Best Homeschool Supplies on Amazon: 20+ Must-Haves for Homeschooling

I earn a commission from products purchased through links in this post.

Sharing is caring!

After years of homeschooling, I’ve learned that you don’t need a house full of school supplies to have a successful homeschool. The best homeschool supplies are the ones you will actually use: simple, practical tools that make teaching and learning a little easier. I’ve rounded up the homeschool supplies I have found most useful over the years, along with a few optional items that can make your homeschool more organized and enjoyable.

I’ve homeschooled for 15 years, and these are the homeschool supplies I’ve found myself reaching for again and again. I’ve separated the true essentials from the nice-to-have items so you don’t waste money filling your homeschool with things you won’t use.

The Best Homeschool Supplies You Actually Need

You do not need to buy every homeschool or school supply that you find. Some supplies are great, but really work best in a traditional classroom. Other supplies and educational toys are really only useful for one lesson and might not be a good use of your budget. These are the homeschool supplies you actually need:

• Library card
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper
• Dry-erase markers
• Whiteboard
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Colored pencils/crayons/markers
• Notebooks
• Printer
• Laminator

If you’re brand new to homeschooling, start here. You can add the other supplies as you discover what your family actually uses.

If you’re new to homeschooling, it’s also worth familiarizing yourself with the homeschooling requirements in your state before purchasing curriculum and supplies. HSLDA’s state homeschool law information is a helpful place to start.

Best Homeschool Supplies on Amazon

After many years of homeschooling, I’ve learned that some homeschool supplies become everyday essentials while others end up taking up valuable storage space in a closet. The best homeschool supplies are the ones that make teaching, learning, and staying organized a little easier without requiring you to spend a fortune.

I’ve rounded up the homeschool supplies on Amazon that I have found most useful, from everyday basics like pencils and dry-erase markers to tools that can make homeschooling more efficient. If you’re building your homeschool supply collection, these are the items I’d consider first.

Large Magnetic Whiteboard

Every homeschool needs a whiteboard of some sort. It is one of the best homeschool supplies because it can be used every day with just about every subject. It is our preferred place to:

• Use our All About Spelling magnetic letter tiles
• Practice editing sentences for grammar
• Work through math problems together
• List daily tasks for each child

The whiteboard has also become a place to draw pictures, leave jokes, and write notes for family members.

If you have a dedicated homeschool area, I recommend hanging a large whiteboard on the wall. My family has used this 48×36 whiteboard in multiple homes and rooms. It typically hung in our dining room. If you do not have room for a wall-mounted whiteboard, consider using a tabletop version.

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dry-Erase Markers

I use dry erase markers every single day. I keep a collection of fine-tip and regular-tip dry erase markers handy. They both have their uses. Fine-tip is best for writing in a small area, but regular-tip covers more area and is a little more durable for small hands.

The tips of no-name markers seem to wear out so much faster compared to when I use Expo dry-erase markers. Eventually, though, the fine tips will widen. I always start my thin-tip dry-erase markers on my dry-erase calendar, where the boxes are very small, and then move them to my large whiteboard when they start to widen.

I recommend giving a quick lesson on how to appropriately use dry-erase markers before handing them to your young children. Little kids have a tendency to forcefully push the tip into the board, shortening the lifespan of the marker.

Quality Pencil Sharpener

A quality pencil sharpener is one of the best homeschool supplies you can purchase. It gets used multiple times a week and can quickly become a source of frustration if it isn’t working correctly. I bought a similar pencil sharpener when my son began kindergarten. He graduated from high school this spring, and we are still using the same pencil sharpener. I like this one because it:

• Quickly sharpens
• Is easy to take apart to remove a piece of broken graphite
• Doesn’t require electricity
• It comes in a variety of colors

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ticonderoga Pencils

I exclusively buy Ticonderoga pencils because they sharpen better and last longer than generic pencils. When I first started homeschooling, I bought whatever pencils were on sale or had cute designs. However, the cheap pencils frequently had broken graphite in the pencil, so after sharpening, the graphite would immediately break or even slide out of the pencil. I have never had that happen with Ticonderoga pencils. It is worth it to me to avoid microfrustrations and buy quality supplies.

There are even cute Ticonderoga pencils now. I have seen them in pastels, striped, neon, and even holographic designs!

Reliable Printer

Let me tell you a little secret. For a few years, we did not have a printer as part of our homeschool supplies. Our library offered a certain amount of free printing each week, and that worked for us, although it did require quite a bit of planning. I ended up buying my own printer when I needed to print a few Math Mammoth workbooks. It would have taken me a very long time to print at the library.

Now I use my printer daily. I print out free printable games I find online, my lesson plan template, student work, and so much more. It is very handy for homeschoolers to have a printer that has copying capabilities. 

I have an Epson EcoTank-2800 printer, and it works well. I have had it for several years now and have only had to refill the ink once. I like that I can easily see the ink levels.

