, brands do matter. While some brands are a little more expensive they really do work, write, and/or last better than the cheaper brands. Most school systems have a list of supplies that they require or recommend but here are the ones that teachers prefer you have for elementary students:
- Crayola Crayons – Crayola really is the best brand for crayons, and most other things. Crayola crayons last longer, don’t break as easy, colors are more true, and the wrappers stay on better. I recommend the 24 pack because it has gray and flesh color that aren’t in the 8 or 16 packs. Amazon has a great deal on them here.
- Crayola Markers – Crayola markers don’t dry up as quickly as other brands and often have more variety in their colors.
- Crayola Color Pencils – Different projects require different tools. For fine, detailed work, colored pencils work best. Again, Crayola Color Pencils really are better than other brands. They don’t break as easy and are easier to sharpen. You never want to sharpen color pencils in a regular pencil sharpener though. Use this color pencil sharpener to prevent ruining your regular pencil sharpener.
- Pencils – Ticonderoga pencils are teachers’ favorites! They don’t break easy, sharpen well, and last a long time. There are several different types depending on the age and need of your child. For preschool and kindergarten I like these Ticonderoga My-First Tri Write pencils. The triangle shape keeps pencils from rolling away and encourages correct pencil grip. The thicker design prevents pencil lead from breaking as easily when young kids use too much pressure as they learn correct writing habits. For 1st grade and up, the regular Ticonderoga pencils are great. They also come in fun colors if your child doesn’t like the standard yellow.
- Erasers – A lot of mistakes happen while doing school work, that’s how learning happens. The small erasers on the end of the pencils usually don’t last as long as the pencil does. These erasers are great – they don’t smear and they erase clean.
- Glue and Glue Sticks – Elmer’s is the only way to go! Elmer’s glue doesn’t clog the bottle as bad as other brands and is easier to squeeze. I like these purple glue sticks, especially for pre-school and kindergarten. It helps kids see exactly where they put the glue and how much they used. This 12 pack might seem like a lot, but kids go through them very quickly!
Middle School / High School Girl Survival Kit
- Cosmetic Bag – Your middle school or high school girl will need a cosmetic bag to discreetly store her survival kit items. These bags are super cute and come in several nice colors and patterns.
- Feminine Hygiene items – An unfortunate fact of being a girl but you can help your daughter always be ready. There’s nothing worse than having THAT happen and not being prepared! Especially if it’s her first one. Be proactive and make sure she has the supplies she needs at all times. These all in one kits have everything she might need.
- Mirror – Every girl need to check her hair and makeup from time to time. Why not give her one these cute compact mirrors with inspirational messages to remind her how special she is?
- Nail kit – This nail kit has been a life saver for me and still lives in my desk drawer at all times! You never know when you’ll get a hang nail or break a nail and need to fix it. Just double check with your child’s school and make sure this is allowed.
- Pimple care – Pimples always pop up at the WORST times! Make sure your daughter is prepared with this pimple cream and these pimple patches. Some kids like the patterned pimple patches too.
- Toothbrush – You never know when you might have something stuck in your teeth and need to clean it out. These mini toothbrushes come with toothpaste already on them, have a tongue scraper and the end is pointed to use as a toothpick.
- Deodorant – School can get stressful, causing extra sweat. Make sure your daughter is ready for anything. This is a great all natural deodorant or get her favorite brand.
Middle School / High School Boy Survival Kit
- Bag – Your middle school or high school boy will need to keep his survival kit items all together in one place as well as being discreet. This bag will fit nicely in his backpack and keep everything easy to find.
- Nail kit – Guys get hangnails too. This kit makes them quick and easy to take care of.
- Pimple care – Again, pimples have the WORST timing! Make sure your son is ready for them anytime they decide to show up with pimple cream or pimple patches.
- Toothbrush – Let’s be honest – boys often “forget” to brush their teeth before they leave home in the mornings. Let them know you’ve got their back with these disposable, one-time use toothbrushes with toothpaste already on them.
- Deodorant – Again – boys sometimes “forget” to do this before they leave home. Or, they work and play so hard, they need to re-apply mid-day, especially after PE! This is a great natural deodorant or get his favorite brand.
- Body Spray – As much as I hate to do this, boys are going to do it anyway. My teenage sons call it a “shower in a can”. đŸ¤¨ And I guess body spray is better than smelling sweaty boy or stinky cleats or tennis shoes.
Teacher Survival Kit
- Bag – You’ll need a cute bag to hold all the goodies for your Teacher Survival Kit.
- Pain meds – Most teachers get headaches, often. It’s a stressful job with lots of noise. Take care of your teacher with some Tylenol or Ibuprofen to help kick that headache to the curb.
- Nail kit – Like I said, this nail kit lives in my desk drawer full time. I use it almost everyday! A must have for any survival kit.
- Mirror – Kids can be brutal! Teachers need a mirror to check their teeth and noses before a loving student points out in front of the whole class that something is there. These inspiring messages remind teachers that they are loved and appreciated when they doubt themselves.
- Toothbrush – Just in case your teacher does find something in his or her teeth, these one-time use, disposable toothbrushes can take care of it.
- Skin & Lip care – Teachers talk a lot and wash their hand a lot! This will dry out their hands and lips like crazy. This gift set is perfect.
Back to School
Send your son, daughter, or favorite teacher back to school prepared with these essentials.
Here are some more ideas for teacher gifts if you need them.
I would love to hear your questions and comments so please leave them below. Please share this post with your friends! Until next time…I’m praying for you, please pray for me!