Ultimate High School Supply List 2025 (And Free Printable)

High School Supply List 2025+Free Printable

Everything your teen needs for a confident, organized school year.

Back-to-school season hits differently when you’ve got a high schooler.

Gone are the days of crayons and glue sticks—now it’s about managing tech, keeping up with classes, and making sure your teen has everything from chargers to deodorant.

If you’re tired of guessing what to buy (or hearing “I forgot I needed this!” on the second day of school), this Ultimate Back to School Supplies List for High School Students is your go-to guide.

Ultimate Guide High School Supply List 2025

This 2025 edition is updated with real-life items teens need—organized by category to make shopping faster and way less stressful.

📚 Core School Supplies (Every Student Needs These)

Start here—these are the essentials that most high schoolers will use daily:

✅ Spiral notebooks (1 per subject)
✅ Composition notebooks (for journaling or English)
✅ 3-ring binders + dividers
✅ College-ruled loose-leaf paper
✅ Pocket folders with fasteners
✅ Index cards (great for studying)
✅ Blue, black, and red pens
✅ Mechanical or wooden pencils + sharpener
✅ Highlighters (multi-color set)
✅ Pink or white erasers
✅ Sticky notes for reminders and textbooks
✅ Ruler

💻 Tech & Electronics

More schools rely on digital tools—these tech supplies keep your teen ready and organized:

💻 Laptop or Chromebook (check with your school)
🔌 USB flash drive or external storage
🎧 Headphones or earbuds (for online learning or study halls)
🔋 Portable phone charger
🧮 Graphing calculator (TI-84 or similar, depending on math level)
🖱️ Wireless mouse (optional)
📄 Printer paper (for essays and at-home printing)

laptop

headphones

graphing calculator

✂️ Locker & Organization Must-Haves

Locker mess = late classes and lost homework. Keep it neat with:

📚 Locker shelf or stackable organizer
🪞 Magnetic mirror (yes, they still love these!)
🧽 Mini whiteboard or dry erase calendar
🖊️ Pencil pouch (with compartments for pens, scissors, etc.)
🎒 Backpack with padded straps and a laptop sleeve
🗓️ Planner (paper or digital) to track assignments and due dates

locker organizer

backpack

planner

🧼 Hygiene & Personal Care Kit (Especially for Teens)

Whether they’re rushing between classes or staying after school, personal care items are a must:

🧴 Travel-size deodorant
🧻 Pack of tissues
🧼 Fragrance-free body wipes
🧽 Hand sanitizer
💄 Lip balm
🪥 Mini toothbrush & toothpaste
💁 Hairbrush or comb
🧷 Hair ties or scrunchies
🩸 Pads or tampons (for teen girls)
😷 Optional face mask
💊 Pain reliever or allergy meds (if permitted)

You can keep these items in a small pouch or emergency kit inside their backpack or locker. For a full breakdown, see my Back-to-School Emergency Kit Checklist.

🥪 Lunch & Snack Essentials

Keep them fueled and focused throughout the day:

🥗 Reusable lunch bag
❄️ Ice pack
🍱 Bento box or leak-proof container
💧 Reusable water bottle
🍎 Healthy, non-perishable snacks (granola bars, trail mix, etc.)

bento box lunch box

fruit snacks

lunch bag

🏃‍♀️ Optional Items for Athletes & Extracurriculars

If your teen is involved in sports, band, or clubs, consider adding these:

🏋️ Gym bag
👕 Change of clothes (especially after PE)
🧼 Travel-size wipes or deodorant
💧 Extra water bottle
📚 Flashcards or small notebook for review time on the go
🩰 Gear or uniforms specific to their sport/activity

Water bottle

gym bag

travel wipes

📥 Grab Your Free Printable Supply List

Make shopping easier—download and print the full checklist by category!

👉 Click here to download the printable P DF

(Pro tip: keep it on your phone or print it out to check off items as you shop.)

🔁 When to Restock or Recheck Supplies

October & January – Great times to check what’s running low
Mid-semester – Replace broken headphones, dead pens, or lost chargers
After report cards – Evaluate what they’re actually using vs. what’s just taking up space