Complete Back-to-School Shopping List for 1st Grade

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First grade is a big year: more writing, more cutting, more independent work. The right basic supplies help children feel confident and stay organized without creating extra stress for families. Below are eight dependable, widely available items classrooms and teachers commonly ask for, plus practical buying advice to keep shopping simple.

1. Crayola 24-Count Crayons

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Who it's best for: nearly every first grader. Crayola's classic 24-pack covers the color range kids need for coloring, drawing and early art projects.

Why: Crayons are durable, easy to grip and familiar to teachers. A 24-count is compact for pencil boxes but still gives enough colors for projects and coloring practice.

2. Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers

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Who it's best for: children who enjoy coloring, labeling, and collaborative art on large paper. These markers wash from skin and many fabrics, which reduces stress over accidental marks.

Why: Washability and bold color make them classroom favorites for posters, group work and creative assignments. Choose broad-tip sets for younger hands.

3. Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils

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Who it's best for: students practicing handwriting and early spelling. Pre-sharpened #2 wooden pencils are the standard for schoolwork and testing drills.

Why: Ticonderoga pencils are known for a comfortable finish and reliable erasers. Buying pre-sharpened saves classroom time and prevents broken tips during the first days of school.

4. Elmer's Washable School Glue Sticks

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Who it's best for: craft projects, gluing paper and simple art assignments. Glue sticks are less messy than liquid glue and easier for small hands to control.

Why: Washable, quick-drying glue sticks cut down on spills and stains. Keep extras — teachers often ask for several per student over the year.

5. Fiskars Kids Blunt-Tip Scissors

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Who it's best for: children learning to cut along lines for crafts and worksheets. Kids’ scissors with blunt tips are safer and sized for small hands.

Why: Fiskars makes durable, springy scissors that open and close smoothly. A pair with soft grips helps children who are still developing hand strength.

6. Mead Primary Journal

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Who it's best for: beginning writers who need space for drawing and early handwriting practice. These journals typically have a blank area for pictures and ruled lines for text.

Why: The layout supports story-telling and drawing alongside handwriting development. Teachers often use them for daily writing practice and portfolios.

7. Expo Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers

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Who it's best for: students who use personal whiteboards or for parents helping with at-home practice. Low-odor markers are kinder to classroom and home environments.

Why: Dry-erase markers are versatile — handy for math practice, spelling drills and interactive lessons. Choose fine or chisel tips based on teacher preference.

8. Sterilite Small Pencil Box

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Who it's best for: students who need a durable, easy-to-clean place to store crayons, markers and scissors. A plastic pencil box keeps supplies organized inside the backpack.

Why: Compared with soft pouches, a rigid box protects crayons and keeps scissors separate for safety. Look for one that fits your school’s required dimensions if specified.

Practical buying advice

• Check the school supply list first: Teachers often list exact colors, counts and preferred items (for example, “primary journal” or “blunt scissors”).
• Buy extras to share: Glue sticks, pencils and tissues disappear quickly. One or two extras help cover early classroom shortages.
• Label items: Use a permanent marker or name labels on personal items like scissors, jackets and water bottles to prevent mix-ups.
• Choose washable when possible: Washable markers and glue reduce stress about stains and make cleanup easier for parents and teachers.
• Balance quality and simplicity: You don't need premium brands for everything — focus on durability for pencils, scissors and backpacks, and choose standard, teacher-recommended brands for classroom supplies.
• Organize for drop-off: Some schools request supplies grouped in zip bags or clearly labeled — follow instructions to make the teacher's life easier on the first day.

Conclusion: Sticking to a short list of trusted, classroom-friendly products makes back-to-school shopping faster and more effective. Prioritize a few durable items, pick washable options where possible, and check your child’s teacher list before buying. With these basics on hand, first graders can focus on learning and growing all year long.