The Ultimate School Bag Essentials List: What Every Student Needs

If you want to figure out everything you need in your backpack for school, this school bag essentials list has it all!

A well-organized backpack not only ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips but also helps reduce stress and boost productivity throughout the day. Whether you're heading to class, studying at the library, or participating in extracurricular activities, your backpack will be your trusty sidekick, ready to support you every step of the way.

I know the struggles of figuring out what to put in your backpack very well. Having a well-equipped backpack can make all the difference in staying organized, prepared, and productive.

Whether you're a student gearing up for the first day of school or a parent looking to help your child stay organized and prepared, we're going to cover the best school bag essentials that belong in every student's backpack. From pens and pencils to tech gadgets and emergency supplies, we've got you covered with everything you need to pack for success during the school year.

This post is all about the best school bag essentials list.

School Bag Essentials List

1. Pens and Pencils

The Pilot G2 Pens are my holy grail when it comes to pens for school they are absolutely amazing and write so smoothly on paper.

Bic Sparkly Mechanical Pencils are very common mechanical pencils and it is for a reason. I have used them for years and have never thought about switching my mechanical pencils they work great.

2. Headphones

Headphones aren't necessarily a backpack essential, but they are amazing to have. I use AirPods however, if you don't want to splurge on new headphones I would recommend buying used headphones. They work well and are way cheaper.

Consider the type of headphones that best suit your needs. With careful research and consideration, you can find a great pair of headphones that fits your budget and preferences.

3. Waterbottle

I'm in love with my Yeti water bottle. I personally think it's the best one out there. It's sleek and comes in many different sizes and colors so you can find whichever one is best for you.

I also feel like the Yeti is easy to hold and carry, whether you're at school, work, or on the go. It's so heavy-duty that you can rely on your Yeti bottle to hold up without leaks or dents. My favorite part is that it keeps your drinks either hot or cold for hours and it's dishwasher safe. Overall, the Yeti is a top choice for anyone who wants a reliable water bottle for the school year.

4. Calculator

If you're looking for the best calculators to buy for high school and beyond I would highly recommend either a TI-83 calculator or a TI-84 calculator. They are pretty standard and definitely the most popular type of calculator to buy. As an added bonus, the TI-84 comes in a ton of different colors.

The TI-84 is particularly popular among students taking advanced math courses or preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. They both have a ton of different accessories and software capabilities. Whether you get the TI-83 or TI-84 calculator, you'll have a reliable and highly functional calculator for the school year.

5. Notebooks

I will never stop raving about these notebooks, the 5-star college-ruled notebooks are definitely the best notebooks to go with for school. They are simple but efficient and you can use one notebook for multiple subjects if you opt to get their 3-subject or 5-subject notebooks.

This is a lifesaver if you have a ton of classes. Instead of carrying multiple notebooks, you can streamline your organization and keep all your notes in one easily accessible place. This not only saves space in your backpack but also minimizes the risk of misplacing important notes or assignments.

They are also durable which is important for students who are constantly on the move, attending classes, and engaging in extracurricular activities. Getting one of these notebooks will be a game changer for school organization and productivity.

6. Snacks

Having snacks in your backpack is a must. I would recommend something simple that is nutritious and sure to give you a lot of energy on long study days. My favorite snacks to get are Kind Bars. I love trying out all of their different options. These bars are designed to provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, which can help sustain energy levels and keep you feeling satisfied between meals.

They're easy to eat on the go. Incorporating Kind Bars into your backpack snacks is a smart choice for staying fueled, focused, and nourished throughout your day

7. Binders or Folders

I love these basic heavy-duty folders because I feel like they hold a ton of papers and are super long-lasting. If you're looking for durable folders for the school year I would recommend you buy those. Whether you're storing homework assignments or project materials, these folders can handle a lot of papers. They'll help you stay organized and efficient.

Binders are a bit more customizable because you have to get whatever size works best for you. These binders from Amazon have a ton of different size options to give you everything you need. Amazon offers a wide range of binder options with different ring capacities and dimensions to suit various needs. If you need a compact binder for a few subjects, Amazon's selection provides flexibility and versatility.

