Supply list basics

What most schools ask for

Elementary lists lean heavily on consumables: pencils, glue sticks, crayons, folders, and tissues. Middle and high school lists shift toward binders, paper, and subject-specific items like calculators.

What you can usually skip

Brand-name requests are often preferences, not requirements. Unless the list says a specific brand matters — and for a few things, like certain markers and glue, it genuinely does — the store version is fine.

Shop your house first

Last year's scissors, ruler, and pencil box usually survive the summer. Check those off before you buy anything, which is what the checkboxes on every list page are for.