Every year I tell myself, This year I’m going to be organized. I’ll have the school supplies bought weeks in advance, everything labeled, and the kids set up for success. And every year… I still end up making at least one emergency Target run in a panic because I forgot something ridiculously simple but somehow absolutely essential.

So, in the spirit of saving you from the 8 p.m. “Oh no!” dash, here’s a list of often-forgotten back-to-school essentials for kids K–12 (aka: the ones you don’t always think about until it’s too late.)

Elementary School

Art smock or oversized shirt
Paint is forever. Protect the clothes.

Index cards & sticky notes
Great for quick projects and learning games.

Small pouch for “treasures”
Rocks, feathers, random string… kids collect everything.

Extra hair ties/headbands
Because one always snaps at recess.

Rain poncho
Lighter and less pokey than an umbrella.

Tissues
Teachers everywhere silently thank you.

Not only do these ponchos come in a bunch of cute kid prints but they come with a storage bag making them perfect to throw in the bottom of a backpack

High School

Portable phone charger/power bank
Because “my phone died” is not a life strategy.

Planner or calendar app setup
Digital or paper, just something to track life.

Blue/black pens & highlighters
Borrowing in class is not a sustainable plan.

Scientific calculator batteries
Because they always die right before a test.

Carabiner clip
For keys, ID badge, or lanyard.

Waterproof folder
Protects important papers from backpack chaos.

These waterproof folders are perfect for keeping important papers dry and turned in on time (hopefully)

School supply lists are great, but real-life parenting requires a second list: the “stuff you’ll regret not packing” list. This one right here will keep you from that panicked late-night shopping trip and have your kids ready for whatever the school year throws at them — spills, tech needs, surprise weather, and all.