From colorful pencil cases that won’t fall apart mid-semester to backpacks parents swear can survive a zombie apocalypse, Amazon’s highest-rated school supplies are basically the holy grail of back-to-school prep. We’ve combed through the reviews (because no one has time for 19,000 ‘meh’ comments on a three-ring binder) and rounded up the best school supplies on Amazon for 2025: backpacks, lunch boxes, tech gadgets, and all the little things that make the first day a little less chaotic. These are the best school supplies for 2025 (all available with fast Prime shipping, of course).
Find it fast:
- Best Backpacks for Kids
- Best Amazon Lunch Boxes & Bags
- Best Water Bottles for School
- Best Binders and Folders
- Best Amazon Notebooks and Journals
- Best Writing Supplies (Pens, Pencils, Highlighters)
- Best Pencil Cases and Pouches
- Best Art and Craft Supplies
- Best Planners and Agendas for Students
- Best Tech for School
Best Backpacks for Kids
Big enough for all 12 “required” folders and the random toy they sneak in.
Backpacks go through it. Bus floors, locker slams, mystery slime situations—we need ones that survive the chaos and still look cute doing it. These highly rated Amazon picks nail the durability-meets-style equation, with padded straps, smart compartments, and just enough room for that “essential” rock they can’t live without.
Best Classic Backpack — JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
The OG. The legend. The “still going strong after high school, college, and three moves” backpack. With padded straps, a roomy main compartment, and endless color options, it’s the reliable pick that doesn’t try too hard but still delivers. Available in 33 colors and prints.
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack ($38)—Buy Here!
Best Character Backpack — Simple Modern Kids Backpack
If your kid’s entire personality is Pokémon or Disney, this is the winner. Fun prints, durable zippers, and even matching accessories (sold separately), because coordination is key when you’re 7 and must bring your lucky plush.
Simple Modern Kids Backpack ($39.99)—Buy Here!
Best Budget Backpack — STEAMEDBUN Kids Backpack
Adorable and affordable, this backpack looks like it came straight out of a boutique but costs less than a fast-food family meal. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and perfectly sized for younger kids who don’t need a giant bag but still demand cuteness at all costs.
STEAMEDBUN Kids Backpack ($19.99+)—Buy Here!
Best Organizational Backpack — Wildkin 15-Inch Kids Backpack
For the kid who packs like they’re going on a three-week vacation. Multiple compartments, water bottle holders, and a size that doesn’t swallow them whole. Bonus: cute prints that don’t scream “office supply store.”
Wildkin 15-Inch Kids Backpack, "Girls" Prints ($31.99)—Buy Here!
Wildkin 15-Inch Kids Backpack, "Boys" Prints ($31.99)—Buy Here!
Best Clear Backpack — CAMTOP Clear Backpack
If the school’s on a “see everything” kick, this bag is the glow-up version of clear. It’s heavy-duty (not flimsy), comfy with padded straps, and makes it easy to spot both homework and that rogue snack wrapper. It also comes in 21 seam and strap color accents.
CAMTOP Clear Backpack ($19.57+)—Buy Here!
Best Amazon Lunch Boxes & Bags
For sandwiches, snacks, and the yogurt tube they’ll forget for a week.
Lunch boxes don’t need to be overachievers; they just need to survive yogurt explosions, keep food cold, and not smell like old string cheese by October. These Amazon favorites hit the sweet spot of durable, cute, and parent-approved.
Best Kids Bento Lunch Box — Skip Hop Bento Lunch Box
Compartment magic = no soggy crossover between fruit and crackers. Plus, the designs are cute enough to distract from whatever questionable veggie you sneak in. 4 designs available.
Skip Hop Bento Lunch Box ($16)—Buy Here!
Best Lunch Bag — Wildkin Two-Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag
Double compartments mean zero squished snacks. Durable, easy to wipe clean, and cute enough that you won’t get the “ew” face. Comes in 21 colors.
Wildkin Two-Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag ($35)—Buy Here!
Best Classic Lunch Box — Bagseri Kids Lunch Box
Reliable, simple, and tough enough to handle both PB&Js and a questionable “crush test” on the playground. Available in 29 patterns.
Bagseri Kids Lunch Box ($14.99)—Buy Here!
Best Lunch Box with Utensils — Jelife Kids Bento Box
All-in-one and organized (because no one has time for last-minute spoon hunts at 7 a.m.). Available in 7 colors.
Jelife Kids Lunch Bento Box ($9.49)—Buy Here!
