After spending a summer reconnecting with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors and (hopefully!) making time for vacation, it’s time for kids to head back to school. They’re ready to learn, grow and get out of your hair again! But they’ll need some help to get there. Before the exciting first day of school, you’ll need to get all the gear (think backpacks, pens, new clothes) together to make school a success.

As a parent, use this basic but essential school supply list to find everything your little ones need for their classes—even on a budget.

loose leaf paper

$4.99

Loose leaf paper

Even though there won’t be any tests or quizzes when school begins, kids take plenty of notes, complete assignments and do in-class exercises. Every student needs at least a few packets of loose-leaf paper for quick notes and doodles. Check with your child’s school to find out if they require college ruled or wide ruled before you fill up your shopping cart — odds are they won’t, but it’s worth being sure.

personal planner

$24

Personal planner

Your child will need a personal planner to kick off the school year and keep up with all of their assignments. It’s an opportunity to invest in cute school supplies that motivate your kids every time they open their planners. Plus, planners help kids learn time management and responsible scheduling, which they can carry with them throughout their academic lives and into college and adulthood.

No. 2 Pencils

$14.49

No. 2 Pencils

Most classes require #2 pencils because they show up easily on test bubble sheets that machines scan and grade. Add them to your child’s school supply list before they sell out at local stores. A great deal on a large pack will likely last through the year.

black ink pens

$5.49

Black ink pens

Teachers grade in red ink pens so their notes stand out as study tools. Your student should use black ink pens that don’t bleed on the paper. Their work will stand out and never smudge if you use a tried-and-true brand that knows how to make a quality pen, like BIC.

highlighters

$9.89

Highlighters

Highlighters help students study if they outline notes in different colors. Get your child a pack so they have all the help they need for their study materials. If they’re stressed about the tougher classwork, don’t forget to break the tension with jokes that will put them at ease.

big pink erasers

$1.44

Big pink erasers

The erasers on the top of pencils won’t last long in classes like calculus or trigonometry. Give your kids a backup by buying packs of big pink erasers. They last much longer and often do a better job of wiping mistakes away.

headphones

$16.14

New headphones

Headphones are one of the school supplies kids can use to express themselves. They’ll wear them while studying in the library or riding the bus so they can focus or relieve stress between classes.

notebooks

$1.84

Lined notebooks

Notebooks are cute school supplies that students always need. The spiral-bound pages are easy to flip through and lightweight in a backpack. They even help with virtual classes because each subject can have a different notebook and further organize notes that assist with online tests.

3-ring binders

$14.95

3 ring binders

Students collect their loose-leaf notes in three-ring binders because they snap everything shut and keep notes safe. Find back-to-school binders that match your child’s personality so they can stack everything safely in their locker without bending or crushing papers.

locker decorations

$19.50

Locker decorations

Most kids love decorating their lockers when they start middle school or junior high. Add locker decorations to your school supply list so they can personalize their storage unit and feel more at home.

lunch box Motherly

$16.99

Lunchbox

Spoiled food ruins the first day of school. But a dual-compartment lunch box ensures your child’s food stays fresh throughout the day by designating a special section for an ice pack. Your purchase could also start a new tradition of getting a different lunch box when the school year begins, easing your kids’ nerves about beginning a new grade.

backpack

$44.95

Updated backpack

It’s always fun to get a new backpack. Let your kids pick one that matches their size and expresses their personality with characters, colors, or other prints.

crayola crayons

$5.98

Colorful markers

Young kids might need help adjusting to virtual school or having fun during in-person classes. Colorful markers are an easy way for them to relax while doodling, and they’ll likely be part of daily assignments for elementary school students.

hydroflask water bottle Motherly

$37.95

New water bottle

Drinking out of water fountains helps spread illnesses. Your kids can avoid flu season by carrying a reusable water bottle in their backpack. Let them pick out whichever one they want and they’ll look forward to using it instead of drinking from public fountains

calculator

$199.99

Calculator

Every teenager needs a calculator when they go back to school. A TI-89 model assists with graphing functions and lasts throughout their academic careers. You won’t have to buy another one if they keep it in its case between classes.

A version of this story was published September 7, 2021. It has been updated.