5th grade school supply list
Here are the school supplies your 5th grader needs to start the year organized, prepared, and excited to learn!
Author
Katie Wickliff
Published:
May 2026
Key takeaways
- • The proper school supplies will help 5th graders feel prepared for the new year
- • Even though school districts have varying requirements, our checklist serves as a helpful guide to get started.
- • Plenty of online and in-person retailers carry essential supplies, and schools often partner with organizations to help make sure every student has what they need.
While every new school year comes with changes, reaching 5th grade is an especially important milestone. The transition between 4th and 5th grade often means increased academic rigor and more independence, along with changing friendships and other complex social dynamics. I often remind my own 5th grader to “control what you can control,” and starting school with the proper school supplies is an easy way for students to feel confident and prepared.
Though it may seem like a small component of beginning a new school year, understanding what supplies your child needs and making a plan of how to get them is a great way to fuel excitement for 5th grade. We’re here to make your back-to-school shopping easier with our guide to 5th grade school supplies. After all, no one wants to spend the last day of summer break at the office supply store!
Basic 5th Grade Supplies Needed
The basic 5th grade school supplies vary from school to school, but most classrooms require students to have several items for writing, math, creative work, and staying organized. While you should be sure to follow your school’s specific supply list, our teacher-recommended checklist will give you a general idea of what 5th graders typically need.
5th Grade Supply List
- Backpack (make sure to get the correct size for your growing child!)
- Lunchbox or bag (reusable)
- Sandwich and snack containers (reusable)
- Pencils (#2, already sharpened)
- Erasers (large pink erasers or pencil top)
- Black or blue pens
- Pencil pouch (zippered)
- Highlighters
- Wide Ruled Composition Notebooks
- Spiral notebooks
- Pocket Folders (durable; with punch holes for binder)
- Large 3-ring binder
- Colored pencils
- Crayons
- Washable markers
- Dry erase markers
- Scissors
- Kleenex
- Calculator
Helpful Extras to Make 5th Grade Easier
In addition to the essential school supplies, a few additional items can help your child’s demanding school day feel a bit easier, and many teachers appreciate things that help their students thrive. However, parents should never feel pressure to go beyond their school’s specific requirements, and remember to check with your child’s teacher to make sure these extras are allowed.
- Personal whiteboard
- Personal pencil sharpener
- Sticky notes
- Hand sanitizer
- Magnet mirror/pencil cup/decor (for locker, if allowed)
- Small squishy or fidget
- Small container or box for desk or locker organization
- Noise cancelling headphones or earbuds (if needed and allowed)
Table of contents
Where to Purchase 5th Grade School Supplies
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for the most convenient way to purchase your 5th grader’s school supplies, you’ve got plenty of options! Online retailers like Amazon or Lakeshore Learning carry thousands of items, making it an efficient way for busy parents to get exactly what their student needs. If you and your 5th grader prefer to shop in person, stores like Walmart, Target, and Staples offer wide selections at various price points. Budget stores like Take 5 and Dollar Tree also get an influx of school supplies during the summer months.
Additionally, many schools contract with wholesale supply stores to reduce costs or partner with community organizations to provide students with everything they need to start school prepared and ready to learn.
Other Ways to Prepare
Besides stocking up on school supplies, summer is a great time for 5th graders to review and strengthen academic concepts and skills. Reading, writing, practicing math facts, playing educational games, and even visiting museums can help prevent summer learning loss. Online programs like Dreambox Math provide a fun, interactive way for students to keep their math skills sharp for the new school year!
About the Author
Katie Wickliff
Katie holds a master’s degree in Education, has over 15 years of education experience as a primary classroom teacher, and is Orton-Gillingham certified tutor. Most importantly, Katie is the mother of two primary school students, ages 8 and 11. She is passionate about maths education and firmly believes that the right tools and support will help every student reach their full potential.