Best Freezable Lunch Box — PackIt Freezable Playtime Lunch Box
The built-in gel lining keeps you from having to stay on top of extra ice packs, and your kid’s string cheese won’t turn into string soup by noon. Available in 5 designs.
PackIt Freezable Playtime Lunch Box ($23.99+)—Buy Here!
Best Water Bottles for School
You just know the public water fountain is a germ circus.
Hydration is great, but leaks, impossible-to-clean lids, and funky smells? Not so much. These top-rated Amazon picks are spill-proof, easy to wash, and sized to fit in backpack side pockets (because that’s a non-negotiable).
Best Stainless Steel Bottle — THERMOS Funtainer Water Bottle (12oz)
A kid classic: keeps drinks cold for hours, has a pop-up straw, and is practically indestructible. Plus, it comes in all the fun designs. Available in 30 colors and designs.
THERMOS Funtainer Water Bottle with Straw, 12oz ($16.99)—Buy Here!
Best Budget Bottle — ZULU Torque Kids Water Bottle (16oz)
Lightweight, affordable, and shatter-resistant—this one’s perfect for kids who treat water bottles like dodgeballs. Available in 5 color combinations and packs of 1 or 2.
ZULU Torque Kids Water Bottle, 16oz ($10.99+)—Buy Here!
Best Sleek Bottle — Ello Emma 14oz Stainless Water Bottle
A little more grown-up looking (but still kid-friendly), this stainless bottle keeps water cold and slides easily into smaller backpack pockets. Available in 6 colors.
Ello Emma 14oz Stainless Water Bottle ($17.99)—Buy Here!
Best Versatile Bottle — OLDLEY Kids Water Bottle + 2 Lids
Two lid styles for two moods. The straw lid for school and the chug lid for sports or playground time make this one super versatile. Available in 21 colors and 2 sizes (12oz and 17oz).
OLDLEY Kids Water Bottle + 2 Lids ($15.99)—Buy Here!
Best Insulated Kids Bottle — Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle
This is the water bottle equivalent of a tank—it survives drops, bus floors, and being used as a drum. Drinks stay cold forever, and you won’t be replacing it mid-year (or next year, or maybe ever). Available in 31 colors.
Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle ($28)—Buy Here!
Best Binders and Folders
For when “just shove it in your backpack” stops working.
Nobody’s excited about binders and folders, but they’re the difference between “organized student” and “crumpled disaster.” These highly-rated Amazon picks are sturdy, affordable, and come in colors that feel a little less “spelling-test-dread”.
Best Binder Multi-Pack — Enday 3-Ring Binders, 6-Pack
Perfect for divvying up subjects or just hoarding extra paper. Sturdy rings, decent colors, and cheap enough that you don’t panic when one mysteriously vanishes.
Enday 3-Ring Binders, 6pk ($20.71)—Buy Here!
Best Zipper Binder — Case-it Mighty Zip Tab Binder
A binder and a zippered pouch in one, because some kids need next-level organization (or just like to shove everything into one mega-folder). Bonus: built-in handle for mini briefcase convenience.
Case-it Mighty Zip Tab School Zipper Binder ($22.09)—Buy Here!
Best Heavy-Duty Folders — Amazon Basics 12-Pack Folders
Simple, inexpensive, and strong enough to survive the dreaded backpack bottom. Plus, 12 in a pack means you can replace them mid-year when one looks like it went through battle. Also available in a 6-pack.
Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Folders, 12pk ($11.50)—Buy Here!
Best Cute Patterned Folder — New Generation 2-Pocket Folder Pack
These folders said, “I’m not like other school supplies.” With bold prints and a shiny laminated finish, they’ll survive the bottom-of-the-backpack apocalypse and look good doing it. Six in a pack means there’s one for every subject. 3 patterns available.
New Generation 2-Pocket Folder 6-Pack ($13.97)—Buy Here!
Best Amazon Notebooks and Journals
For class notes, doodles, and “dear diary, math was rude again.
Whether it’s for serious studying or sketching an army of cats, a solid notebook is non-negotiable. These top-rated Amazon picks can handle backpack chaos, juice box accidents, and anything else school throws at them—while still being totally ready to use.
Best Heavy-Duty Notebooks — Five Star Spiral Notebook + Study App, 6-Pack
These Mead spirals are built like little tanks: sturdy covers and thick pages that laugh in the face of lunchbox crumbs and locker scrapes. Great for kids who don’t treat their notebooks gently (because they shouldn’t have to).
