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It’s nearly time to start purchasing all those back to school supplies. Summer goes by t00 fast! I teach high school (cue sympathy sighs). It’s a great job, but I’m sure you know that teachers spend a lot of money on supplies. I don’t have a lot of money, so I’m always looking for what lasts. While I’m always ready for a bargain, I hate wasting money on something that won’t last through September. Plus, paying full price for school supplies I will have to replace after a few weeks really sucks. After tons of research (taking friends out for coffee, combined with my personal experience), I’ve come up with this list of the top 10 school supplies teachers love to see in student’s desks.

Ticonderoga Pencils

Teachers love Ticonderoga Pencils and students do too! They even have a rap name; it’s Ticon. Let me tell you why they’re a teachers favorite. Several years ago our local discount store got in a shipment of pencils that looked normal, but every single one had pencil lead that was off-center and weak. Students spent half their day sharpening those pencils and they would only last about a day or two. This does not happen with Ticonderogas! They have a solid lead core and quality wood surrounding for stability. Teachers love them because they help students write well, don’t need to be sharpened every 5 minutes and will last weeks, rather than days.

Crayola Crayons and Colored Pencils

Crayola has been producing art supplies for kids for a very long time and that’s because they make a very good product. Elementary school teachers love Crayola crayons and colored pencils because of that quality. They are easy for kids to use; the colors spread well across the paper (not ripping it!) and the colors are brighter. They’re also harder to break. All of this leads to… not having to replace them at the end of September.

Mr. Sketch Markers

Mr. Sketch Markers are the best markers out there! Crayola makes a good product, there’s no doubt. Look in any teacher’s desk, however, and you will find a set of these. Why? They have a longer drawing power. You can color more and draw longer without fading with these markers. For big projects, they are a must.

Dry Erase Markers

Expo Dry Erase Markers have a lot of positives. First of all, they don’t smear or leave a residue on a dry erase board. Especially ones that that were a DIY project for your child’s teacher. Second, they’re low odor. Some dry erase markers give off a noxious odor and can you imagine trying to concentrate on a math problem while trying to remember not to breathe through your nose? Especially with that new math? Of course, they last a good long time (as long as the cap is on), so you’re not buying them again in two weeks.

Personalized Labels

Have you ever dug through the lost and found box at your child’s school? There is probably a few hundred dollars worth of clothing in there at any given time. Plus lunch boxes, water bottles, notebooks… glasses. I spent one school year haunting that box until I learned a very good lesson. I get these every year – No Sew Personalized Labels for clothing, lunchboxes, water bottles, or whatever. They stick to everything and will survive many trips through the washing machine or dishwasher. The name stays clear; it doesn’t bleed through or chip away.

Water Bottles

 Did you know that drinking water spurs brain activity? Seriously, drinking water while learning something or problem-solving is more successful than without. Who knew? Well, probably your child’s teacher. Teachers are way more into brain research and optimum learning environments than ever before. Did you know that many schools are retrofitting new water fountains to make it easier to fill up water bottles? Yup, keeping hydrated is important in education! These Fun Water Bottles are easy to care for and the lids are great for stopping spills. There are many themes to choose from you are sure to find the perfect one for your child. (if you are concerned about cleaning, Camelbak put out a video showing how to clean it)

Waterproof Backpack

Around here, it rains all school year long. The rain can be pouring, light, sprinkling or even misting. Some days, it’s all four in less than 5 hours. A Waterproof Backpack keeps all the papers and books inside usable. It also keeps any spills on the inside, inside. Your child’s locker thanks you.

Pencil Pouch

If your child’s teacher told you how much time is spent searching for something to write with, you would wonder how they stay sane. I’ll tell you how… the student’s with a Pencil Pouch. Like little beacons of calm in a sea of chaos. And if the pouch makes them smile a little every time they use it, maybe they’ll use it more!

Composition Notebooks

Composition Notebooks have become really popular over the last 5 years. In fact, you will probably find that you need multiple in the coming school year. There’s a good reason why. When students put notes or reference sheets into a composition book, they don’t end up crumpled in the bottom of a backpack. Pages don’t fall out and students don’t have to carry around a ginormous three-ring binder with a zipper to make sure they don’t lose anything. These have a thick cardboard cover and back to ensure that they last. They also won’t slide around, like the vinyl cover ones, when they have to be gathered for grading.

Book Covers

Book covers are still needed! Today textbooks are a huge investment for a school and these days, they need to last up to a decade! protecting them with a book cover is always appreciated. You could go the old school route and use paper bags to make your own, but these book covers are not only cool but super simple to put on.

You’ll be spending a lot in the next month on back to school supplies, clothes, and shoes. Buying quality items that will last a long time now, when they’re on sale is much more frugal than buying things that you’ll have to rebuy in a few months – at full price! Even if the initial cost is a little more, the long term savings is worth it!