Everything you need for a creative back to school season

Set the kiddos up for success at Michaels! Stock up on back to school essentials for every grade, from notebooks and art supplies to storage and classroom decor. Need them today? Find supplies near you at your local Michaels and take advantage of our in-store pickup where you can order from the comfort of your own home. Teachers get 15% off every day with the Michaels Teacher Discount.

School Supplies Shopping List Made Easy

Get what they need, all in one place. Use this back-to-school checklist to shop every grade's school supplies list in a single trip:

• Writing & Marking Essentials: Pencils, pens, Sharpie highlighters, Crayola washable markers, permanent markers, erasers, and rulers.
• Paper & Notebooks: Spiral notebooks, composition books, binders, filler paper, planners, and calendars.
• Craft & Classroom Basics: Elmer’s glue, glue sticks, Fiskars scissors, tape, and construction paper.
• Organization & Storage: Pencil cases, desk organizers, folders, and storage totes.
• Bags & Accessories: Backpacks, lunch boxes, and reusable water bottles.

Make It Unique: Personalize Your School Gear

Beyond the basics, back-to-school is all about self-expression. Why settle for plain gear when you can customize it? Elevate standard school supplies into trend-forward statement pieces using our selection of iron-on patches, vinyl crafts, paint markers, and Cricut® materials to personalize backpacks, pencil pouches, and lunch bags.

Looking for the perfect back-to-school gift? Grandparents and family members can use these same DIY supplies to craft personalized first-day keepsakes and custom accessories that kids will love showing off all year long.

Teacher Must-Haves & Classroom Supplies

Set up your classroom with the best teacher supplies and classroom decor for a successful school year.

Bring your walls and hallway doors to life with our vibrant
bulletin board accents and classroom banners. You can also add functional touches like alphabet lines and chart boards to keep some of your learnings visual.

Shop kids craft kits, papercraft supplies, charts and calendars, and other teacher essentials to create a functional and engaging learning space. Planning a classroom celebration or student milestone event? Don't forget balloons and party supplies to make those moments extra special.

Get Creative with Classroom Crafts & Projects

We want you to inspire hands-on learning through our classroom crafts and school art supplies. Michaels’ selection of school art supplies includes craft paper, modeling clay and paint will be everything you need for an innovative learning space.

You can also keep curious minds engaged with interactive building projects, or explore
hands-on science kits to spark STEAM exploration through play. Looking for more tactile fun? Discover our sensory play essentials that help kids stay focused, calm, and imaginative from day one.

Shop Back to School Sales, Deals & Bulk Savings

Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're picking up everyday basics for your kids or stocking an entire school district, Michaels offers multiple ways to save on discount school supply items. Verified educators receive 15% off their entire purchase every single day with the Michaels Teacher Discount while Michaels Rewards members unlock exclusive savings, including up to 30% off regular-priced items.

Be sure to check our Savings page regularly for weekly promotions, value packs, and limited-time deals on all your back-to-school essentials.

Find School Supplies Near You

Need school supplies today? Skip the shipping wait and visit your local Michaels store to shop notebooks, classroom décor, art materials, and back-to-school essentials near you. Buy online and select Same-Day Curbside Pickup or In-Store Pickup at checkout to get everything on your list fast.

FAQs

What supplies do I need for back to school?
Most back-to-school lists include notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons or markers, erasers, glue, scissors, and a backpack, along with grade-specific extras like a calculator or planner. Use our School Supplies Shopping List above to build your exact list for any grade.

What are the best back to school supplies to buy?
Look for trusted, durable basics: Crayola markers and paint, Fiskars scissors, and sturdy storage like pencil boxes and folders hold up best through a full school year. For teachers, classroom decor and organization tools make the room feel ready on day one.

When do back to school sales start?
 Most shoppers start their back to school list in late July, with deals building through the first two weeks of August before most districts go back. Shopping early gets the first pick of new arrivals and avoids the picked-over shelves that show up closer to the first day. Check the Savings page for what's live this week.