Back to School Shopping Guide 2025: Must‑Have Supplies for Every Grade

As summer winds down, thoughts turn from beaches and patios to backpacks and notebooks. With schools across Ontario and the rest of Canada reopening in September, families are once again on the hunt for supplies that will last the whole year. A few smart purchases now can save you time and money later, ensuring your kids feel prepared and excited for the new school year. Below we break down the essentials for every grade level and suggest quality products available from reputable retailers. Whether you’re shopping for a curious kindergartener or an off‑to‑college student, this guide has you covered.

Preschool & Kindergarten

Young learners need gear that can withstand daily use and help them stay organized as they explore the world. Comfortable shoes are a must—look for light, flexible options that are easy for kids to slip on and off. The Jefferson Sugarlite Child shoes from Native Shoes are made from lightweight Sugarlite™ material and are odour‑resistant and easy to clean. You can find them on the manufacturer’s website (see Native Shoes Jefferson Sugarlite Child).

Labels are another lifesaver at this age. Parents swear by the Kindergarten Name Label Pack, which includes stick‑on labels for lunch boxes, water bottles and even left‑right shoe labels to teach kids how to put shoes on the correct feet. It’s worth investing in a pack now so favourite items don’t go missing.

Packing lunches becomes easier with a divided container. The Sistema to Go Bento Box has multiple compartments sized for small hands, making it simple for kids to access their snacks without help. Pair it with Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Stick in your craft bin—this washable glue goes on purple so little learners can see where they’ve applied it and dries clear for a neat finish. These small touches make arts and crafts more enjoyable for everyone.

Quick picks for preschool & kindergarten

Supportive shoes: Jefferson Sugarlite Child – soft, lightweight and easy to clean.
Name labels: Kindergarten Name Label Pack – stick‑on labels for clothes, lunch gear and shoes.
Lunch box: Sistema to Go Bento Box – keeps food organized and accessible for little hands.
Craft supplies: Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Stick – goes on purple and dries clear for mess‑free projects.

Elementary School

As kids progress into elementary school, durability and self‑expression become more important. A sturdy backpack is the starting point. Look for one with a padded back and fun design, such as the Herschel Heritage Youth Backpack in the Scavenger Hunt Meadow pattern. It’s built to last and has plenty of room for books, lunch and a change of clothes.

Colourful markers and pencils encourage creativity. A set of washable marker pens in a full rainbow of colours will help kids stay engaged with homework and art projects. Pair the backpack with a lightweight lunch bag that’s insulated and easy to clean. Choose one with a shoulder strap so it can be carried separately from the main backpack.

Beyond the basics, consider adding highlighters, pencil sharpeners and water bottles to your list. A spill‑proof bottle with a straw makes it easy for kids to stay hydrated without worrying about leaks.

Quick picks for elementary school

Backpack: Herschel Heritage Youth Backpack – durable, comfortable and available in playful patterns.
Markers: Washable marker pens – assorted colours for projects and homework.
Lunch bag: Lightweight insulated lunch bag with shoulder strap – roomy but not bulky.
Hydration: Leak‑proof water bottle with straw – keeps desks and backpacks dry.

Middle School

Middle‑schoolers juggle multiple subjects and activities, so organization is key. A well‑built binder helps keep assignments tidy. The Avery Heavy‑Duty View 3 Ring Binder features a durable DuraHinge spine, DuraEdge reinforcement and One‑Touch EZD rings that open and close easily. You can browse the product on Avery’s site at Avery Heavy‑Duty View Binder. Pair it with a set of colour‑coded dividers to separate subjects.

Students will also need a secure place for their belongings during gym class. A resettable word combination lock like the Master Lock No. 1534DPNK allows kids to set their own letter‑based combination, making it easy to remember. It offers a sturdy metal body and 25 million possible combinations for added security; check it out at Master Lock 1534DPNK.

Finally, encourage good habits by choosing a water bottle that’s durable and easy to use. The Contigo Ashland 2.0 Tritan Water Bottle features a locking carry handle and push‑button spout; its leak‑proof design is ideal for tossing into a backpack. You can explore options at Contigo Ashland 2.0 Bottle.

