Clever Blog
Browse our latest Clever News!
There's always something going on that we can talk about.
Whether you need tips on print techniques and artwork specifications,
inspiration for your next project, or just want to read about the war on
single-use plastic, we've got you covered. But if you're just here to be
nosey about what we're up to, that's ok too. We won't judge.
Come have a browse of our latest Clever News!
Browse our latest Clever News!
There's always something going on that we can talk about.
Whether you need tips on print techniques and artwork specifications,
inspiration for your next project, or just want to read about the war on
single-use plastic, we've got you covered. But if you're just here to be
nosey about what we're up to, that's ok too. We won't judge.
Come have a browse of our latest Clever News!
Clever Blog
Browse our latest Clever News,
There's always something going on!
Get tips on print techniques and
artwork specifications, inspiration
for your next project, or learn about
the war on single-use plastic,
read here!
Browse our latest Clever News,
There's always something going on!
Get tips on print techniques and
artwork specifications, inspiration
for your next project, or learn about
the war on single-use plastic,
read here!
Back to School – School Essentials List
Posted on: 21/08/2023, 09:00
Back to School is coming up fast so we’ve created a list of some back-to-school essentials for parents and guardians to ensure their children are prepared for the upcoming school year. We’ve split this list into 11 sections; School Supplies, Backpack, Lunch Supplies, Clothing & Accessories, Personal Care, Technology & Electronics, Organisational Tools, Books & Reading Materials, School Specific Items, Miscellaneous, and Optional Extras.
Yes, 11 categories is a bit excessive, but this way we think we’ve covered a lot of age groups. Feel free to use our checklist and adapt to your needs.
1. School Supplies:
Probably the main one the children think of when it's time to head back to school. We were all there, choosing our new pencil cases, and filling them with brand new pens pencils and if you were really living life; scented gel pens.
So here is a list of what you might need:
Probably the main one the children think of when it's time to head back to school. We were all there, choosing our new pencil cases, and filling them with brand new pens pencils and if you were really living life; scented gel pens.
So here is a list of what you might need:
- Pencil Case
- Notebooks
- Pens
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Erasers
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Coloured pencils or markers
- Calculator (as needed)
- Index cards
- Sticky notes
We have a range of pencil cases in different colours and styles that are easy for your child to personalise to their own style, and these are also unlined, which means they’re more environmentally friendly and when they’ve grown out of it (or personalised it to their hearts content) it can be composted as the cotton is 100% biodegradable.
Image of our Khaki cotton canvas convertible backpack tote bag (CR-3641-8VKH)
Image of our Slate Grey cotton canvas convertible backpack tote bag (CR-3641-8VSL)
Image of our Denim 9oz cotton convertible backpack tote bag (CR-3641-CTDM)
- Our 30cm by 40cm 8oz canvas Backpack is also a great school bag.
Image is of our Black Cotton Canvas Rucksack (RS-3040-8VBK)
Image is of our Natural Cotton Canvas Rucksack (RS-3040-8VNL)
Image is of our Slate Grey Cotton Canvas Rucksack (RS-3040-8VSL)
3. Lunch Supplies:
Some of these things you may already have, and if that’s the case then you can go ahead and tick this section off!
- Lunchbox or lunch bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Food containers for snacks and lunch items
- Ice packs to keep food cool.
4. Clothing and Accessories:
The most important on this list (and yet we left it at number 4). Many of these items can be picked up at your local supermarkets for cheaper.
- School branded uniforms like jumpers or blazers
- White Shirts
- Trousers / Skirts
- Polos (coloured depending on school)
- Shoes suitable for daily activities
- Outerwear (jacket, coat) for varying weather
- Comfortable socks and underwear
- Gym clothes and shoes for physical education classes
- Accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves (seasonal)
5. Personal Care:
Little things to keep handy in their backpack that they might need (depending on age and school restrictions).
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body spray, comb/brush)
- Any necessary medications or medical supplies
6. Technology and Electronics:
This one is aimed more at the elder children, but some things they may need at school.
- Laptop, tablet, or other required devices
- Chargers for electronics
- Headphones or earbuds
- Flash drive or external hard drive (if needed)
7. Organisational Tools:
Again, this category is more for the older school children, especially exam year students that may need some guidance in getting organised.
- Planner or calendar to keep track of assignments and events.
- Folders or binders for keeping papers organised.
- Dividers for separating subjects
- Desk organisers for home study area
8. Books and Reading Materials:
- Textbooks
- Reading books or novels as per school requirements
9. School-specific Items:
This might not apply to everyone, but this blog is about including everything you might need for school essentials so here it is.
- School ID or identification card
- Any specific forms or documents required by the school.
10. Miscellaneous:
This one is more of what you might need at home to get organised and ready to send your little one to school.
- Backpack hangers/hooks for easy storage
- Wall calendar for family scheduling
- Laundry supplies for cleaning uniforms and clothing
To be extra organised at home we suggest purchasing our drawstring bags in different colours, having one colour associated with a day to store everything that is needed, making getting ready in the morning and also preparing the night before that bit easier.
These are the 38cmx43cm Drawstring Bags. Pictured are the colours; Blue, Yellow, Emerald, Raspberry, and Red.
11. Optional Extras:
If you’ve made it this far then congratulations, this is a LONG list! But these are optional extras that you might need!
- Art supplies (if applicable)
- Musical instruments (if your child is involved in band or orchestra)
Remember to shop around to find the best deals, not everything is needed from this list so prioritise wherever you can.
Before shopping, it's a good idea to check with your child's school for any specific supply lists they might have provided. This will ensure you have all the necessary items for a successful start to the school year.
Look out for Back to School deals to get some savings, and if you can hold off on some items until after the start of the school year, you might find some even better savings when some stock hits clearance in stores!
We hope you find this list useful, did we miss anything out?
Associated Product List