Five Star Spiral Notebook + Study App, 6-Pack ($20.78)—Buy Here!
Best Cute/Patterned Notebooks — Yoobi Wide Ruled Spiral Notebook 3-Pack
Fun covers and durable spirals—these notebooks make note-taking slightly more fun. Plus, every Yoobi purchase helps give back to schools, so you get bonus good vibes.
Yoobi Wide Ruled Spiral Notebook 3-Pack ($16.99)—Buy Here!
Best Composition Notebooks — Rosonde Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks, 5-Pack
Classic marble covers, but with sturdier covers, bright colors, and smooth pages that don’t tear when you write too hard. It’s the “just buy it in bulk and don’t worry about it” choice.
Rosmonde Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks, 5-Pack ($16.99)—Buy Here!
Best Character Notebook — Innovative Designs Sonic Tab Journal
Icon status unlocked. Sonic brings the retro-cool factor, with durable pages and a bright blue cover that makes math notes look faster.
Innovative Designs Sonic Tab Journal ($8.90)—Buy Here!
Best Budget Multi-Pack — Meade Spiral Notebook, 12-Pack
Need bulk without burnout? This value pack gives you color variety and enough notebooks for every subject (or future notes to their BFF), all at a price that doesn’t make you cringe. Also available in 6- and 24-packs.
Meade Spiral Notebook, 12-Pack ($18.62)—Buy Here!
Best Writing Supplies (Pens, Pencils, Highlighters)
Since the one pencil they own is always unsharpened.
If a pencil isn’t breaking, disappearing, or mysteriously walking off, it’s a miracle. These Amazon-approved picks—mechanical pencils, smooth gel pens, and smear-proof highlighters—are here to fix any writing flubs this year.
Best Mechanical Pencils — BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils, 24-Pack
No sharpener, no problem. These break-resistant leads and grippy barrels make homework way more comfortable. Bonus: 24 in a pack means they might last until winter break.
BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils, 24-Pack ($4.47)—Buy Here!
Best Standard Pencils — Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils, 10-Pack
The gold standard (literally). These pencils are smooth, reliable, and ready to go—no emergency sharpener hunt required the night before school starts.
Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils, 10-Pack ($3.99)—Buy Here!
Best Gel Pens — Papermate InkJoy Gel Pens, 14-Pack
Vibrant colors, smooth ink, and none of that annoying smudging. Perfect for kids who think color-coding is a personality trait (and we agree).
Papermate InkJoy, 14-Pack ($12.85)—Buy Here!
Best Ballpoint Pens — Pilot Precise V5 RT Pens, 7-Pack
The “I’m taking real notes” pen. Clean lines, fast-drying ink, and just fancy enough that you might want to steal them for yourself.
Pilot Precise V5 RT Pens, 7-Pack ($13.65)—Buy Here!
Best Highlighters — Sharpie Retractable Highlighters, 8-Pack
The classic, but better—no caps to lose, smooth ink flow, and vibrant colors that make notes stand out (without bleeding through the page because we really, really don't have time for another mess).
Sharpie Retractable Highlighters, 8-Pack ($9.51)—Buy Here!
Best Pencil Cases and Pouches
Loose pens at the bottom of a backpack is just…chaos.
A good pencil case is basically damage control for school supplies. These highly-rated picks are sturdy, spacious, and cute enough that kids might actually put their pens back where they belong. (Hope and dreams sold separately.)
ZIPIT Pencil Pouch
This face-shaped case turns everyday school supplies into something back-to-school-worthy. With its roomy interior and crazy-durable zipper, it’s easily one of the best Amazon pencil cases for school that kids actually want to use. Comes in 14 styles.
ZIPIT Pencil Pouch ($7.99)—Buy Here!
Sooez Pencil Box with Personalized Sticker
Customize it with their name, crack it open, and say goodbye to lost crayons forever. This sturdy, clear pencil case is all about keeping it simple and secure. It’s easily on the list of the best Amazon pencil cases for school for parents who want everything visible and labeled before the first lost marker meltdowns. Available in 8 colors.
Sooez Pencil Box with Personalized Sticker ($7.99)—Buy Here!
Best High-Capacity Pencil Case — Sooez Original Pencil Pouch
For the kid who needs every pen, marker, and highlighter at all times (plus maybe a snack). This roomy pouch is like a backpack within a backpack, keeping the chaos neatly zipped away. Available in 14 colors.
Sooez Original Pencil Pouch ($9.99)—Buy Here!
