The Must-Have Preschool Supplies List For Your Mini Scholar
Back-to-school season has arrived, and if your child is entering preschool this year, they probably have a long list of supplies they are going to need to start the year off right. We personally love the thrill of stocking a brand-new backpack with a lunchbox and some freshly sharpened pencils. But we know that shopping for school supplies can be pretty overwhelming, too. And it's easy to go overboard with all of the recent back-to-school sales. That's why we've put together this list of must-have school supplies for your little scholar. As well as a few items to make the process a bit easier for you!
So whether you're looking for a good backpack for preschool or the best lunchbox, this list has everything you need. Trust us, this comprehensive preschool supplies list will earn you an A+ from your child's preschool teacher and ensure your child is ready for everything — from art projects to snack time (and the messes that come along with both).
—Additional reporting by Genevieve Farrell
Best Nap Mat For Preschool
Mackenzie Rainbow Chenille Hearts Nap Mat ($59, originally $79)
Keep them cozy with this ultra plush nap mat with built-in pillow.
Best Plastic Lunchbox For Preschool
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box ($28, originally $40)
This lunchbox has five compartments that are perfectly portioned for kids. It's also drop-proof, leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and BPA-free.
Best Back to School Starter Kit For Preschool
Slumberkins Back to School Starter Kit ($84)
This kit provides social emotional tools to help ease the transition to school. It includes three books: "Sloth's First Day of School," "Sloth's Daily Plan Book," and "Sloth Starts to Slumber Board Book" to teach how routines can help us feel loved and supported. The visual routine schedule will help to give structure to their day.
Best Ice Pack For Preschool
These butterfly-shaped coolers are slim enough to fit in any lunchbox and easily keep foods chilled until the afternoon. And with a cold-pack you can count on, you can get more adventurous with school lunches.
Best Reusable Food Bags For Preschool
Stasher Reusable Food Bags ($10, originally $13)
These reusable bags come in a variety of sizes and colors, and they will literally last the entire school year. Made from 100 percent silicone, they are dishwasher and microwave safe, and easy for little hands to seal.
Best Stamp For Preschool
DIY Marky ($19)
This customizable stamp is an easy and fast way to label your kids clothes and school supplies.
Best Waterproof Bag For Preschool
Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag ($12)
Whether it's an arts-and-crafts accident or a didn't-get-to-the-bathroom-fast-enough accident, your child's teacher will appreciate having an extra set of clothes on hand. Store them in this waterproof bag, so you have a safe, stink-proof spot to store the dirty clothes, too.
Best Pencil For Preschool
Ticonderoga My First Pencils Set ($6, originally $12)
Perfect for little hands, these pencils have a larger diameter than traditional ones and come pre-sharpened.
Best Shoes For Preschool
Stonz Cruiser™ Original Toddler Shoe ($60)
Designed to help your little one walk and run comfortably, these lightweight shoes allow for optimal balance and healthy foot growth. These were the first shoes my son was able to put on and off himself, thanks to the wide velcro strap. They are perfect for the independence-seeking toddler.
Best Snack Container For Preschool
Lalo Snack Cup ($14)
If your child is always snacking, this cups will hold everything they need for a day at school. It's mess free and designed for their little hands with a detachable lid.
Best Training Scissors For Preschool
Fiskars Pre-School Training Scissors ($5)
Designed for kids ages 3 and up, these training scissors come equipped with blunt safety blades and a training lever that opens the blades after each cut, so kids can learn proper cutting technique.
Best Toy Pouch For Preschool
Disney's The Little Mermaid x CAMP Toy Pouch ($22)
A fun pouch for your little one to bring their favorite toys to school.
Best Metal Lunch Box For Preschool
PlanetBox ROVER Classic Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box ($43, originally $65)
If you're looking for an all-metal lunch box, the PlanetBox ROVER is the gold standard. It's heavy duty and will earn its place at mealtime for years to come.
