14 must-have supplies for back to school 2020

Back to school shopping will look a lot different in 2020. But whether your child is doing in-person classes, remote learning, or a hybrid of the two, there are still many supplies you will need.

News 12 Staff

Sep 14, 2020, 4:48 PM

Updated 1,489 days ago

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Back to school shopping will look a lot different in 2020. But whether your child is doing in-person classes, remote learning, or a hybrid of the two, there are still many supplies you will need.

Here are 14 must-have supplies for the 2020-21 academic year:

1. MASKS
Even if your child is learning from home, you can’t go anywhere without one during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can buy cloth face coverings everywhere nowadays. Search Amazon, Etsy, Staples and Target to find a variety of face coverings. You can also ask if anyone in your community makes them.
If you're looking for disposable masks, these Kids Single Use Disposable Face Masks are made to fit small faces.

According to RIS News, in a recent survey of 8,000 back-to-school shoppers, Inmar Intelligence found that 54% of shoppers are planning to purchase items that reduce the spread of germs.

More on masks:
11 things to consider if your school is requiring the use of cloth face coverings

Is your little one afraid of wearing a mask? These 6 tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics can help

Click here to see a guide on different masks

2. SANITIZING WIPES, SPRAY AND HAND SANITIZER
Now more than ever, it’s a good idea to have some germ killer handy, especially if you can’t wash your hands. You might have to search a bit, but some of these items are starting to be in stock at stores.
3. WEEKLY FRIDGE CALENDAR
Although many after-school programs and sports will be canceled for the fall semester, a weekly calendar is still a must. Many parents are working from home and need to make sure everyone is on the same page. With this dry erase magnetic calendar on Amazon your schedule will be hard to miss. Markers and eraser are included
4. PLANNER
This Clever Fox Planner is a must-have on the school supply list to help students keep track of all their responsibilities. The colorful Dated Elementary Student Planner for Academic Year 2020-2021 was made with young students in mind.
5. PENS & PENCILS
PILOT pens are loved by note-takers everywhere, and the stylish PILOT Precise V5 Stick Deco Collection is no exception. TICONDEROGA Pencils are a favorite of schoolchildren and a staple of school supply lists everywhere.
6. BACKPACK
Your kid can stand out with this stylish and simple backpack on Amazon that won’t kill your wallet. Having compartments is cool, but the game changer is the USB port.

7. COMPUTERS
Now more than ever, students will need reliable computers to do school work, or attend virtual classes. How do you know what type of computer is best for the 2020-21 academic year? Click here for News 12’s full guide on how to pick the perfect computer.
8. HEADPHONES
If you don't want to hear your kid's class, these LilGadgets Connect+ PRO Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones with SharePort and Inline Microphone will keep them connected. The headphones have a volume limit, are durable and comfortable.
9. WEBCAM
If your student's computer doesn't have webcam, or needs a better one, the 1080P Webcam with Microphone, Wansview USB 2.0 is perfect from them.
10. WATER BOTTLE
Let the kids hydrate in style with a water bottle that isn’t bigger than their heads. The CamelBak Eddy Kids Bottle is spill resistant with all sorts of cool prints and a flip-up straw. It’s also easy to use, so it will limit the need of a teacher helping them drink.

Can your elementary school-aged kid open these 5 items? Click here to see what to pack, and NOT to pack for their lunch.

11. BENTO BOX
In Japanese culture, bento boxes are lunches that are carefully put together to create a complete meal. But the portioned compartments make them practical for anyone, especially kids! These are BPA free, dishwasher and microwave safe.

12. APPAREL AND UNIFORMS
School may look different this year, but if your kid is attending in-person classes one thing that will not change is the need for new clothes and school uniforms.

If you don’t want to leave the house, Amazon’s Prime Wardrobe lets you try the clothing before you buy.

See New 12’s tips on buying school uniforms and where to find deals here.

13. LEARNING FROM HOME
Trying to figure out what you’ll need for your child to learn from home? Target has a special page with everything you may need! Including white boards, desks, desk organizers, Wi-Fi and networking systems, and other electronics. Check out the list here.
14. TABLES & CHAIRS & Organization
If your student is doing remote learning, these Melissa & Doug Tables & Chairs 3-Piece Set is perfect to give them their own designated space for school activities. The Learning Resources Create-a-Space Storage Center is a fun and colorful way for your student to keep their new desk clean and tidy. Check out this rolling storage cart if you need more organization.

MORE EDUCATION STORIES
Planning for in-person classes? 22 actions to take and points to consider from the CDC

Ready to make the transition to college? Here are 9 changes you can expect this fall

Guide: Back to School Preparation 2020

See the photos below for some basic, tried and true supplies for back-to-school shopping:
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