Back to school supplies list for elementary students 2026: what to buy and how to prepare

The new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to tackle the back to school supplies list for elementary students 2026. While each school district and teacher may have specific requirements, this checklist covers the essentials most elementary students in the U.S. will need for the 2026-2027 school year. Use Foco to organize your shopping, delegate tasks to family members, and ensure nothing is forgotten before the first day of school.

July and August are the best months to shop for school supplies, as stores like Walmart, Target, and Staples typically offer discounts. Some states also provide tax-free weekends for school supplies (e.g., Texas usually holds this in early August). Check your state’s dates to save money.

How to use this list in Foco

Import this checklist into Foco as a project named 'Back to school'. Use Panorama mode to view all tasks alongside your other projects, or switch to Foco mode to concentrate solely on school preparations. Assign tasks to family members (e.g., 'Buy backpack' to your partner) and use tags like '#sale' or '#urgent' to prioritize. With the Kanban view, organize tasks into columns such as 'To buy', 'Purchased', and 'Delivered to child'.

• Check your child’s school-specific supply list (usually sent via email in July or posted on the district’s website)
• Buy 1 durable backpack (check if the school recommends specific brands or sizes)
• Purchase 1 pencil case (preferably with a zipper and compartments)
• Buy 24 #2 pencils (pre-sharpened or with erasers included)
• Purchase 2 boxes of 12-count colored pencils (Crayola is the most common brand in the U.S.)
• Buy 1 box of 10 washable markers (Crayola or Sharpie brand)
• Purchase 2 large white erasers (not the pink ones)
• Buy 1 manual pencil sharpener (with a shavings container)
• Purchase 1 12-inch ruler (with inches and centimeters measurements)
• Buy 1 pair of blunt-tip scissors (5 inches, child-safe)
• Purchase 6 glue sticks (Elmer’s brand or similar)
• Buy 1 bottle of white liquid glue (4 oz, Elmer’s brand)
• Purchase 1 pack of 100 sheets of construction paper (assorted colors)
• Buy 1 pack of 200 sheets of white letter-sized paper (for printer)
• Purchase 1 wide-ruled spiral notebook (70 sheets)
• Buy 3 plastic folders with brads (different colors for each subject)
• Purchase 1 pack of 100 3x5-inch index cards (for study flashcards)
• Buy 1 student planner or agenda (with space for daily assignments)
• Purchase 1 box of facial tissues (200-count, for classroom use)
• Buy 1 bottle of hand sanitizer (8 oz, alcohol-free if preferred by the school)
• Purchase 1 pack of disinfecting wipes (for desk cleaning)
• Label all supplies with your child’s name (use adhesive labels or permanent marker)
• Check last year’s supplies and reuse items that are still in good condition
• Buy 1 durable lunchbox (if your child brings lunch from home)
• Purchase 1 reusable water bottle (with name engraved or labeled)
• Verify if the school requires uniforms or specific clothing (and purchase if needed)