Let’s be real — the words “back to school list” can either get you pumped… or send you spiraling into a panic over what to buy, what not to buy, and why your kid suddenly needs 47 highlighters!?!?!
But don’t worry — I’ve got you. Whether you’re a student, a tired parent, or just love fresh notebooks like it’s your love language, this back-to-school list is here to help.
And no — you don’t need that $200 calculator unless you’re planning to launch a rocket from math class. I promise.
Stationery Stuff You’ll Actually Use
Look, I’ve tested more pens than a Staples clearance bin. So, when I say you need the Pentel Ener Gel, I mean it. This gel pen glides smoother than your bestie sliding into her crush’s DMs. It dries in seconds (perfect for lefties!), looks sharp, and comes in all the colors you’ll ever need. And yes, it’s refillable — so no crying when it runs out mid-exam.
While we’re at it, let’s talk about the Zebra Mildliners.
These highlighters are straight-up aesthetic queens. No neon crimes here — just soft pastels that make even your worst biology notes look cute. And they last for years. Literally.
Need to fix a mistake? Don’t even think about using White-Out. Get the Plus Correction Tape. It rolls on smooth, doesn’t tear the page, and you can actually write over it without the ink smudging like a crime scene.
Basically: pens, highlighters, correction tape = back to school list non-negotiables.
Sticky Notes, Pocket Hole Punches & Other Random Lifesavers
If I had a dollar for every time I needed a sticky note, I’d be able to afford my kid’s school supplies without crying. Use ‘em for reminders, study tips, or passive-aggressive notes to your siblings.
Also: pocket hole punchers are sooooo underrated.
Your school will hand out 87 worksheets with zero holes in them. Don’t fight it. Just be prepared. You can grab one for like a dollar, and it’ll save you from crumpled disaster.
Mini staplers? Must-have. Bonus points if yours has Hello Kitty on it. Scissors? Yes. Planners? Absolutely. My favorite is the $2 Muji monthly one — basic, blank, and ready for you to fill in all the tests you forgot were coming.
Add these to your back-to-school list unless you love chaos.
Flashcards & Whiteboards: Because Studying Shouldn’t Suck
I’m team flashcards all the way. They’re cheap, cute, and they work. Use ‘em for vocab, math formulas, or anything else you’d rather forget. You can make your own or buy the fancy ones from Amazon with glitter and dividers.
Got a little extra space on your desk?
Get a small whiteboard. I use it for blurting — aka dumping all the stuff you just learned onto a board to see what sticks. It’s weirdly fun and makes you feel like a motivational speaker in your own bedroom.
Add both of these to your back-to-school list, especially if you’re a visual learner.
Mechanical Pencils > Regular Ones
If you’re still sharpening pencils like it’s 1998, we need to talk.
Mechanical pencils are the moment. I love the Uni Kuru Toga (the one with Hello Kitty, obviously!) because it rotates the lead as you write, keeping it sharp the entire time. It’s like magic but, well, nerdier. Lol.
Traditional pencils? Let’s just say NOT on my back-to-school list, thank you very much.
Bonus Round: Cute Clothes & Sticky Bras
Okay, let’s address the not-so-academic essentials. A cute outfit can totally boost your back-to-school motivation. I recently grabbed a few pieces from Cider (not sponsored, but hey Cider, call me) — soft cardigans, matching sets, and a leopard halter top that honestly makes me feel like a fashion icon.
Also, real talk: if you hate wearing bras with straps, get yourself a good sticky bra.
Sticky Bras = Hot Girl Hack
Okay, let’s get to that real talk now.
If you’re still suffering through strappy bras that dig into your shoulders, poke you with wires, or try to photobomb your outfit every time you wear a cute top… girrrrrrl. No. Just no. It’s 2025. Let’s evolve.
Enter: the sticky bra.
Cue the angel choir and sparkles.
These lil’ miracles are the back-to-school fashion hack nobody talks about—but once you try one, there’s no going back. No straps, no clips, no wires, no drama. Just peel, stick, and go live your best life like the braless goddess you were born to be.