Best Fun 3D Pencil Case — MCWTH 3D Pencil Case
For kids who love a statement piece. This case is durable, has plenty of space, and doubles as a conversation starter.
MCWTH 3D Pencil Case ($14.88)—Buy Here!
Best Art and Craft Supplies
AKA, the “Mom, I need this by tomorrow” panic moment.
You know the drill—last-minute projects, missing glue, and a glitter explosion waiting to happen. These Amazon favorites are the staples worth stashing now so you’re not rage-shopping at 10 PM.
Best Washable Markers — Crayola Super Tips, 100-Count
The MVPs of any art stash. They’re vibrant, washable (thank. you.), and come in enough colors to keep even the pickiest kid happy.
Crayola Super Tips, 100-Count ($15.97)—Buy Here!
Best Glue Sticks — Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 30-Pack
Goes on purple, dries clear like magic for macaroni art. A 30-pack means you won’t run out mid-project…probably.
Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, 30-Pack ($6.49)—Buy Here!
Best Construction Paper — Crayola Construction Paper, 480-Count, 2-Pack
Every color under the sun, with enough sheets to survive an entire school year of “creative” assignments.
Crayola Construction Paper 480‑Count, 2‑Pack ($16.47)—Buy Here!
Best Safety Scissors—LIVINGO 5" Kids School Scissors, 3-Pack
Sharp enough to cut paper, not fingers. Bonus: the comfy handles make them easy for little hands to use all by themselves (supervised, of course).
LIVINGO 5" Kids School Scissors, 3-Pack ($7.99)—Buy Here!
Best Washable Paints — Crayola Kids Painting Set
The finger-painting starter pack every parent secretly fears a little, but every kid loves. Non-toxic, fully washable, and comes with paint cups and brushes so you can keep the mess under control.
Crayola Kids Painting Set ($29.99)—Buy Here!
Best Planners and Agendas for Students
For homework tracking, big project planning, and remembering Spirit Day before 7 AM.
Keeping track of assignments, school events, and random dress-up days can feel like a team sport. These top-rated Amazon planners are kid-friendly, durable, and simple enough that even the youngest students can use them.
Best Elementary Student Planner — SUNEE Elementary Student Planner 2025–2026
Big, clear layouts with plenty of space for kids to jot down homework, reminders, or secret Pokémon rankings. Bonus: the 3-hole punch means it fits perfectly into binders.
SUNEE Elementary Student Planner 2025–2026 ($17.99)—Buy Here!
Best Academic Weekly + Monthly Planner — Indeme Student Planner 2025–2026
This one has colorful tabs, monthly + weekly layouts, and stickers (because who doesn’t love stickers?). It’s big enough to track all the tests, practices, and random school events without feeling overwhelming.
Indeme Student Planner 2025–2026 ($6.99)—Buy Here!
Best Fun & Interactive Planner—National Geographic Weird But True! Daily Planner
Part planner, part “fun fact” book. Kids get a dose of random, weird trivia while keeping their schedules on track. It’s sneaky learning at its best.
National Geographic Weird But True! Daily Planner ($12.99)—Buy Here!
Best Tech for School
Even kindergarteners need headphones now—what a time to be alive.
Forget the basic gear—this is the good stuff. Think headphones that block out little brother noises, chargers that survive the bottom of a backpack, and tablets that don’t glitch during Google Docs meltdowns. These top-rated Amazon tech picks are basically the difference between “Mom, it won’t load!” and “Done with homework already.”
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones — iClever Kids Bluetooth Headphones
Built for school Zooms and road trips alike, these headphones manage to be cute and sturdy, with a noise limit so they won’t accidentally blow out eardrums when the class video starts blaring.
iClever Kids Bluetooth Headphones ($39.99+)—Buy Here!
Best Affordable Tablet — Fire HD Kids Tablet
Sturdy case, parental controls, and the ability to survive “oops” moments (a.k.a. being dropped from the bunk bed). It’s kid-proof tech without the premium price tag.
Fire HD Kids Tablet ($189.99)—Buy Here!
Best Portable Charger — VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables
Finally, a power bank that doesn’t make you dig through the “mystery cord” drawer. This compact charger has built-in cables, a foldable wall plug (hello, no extra clutter), and enough color options to match their mood and their backpack. Available in 9 colors.
VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cables ($21.84+)—Buy Here!
Best Study Helper — Echo Dot Kids
Alexa is the new homework buddy. Set timers, blast focus music, or ask her how to spell “photosynthesis” for the 900th time.
Echo Dot Kids ($59.99)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
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