8. Highlighters

The Sharpie Liquid Highlighters are the best in the world! I've used them for years and they are actually amazing. I love highlighters that show the ink levels because I feel like that makes them more functional. The bold, fluorescent colors make it easy to highlight important information and key points in your notes, textbooks, or documents.

The ink dries quickly, reducing the risk of smudging or smearing, which is crucial for maintaining neat and legible annotations. Another advantage of Sharpie Liquid Highlighters is their compatibility with different paper types. Whether you're highlighting on standard printer paper, glossy pages, or thick textbook pages, these highlighters deliver smooth and consistent results without bleeding through or causing ink smudges on the back of the page.

9. Tissues

A small pack of tissues may seem arbitrary, but it's definitely a backpack essential, especially during allergy season. I love these Kleenex ones because of how convenient they are and the fact that you can buy them in bulk. I definitely recommend having one in your bag at all times.

The compact size of the tissue packs makes them easy to slip into your backpack, purse, or pocket, ensuring that you always have a tissue handy when you need it most. Whether it's a runny nose or an accidental spill, having a tissue readily available can save you from discomfort or inconvenience.

The convenience, softness, strength, availability in bulk, and versatility of Kleenex tissues make them a highly recommended backpack essential.

10. Best Gum

My family has bought these large boxes of Extra Gum for years and they last SO LONG. I definitely recommend buying a pack and it will last you the entire school year. Plus since they're such big individual packs it hurts less when a million different people ask you for a piece of gum.

Gum can also be particularly handy during breaks, study sessions, or group activities. Having gum to share is always a nice gesture. Extra Gum in large boxes or bulk packs offers durable, flavorful, and shareable chewing gum.

11. Umbrella

I'd highly recommend having this travel, windproof umbrella in your backpack especially if you live somewhere where it rains a lot. I also love these because they come in fun patterns. I would definitely recommend getting a fun pattern for a school umbrella to reduce the chance of it getting stolen.

Despite their small size when folded, these umbrellas offer ample coverage when opened. They provide protection from rain and wind during inclement weather. Investing in a durable and well-made umbrella ensures long-term use and protection from rain. Having a travel-size, windproof umbrella with a fun pattern in your backpack should definitely be on your school bag essentials list.

12. Hand Sanitizer

Purell Hand Sanitizer is a tried and true travel-sized hand sanitizer. Putting one in your bag is definitely a great idea because hand sanitizer is a necessity for everyone but definitely necessary for school environments.

Schools are communal spaces where students and staff interact closely, making them susceptible to the spread of germs and illnesses. Using hand sanitizer regularly helps reduce the risk of transmitting germs, viruses, and bacteria, contributing to a healthier school environment for everyone. This is particularly useful during busy school days, outdoor activities, or even when traveling.

Hand sanitizer is an essential addition to your bag for maintaining clean and healthy hands wherever you go.

13. Mini First-Aid Kit

A mini first-aid kit can seem extra, but I live by the motto that you can never be too prepared. This Mini First Aid Kit is amazing and will definitely have everything you need if you find yourself in a pinch.

Having a mini first-aid kit in your bag not only allows you to take care of yourself but also enables you to help others in emergencies. If you're bandaging a classmate or responding to unexpected incidents, having the right supplies can be a big help.

Make sure that you're ready to handle emergencies with confidence and effectiveness.

14. Sticky Notes/Post-Its

I love these sticky notes because I find them to be the most aesthetic. Colorful sticky notes can make studying more efficient by helping you quickly locate specific information or topics. And, I think that having nice neat notes can definitely help with the study process. They add a touch of creativity and fun to your notes.

However, I would also recommend clear sticky notes if you don't care too much about color because they are highly efficient. Clear sticky notes provide a clean and minimalist look. This allows you to focus on the content without distractions from colorful backgrounds. Their transparency also allows for flexibility in how you use them.

15. Personal Items

Personal Items in a backpack are really customizable. It's just important to remember to put anything and everything you think you will use on a day-to-day basis.

Start with the basics, like your wallet, keys, and phone. Then you can begin to add other essentials that you think are necessary.

This post was all about the best school bag essentials list.

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