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You’ve bought everything on the back-to-school supply list, picked out the first day of school outfit and even planned the first week’s lunches and snacks. But as seasoned parents know, you will need to replenish supplies again, and not long after you posted the first day of school photo. Water bottles will be lost, ice packs won’t be returned to the freezer and where did that raincoat go?
Here is a list of supplies you might not have thought of in the back-to-school rush, but will be glad you have when you need them.
Sick-day supplies
Cold and flu season hits families with school-aged kids hard due to daily classroom exposure. Having a few supplies on hand will save you from a late-night trip to the pharmacy.
COVID-19 and flu tests
Being able to test at home can offer peace of mind. Having COVID-19 and flu tests on hand before the season hits and the store shelves are emptied is even better!
Cost: $31.44
Pain meds
From fevers to bumps and bruises to headaches (theirs and yours), when you need pain meds, the last thing you want to do is go to the store. Stock up now and be ready for whatever the school year throws at you.
Cost: $7.98
Hydration
When the stomach flu visits, you will need to keep little bodies hydrated. Make sure to add rehydration fluids such as a pediatric electrolyte solution for younger kids and Gatorade for older ones (and parents) to your back-to-school supply list. These Gatorade packets are also great for on-the-go hydration for your student athlete (and the powder is much cheaper than buying the plastic bottles!).
Cost: $4.64
Items that are always immediately lost
Some things are just going to get lost, it seems to be the law of the universe. Rather than hope and pray your child will be the exception to the rule, just get a few extras and avoid school-morning panic when the lunch box or water bottle they just had mysteriously vanishes.
Water bottles
Raise your hand if your kid has lost their water bottle within the first month (or week) of school. It happens, so having a back-up on hand is helpful. This back-to-school two-pack of 18-oz, leakproof bottles might just save the day.
Cost: $20.89
Ice packs
Ice packs are essential for keeping lunch at a safe temperature, but how many times do they not make it back into the freezer, break or are lost altogether? These slim, lunch box-friendly ice packs come in a four-pack, so you’ll always have an extra on hand.
Cost: $6.97
Socks
Does anyone know where all of those lost socks go? We don’t, but what we do know is that you will need more socks during the school year. This six-pack of cotton socks is unisex and boasts an average of 4.7 stars in reviews.
Cost: $13.49
Rain jacket
It’s easy to leave your jacket at school, especially on days that start out rainy and end with sunshine. This lightweight, packable and water-resistant jacket is great to keep on hand or packed in a backpack for just-in-case.
Cost: $19.98
Pencils, glue sticks and composition notebooks
Pencils get broken or lost, glue sticks run out and kids will inform you that they need a new notebook at 10 p.m. Having extras on hand helps. You already got some? Go get more while they are on sale, you will need them all (or be the neighborhood hero when other parents send the late-night panicked does-anyone-have-an-extra-notebook text)!
Cost: $5.59
Labels
Labels can help lost items find their way home. (We can dream, right?) These personalized name labels come in a variety of colors and are washing machine, dishwasher and tumble dryer safe.
Cost: $8.99
Personal hygiene
Keep the family sick days to a minimum and your kids feeling clean and fresh with some handy hygiene items. These are all small, discreet and easy to slip into a backpack or sports bag (or both!).
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Clean hands can cut down on the spread of illnesses, but kids don’t always have time to wash their hands. This eight-pack of travel-sized hand sanitizers is notable for what they don’t contain: triclosan, parabens, phthalates or preservatives. Each one has a jelly wrap carrier and can be strapped onto backpacks or lunch boxes. And these wipes are individually wrapped, making them an easy lunch box addition as well. They are made for sensitive skin and can be used on the hands and face.
Cost: $17.33
On-the-go deodorant wipes
No one wants to worry about body odor after gym class or just running around. Put a pack of these in the backpack for a quick way to freshen up. You can find options for everyone, whether they want to smell like fruit, “cool rush” (whatever that means) or nothing at all.
Cost: $19.99
Backpack survival kit for periods
This savvy set contains two pairs of period underwear (in a variety of styles and sizes to choose from) plus a travel bag with both wet and dry compartments. Great for girls to have on hand for their first period or for the occasional leaks.
Cost: $58
High-tech must-haves
It’s 2026, so don’t be too surprised to find a few tech-related back-to-school needs. Having a few of these on hand will make your mornings smoother, and help your kids stay connected.
Portable charger
This pocket-sized charger can charge up to three devices simultaneously, great for all of a student’s electronics. This one has an average of 4.5 stars on Amazon reviews.
Cost: $37.79
Ear buds
Many classrooms require earbuds and we all know how easy those are to lose or break. These Skullcandy brand wired earbuds come in a six-pack or single, and have an average of 4.4 stars over 20,000 reviews.
Cost: $7.99
Keep them fed and happy
Making sure our kids eat well before, during and after the school day is a never-ending puzzle of meals they will eat and snacks that will fill them up and provide at least a little nutrition. Do yourself a favor and prepare as much as you can with these easy solutions.
Lunch boxes
Throughout the year, lunch boxes can get lost or stained beyond repair. This basic lunch box comes in a variety of colors and at the current price starting at $9.99, it’s an easy choice as a backup.
Cost: $9.99
Snack bags
For packing snacks, try these silicone reusable snack bags. They are made of food-grade silicone and will cut down on single-use plastics.
Cost: $7.99
Snacks
Speaking of snacks, it can be hard to find a snack that won’t be a problem in classrooms with food allergies. These bars each contain two servings of fruit and are free from many allergens. Having a box of these in the pantry is a great go-to when someone needs a snack.
Cost: $24.99
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