Starting out with the right supplies can make a world of difference in your homeschooling journey. Here are some of my absolute favorite homeschool essentials that have made our experience smoother and more organized. Let’s dive in!

This post may contain affiliate links. See our Disclosure Policy for details.

X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener
When I started homeschooling, I knew we needed a good pencil sharpener. We had already gone through the hassle of manual ones—they either got lost, broke, or over-sharpened the pencils. Then I got the X-ACTO Pencil Sharpener. Four years later, it’s still working amazingly! The SmartStop technology automatically shuts off the motor when the pencils are fully sharpened. Plus, it’s adjustable for six pencil sizes. Total game changer!

Pens
We seem to go through pens like water, so I got a large box of Bic Ballpoint Pens. They last a long time and don’t cut out while you’re writing, unlike many others I’ve tried.

Pencils
I used to buy a box of regular pencils at the beginning of the year, and they’d almost last the entire year. Now I buy a pack of mechanical pencils with extra lead and erasers. They’re super convenient!

Scissors
Scissors are another thing that’s constantly getting lost at our house. This year, we purchased the Fiskars 7″ Kids Scissors, and their sharpness lasted much longer than expected. They’re safe for little hands but sharp enough to cut through all our craft materials.

Ruler
The Westcott Plastic Ruler is durable and has both inches and centimeters, which is perfect for all our measuring activities.

Highlighters
Sharpie Highlighters are bright and long-lasting. We use them to highlight important notes and passages in our books.

Craft Supplies
You’ll need various craft supplies. These are staples in our homeschool for all our creative projects.

• Watercolor Paint Set
• Glue sticks
• Construction Paper
• Note Cards My husband ordered these for me last year and they are awesome. 1000 pre hold punched cards with metal rings.
• Lined Paper
• Stapler and staples
• Markers, Colored Pencils, Crayons

Craft Tote Bag
My kids love crafting, so we use this tote bag to hold all their paper, colored pencils, markers, and paint. My oldest even uses one for her crocheting projects.

Storage Solutions
One of the most important things for homeschooling is staying organized. For years, I’ve used this 18-inch deep, 2-drawer file cabinet, and it’s been fantastic. It holds all our main supplies, from pens and pencils to worksheets and curriculum books. This year, my kids wanted their own storage, so we got two mobile file boxes. They have hanging files for their work and a top slot for pens and pencils. My husband uses one for work, and it’s held up great for him, so fingers crossed for the kids!

Storage Bins
IRIS USA 12 Quart Storage Bins are perfect for keeping all our supplies neat and tidy. They stack well and are super sturdy. These are what I usually keep all of our notecards stored in.

Hanging File Folders
These are essential for organizing more than just worksheets. I use these expandable hanging file folders that can handle books and larger items, expanding up to 2 inches to hold more than double what a regular file can.

Folders
Amazon Basics 2-Pocket Folders are great for organizing individual subjects and keeping all our papers in one place.

Binder
The Amazon Basics 3-Ring Binder is perfect for creating personalized notebooks and keeping everything organized.

Printer Paper
I print so much stuff for our homeschool, so I started buying boxes of Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper. Each box has 5000 sheets and lasts a long time. It’s cost-effective and saves me from constant trips to the store.

Notebooks
Spiral Notebooks are great for daily journaling, note-taking, and all our writing exercises.

Index Cards
Ruled Index Cards are perfect for making flashcards, study notes, and quick reminders.

Sticky Notes
Post-it Notes are great for leaving reminders, marking pages, and organizing thoughts.

Epson EcoTank Printer
If you print as much as I do, you need a good printer. The Epson EcoTank has been a game changer. No more constantly buying ink cartridges—this one has refillable ink tanks that last a long time.

Heavy-Duty Hole Puncher
I started with a cheap hole puncher, but now I use a heavy-duty one that can punch through 40 sheets at a time. It’s a lifesaver for creating workbooks and organizing printed materials.

Planner
I’m super picky about planners. After trying several, I found this amazing teacher planner. It’s undated and comes with date stickers, making it flexible for any school year. I also found a Homeschool Portfolio Planner that looks promising. It has 56 pages of record-keeping to track your child’s progress throughout the year. I’m going to give this one a try this year!

Whiteboard/Chalkboard
Whiteboard or Chalkboard is perfect for teaching lessons, practicing writing, and drawing. We started out using a small whiteboard from Dollar Tree, but we now use our window. The marker wipes right off like it does on a whiteboard and the kids love it.

Flashcards
Flash Cards are great for practicing math skills and quick recall. We usually only practice them for around 5 minutes 2 times a day.

With these supplies, our homeschooling experience has become more efficient and enjoyable. Having the right tools can really make all the difference. Happy homeschooling!