Best Coat For Preschool
Young Days Palo Alto Jacket ($25)
This sporty jacket is perfect for outdoor play and includes a front zip that's easy for little fingers.
Best Glue Sticks For Preschool
Elmer's Glue Sticks ($5 for 12, originally $13)
The disappearing purple formula spreads on purple and dries clear, so kids can see what they're doing without making a big, gluey mess. Plus, these glue sticks are strong, easy to hold, and (most importantly) washable.
Best Backpack For Preschool
Beis Kids Backpack ($68)
Combine fun and function with this bag that can be colored on again and again with washable markers. This two-in-one backpack has a compartment for a water bottle and a removable fanny pack front.
Best Calendar For Preschool
Skylight Calendar ($150, regular $160)
This WiFi-connected calendar display will keep your family organized and help reduce some of the mental load of scheduling.
Best Premade Lunch For Preschool
Little Spoon Meals (starting at $8)
Make your life a little bit easier with a few premade meals for busy days.
Best Pocket Folders For Preschool
Five Star Plastic 2 Pocket Folders ($20 for 4)
These folders are sturdy enough to keep every precious drawing and painting safe as they make their way from the classroom to the refrigerator.
Best Nose Wipes For Preschool
The Honest Company Sniffer Soothers Nose and Face Wipes ($9)
These wet wipes are great for snotty noses, but that's not all. You can also use them on sticky hands and messy faces.
Best Pants For Preschool
Old Navy Drawstring Sweatpant 2-Pack ($15, originally $29)
Be sure to have extra sets of clothes on hand, like these comfortable sweatpants.
Best Water Bottle For Preschool
Corkcicle Insulated Water Bottle ($34)
Keep your child hydrated with this 12-ounce lid and straw cup. It has a convenient handle and flat sides designed for your child's hands.
Best Soft Wipes For Preschool
Coterie Soft Wipe ($30 for a pack of four)
These premium cotton wipes are infused with moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. They are 30 percent larger than other brands, so perfect for a growing kid.
Best Chair For Preschool
My First Anywhere Chair® ($99, originally $159)
To celebrate this milestone, you'll want to get a few photos to capture the day. We love chair as a backdrop for the annual back to school so you can see how much your little one has grown.
Best Photo Printer For Preschool
HP Sprocket Studio Plus 4x6" Wireless Instant Photo Printer ($129)
To make the transition easier, print out a few family photos for your little one to look at while at school.
Best Potty Training Guide For Preschool
Lovevery The Potty Learning Course Pack ($50)
Since many preschools require children to be potty-trained, this Lovevery course pack provides tools to help your child tap into their intrinsic motivation and take the lead.
Best Bandage For Preschool
Welly Quick Fix Kit ($9)
Welly's kit of 24 first-aid supplies will have you prepared for cuts, scrapes, and ouchies. The compact case is perfect to store in a backpack.
Best Pouch Snack For Preschool
Gogo Squeez Fruit on the Go Variety Pack ($12)
These BPA-free fruit pouches are beloved by children. They are an easy way to sneak fruit into the lunchbox and are free of nuts, gluten, and dairy.
—Additional reporting by Genevieve Farrell
Tarah Chieffi is a theme park and family travel journalist who discovered her words were best used to help travelers plan fun-filled family vacations. When she isn't eating theme park food and riding roller coasters, she can be found cycling wherever her bike will take her, tucked under the covers with a good book, or planning her next adventure with her husband and three young sons.
Genevieve Farrell is an award-winning filmmaker and the director of fitness and wellness video at PS. She oversees PS Fit, which makes fitness fun and accessible for a community of more than six million subscribers and which has a library of videos that has received more than one billion views. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with degrees in Film Production and Marketing. With more than 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry, she has produced films that screened at festivals, such as the Tribeca Film Festival, and were licensed by Showtime. Genevieve is a NASM-certified trainer and has created content for brands including Fitbit, Samsung, and Under Armour.