Preschool School Supplies 2026

I really hate to be the one to do this BUT we’ve made it past the 4th of July, and that means it’s time to start thinking forward – to back to school season… I know, I know, we still have half of our summer break left, but over the last few years it’s become a mad dash to get the supplies as soon as they’re in the stores. In our area that was about two weeks ago. We might still have a lot of summer to soak up, but I can’t deny that it’s definitely in the back of my mind. So here are my best tips for preschool school supplies. All links are affiliates.

• You can never have enough markers. I don’t know what happens to them, but they get used up and disappear at an insanely fast rate, and there will always be one color that is far more popular than the rest. Stock up now.
• There is no comparison when it comes to crayons. Crayola crayons are the only option, nothing else measures up.
• Buy the right scissors. There are so many options for preschool scissors and they’re all supposed to do different things. I can promise that what most of them do is cause frustration. Get the Fiskars Blunt Tip Scissors. They’ll actually cut and kids will want to use them.
• Don’t try to keep each child’s supplies separated, it’s a lesson in futility – especially in preschool. If children bring their own supplies at the beginning of the year put them all in a class set for use as needed. Feel free to label items like scissors, that you know you’ll be able to send home at the end of the year, but crayons and glue sticks forget about it. Save your own sanity here.
• Buying white school glue is like spending money on messes and frustration. It’s time has come and gone. Preschoolers can use glue sticks successfully, and any items that can’t be attached with glue sticks really require hot glue anyway.
• Think about supplies that you end up buying throughout the year and stock up now. Things like note cards, tape, and tissues will all be on sale.
• Have a variety of pencils available. You may have a particular preference, but each child will also have their own idea of what kind of pencil they want to use. Collecting everything from the chunky triangular pencils to the classic yellow Ticonderogas, and some mechanical pencils too will give children the opportunity to try them all and find their own favorites.
• Consider the supplies you love to use. Is there a certain kind of pen that you always grab? Which sticky notes are your favorite? What about organizational supplies. Right now can be the best time of year to stock up on these too.
• Find the best sales. There is something to be said for shopping around. While most of us may not get physical advertisements for our favorite stores anymore, comparing items online before you buy is a great way to make sure you’re finding the best deals – which means a lot when you’re buying in bulk!