🎒 Our Pre-K School List: What We’re Packing for the Year Ahead

As summer winds down, we’re getting ready for one of the biggest milestones yet—our child’s first school year! While the emotions are definitely mixed (a little excitement, a little nervousness, a lot of lists!), one thing that’s helped us feel more prepared is putting together our back-to-school essentials.

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Whether you’re looking for ideas for your own preschooler or just love a peek into what other families are using, here’s a look at what made it into our school bag this year:Bromate Kid's Tumbler in red, blue, and yellow

🥤 1. BruMate Leap 12oz 100% Leakproof Kids' Tumbler

We love this tumbler for its easy grip and truly leakproof design. It keeps water cold for hours, fits perfectly in the backpack’s side pocket, and gives me peace of mind with a stainless steel straw.

Shop the BruMate Tumbler at Target

📁 2. Yellow Poly Folder – Letter Size, 3-Prong, 2-Pocket

Simple, sturdy, and easy to spot in a pile of papers, this bright yellow folder makes organizing schoolwork a breeze. It’s the right size for little hands and stands up to the wear and tear of daily use.

Shop the Yellow Poly Folder at Target
4-pack of Play-Doh

🎨 3. Play-Doh 4 Pack of Wild Non-Toxic Colors

These soft, vibrant Play-Doh tubs are perfect for school activities and at-home practice. Our kiddo especially loves the bright green and dark blue, and I love that they’re non-toxic and safe for little artists.

Get the Play-Doh 4 Pack of Wild on Amazon
24 Count of Crayola Crayons

🖍 4. Crayola Crayons, 24 Count

A classic! You really can’t go wrong with a fresh box of Crayola crayons. The colors are rich, the paper is easy to peel, and it’s a fun way to talk about color names and get creative before school starts.

Get the 24 Count of Crayola Crayons at Target
3-pack of giant glue sticks

✏️ 5. Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Giant Glue Sticks

We stocked up on these because they’re easy to use and fun to watch—they go on purple so your child can see where they’ve glued, but dry clear. Perfect for little hands learning how to craft.

Get the 6 Pack of Giant Glue Sticks at Target
Pokemon backpack, lunchbag, keychain, and carabiner

🎒 6. Pokémon Trainer Gotta Catch 'Em All 5-Piece Backpack Set

This backpack is a hit! With a matching lunch bag, pencil case, and more, this set is both adorable and functional. Our Pokémon-loving kid is proud to wear it and can’t wait to show it off on the first day.

Get the Pokémon Backpack Set on Amazon
4 pack Expo dry erase markers, fine point

🖊 7. EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Black, Fine Tip, 4 Count

These markers are a staple for early learning. The fine tips make writing letters easy, and the black ink is bold and easy to see. Great for whiteboard practice at school or at home.

Get the 4 Pack EXPO Dry Erase Markers at Target

✨ Final Thoughts

Starting school is a big transition, and having the right tools (and some familiar favorites!) helps make the process smoother—for both kids and parents. We tried to balance quality, fun, and functionality with everything we picked, and so far, it’s working out great.

Do you have a little one starting school soon? What’s on your supply list?

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