Quick picks for middle school

Binder: Avery Heavy‑Duty View 3 Ring Binder – durable and easy to open.
Locker lock: Master Lock 1534DPNK – customizable word combination lock.
Water bottle: Contigo Ashland 2.0 Tritan Bottle – spill‑proof design with push‑button spout.
Dividers & pens: Colour‑coded dividers and erasable pens keep subjects organized and notes neat.

High School

Older students require tools that keep pace with increased workloads and extracurricular activities. A reliable laptop or tablet is often essential, especially with digital learning on the rise. Choose a device that balances portability with power; the latest MacBook Air or a Windows ultrabook can handle coursework, streaming and light creative tasks. To protect that investment, slip it into a puffy laptop sleeve like the one from Vandel – the quilted padding shields devices from bumps and scratches.

High‑school halls are noisy; a pair of noise‑cancelling headphones helps students focus while studying and commuting. The Skullcandy Hesh ANC wireless headphones deliver active noise cancellation and up to 22 hours of battery life. They’re available from specialist retailers such as SHI – see Skullcandy Hesh ANC for technical details.

Other must‑haves include planners or digital calendar apps, highlighter sets, locker shelves and a durable water bottle. Encourage teens to personalize their gear with stickers or patches to make everything easy to spot.

Quick picks for high school

Tech: Lightweight laptop or tablet with long battery life – think MacBook Air or equivalent Windows ultrabook.
Laptop protection: Quilted puffy laptop sleeve – soft padding and stylish colours.
Headphones: Skullcandy Hesh ANC – wireless with active noise cancellation.
Organization: Academic planner, locker shelves and highlighters to stay on top of assignments.

College & University

Once students head off to college or university, they’ll need equipment that supports independence and productivity. A compact desk can transform a dorm room into a functional workspace; the Cubiker Home Office Computer Desk with Drawers offers a sturdy metal frame, ample surface area and built‑in storage. You can find various sizes and finishes at WFHWOLF (see Cubiker Desk with Drawers).

Reading assignments pile up quickly, and e‑readers lighten the load. The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition boasts a vivid colour E Ink display, adjustable warm light and weeks of battery life. It makes carrying textbooks and novels easy; check Amazon for purchase options.

For students living in residence, a programmable coffee maker such as the Black+Decker Split Brew 12‑Cup model ensures a fresh pot is ready for early classes or late‑night study sessions. Pair it with a multi‑port USB charger, noise‑cancelling headphones and a comfortable desk chair to create a study nook that promotes success.

Quick picks for college & university

Desk: Cubiker Home Office Computer Desk with Drawers – compact, sturdy and includes storage.
E‑reader: Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition – slim, colourful display and long battery life.
Coffee maker: Black+Decker Split Brew 12‑Cup Programmable Coffee Maker – brews hot or iced coffee with a programmable timer.
Dorm essentials: Multi‑port USB charger, desk chair, mini fridge and storage bins to organize small spaces.

Tips for Smart Back‑to‑School Shopping

Start early: Popular items sell out fast. Shopping in mid‑August gives you time to order online and avoid last‑minute stress.
Set a budget: Make a list of must‑haves versus nice‑to‑haves. Prioritize items that promote comfort, organization and learning.
Check school lists: Many schools provide supply lists tailored to grade level. Use these as a base and add quality items you know your child will need.
Compare prices: Big‑box retailers, specialty stores and online vendors often have sales. Take advantage of student discounts and loyalty programs.
Label everything: From water bottles to gym shoes, labeling helps lost items find their way back home.

Where to Shop

Wondering where to pick up these supplies in person? Many of the items listed above can be found at major shopping centres around the Greater Toronto Area. Head to downtown Toronto and browse big‑box retailers at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, or hop on the subway to visit Yorkdale Shopping Centre for luxury brands and tech stores. Families north of the city will enjoy outlet deals at Vaughan Mills, while west‑enders can tick off every item on their list at Square One Mississauga. Each mall hosts retailers like Apple, Staples, Indigo and Walmart, making them convenient one‑stop shops for back‑to‑school gear. Explore our Toronto malls and Ontario malls pages to discover more shopping destinations near you.

Planning a shopping route? Pair this guide with our Family Shopping guides, or explore all the malls in the GTA on our Toronto malls page. For more seasonal inspiration, visit Seasonal Shopping and browse our latest round‑ups. With the right supplies and a bit of planning, your 2025 school year is off to a brilliant start!