Complete Checklist for Buying Elementary School Supplies and Backpack (2025)

Every year, as September approaches, Iranian families prepare for back-to-school shopping. Buying school supplies is not only part of preparing for the new academic year—it’s also a family and cultural experience. However, rising prices, the overwhelming variety of products, and children’s expectations can make it a real challenge. In this article, with a practical and analytical perspective, we cover all the key points of buying elementary school supplies for 2025 and provide a complete checklist at the end.

Choosing a School Backpack: More Than Just Looks

A school bag is perhaps the most important item your child uses daily. The right choice not only affects physical health but also impacts motivation and mood.

Features of a Good Backpack:

• Lightweight (under 1 kg when empty)

• Wide, adjustable straps to reduce shoulder strain

• Soft, ergonomic padding on the back

• Multiple compartments for better weight distribution

• Durable, water- and tear-resistant fabric

The Psychology of Colors and Designs
Children place great importance on the design of their school bag. Studies show that kids feel more motivated when their backpack features their favorite color or pattern. Parents, however, need to strike a balance between functionality and appearance.

Notebooks, Pencils, and Writing Tools: Quality vs. Quantity

Pencils and notebooks are the foundation of learning in elementary school. Poor-quality tools can frustrate children—for example, pencils that break often discourage writing. On the other hand, bulky notebooks are not suitable for younger kids.

Recommended Notebooks by Grade Level:

• Grade 1: 40- and 60-page notebooks (for short writing tasks)

• Grades 2–3: A mix of 40, 60, and 80 pages

• Grades 4–6: 80- and 100-page notebooks

Adding a name label on each notebook greatly helps with organization.

Pens and Colored Pencils
Pens are usually introduced from Grade 3 onward. Smooth-writing pens with quality ink make writing more enjoyable.

Colored pencils aren’t just for art—they also help children learn concepts through drawing and coloring. A good-quality set of 12 or 24 colors is highly recommended.

Small Essentials That Make a Big Difference

Rulers, erasers, sharpeners, pencil cases, water bottles, and lunch boxes may seem minor, but they significantly affect your child’s comfort. For example, having a personal water bottle promotes both hygiene and hydration.

Involving Children in the Shopping Process

Parents often overlook the importance of letting children participate in choosing their supplies. Allowing them to pick a notebook color or backpack design builds responsibility and even boosts self-confidence. It also increases their enthusiasm for school.

Differences in Shopping for Girls and Boys

While most supplies are the same, preferences differ. Girls may lean toward colorful or fantasy-themed designs, while boys often prefer simpler patterns or cartoon characters. Recently, minimalistic designs have become popular with both parents and children.

Common Challenges for Parents

Parents frequently struggle with:

• High prices

• Low durability of products

• Children’s demands influenced by advertising

• Peer pressure (children wanting the same items as friends)

Open conversations about values and practicality can help reduce these pressures.

Final Back-to-School Checklist (2025)

• Lightweight, ergonomic backpack

• 5–7 notebooks in various sizes

• 10 high-quality HB pencils

• 2 soft erasers

• 2 sharpeners with containers

• 12–24 colored pencils

• 20 cm ruler

• Lightweight pencil case

• Personal water bottle

• Durable lunch box

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best backpack for a first grader?
A lightweight, ergonomic bag with wide straps, sized appropriately for the child’s height.

How many notebooks are needed for Grade 1?
At least 5 (Persian, Math, Science, Art, and Spelling).

How can parents reduce costs?
Buy in bulk, reuse supplies from the previous year, and compare prices across stores.

Is online shopping safe for school supplies?
Yes, if done through reputable stores. Online shopping also makes it easier to compare prices and read customer reviews.

With planning and this checklist, school shopping can become an enjoyable experience for both you and your child. Remember: involving children in the process not only makes them happier but also increases their excitement for the new school year.