Teacher Supplies Checklist

A complete shopping and stocking list of supplies a teacher needs for the school year.

Published July 9, 2026

Desk and personal essentials

Pens, pencils, highlighters and permanent markers.
A reliable stapler, staples and a staple remover.
Scissors, tape dispenser and refill rolls.
Sticky notes, paper clips and binder clips.
A planner, grade book or daily organizer.
A personal water bottle, mug and snacks.
A small first-aid kit and pain reliever for yourself.

Classroom writing and paper

Reams of printer and lined notebook paper.
Construction paper and chart or poster paper.
Dry-erase markers, erasers and board cleaner.
Pencils, erasers and pencil sharpeners for student use.
Index cards and sticky notes for activities.
Folders, dividers and pocket envelopes.

Art and project materials

Glue sticks, liquid glue and double-sided tape.
Crayons, colored pencils and washable markers.
Safety scissors in a class set.
Watercolors, paint and brushes for projects.
Rulers, protractors and basic measuring tools.
Craft extras such as yarn, googly eyes and stickers.

Organization and storage

Labeled bins, baskets and storage tubs.
Hanging file folders and a filing crate.
Turn-in trays and mailbox slots for each student.
Label maker or pre-printed labels and tape.
Binders and sheet protectors for plans and records.
Clipboards for walking around and grading.

Health, cleaning and comfort

Tissue boxes for the whole year.
A common item to request from families as donations.
Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.
Paper towels and spray cleaner.
Bandages and a stocked classroom first-aid kit.
Extra masks or supplies your school recommends.
A small fan, lamp or comfort items for the room.

Technology and extras

Backup batteries and charging cables for devices.
A document camera or webcam if not provided.
USB drives or cloud storage for files.
A pointer, remote or presentation clicker.
Reward items, stickers and small classroom prizes.
Decor, borders and seasonal display materials.

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A teacher supplies checklist is a single shopping and stocking list of everything an educator needs for the school year, from desk basics and classroom materials to organization tools and shared student supplies. It turns scattered shopping into one clear list so you buy what you need. This printable version keeps every item in one place.

Teacher supply lists grow fast, and it is easy to lose track between sales, stores and donated bins. Without one reference, you might double-buy markers, forget a stapler, or discover you are out of glue sticks mid-lesson.

This checklist groups supplies into clear categories so teachers can shop section by section, mark what they already own, and split the load between purchases, donations and school-provided stock.

Keep the printable version in your bag while you shop or save the PDF to your phone so you can tick items off the aisle. Each section stands alone, so you can start with whatever you need most.

FAQ

What supplies do teachers most often buy themselves?

Teachers commonly stock writing tools, sticky notes, markers, tissues, hand sanitizer, prizes and decorative items the school does not provide. Check what your school supplies first, then use this checklist to fill the gaps and avoid buying things you already have.

How can teachers save money on classroom supplies?

Shop tax-free and back-to-school sales, buy generic where quality matches, post a class wish list for families, and apply for teacher discounts and grants. Marking what you already own before shopping is the simplest way to avoid spending twice.

What basic supplies should every classroom have?

Stock pencils, pens, paper, scissors, glue, tape, staplers, markers and folders, plus tissues and cleaning wipes. These core items cover daily lessons and small emergencies, so keeping a backup supply prevents disruptions when something runs out.

Should I ask families to donate supplies?

Yes, a shared supply list shared early in the year is common and welcomed by many families. Request consumable items that get used up quickly, like tissues, glue sticks and wipes, and keep the requests reasonable and optional.

Is this teacher supplies checklist available as a printable PDF?

Yes. You can print the checklist or download it as a PDF to carry while shopping or to share with families, then tick off each item so your classroom is fully stocked for the school year.