Let’s be honest—backpacks are basically black holes with zips. One minute, your kid’s pencil case is neatly packed and scented with bubblegum gel pens, and the next minute… a mouldy orange, a missing highlighter cap, and some mystery crumbs that might actually be fossils. I’ve lived it (twice over), and every September feels like déjà vu.
And whether you’ve got a wide-eyed year one or a high schooler who only speaks in grunts and TikTok references, that school bag needs to carry more than just books. It’s their portable survival kit, their fashion statement, and sometimes even their lunch table.
So if you’re standing in the stationery aisle feeling overwhelmed by 37 types of erasers shaped like sushi—breathe. I’ve got you. Here are the school must-haves to make mornings smoother, backpacks cuter, and maybe even keep things where they’re supposed to be (wishful thinking, I know). Let’s pack smart—from cute supplies to essentials that’ll get used every single day.
1. The All-Rounder Pencil Case That Actually Zips Properly
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I don’t care what age your child is—the pencil case is where it all begins and ends. And when it doesn’t zip (or is crusted shut with dried glue from 2022), the whole school day feels a bit… off.
Pick one that’s roomy enough for all the cute stationary school supplies and tough enough to survive being squished under textbooks. For younger kids, go bright or with a character they’re obsessed with this month. For teens? Think aesthetic neutrals, canvas roll-ups, or faux leather pouches that pass the “cool school supplies” vibe test.
Inside, pack a few mechanical pencils, erasable pens (life-saver), one actual HB pencil for exams, a small sharpener with a lid (trust me), a decent eraser, and a few coloured fineliners for fun. Don’t forget scissors (blunt tip for little ones), glue stick, and a mini ruler if space allows.
Oh—and label it. Because if there’s one thing kids have mastered, it’s misplacing stuff they literally just had in their hand.
2. That One Notebook That’s Too Pretty Not to Use
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Is it weird to say a good notebook can set the tone for the whole term? Because it totally does.
Get one they’re actually excited to write in—whether it’s floral print, pastel grid, or those trendy kraft-style recycled ones with thick paper. For high schoolers and middle schoolers, go for sturdy A4 with subject dividers if possible. Younger ones can have fun with smaller spiral notebooks with cute designs or characters.
This is also your moment to lean into that back to school aesthetic energy. Matching the notebook with their pencil case? Yes please. Adding some washi tape or sticky tabs to make it “theirs”? Even better.
A tip I’ve picked up: keep a spare “fun notebook” tucked in their bag for doodles, free writing, or even as a low-key diary. It gives their brain some space between the maths drills and essay prompts.
3. Mini Emergency Kit That’ll Make You the Mum Who Knows Stuff
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Call it a “just-in-case” pouch or a mini life-saver kit, but every kid—especially those in middle school and up—should have one of these hidden in their backpack. It’s like a tiny comfort zone in zip form.
Here’s what goes inside: a few plasters, hand sanitiser (bonus points if it smells nice), a packet of tissues, lip balm, and a spare hair tie or two (yes, even for boys with the ever-growing mop top trend). Older girls might want to tuck in a pad or two just in case. Oh—and a tiny pack of mints or gum if the school allows it.
Keep it discreet but accessible, and use a small makeup pouch or mesh zip bag. Something that says “grown-up” but not “mum packed this.” Honestly, this one item can prevent 27 calls to the school nurse before lunch.
4. A Reusable Water Bottle That Doesn’t Leak (Finally)
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Nothing ruins a backpack faster than a leaky water bottle. Books soggy, spare jumper ruined, and your child suddenly “forgot” to drink water all day. So yes, it does matter which bottle you choose.
For primary-aged kids, go for lightweight and easy-to-open flip-top bottles with fun prints. For middle and high school, opt for a sleek stainless steel one in matte black, blush pink, or pastel blue. A straw lid is a good idea—less chance of spillage mid-maths test.
Make sure it fits in their bag’s side pocket (check this before you buy—it matters), and if your child is the forgetful type, maybe label it with your phone number or at least a sticker that screams “please return me.”
Bonus: Let them decorate it with waterproof stickers so it feels personal. Hydration + aesthetic = parenting win.
5. The Folder System That Saves Their Sanity (and Yours)
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You know what I didn’t realise until way too late? Loose worksheets are basically paper chaos bombs. One gust of wind and boom—algebra sheets scattered across the school yard like confetti.
Invest in a slim, sturdy folder system. For little ones, start with a colourful plastic wallet folder that goes home and back each day. For older kids, go for an expanding file with dividers for each subject or a few thin plastic folders labelled clearly (bonus if they’re colour coded).
This helps your child feel organised, and you might stop finding crumpled permission slips at the bottom of the bag two weeks after the event. Pair this with a weekly “backpack cleanout” routine and you’re golden. (Even if “weekly” turns into “whenever we find something sticky in there.”)
6. A Tech Pouch for Their Chargers and Chaos
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If your child is in middle school or high school, chances are their day runs on battery life. And yet… somehow their charging cable is always “somewhere in the bottom of the bag” wrapped around a half-eaten granola bar. Enter: the tech pouch.
This little organiser keeps all their gadgets and cords from turning into a tangled jungle. Look for one with elastic bands or mesh compartments that can hold a phone charger, headphones (or wireless earbuds if they’re fancy), and maybe even a small portable power bank. If your teen uses a tablet or laptop at school, include a microfiber cloth and stylus too. Bonus mum points if you sneak in a screen wipe.
