Complete Back-to-School Shopping List for Kindergarten

Some links in this article are affiliate links — COSMIQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects which products we recommend. How this works.

Starting kindergarten is a big step—both for kids and for the grownups who get them there each morning. This product roundup highlights durable, widely available items many teachers recommend. For each pick I explain who it fits best and why, so you can match purchases to your child’s needs and your school’s list.

1. Crayola Classic Crayons (24 ct)

Check price on Amazon: Crayola Classic Crayons (24 ct) →

Best for most kindergarteners who are learning to hold crayons and fill simple coloring pages. Crayola’s 24-count box includes a wide color range in a sturdy, familiar format that’s non-toxic and easy to share.

Crayons stand up to heavy use, they’re small enough for little hands, and the 24-pack usually lasts through many projects—making them a reliable staple for home and school.

2. Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers

Check price on Amazon: Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers →

Perfect for kids who enjoy bold color and markers for crafts or writing practice. The washable formula is kinder on clothes and skin, and the marker tips are durable for coloring large areas or making thicker lines.

If your child uses markers for the first time, washable markers reduce cleanup stress while giving bright pigment for picture-making and early writing activities.

3. Play-Doh Modeling Compound (4-pack)

Check price on Amazon: Play-Doh Modeling Compound (4-pack) →

Great for developing fine motor skills, hand strength, and creative play—Play-Doh is a classroom classic. Small tubs are easy for young children to open and reseal, and the compound is non-toxic.

Keep it for tactile centers and at-home craft time; it’s also useful for letter-shaping exercises and cooperative play with classmates.

4. Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Stick

Check price on Amazon: Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Stick →

Ideal for glue projects where precision matters—glue sticks are less messy than liquid glue, and the disappearing purple formula shows kids where they’ve applied glue before drying clear.

Glue sticks are practical for collages, paper crafts, and class projects because they’re quick, portable, and less likely to spill in backpacks.

5. Fiskars Kids Scissors (5" Softgrip)

Check price on Amazon: Fiskars Kids Scissors (5" Softgrip) →

Designed for small hands with rounded tips and ergonomic grips, Fiskars kids scissors help children learn safe cutting techniques. The size and softgrip handles make repeated practice less tiring.

Choose a pair with a blunt tip that meets your school’s safety guidelines; a comfortable grip speeds skill development and reduces frustration.

6. Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

Check price on Amazon: Bentgo Kids Lunch Box →

Good for kindergarteners who bring packed lunches—Bentgo Kids provides compartmentalized storage so children can see and reach foods easily. The compact size fits small backpacks and helps portion a variety of foods without separate containers.

Look for easy-open latches and dishwasher-safe parts if convenience and quick cleanup matter for your routine.

7. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack

Check price on Amazon: Skip Hop Zoo Pack Backpack →

Sized for preschool and kindergarten kids, Skip Hop’s Zoo Pack line balances fun designs with child-scaled fit: padded straps, a light frame, and simple compartments. The playful motifs also make it easier for a child to identify their bag.

A smaller backpack helps children manage their belongings and keeps weight reasonable for a short school day.

8. Mabel's Labels Name Labels

Check price on Amazon: Mabel's Labels Name Labels →

Perfect for labeling clothes, backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles. Mabel's Labels (and similar waterproof, laundry- and dishwasher-safe labels) help lost items find their way back to families and save time replacing things that go missing.

Labels are especially useful in kindergarten where many children have similar items and teachers appreciate clearly marked belongings.

Practical buying advice

Start with the school’s official supply list—teachers often request specific counts or types. Favor washable and non-toxic materials; kindergarteners are still mastering zippers, latches, and fine motor skills, so choose containers and tools with easy-to-use closures and child-friendly sizes. Label everything you can: name tags or labels pay off quickly when pockets and cubbies get crowded. Buy one reliable pair of scissors and several glue sticks rather than a single expensive kit. For items like backpacks and lunchboxes, prioritize fit and ease of use over novelty features. Finally, keep an inventory at home (extra crayons, an extra glue stick or two) so you can refill supplies without a last-minute trip.

Also check for allergy policies (some classrooms are nut-free) and any school-specific rules about what’s allowed in the classroom.

With a few trusted items and a plan to label and replace basics, you’ll have the tools your kindergartener needs to focus on learning and play. Pack items into the backpack a few times together so your child practices opening lunch boxes, using zippers, and recognizing their own supplies—small routines that build confidence on the first day.