Back-to-School Supply Guide: Must-Haves for Pre-K, Freshmen & Teachers

Back-to-school season is here — and so is the annual tradition of me questioning how crayons, tissues, and glue sticks added up to over $100 for my Pre-K kid. Yikes!

No really… his supply list this year felt more like a mini donation to the classroom — and honestly? I don’t mind one bit.

Because when your child loves school, is thriving with amazing teachers, and walks into preschool like he’s clocking into his dream job, it’s worth every penny. (Besides, I’d spend that or more on homeschool curriculum anyway!) Which I did for a year with my oldest.

Whether your little one is just starting school, you’re navigating freshman year, or you’re a teacher getting your classroom prepped — this post has something for you. Bonus: I’m sharing two resources you can grab below (including a coloring page + a bilingual Pre-K workbook I created myself!).

So let’s get into the must-haves — and sprinkle in some humor, because the only thing more consistent than school supply shopping… is forgetting at least one item until the night before school starts.

Pre-K School Supplies: What $100 Gets You in 2025

Because let’s be honest… Preschoolers need a lot more than crayons and a backpack. They’re basically mini tornadoes of love, glitter, and Goldfish crackers.

Here are the preschool must-haves that made it into our cart this year (and honestly, I’d buy them all again):

My Top Pre-K Picks:

🧡 Bonus for the parents, homeschoolers, and teachers:
I created a Bilingual Pre-K Workbook for ages 3–5 — it’s full of early literacy, tracing, numbers, and fun visuals. Perfect for morning trays, homeschool, or extra practice at home.
👉 Grab your copy here

Freshman Year Essentials: From Notebooks to Hygiene Kits

Freshmen don’t need glitter glue… they need deodorant, organization, and maybe noise-canceling headphones to block out their younger siblings.

Here’s what I recommend (as a mom, educator, and woman who remembers high school a little too clearly):

Freshman Must-Haves:

Real Talk: The number one thing my teen wanted? Privacy. But I couldn’t find that on Amazon

Teacher Must-Haves: Classroom Heroes Need Love Too

If you’re a teacher prepping your space, you deserve a standing ovation, a stack of Flair pens, and maybe a massage. While I can’t send you to the spa (yet!), here are some of my favorite teacher supply picks:

📚 Teacher Top 10:

Freebie for You: Back-to-School Coloring Page!

Want something fun and free to kick off the new school year?
🎨 Download my Back-to-School Coloring Page – perfect for morning activities, homeschool warm-ups, or a calming station on the first day.
👉 Click here to download it

And if you’re already in prep mode —
📘 Don’t forget to check out my Bilingual Pre-K Workbook for letter tracing, numbers, early learning, and fun visuals. Great for teachers, parents, and homeschoolers!

Final Thoughts: It’s Worth It

Yes, school supplies are pricey. Yes, I low-key flinch every time I hit “checkout.”
But the truth is, this investment supports our kids’ growth, creativity, structure, and joy. Whether they’re finger-painting letters or organizing their high school locker — they’re building the foundation for who they’re becoming.

And that? That’s always worth it.

Wishing you all a joyful, smooth, (semi-organized) start to the school year!
Let me know in the comments — what’s your absolute must-have back-to-school item?With love & mindset,