Younger kids might not need a full tech pouch, but if they have a smartwatch or school iPad, keeping their gear protected and findable will save a lot of stress. Especially when homework “couldn’t be done because I lost my charger again.”
Choose one that fits easily in their backpack and looks good enough they won’t “forget” to use it. We’ve had the best luck with minimal canvas pouches in muted colours—less likely to get borrowed by someone else or tossed aside.
7. A Back-Up Outfit or Layer (Yes, Really)
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Okay, hear me out. You may not think you need to pack spare clothes past preschool, but I promise you—stuff happens. Especially in primary. Paint, puddles, mystery slime in the lunch hall… it finds them.
For younger kids, keep a rolled-up outfit in a zip bag at the bottom of their backpack: leggings or joggers, a basic tee, and fresh underwear if you’ve got space. Pop in a small plastic bag too for the old clothes. If they don’t use it, great. If they do, you’ve just saved them from spending the afternoon in soggy trousers.
For older kids and teens, consider a packable jacket, hoodie or lightweight layer. School air-con is wild—sweaty one minute, freezing the next. A neutral zip-up or lightweight fleece can live in the backpack without taking up much room and will definitely come in handy, even if they act like they’re “too cool” for it.
If your child does after-school clubs, it’s even more important. No one wants to be stuck in their muddy P.E. kit all afternoon. Think of this one as future-you doing current-you a solid.
8. Stationery That Feels Aesthetic and Functional
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Here’s where we indulge a little—because yes, school essentials can be pretty. And when they are? Kids are more likely to actually use them.
Let them pick out a couple of items that bring them joy. A pastel highlighter set, scented gel pens, floral sticky notes, or those little folding page tabs for marking books. These are the things that help them personalise their workspace—even if it’s just the corner of a busy classroom.
For older students especially, cute but minimalist supplies make a big difference. Think neutral-toned mechanical pencils, a clear ruler, and a sleek metal pen. They’re Instagram-ready but still totally practical.
Don’t forget post-it notes (we love the fun shapes), index cards for revision, and a small stack of flashcards tied with string or a ring clip. And if your kid is a doodler? A mini sketchbook or bullet journal gives them something creative to unwind with.
The key is balance: let them choose a few fun extras to go with their “boring” stuff. It’s a tiny bit of magic in the school day—and makes packing their bag feel a bit more like self-care, even if they don’t realise it.
9. A Simple Lunch Kit That Doesn’t Smell by Friday
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Look, I’ve tried all the cute bento boxes and compartmental lunch wonders—and you know what kids actually use? The ones that are easy to open, don’t leak, and don’t make their backpack smell like old yoghurt by the end of the week.
Choose a lunchbox that fits flat in their bag, preferably one with a clip lid that even little hands can manage. Insulated bags with wipe-clean interiors are ideal. If they have a separate food container, keep it simple—fewer parts = fewer chances for something to go missing.
Throw in a small ice pack if your kid’s school is sweltering by noon. And a reusable cutlery set can save the day if lunch includes anything fork-requiring (plus it’s a little more planet-friendly too).
Tuck a cloth napkin or spare tissue in the pouch, and for the love of clean bags, remind them to bring it home every day. Yes, even the teens. Especially the teens. You haven’t lived until you’ve found a banana that’s been evolving in a lunchbox since last Tuesday.
10. A Planner or School Diary They’ll Actually Use
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No matter the age, a little organisation goes a long way—and a planner is one of those essential things for school that really earns its keep. Especially once assignments start piling up and tests pop up out of nowhere.
For younger kids, the school might provide a basic homework book, but you can still include a mini weekly calendar they can draw on or sticker up with reminders. For middle schoolers and up, a proper planner that matches their vibe makes a real difference.
Choose one that isn’t too bulky but has space for weekly spreads, to-do lists, and maybe a few motivational quotes or habit trackers. The trendier it looks, the more likely it is to come out of the bag (and not live there untouched until midterm).
Some teens prefer digital planners, which is totally fine—but I still recommend having a small physical planner or notes section in their folder for quick jotting. Screens die, paper doesn’t.
Help them start the habit early, even if it’s just writing down “P.E. kit Thursday” or “return library book.” It teaches time management and means fewer emergency dashes back to school because someone forgot it was drama day.
Final Thoughts
Packing your child’s backpack shouldn’t feel like prepping for an expedition—but somehow it always does, doesn’t it? Whether it’s their first year of school or they’re already eye-rolling their way through high school, having the right school supplies tucked inside can seriously change how the day goes—for them and for you.
What we’re really doing here isn’t just ticking off a back to school supplies list. We’re giving them little tools to stay organised, express their style, and feel prepared (even if their shirt’s untucked and they’re running out the door with toast in hand). It’s about building independence, one pencil case and planner at a time.
And hey—if something gets forgotten or lost (because it will), it’s fine. That’s what spares and patience are for. You’ve done your part. Their backpack might still smell like gym socks by Friday, but at least now it’ll be a well-packed one.
You’ve got this, mum. Or dad. Or cool aunt doing the school run in crocs and a coffee. Just don’t forget to check the bottom of that bag once a week. Trust me.