High School Supplies: Must-Haves for the New School Year

High school supplies are essential items that every student needs to stay organized and productive throughout the school year.

From pens and notebooks to backpacks and calculators, these tools can make a significant difference in a student's academic performance.

Amazon Associates Program Disclaimer: Think Americana is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services that we believe will add value to our readers.

Choosing the right supplies ensures that students can complete their assignments efficiently and feel prepared for every class.

When selecting high school supplies, it's crucial to consider factors like durability, functionality, and cost.

Items that are used frequently, like backpacks and binders, should be able to withstand daily wear and tear.

Additionally, supplies like pens and markers should provide smooth, reliable performance without frequent replacements.

Finding the right balance between quality and affordability can also impact a student’s overall school experience.

Best High School Supplies

We've selected a variety of high school supplies to make the school year smoother and more enjoyable. From notebooks to backpacks, our picks will have you covered.

First, let's get started with a few different kits that include a variety of school supplies packaged together.

Ultimate School Supply Kit

This comprehensive school supply kit includes everything a student needs for a successful school year in one convenient package.

Pros

  • Includes a wide variety of supplies
  • High-quality materials
  • Perfect for all grade levels

Cons

  • Heavier than expected
  • Some items may not be needed
  • Higher upfront cost

This Ultimate School Supply Kit has proven to be a fantastic time-saver for us.

Gone are the days of running from store to store trying to find every single item on multiple lists. It is especially convenient for families with more than one student.

We appreciate the assortment of top-notch supplies included in the kit. All the essentials, such as binders, notebooks, pens, and pencils, are covered, allowing for worry-free preparation.

The inclusion of both mechanical and regular pencils, as well as colored pencils and sticky notes, makes customization easy.

While it's heavier than anticipated, we felt that the trade-off for convenience was worth it.

Some items might not be necessary for every student, which could be seen as wasteful by some. Despite the slightly higher initial cost, the quality and variety make it a solid investment for the school year ahead.

Enday School Supplies Kit

This all-in-one school supplies kit makes back-to-school shopping a breeze with everything your student needs.

Pros

  • Comprehensive set with over 100 items
  • Saves time and money
  • Comes in a convenient storage box

Cons

  • Some items may not be used often
  • Box may seem bulky for daily use
  • Limited to basic supplies, lacks specialized items

We just received the Enday School Supplies Kit and it really takes the hassle out of school shopping. Imagine having everything your student needs in one go!

It’s incredibly convenient and perfect for ensuring the essentials are always at hand.

The quality of the items is impressive, especially for the price. We feel it’s a great value because it saves us from making multiple trips to the store.

The selection is comprehensive, with a wide variety of supplies packed into a single box.

On the downside, the box with over 100 items might be bulky for daily transport, and some items might remain unused depending on the student’s needs.

Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic solution for anyone looking to tackle the school year prepared!

Math Geometry Kit Set

This kit is perfect for any high school student needing reliable and well-organized geometry tools.

Pros

  • Convenient, durable case
  • Comprehensive tool selection
  • Ideal for various projects

Cons

  • Fragile storage case
  • Mechanical pencil could be sturdier
  • Not suited for heavy usage

The Math Geometry Kit Set comes with everything we needed for geometry class.

The tools fit securely in the case, which helps keep everything organized. It’s especially handy for students who often misplace small items.

While the tools themselves seem quite durable, the case isn't as robust as we hoped. If thrown around in a backpack, there’s a risk it may fall apart.

Still, the variety of tools provided is impressive and covers all the basics needed for geometry projects.

The included mechanical pencil works well for light tasks, but it may not hold up to heavier drafting work.

Overall, this kit is a solid choice for students looking for an all-in-one solution for their geometry needs.

EXPO Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers

A must-have for classrooms and offices, these markers provide vivid colors and easy erasing.

Pros

  • Bold and easy-to-read colors
  • Versatile chisel tip for various line widths
  • Low odor, making them great for enclosed spaces

Cons

  • Some colors might appear lighter on boards
  • Limited to non-porous surfaces
  • The cap fit can sometimes be a bit tight

These markers have proven to be incredibly versatile, suitable for classroom lessons or office tasks.

The chisel tip is a game-changer, allowing us to create lines of different widths with ease.

Quick-drying ink means no smearing, keeping our boards neat and readable.

We also appreciate the low-odor formula, especially during long meetings or classes.

It's great to have bold colors that stand out and are easy to erase. These markers have become a staple in our teaching and brainstorming sessions.

One minor downside is that some colors might look a bit lighter when used on boards.

Additionally, they work best on non-porous surfaces, so we must ensure the right application.