And let’s be honest: they feel way better than you’d think. They’re soft, smooth under clothes, and magically invisible. You could be wearing the clingiest halter top or a one-shoulder bodycon dress and no one would know. Why? Because sticky bras don’t play games. They actually stay put. Like, all. day. long.
Running across the school to catch your ride? Still stuck.
Trying to reach the snacks on the top shelf? Still stuck.
Sweating through an awkward group presentation? STILL. STUCK.
And here’s the real tea: you’ll forget you’re even wearing it! That’s how comfy they are.
No strap tugging. No sneaky wires. No stress. Just you, your outfit, and total freedom.
Just a little tip:don’t wait until picture day to try it out. Give it a test run first. Some brands stick better than others, so read reviews and maybe grab two (trust me, you’ll want a backup).
And take care of it! Rinse it gently, let it air dry, and don’t leave it stuck to your mirror all summer long unless you’re into crusty adhesives. 🙃
Bottom line? If you hate regular bras but still want to look cute and feel supported, a sticky bra is your new bestie. Your shoulders will thank you. Your outfits will thank you. Heck, even your mood will thank you.
Sticky Bra VS Regular Bra – Which One Are You?
✅ You’ve ever wrestled with bra straps in the school bathroom
✅ Your cute top is more “bra peekaboo” than fashion moment
✅ You’ve done the “pull the straps down and tuck them in” move (we’ve all been there)
✅ You want to feel comfy and cute at the same time
✅ You’re totally over underwire and its villain era
✅ You need a bra that disappears under everything but still holds it all together
✅ You’ve said, “I wish I didn’t have to wear a bra,” like… this week
✅ You just want one less thing to stress about when getting dressed
If you said “yes” to even one of these?
It’s time. Welcome to the Sticky Side my friend.
13 Back to School List Non-Negotiables
Here’s a quick recap so you can copy-paste it into your note’s app or shopping cart:
- Pentel EnerGel pens (black and a few colors for notetaking)
- Zebra Mildliner highlighters (pastel pack = chef’s kiss)
- Plus Correction Tape (refillable, smooth, no regrets)
- Sticky notes (lots. just… trust me.)
- Pocket hole puncher
- Mini stapler
- Scissors
- Muji monthly planner (or any cute, functional one)
- Flashcards (lined, blank, whatever suits your vibe)
- Small whiteboard for blurting/studying
- Mechanical pencil (bonus for Hello Kitty)
- Optional: brush pens, felt tip pens, and art supplies
- Comfy outfits, motivational accessories, and a good sticky bra
What you Really Need (Spoiler: Not Everything)
Let’s be honest — you don’t need to buy the entire store just to survive the school year.
You’re not training for a space mission. You’re just going back to school.
Here’s what you really need to get started:
🩷 One good pen (that doesn’t run out mid-sentence)
🩷 A notebook that isn’t falling apart
🩷 A planner so you don’t forget your test on Tuesday
If you’ve got those three things, you’re already winning. That’s the real core of any solid back to school list.
And if money happens to be tight? No sweat girl.
Try these smart hacks, instead:
🩷 Check the dollar store
🩷 Your kitchen junk drawer (there’s always at least one kick-ass pen in there)
🩷 Borrow from your bestie who somehow owns 57 highlighters and only uses two!?
Now listen — the other 13 items on this back-to-school list? They’re amazing. We’re talking pastel highlighters, cute planners, sticky bras, and Hello Kitty pencils. They’ll make your school year feel organized, aesthetic, and a little extra fun.
But if you can’t afford all of that right now, don’t stress girl! You’re too cute for frown lines this young. Fact is, you don’t need all that fancy stuff to succeed. You just need a few basics that work for you.
At the end of the day, if you have a working pen and a halfway decent attitude, you’re doing just fine.
Go start the year strong — or at least fake it ’til report cards.
And hey, if you’re trying to make a little extra cash on the side, check out the best things to sell in school — you might be sitting on a side hustle goldmine between classes.
