BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLERS

AA
Jul 22
5 min read

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If you've got a middle or high schooler, then you already know that back-to-school season isn't just about new pencils and cute notebooks anymore.

Sometimes, it feels more like outfitting a small office worker who also plays sports, has science projects due, eats fifteen meals a day, and loses their earbuds every few weeks!

When it gets closer to school opening, all you'll hear is "Mom, I need this", or that. And just like that, it becomes your responsibility to look for the list of stuff they need. And as a mom, all we want to do is try to balance what they actually need with what they actually use.

That's where this list comes in. Real back-to-school supplies that work for real teens (and moms who don't have the time to sort through 1,000 reviews at midnight)

Back-To-School Supplies To Get Your Teen Ready For School

Backpacks That Actually Last Past October

When your kid reaches middle or high school, a basic backpack just isn't going to be enough. They might have outgrown the colourful, cartoony ones, but they definitely need something that'll survive their textbooks, laptops, gym clothes, a hoodie, snacks, and random items.

They need something that can handle all that weight, being thrown around, without leaving their shoulders sore or ripping down the middle by October.

What can be useful is something that isn't just durable, but designed with a lot of thought. Padded straps. Built-in laptop sleeve. Multiple compartments, because they need a little organization, even in their bags. Something they won't be embarrassed to carry.

These few hits that sweet spot. Strong enough to be used daily, stylish enough for your teen, and practical enough that you're not buying another one in two months.

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Stationery They'll Use and Hopefully Not Lose in a Week

Teen are funny about their stationery. Some are super particular about the type of pens they like and use, while others will just swipe whatever's nearby and leave it uncapped wherever they feel like.

I've had one too many moments when I've heard "Mom, can I borrow your pen," and never ever see that pen again. I've learned that having a small stash of their favorites will save a lot of time and hassle.

And it's not just about the pens, your middle and high schoolers need a whole bunch of things. Mechanical pencils because they don't need sharpening. Highlighters, sticky notes, rulers, white-out, and calculators. And a pencil case that can, hopefully, hold their stationery in place, because if you've ever dug through the bottom of your kid's backpack for a pen that should be there but somehow isn't...you know the value of one.

Whatever it is, starting the year with solid basics makes life easier for them.

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Notebooks and Binders That'll Help Keep Chaos in Check

Let us all take a moment to make peace with the fact that our organization doesn't come naturally to every teen. Some love structure, while others.....well, they treat their backpacks like a trash can.

Whichever one your teen is, we help them nonetheless. Even the messiest teens need a place to jot things down or stash handouts so they don't show at school with crumpled maths homework.

A good planner or calendar helps too, especially when they start juggling assignments, sports, and school events.

Even with Google Docs and online portals, having a few notebooks, folders, binders, and a good planner can still help them stay on top of things.

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A Lunch Box They Won't Be Embarrassed To Carry

At this age, lunch becomes less about food and more about the socializing. And if your teen brings lunch from home, they can be quite particular about their lunch boxes. If it looks 'juvenile', too bulky, or smells even a little bit weird, then it's game over.

You'll want something that keeps food fresh, doesn't leak, and is low-key enough but also cool. Bonus if it they can just carry it in their backpack.

It doesn't have to be fancy, just something they'll be happy to use without rolling their eyes.

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A Water Bottle That Won't Leak

My teenager is a BIG water drinker, so water bottles are something we keep buying, losing or damaging, and buying again.

We stick to water bottles that are easy to clean, have a straw lid or flip top, tough enough that they can handle being thrown around the soccer field or gym, can fit in backpacks, and most importantly, one that doesn't leak.

We've also had a fair share of trendy ones, the cheap ones, and everything in between, as well as bottles that have leaked through backpacks and ones that end up smelling like last week's socks.

So these ones below have been reliable, and can handle being tossed in a bag, dropped, or forgotten for a day without becoming disgusting.

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Tech Accessories They'll Thank You For (silently)

Even if your teen gets a school-issued Chromebook or iPad, there's always something tech-related that needs charging, replacing, or rescuing from the bottom of their backpack.

A laptop sleeve will keep their device safe from crumbs, spills, and basically locker chaos.

A power bank saves the day when their phone's 3% and they still have practice.

Wireless earbuds come in handy when they're trying to do homework and it's noisy.

And blue light glasses? Not essential, but a nice extra if they're staring at screens for hours.

These aren't usually on the official school supply list, but they'll absolutely get used, and might even save you for one of those "mom, can you bring my charger" texts at 2pm.

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Personal Care Pouch, Because Some Things Shouldn't Need A Text

There are just some things you prefer your teenager not text you about during school hours. Not because it'll trouble but you want them to just be prepared and start training themselves to prepare for all the possibilities.

These can be anything from deodorant, tampons/pads, wipes, to even gum and hand sanitizer.

These don't have to be anything fancy, just basic stuff that they'll need and will actually use.

It's just a few small things zipped into a pouch and thrown into their backpacks. It'll help them feel more prepared and a little less awkward when life happens.

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From One Mom To Another...

You really don't have to get everything all at once.

Start with the basics, then add things as you go. Honestly, most of us end up placing a second order right around week 3 anyway.

Also, let your teen have a say (They'll complain less when they picked it!). You've already narrowed everything down, so it'll be easy for them to just choose.