Despite these small issues, these markers are incredibly practical and reliable.

WRITECH Gel Pens Journaling Highlighters

These pens are a joy to use for note-taking and journaling, providing a smooth, smudge-free experience.

Pros

  • Smooth and no-skip writing
  • Quick-dry ink prevents smudging
  • Convenient retractable design

Cons

  • Some colors run out quickly
  • Highlighter shades may not be vibrant
  • Limited ink variety in the set

Our experience with the WRITECH Gel Pens has been excellent.

The smooth and no-skip writing experience truly makes a difference, especially when taking notes in a hurry.

The quick-dry ink ensures no smudges or smears, which is a huge plus for us.

The convenience of the retractable highlighter is another feature we love. It allows for easy one-handed operation.

These pens are highly suitable for bullet journaling, planning, and sketching. They have become a staple in our stationery collection.

That said, we did notice that some colors in the set run out faster than expected.

The highlighter shades might not be as vibrant as some users prefer.

Even with these minor issues, the overall versatility and performance of the WRITECH Gel Pens make them a strong choice for high school supplies.

Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils

These mechanical pencils are a reliable addition to any high schooler's backpack due to their durability and ease of use.

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing tip reduces lead breakage.
  • Twist-to-advance design is convenient.
  • Pink eraser works well for corrections.

Cons

  • Less durable clip.
  • Some complaints about package condition.
  • Eraser runs out faster than lead.

The Paper Mate SharpWriter Mechanical Pencils are perfect for students who want reliable writing tools without the hassle of sharpening.

The shock-absorbing tip ensures we can write smoothly without frequent lead breakage. This can be a big time-saver, especially during long study sessions or tests.

We found the twist-to-advance design handy, allowing us to continue jotting down notes without interruption.

The sturdy build of the pencils makes them durable, and the pink eraser effectively cleans up mistakes.

It feels great to know these pencils can withstand the rigors of daily school use.

On the downside, the clip could be sturdier, and some users have received packages in poor condition.

Even though the eraser runs out faster than the lead, it's a minor inconvenience considering the overall quality.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

These colored pencils are a fantastic choice for any high school artist looking to elevate their artwork.

Pros

  • Exceptionally smooth blending
  • Vivid, richly saturated colors
  • Durable soft cores

Cons

  • Prone to breakage if not handled carefully
  • More expensive than basic colored pencils
  • The tin case could use better padding

We were immediately impressed by how creamy these pencils felt while coloring. The colors glide effortlessly on paper, making blending a breeze. The vibrant shades make our projects pop, which is great for detailed artwork and shading.

The pigments are incredibly rich and provide high saturation, enabling us to achieve professional-grade illustrations and designs. Even as beginners, we found that the Prismacolor pencils made our work look polished.

On the downside, some pencils might break if dropped or handled rough. Given the premium pricing, this might be a slight letdown. Also, while the tin case is handy, it could use better padding to protect our prized pencils.

Tamaki Pencil Erasers

A go-to choice for smooth and clean erasing, perfect for any high school student.

Pros

  • Cleanly erases without scratching
  • Compact and portable size
  • Comes with protective sleeves

Cons

  • Wears down faster than some erasers
  • Smaller size might not be for everyone
  • Slightly higher cost per eraser

These Tamaki Erasers are fantastic for any high school student who needs a reliable tool in their pencil case. Each eraser is individually wrapped and comes with a protective sleeve, keeping both your hands and the eraser clean. The high-quality, latex-free material ensures that pencil marks are erased effortlessly without leaving scratches or smudges behind.

We’ve found that these erasers remain soft and ready to use, which is essential for making precise corrections on worksheets or in notebooks. Although they wear down a bit faster than expected, their consistent performance makes up for this small gripe. The compact size is also a bonus, fitting seamlessly into any pencil case or backpack without taking up too much space.

While the price is a bit higher compared to standard pencil erasers, the Tamaki Erasers’ quality justifies the investment. They’re especially useful for students who need to make detailed corrections on classwork, art projects, or during exams. If you’re looking to add a dependable, clean-erasing tool to your school supplies, these are definitely worth considering.

Smead Project Organizer

This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to keep their documents neatly organized and easily accessible.

Pros

  • Robust construction means it lasts a long time
  • Vibrant dividers make sorting a breeze
  • Comes with a convenient zippered pouch for small essentials

Cons

  • May feel bulky due to its 24-pocket design
  • Only available in specific color assortments
  • Higher price point compared to simpler folders

We’ve found the Smead Project Organizer incredibly useful for categorizing various project components. The 24 pockets provide ample room for multiple subjects or projects, and the colorful dividers make it easy to spot what you need quickly.

