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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 by 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 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 pile at your child’s school? There are probably a few hundred dollars’ worth of clothing in there at any given time. Not to mention the dozens of lunch boxes, water bottles, notebooks, and of course, eyeglasses. I spent one school year haunting that my children’s items until I finally learned my lesson. Now, 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 and the items always find their way back to us!

Water Bottles

Did you know that drinking water spurs brain activity? Seriously, drinking water while actively learning 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! A lot of schools are mandating plastic water water bottles and 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, there’s a video to show how to take apart and clean)

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 backpack keeps all the papers and books inside close and available for you and your student.

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. It’s the students with a Pencil Pouch. They’re 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 won’t end up crumpled at 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 for the entire school year. They also won’t slide around, like the vinyl cover ones.

Purchasing spiral bound notebooks? Grab the 5 Star Notebooks. Their paper is thicker than other brands so pens won’t bleed, the pages are harder to rip and covers are waterproof. They’re the gold standard in notebook products!

Book Covers

Book covers are still needed! Today textbooks are a huge investment for a school, and they are made to last up to a decade! Protecting them with a book cover is always appreciated and will save you from paying expensive fines at the end of the year. 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.

Buying Quality Now, Saves You Later!

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 when the prices have quadrupled! Even if the initial cost is a little more, the long-term savings is worth it!