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Printer Paper

If you homeschool for a very long time, you’ll quickly discover that printer paper is one of those supplies you somehow need constantly. I order it in bulk so that I always have it available. When I unwrap the last ream of paper, that is my sign to order a new box. I use the Amazon Basics brand of paper, and it seems to be the same quality as more expensive brands.

Laminator

A laminator is one of the best homeschool supplies if you want to protect materials for long-term use. I frequently laminated activities that my oldest used so that they were still in good shape for my youngest. Some of the things I have laminated include:

• All About Reading student pages
• Printable games
• Homemade flashcards
• Handwriting pages (Kids can use a fine-tip dry-erase marker)
• All About Learning free resources

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I have used my Scotch laminator for all 15 years that I homeschooled, and it is still going strong. I use it multiple times a week in my homeschool kindergarten class.

Laminating Pouches

Laminating pouches are necessary for laminators. You can not laminate at home without them. I use the Amazon Basics clear laminating sheets and find their quality to be great. I have probably ordered at least a dozen boxes at this point.

Individual Whiteboards

Even if you have a wall-mounted or tabletop whiteboard, I recommend having an individual whiteboard for each child. They are handy when you need to take school on the go. When one child was in a homeschool co-op class, I could teach the other child with an individual whiteboard. I also used them for quick lesson check-ins. For example, I would ask a question about cell organelles, and each child would write down their answer. I could quickly see if everyone understood the material. They are a great way to review without wasting paper.

Magnetic Letters

If you are homeschooling preschool or elementary school, magnetic letters are a useful homeschool supply. You can skip this one if you are homeschooling middle school or high school. Magnetic letters are a fun way to review spelling. I liked to hide letters around the room and then ask my kids to find the letters to spell a word. They had a lot of fun finding the letters and then building the word. It was a great way to add a little movement to our homeschool lessons.

I chose to buy this set because the letters come in an organized storage container, contain uppercase and lowercase letters, and the vowels are a different color than the consonants.

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Scissors

If your children will be cutting anything, and they likely will, they will need scissors. I recommend buying one pair of scissors for each child so they can complete crafts or lapbook activities at the same time. Remember to buy a pair of adult scissors too, if you don’t already have a pair.

Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are one of the homeschool supplies that you will want to buy in bulk, especially if you do a lot of hands-on work. It is very convenient to have a backstock of glue sticks that you can grab when a child discovers that a glue stick has dried out. I like the glue sticks that go on purple but dry clear because they help kids see where they applied the glue.

Markers

Markers are a useful homeschool supply for creating projects or crafts. Any brand of marker will work, but I generally choose Magic Stix markers. I love the Magic Stix markers because they don’t dry out if the cap is left off, they are washable, and the triangle shape prevents them from rolling off the table.

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Crayons

Crayons are an essential homeschool supply for preschool and elementary grades. I had them on hand when my kids were in middle school and high school, but they didn’t use them as often. Crayola is my preferred brand of crayon because the color transfers to the paper well.

Spiral Notebooks

Learning to take notes is important. It is a skill that is typically learned beginning in upper elementary or middle school. I like to buy spiral notebooks in bulk so that there is always a notebook available. We use different notebooks for different subjects.

Homeschool Organization Supplies

A little organization can make a big difference in your homeschool days. You don’t need an elaborate storage system, but having a designated place for frequently used homeschool supplies can save time and keep your school day running more smoothly. These are some of the organization supplies I’ve found useful over the years and would recommend to other homeschool families.

Rolling Cart

A rolling cart helps you organize your homeschool supplies. I have this rainbow rolling cart tucked away in a corner of my school area. The drawers hold my extra pencils, glue sticks, crayons, markers, reams of paper, and a label maker. My printer, pencil sharpener, and container of pencils ready to use live on top.

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Binders

3-Ring binders are an easy way to organize homeschool papers. If you use printable homeschool curriculum options, they are one of the best homeschool supplies for organization. Hole punch the papers and put them in a binder so you won’t lose any important pages. I also use a 3-ring binder for my homeschool planner.

Sheet Protectors

Sheet protectors can be used to organize curriculum materials. I am using All About Reading Level 1 with my kindergarten program and organizing the student materials with sheet protectors and binders. I put all of the student pages in a labeled sheet protector. The sheet protectors are then stored in 3-ring binders.

Storage Bins

Storage bins of different sizes are a great way to organize homeschool supplies. Choose a storage bin that fits the materials you want to store and fits your homeschool space. Over my years of homeschooling, I have used a variety of bins.

• Book bins – I stored science books and history books by topic in book bins.
• Lidded storage bins – Lidded storage bins are great for stacking. Stacking bins can be helpful if you want to store things in a small space. I store craft supplies, hands-on activities sorted by subject, and math manipulatives in lidded bins.
• Open bins – Open bins are a good storage option for materials children are allowed to access freely. When my kids were younger, the rule was that they had to ask before getting something from a lidded bin. This meant that I was able to control access to messy craft supplies without stifling their creativity.

