9 Useful and Fun School Supplies to Start the Year Off Right

Preparing for the new school year can be stressful for many children and teens.  The unknowns of class schedules, new teachers, a change in peer dynamics, and academics can cause increased anxiety.  While parents can do their best to relieve the worries through advance planning, school tours, meet the teacher nights, and pep talks on making new friends, there will always be a period of transition.  

If you are like me, you have a love/hate relationship with the early back to school commercials and flyers that start well before the summer vacation ends.  I love the excitement of new supplies, the smell of crayons, and the bright endless colors of notebooks. However, I hate the feeling that summer is ending because it means stricter bedtimes and rushed mornings.  By August, it is time to start planning (and budgeting) for new clothes, shoes, and school supplies. Back to school shopping can provide an opportunity to build excitement for the new school year.  

I have selected 9 useful and fun school supplies to start the year off right.  These items will help children be more organized and efficient at school which leads to less stress and anxiety.  They also provide opportunities to show their unique style and creativity for projects, note-taking, and homework.

 

Useful and Fun School Supplies 

 

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case Bag Pouch Holder– As soon as I saw this case, I ordered one for my daughter.  This pencil case is ideal for older children and teens who want to have access to a variety of writing tools, school supplies, and personal items.  It can easily be carried with the provided handle or fit inside a backpack or purse. 

 

 

 

Lihit Lab PuniLabo Stand Up Pen Case– This is the cutest pencil case I have ever seen.  Children will love the unique style featuring a variety of animals. It holds between 15 and 22 pencils depending on the style ordered, which makes it useful in addition to cute. 

 

 

 

Panda Planner–  I ordered one of these as soon as I found it.  This planner offers daily, weekly, and monthly overviews, each offering areas to write personal goals, areas to focus on, moments of gratitude, along with assignments and schedules.  This would be perfect for older children and teens who need mental reminders along with academic reminders.

 

 

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers– These are a must for students of all ages.  The colors are bright and the smells are authentic. This smaller size makes it easy to store the markers in school pencil cases.   They can be used for mindless doodling, school projects, or color-coded note-taking. 

 

 

 

Scento Graphite Smencils– Similar to the scented markers, these pencils each provide an enjoyable smell while writing.  I have purchased these for years as they are great pencils and the scents are a bonus! Engaging the five senses is a useful tool for children or teens with anxiety.  These pencils, along with the markers mentioned above, can provide an enjoyable distraction in uncomfortable situations. 

 

 

PaperMate Pens– These are my favorite pens to use in the classroom and at home.  My own children always take one pack to school for themselves and I purchase several packs for students in my classroom to use.  The colors are bright and without a separate lid, it is one less thing to lose. Many children and teens benefit from writing with various colors as a way to organize their thoughts or ideas presented by the teacher.  

 

 

Retractable Multi-Color Pens– These pens bring me back to my days as a student.  How fun to be able to use one pen yet choose from 6 different colors. This is perfect for this child or teen who does not want to carry around a pencil case but wants access to more than one color. 

 

 

 

Zebra Mildliner, Double Ended Highlighter, Broad and Fine Tips– Highlighters are a tool used daily in most school from upper elementary through high school.  These highlighters offer a variety of colors not traditionally found within the 4 pack of highlighters. Using a variety of colors can help a child or teen stay organized and focused on a specific topic.  

 

 

Fheal Expanding File Folders 5 Pockets Plastic Expandable File Jackets– These durable file folders allow older students to stay organized within each class.  Rather than having just one basic folder for each class, these folders allow for more organization with each individual class.

 

 

While this may not be considered “fun”, it sure is useful!  This book is a must for parents who have a child or teen struggling with anxiety at school.  I encourage parents to read this guide, then share the information with their child’s teachers. It can lead to a much more successful school year.  It can be purchased directly from Good Bye Anxiety, Hello Joy. 

 

I hope these inspire excitement, organization, and creativity as you navigate the challenges of returning to school with an anxious child.  Please share your favorite school supplies with readers in the comments below.