Back to school shopping 2023: Lists for students plus where to get free school supplies
As the summer winds down, you can practically smell the return to school in the air. Back-to-school sales dominate targeted ads and passing billboards, and families are cramming in as much vacation and ice cream time as they can. It’s just about time to stock up on pencils and new sneakers, and to do it best you'll want to look for deals while looking for school supply reviews, too.
Whether you're the parent of a student or a student yourself, here’s your guide to back-to-school shopping supplies and dates to know.
Must-have back-to-school supplies
Back-to-school supplies vary from classroom to classroom, from teacher to teacher. If your child is in elementary or middle school, they may have received an itemized classroom supply list from their new teacher. Specific lists often can be found on school or teacher websites. Take note of any requested items as opposed to required items – pricey items may be a suggestion or donation to the classroom.
But if you don't have a list and want to get things ready for the big day, here’s a general guide of what you'll need according to tutoring agency Oxford Learning.
Back-to-school supplies for elementary students:
1 pocket folder per subject
Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)
Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebook
Loose-leaf blank paper
Pencils
2 erasers
Ruler
Pencil sharpener (metal ones, even small ones, will last longer if kids can hold onto them)
Box of crayons
Colored pencils
Washable markers
Bottle of glue
2 glue sticks
Safety scissors
Backpack
Pencil box or bag for supplies
Your child’s teacher may also request classroom supplies like disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer or tissues. When in doubt, send a quick email to their new teacher ahead of the first day of school.
Back-to-school supplies for middle school students:
1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders
Binder dividers
1 pocket folder per subject
Sticky notes
Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)
Combination lock for lockers
Loose-leaf ruled paper and/or notebook
Loose-leaf graph paper or notebook
Mini stapler
Highlighters
Blue or black pens
Pencils
2 erasers
Ruler
Pencil sharpener
Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)
Colored pencils
Your teacher may also ask for some specific supplies depending on the type of work you’re doing, like USB drives, calculators or a compass and protractor. Check in with your teacher before school starts if you’re not sure what to buy.
Back-to-school supplies for high school students:
1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders
Binder dividers
1 pocket folder per subject
Sticky notes
Agenda
Combination lock for locker
Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebooks (one per subject)
Loose-leaf graph paper or notebooks
Highlighters
Blue or black pens
Pencils
2 erasers
Ruler
Pencil sharpener
Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)
Back to school support: Where to find free school supplies for 2023/2024 academic year
How to shop for back-to-school supplies
Take a deep breath – we know this is an overwhelming time for parents.
First, you’ll want to consult the list. Contact your child’s teacher if you have questions about items on the list or don’t see something you think will be important. If you have a little extra in your budget, ask your child's new teacher if they need help supplying their classroom. Most teachers dip into their wallets to decorate and equip their rooms, so they'll appreciate the help.
School supplies can be expensive. According to the National Retail Federation, American households are estimated to spend nearly $900 this back-to-school season. Some places help people get free school supplies and offer deals. Some states offer school supply sales-tax holidays through the end of August and in some cases into the beginning of September. You can also check with your school or community, which may have donated supplies on hand.
School supplies can be found at major retailers like Target and Walmart, or you can avoid the lines by shopping online. Check out USA TODAY’s roundup of back-to-school discounts, including Costco, Dollar General, Amazon, DoorDash, and more.
If you’re in the market for a new back-to-school wardrobe or are purchasing big this school year, here’s a list of the best student and teacher discounts.
After you’ve shopped your way down the list, the next best thing to do is be prepared for the start of the school year. Make sure to pack your backpack or child’s backpack ahead of time so you’re not scrambling on the first day.
When does school start in 2023?
It depends on the region, though 29% of U.S. students will typically return to school in the second week of August, a 2019 Pew Research study found. In 2023, that’s August 14-18.
The second most popular time is after Labor Day. Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 4 this year, meaning students will likely go back to school Sept. 5, the day after.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Back to school supplies guide: What to buy for the new school year