Customized Lesson Planner

I have tried a few lesson planner books and never really found exactly what I needed. Eventually, I realized that if I was going to modify a lesson plan book anyway, I might as well make my own. It is perfect for me because it is completely customized. My lesson plan book contains a section for weekly lesson plans, monthly calendars, curriculum maps for each child, and even a section for our co-op. 

Refrigerator Calendar

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A refrigerator calendar might not seem like a must-have homeschool supply, but it was crucial in making sure we attended all of our homeschool obligations. Writing down our homeschool co-ops, classes, and field trips in one central location meant that everyone in the family, even those without access to an electronic calendar, could see what was happening each day. I organize my calendar a little differently than most, but this technique is what works for me. Read about my calendar organization method.

Homeschool Supplies That Are Not Essential, But Are Nice to Have

You don’t need a dedicated homeschool room or a closet full of educational toys to homeschool successfully. These supplies aren’t necessities, but they can make certain parts of homeschooling easier, more organized, or more enjoyable. If you’re just getting started, I’d focus on the essentials above before buying these extras.

Label Maker

A label maker is a useful tool for printing basic labels. I use mine to label bins, label storage shelves, binders, and label sheet protectors with lesson numbers.

Last update on 2026-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Paper Cutter

If you find that you are constantly cutting paper for crafts or hands-on activities, a paper cutter might be worth it. I owned one for many years, and it does make cutting straight lines more efficient. After about a decade of use, it broke, and I didn’t bother replacing it.

Laptop

It certainly isn’t a requirement, but having multiple computers in our house is a luxury that has come in handy. My kids could complete online assignments, research, and play educational games whenever it fit best in their school day. They didn’t need to wait for a turn, so this kept our day moving smoothly.

We chose to use Chromebooks for our kids until they began college. Chromebooks are laptops that are relatively inexpensive, and it is virtually impossible to download a virus. All downloads are stored in the cloud, not on the physical device. The only drawback is that Chromebooks do need internet to be of much use. 

Headphones

Headphones can be a really useful homeschool supply, but they are not a necessity. We have used a few different types of headphones.

• Basic – Basic headphones are good for kids who just need to hear directions on a computer.
• With a microphone – A microphone is a useful addition to a headphone if kids will be talking.
• Noise-cancelling – My family found noise-cancelling headphones helpful when one child needed to focus but the other child needed to talk or be active.

Homeschool Supplies You Do Not Need

When you’re new to homeschooling, it’s easy to look at all of the available supplies and assume you need a little bit of everything. I’ve learned that many of the things marketed as homeschool essentials are really just nice-to-have extras. At this point, I do own most of these things because I operate a homeschool kindergarten classroom. They are not necessary for most homeschool families.

Expensive Classroom Furniture

Traditional classroom furniture is great for a public school classroom, but not necessary for a homeschool. It is okay to skip the kidney table and Montessori shelving unit. If you do decide you really want classroom furniture, check Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores.

Every Possible Craft Supply

There are so many craft supplies available. I don’t think it is possible to own every single type of craft supply. Focus on buying the art supplies that your family actually enjoys. For my own kids, that meant focusing on paint supplies, slime supplies, and yarn. I bought a bunch of construction paper and a construction paper organizer, but it is all still in my closet years later.

Every Manipulative

Math manipulatives are incredibly useful, but many manipulatives can be used in multiple ways. You can also use materials you already own for manipulatives. My kids loved using chocolate chips for math when they were in elementary grade levels.Purchase only the manipulatives that are right for your grade level and will get a lot of use.

School Desk

School desks are not universally necessary unless they are something your family will actually use. My family chose to do most of our schoolwork around the kitchen table or dining room table. Eventually we put desks in their bedrooms so they had an additional quiet study spot. See how your family homeschools before purchasing a desk.

Backpacks

Backpacks are not necessary for homeschool families because our kids are not carrying school supplies and a lunch to another building. Backpacks were a travel accessory in my house, not a homeschool supply.

Educational Posters

I am a former classroom teacher who doesn’t really see the point in educational posters. They can be more of a distraction than a reference material.

Electric Pencil Sharpener

I have never used an electric pencil sharpener that I liked. We tried a few when we first started homeschooling, but they broke, or kids got something stuck inside, making it useless. When I was in the classroom, the school required we use an electric pencil sharpener, but it had to be replaced every year because it stopped working. It is more cost-effective to buy a manual pencil sharpener, as I suggested above.

When it comes to the best homeschool supplies, you really don’t need a house full of educational products. A few reliable basics can go a long way and last a long time. You can always add supplies as you discover what works best for your family’s homeschool style.

My advice is to start with the essentials, choose quality products you’ll use regularly, and resist the temptation to buy something simply because it looks like a homeschool must-have. The right supplies will make your homeschool days easier.

Keep reading . . .

• Educational Toys for Preschoolers
• Free Printable Homeschool Planner
• Creative Book Storage Ideas
• The Best Math Manipulatives
• Best Gifts for Kids Who Love Reading
• Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
• Best Educational Magazines for Kids

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.