The design is practical with its spiral binding, allowing the organizer to lay flat on any surface—perfect for both office and classroom environments. The material is tear-resistant and water-resistant, ensuring your documents stay safe and secure, even with regular use.

What we appreciate most is the zippered pouch at the back, which is perfect for storing pens, flash drives, or small notes. This organizer not only helps us stay efficient but also adds a touch of fun and color to our workspace.

BAZIC School Supply Kit

This comprehensive school supply kit is a solid investment for students in grades 7 to 12.

Pros

  • Comprehensive kit, covers all essentials
  • High-quality materials used
  • Convenient and time-saving purchase

Cons

  • Missing some higher-level school supplies
  • Some reports of missing items
  • Pictures can be misleading

Having just used the BAZIC School Supply Kit ourselves, we can say it’s a great all-in-one solution for school essentials. The variety of items included, such as the scientific calculator, compass, and protractor, makes it very practical for middle and high school students.

The items were of impressive quality, particularly the pencils and notebooks, which stood up to vigorous use. The convenience of purchasing everything in one go cannot be overstated, saving us both time and money compared to buying each item separately.

There were, however, a few downsides. Although the kit includes most essentials, it might miss some specific items required for higher-level courses. We also noticed occasional reports of missing items, and the pictures on the product page can be misleading. Overall, though, it’s a great purchase for kicking off the school year right.

iPepul Scientific Calculator

The iPepul Scientific Calculator is an essential tool for high school students due to its practical features and portability.

Pros

  • Handy notepad for quick notes
  • Clear, large display
  • Lightweight and portable

Cons

  • LCD screen may be too dark for some
  • Limited battery life
  • Design is quite basic

The iPepul Scientific Calculator stands out for its unique combination of calculator and notepad. This makes jotting down calculations effortless, especially in busy classrooms.

We appreciate the large 10-digit LCD display, which ensures our calculations are always clearly visible. Coupled with its lightweight design, it’s convenient to carry around for any class or study session.

Although the LCD screen might appear a bit dark for some, the calculator remains a reliable and practical tool for students. The ability to replace the batteries easily extends its lifespan, making it a worthwhile addition to our school supplies.

45 Piece School Supply Kit

A great package for parents wanting to streamline their school supply shopping in one go.

Pros

  • Everything is included in one convenient set
  • Durable and child-friendly materials
  • Cost-effective for a complete kit

Cons

  • Some items may not be of the highest quality
  • Basic supplies only, not specialized
  • Crayons and colored pencils may be sub-par

With the 45 Piece School Supply Kit, we can get all of our back-to-school needs in one swoop. This set makes shopping simple, eliminating multiple trips to different stores. The items are durable and seem built to last, ideal for everyday school use.

Our kids found the supplies easy to use, and they especially liked the variety of colors in the highlighters and pens. The pencil sharpener with a lid cover is a thoughtful addition, helping to keep their desks tidy. Parents and teachers alike will appreciate the convenience of having these essentials packed together.

A few points to note are the quality of the crayons and colored pencils. While they do the job, they might not be suitable for more detailed or artistic projects. This can be a bit of a let-down if your child needs premium art supplies. Despite this, the set still offers tremendous value and convenience for the entire school year.

Buying Guide

When buying high school supplies, let’s think about what we truly need. Prioritizing helps us focus our budget on essentials.

Notebooks and Paper

We should opt for notebooks with durable covers and high-quality paper. Make sure to check the binding; good binding prevents loose pages.

Writing Tools

Pens and pencils are daily essentials. Choosing ergonomic designs can make writing more comfortable. Consider mechanical pencils for convenience.

ItemFeatures to Look For
NotebooksDurable cover, strong binding, quality paper
PensComfortable grip, smooth writing
PencilsErgonomic design, lead quality

Organization Supplies

Folders and binders keep us on track. It’s smart to use color-coding to simplify our sorting.

Backpacks

A sturdy, comfortable backpack is a must. Look for padded straps and ample compartments to carry our load efficiently.

Technology

Calculators, laptops, and other tech gadgets can be essential. Ensuring they are up-to-date and reliable can save us time and stress.

Art Supplies

For those in art classes, quality markers, brushes, and sketchbooks matter. Ensure the materials are durable and vibrant.

Tips for Shopping

  • Sales and Discounts: Always be on the lookout for sales and discounts.
  • Bulk Buying: Sometimes, buying in bulk can save us money.
  • Online Reviews: Checking reviews can help us avoid low-quality items.

Selecting the best high school supplies takes thought and focus on quality and durability.

Let's shop smart, keeping in mind comfort and convenience.