Preschool Supply List: 25 Must-Have Items

When children begin preschool, it is often their first time being away from home for long periods. To maximize their experience, kids must come to school with the right supplies. If they are well-equipped before class time, they will be well-taken care of and have lots of creative fun. Not sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a preschool teacher or a parent, our supply list will be sure to help you. Here are 25 must-have items for preschoolers:

1. Pencils

What school-aged kid can live without pencils? This writing utensil has always been a staple in every school supply list, and for a good reason! Preschool children can use pencils to draw pictures or learn how to write the alphabet and basic words. We recommend giving them classic wooden pencils because of their ease of use.

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2. Pocket Folders

Pocket folders are essential for children to keep their papers and artwork organized. Preschool kids should learn that they shouldn’t crumple up their papers and toss them in their backpacks. Be sure to buy at least two in different colors if they need to file documents separately!

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3. Colored Pencils

Colored pencils should never be absent from a kid’s school supplies. Why? Because children love to be creative and draw using their favorite colors. They can also use them for other art projects that may be assigned to them in class. Oh! And don’t forget that colored pencils can be erased, so kids are free to make mistakes.

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4. Crayons

Alongside colored pencils, children should also have plenty of crayons in their school supplies. Their waxy formula is true to color and can be easily wiped away using warm, soapy water. We recommend buying more than one box in case a child breaks or loses their favorite colors.

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5. Colorful Construction Paper

This is always a good thing to have on hand in preschool. Colorful construction paper is usually more sturdy than regular paper and can be used for endless art projects.

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6. Lunchbox

In preschool, kids usually attend from the early morning to the late afternoon. That’s why they should have a lunchbox with healthy foods packed daily. Be sure to buy a lunchbox that has your child’s favorite character as it’ll make them excited to eat lunch every day.

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7. Reusable Snack Bag

Little kids often run around and expend a lot of energy throughout the day. That’s why snacks are a must to keep them full and energized! We recommend buying a reusable snack bag because they’re eco-friendly and will save you from adding disposable snack bags to your weekly shopping list.

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8. Tissue Paper

As adorable as children are, they are prone to making all kinds of messes. They also seem to produce loads more snot than adults. Make sure to send your kid to school with tissue paper to wipe away messes in a pinch.

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9. Extra Clothing

Even though your child may be potty trained, accidents happen. Children should always have an extra pair of clothes just in case. Send your child to school on the first day with a change of clothes in a labeled zip-lock bag and have them store it in their cubby.

10. Single-subject Notebook

You never know when you need something to write on. Make sure your kids go to school with a notebook. We recommend a single-subject notebook with wide-ruled paper. The larger spaces in wide-ruled notebooks are much easier for preschoolers to use.

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11. Washable Markers

Sometimes, crayons and colored pencils don’t show up on certain surfaces. Markers are a great alternative! Just be sure to get washable ones as children are notorious for marking their skin and random surfaces.

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12. Pencil Sharpener

As children are still developing, they are sometimes unaware of their own strengths. They often apply too much pressure when writing or coloring which quickly dulls down and breaks writing utensils. Send your kids to school with a child-safe pencil sharpener to solve this problem.

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13. Antibacterial Wipes

This item is handy in Winter when colds and other illnesses run rampant. Antibacterial wipes will help teachers clean up messes and sanitize surfaces; thus reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria.

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14. Glue Sticks

Art projects are everyday preschool activities, so glue sticks are a must. These adhesive sticks are best for paper and other light materials because they have a weak bond. We recommend buying ones that have blue or purple glue. That way, children can easily see the surfaces where they applied the glue, which reduces messes.

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15. Liquid Glue

Along with glue sticks, preschool students should also have liquid glue on hand. Liquid glue has a much stronger bond, so it’s more versatile than glue sticks. One major con to liquid glue is that it can be incredibly messy so children should be monitored by an adult while using it.

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16. Safety Scissors

Safety is the keyword in this item. These scissors are specifically made for children because they have dull blades, meaning your kiddos are less likely to injure themselves or others.

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17. Ruler

Rulers are handy items to have available for art projects and writing. They can create straight lines and measure the length of objects. Be sure to pack one in your child’s favorite color! 

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18. Pencil Case

Pencils have a knack for getting lost, primarily when handled by children. Get your child a pencil case to store their writing utensils together in one place. We recommend you look for ones with beloved characters to keep things fun for your child.

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19. Tape

Tape is less messy than glue and is certainly less permanent. This versatile adhesive can be used to piece together ripped paper or to hang art projects on the wall. We recommend getting the invisible kind to maximize versatility.

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20. Backpack

Every child needs a backpack for school, especially one they love to carry around. Make sure you get one large enough to hold everything your child needs for preschool.

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21. Smock

With how common art projects are in preschool, children need smocks to prevent them from getting paint or glue on their clean clothes. Alternatively, you can pack an old T-shirt instead but make sure it’s one they don’t mind getting dirty. 

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22. Hand Sanitizer

Children almost always touch unclean surfaces and get their hands covered in unwanted bacteria. To ensure your child doesn’t spread germs, pack hand sanitizer, so they don’t unexpectedly come home with a cold. We recommend getting the travel-sized sanitizer to clip onto their backpack or lunchbox. 

23. Reusable Bottle

Running and playing is a child’s favorite pastime, so you can expect them to do much of it in preschool! Make sure your child stays hydrated by packing in a reusable bottle filled with water or all-natural juice. Bonus points if it’s in their favorite color!

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24. Playdough

Remember the times squishing stinky play dough on your desk as a child? Times haven’t changed much because children still love playing with it. Pack some playdough into their cubby at school so they can use it for art projects or other activities.

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25. Watercolors

These beautiful paints are perfect for coloring books and art projects. Unlike crayons and markers, watercolor paint creates subdued colors that can be overlapped several times for more depth. Plus, it’s easy to wash off surfaces and clothing! 

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