Back to School Shopping List: What You Actually Need

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Back-to-school season often comes with long Back to School shopping lists, special offers, and plenty of pressure to buy everything in sight.

The reality is that most children don’t need a huge collection of new supplies to start the school year successfully.

Before filling your trolley, it’s worth taking a few minutes to work out what your child genuinely needs and what can be reused from last year.

This practical back-to-school shopping list will help you focus on the essentials, save money, and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Start by Checking What You Already Have

Before buying anything new, take stock of what you already own.

Check items such as:

• Backpacks
• Lunchboxes
• Water bottles
• Pencil cases
• School shoes
• PE kits
• Stationery

A quick inventory can save money and reduce waste.

You may be surprised by how much can be reused for another year.

Essential Back to School Shopping list Items

While every school has slightly different requirements, most children will need the following basics.

School Backpack

A good backpack is one of the most important back-to-school purchases.

Look for:

• Comfortable padded straps
• Enough room for books and lunch
• Durable materials
• Easy-to-use zips

Choose a size that suits your child’s age and avoids putting unnecessary strain on their back.

Our Backpack Recommendation

Below are our tried and tested backpack recommendations for different age groups.

Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is a school-day essential.

Consider:

• Leakproof designs
• Easy-open lids
• Dishwasher-safe options
• Durable materials

Having a spare at home can also be helpful.

Our Water Bottle Recommendation

When it comes to water bottles, there really is only one choice. We have a variety of Ion8 Bottles at home in different sizes and designs. They are simply the best bottles out there and you can now get them as both plastic and insulated steel varieties.

Lunchbox

If your child takes packed lunches, a sturdy lunchbox is worth investing in.

Features to look for include:

• Easy-to-open compartments
• Durable construction
• Leakproof sections
• Insulated options for longer days

Our Lunchbox Recommendation

We’ve tried a number of lunchboxes over the last few years, some got lost, some broken and some simple outgrown. However the one that we found the most versatile that could fit a sandwich as well as some fruit and crackers is the B.Box Lunchbox.

School Shoes

Children spend many hours each day wearing school shoes, so comfort should come first.

Check:

• Proper fit
• Good support
• Durable soles
• Room for growth (without being too large)

It’s worth trying shoes on later in the day when feet are naturally a little larger.

Our School Shoes recommendation

My eldest goes through school shoes like other people change their socks. I have no idea what he does to them at school, but nothing ever seems to last long enough. Thankfully our school is relatively relaxed when it comes to uniform policy and shoes. I have actually found that walking trainers with reinforced toe-caps from our local outdoor store last the longest. They are comfortable and seemingly durable enough.

I highly recommend checking what your school allows for school shoes if they have a uniform policy and then checking out your local outdoor store.

School Uniform

Before purchasing new uniform items:

• Check what still fits
• Review school requirements
• Label everything clearly

Buying a few spare essentials can help reduce washing stress during busy weeks. Our school often has second hand uniform sales, so do speak to your school to see if that is also an option rather than buying new every school year.

Supplies That Make Life Easier

These aren’t always required, but many parents find them helpful.

Name Labels

Lost property boxes fill up quickly during the first few weeks of school. I’m pretty sure my daughter contributes to around half of the lost property content at our school.

Labelling uniform items, water bottles, lunchboxes, PE Kits and Coats can save time and frustration later.

Our Label Recommendations

When it comes to clothes and uniform items, I actually find that a sharpie is great for writing their names onto clothing labels and tags.

For Lunchboxes and water bottles, you may want a stick-on label. You need to make sure that they are dishwasher and microwave proof to ensure durability. For that, I highly recommend the Avery Self-Laminating Name Labels.

Family Calendar

A new school year brings with it the inevitable avalanche of school events and clubs. A family calendar helps keep track of those as well as homework deadlines, sports activities and appointments.

Whether you are looking at managing your calendar online in a shared space or print it and have it visibly displayed for everyone to see, a good family calendar can really help getting everyone organised.

You can find our Family Weekly Planner in our Etsy shop to get you started off right.

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to get organised.

School Routine Chart

A visual routine chart can help children build independence and make school mornings run more smoothly.

If you’re looking for one, join our newsletter to receive our free printable Back to School Routine Chart.

What You Probably Don’t Need

Back-to-school marketing often encourages families to buy more than necessary.

Before purchasing, ask yourself:

• Is this required by the school?
• Will my child actually use it?
• Do we already own something similar?
• Can it be reused?

Many children don’t need:

• Large quantities of stationery – depending on the school, this is often provided.
• Multiple backpacks
• Trend-driven accessories
• Expensive gadgets
• Duplicate supplies

Keeping things simple often reduces stress and saves money.

Tips for Saving Money on Back to School Shopping

Shop Early

Shopping before peak season often means better availability and fewer last-minute purchases.

Compare Prices

The same item can vary significantly between retailers.

Buy for Quality

For frequently used items such as backpacks and shoes, buying quality products can save money in the long run.

Reuse Where Possible

Many supplies can be used for multiple school years.

Involve Your Child

Giving children some input can help them feel excited about the new school year while encouraging responsibility for their belongings.

Preparing Beyond the Back to School Shopping List

While having the right supplies is helpful, preparing emotionally and practically is equally important.

You may also find these resources helpful:

• School Readiness Checklist: What Should My Child Know Before Starting School?
• How to Handle Back to School Anxiety (For Kids & Parents)
• How to Create a Worry Plan for Children
• Back to School Routine Reset
• Easy Worry Monster Craft for Kids

Together, these resources can help children feel confident, organised, and ready for the new school year.

Final Thoughts

A successful school year doesn’t depend on buying every item advertised during back-to-school season.

Focus on the essentials, reuse what you can, and prioritise items that genuinely support your child’s learning and daily routine.

With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be ready to start the school year feeling organised, confident, and stress-free.