It is back to school season! Which means clothes shopping, readjusting your schedules, and supply lists! Let’s be honest, those lists are lot more intense than they were when we were kids. So, what gives? Which supplies are really worth the money and which ones can you get in the bargain bins?
As a teacher myself, here is the consensus from me and my teacher friends:
Splurge On
Kleenex
Kleenex in school are like cigarettes in prison. I’m not exaggerating here, come February good Kleenex is better than money to teachers. But let’s be clear here, no cheap stuff. There is a hierarchy to facial tissues and off brand won’t get you much. The granddaddy of all come flu season (especially to that teacher that rarely uses sick days and is battling through the flu at work) is Kleenex plus lotion with Vicks scent. They are AH-MAZING!
Ticonderoga Pencils
Skip the mechanical pencils or character ones, these things are legit. While they are a bit more expensive than your regular standard ones, they are worth it for your student and for their teachers. And they will love you for them. They stay sharp and don’t break pencil sharpeners. I consider them seriously the world’s best pencil.
Backpacks
Backpacks are a hotly debated topic around this time. Is your kid going to use them? Won’t they just become a pit of despair? The reality is that your student will need them and yes they will be used and abused so it is best to invest in one that is going to last. Did you know that there are even some with a lifetime warranty? Seriously, how great is that? Can you imagine having one backpack for your child through elementary? Sounds lovely to me! Yes, they are a little more money, but if you don’t have to replace them each year it would sure be worth it.
Crayons
Most elementary schools specify for their markers and crayons that they have to be Crayola brand. Some parents scoff at this but many districts have reasons why they specify. I reached out to many elementary school teachers and crayons were the supply that kept coming up. It turns out sometimes they specify brands because sometimes you pay for quality. Get the Crayola and you won’t have to buy more to replace them. Plus your kid gets awesome colors like cerulean (my personal favorite growing up).
Organization
This one is more for secondary students than primary but so essential. I don’t know how trapper keepers have gone out of style because they are the absolute best. Regardless of whether you choose an accordion file, folder tabs, or planners, setting your kid up with some type of organization really does set them up for success. Even taking time to help them understand how they can use their devices as organizational tools can help them in the long run.
Buy Cheap
Binders
Yes get binders, but don’t spend $10 on binders. They get as abused as the backpack. They sell cute and cheap ones at Target and Walmart that any teacher would appreciate. If you are looking for long haul (maybe college?) here is a good source for the best binders to spend your money on. For general elementary or secondary these are fine.
Hand Sanitizer
Don’t worry about the fancy smell good stuff here. Just make sure you get it and lots of it. For the classroom, your student, and even yourself! Especially during flu season.
Composition Books
Yes get them, they are wonderful and perfect for interactive notebooks. But don’t worry about the fancy characters or even the colors, just make sure you get them and plenty of them.
What school supplies do YOU splurge or save money on?