The Ultimate School Supplies for Girls that She’ll Love
Every August, the same list makes the rounds: notebooks, pens, a backpack, a new pair of sneakers, etc. But if you’ve got a teenage daughter, you know the real school supplies for girls is nothing like that.
These are things that get used every day and make her feel put-together, organized, and ready to face a full day of school. It’s the secret list that I see as a teacher in the classroom and as a mother of a teen daughter.
I put together this list after going back over the years of what I see girls use and need in the classroom, and I had my daughter vet the list, too. None of it is the standard school-supply-aisle stuff.
For Her Locker
A locker is basically a tiny studio apartment she has to organize in 30 seconds between bells. Girls love to make this little space their own, giving them a place to show their individuality. Here are some ways to do it.
- Locker organizer kit are a game changer. Shelves, a mirror, and storage bins that turn a metal box into an actual system. School lockers typically offer little in the way of organization and less in the way of individuality. Girls love dressing up their lockers and having friends write notes on the little whiteboard.
- These magnetic scallop picture frames are perfect for displaying Polaroids or Fujifilm Instax photos of friends without a single piece of tape or a dent in the locker door. Custodians will appreciate this at the end of the year!
For Her Backpack (The Stuff Beyond Notebooks)
- Leather heart bookmarks are cute and functional. Between novels, textbooks, and an agenda book, it’s a small, sweet detail that she’ll love to use to keep herself prepared.
- Transparent sticky notes are the coolest sticky notes I’ve ever seen. The first time a kid has these, I was blown away. Aside from being less than typical, they also are perfect for your little girl to annotate in her books without actually writing in the textbook or novel because they’re transparent and show the text behind them.
- A label maker may sound boring, but they’re not. Teens are obsessed with them. It’s useful for labeling binders, water bottles, and school supplies, and it doubles as a low-key creative outlet. Plus, this version offers a ribbon cartridge where you can write on ribbon for gifts!
- A portable battery pack doesn’t encourage phone usage like you may think. A dead phone by 2 p.m. is a daily crisis for most teens, and it can be frustrating for you if your daughter stays after school for sports. A slim battery pack that fits in a backpack pocket solves it before it becomes a problem.
For Her Hair & Beauty Bag
Whether we like it or not, school isn’t only about academics. A teen girl cares about her hygiene and how she looks.
- A travel makeup bag keeps all of her toiletries organized and ready to grab. Plus, it keeps everything corralled, so they’re not loose in the bottom of a backpack.
- With slick backs and braids being the go-to hair styles, having extra hair ties and a hair wax stick helps a girl tame flyaways and touch up a hairstyle after PE class.
- A mini hair brush that’s compact enough to live in a backpack is a plus. This one has a little mirror and comes in a pack, so she can hand out a few to her closest friends.
- A dry shampoo (travel size) can be a lifesaver for after PE, humid days, or just a rushed morning.
- Keeping a travel-size deodorant is a must. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years, and every teen should carry this in her or his backpack. Keep it small enough to toss in a locker or gym bag for after PE.
- Mini makeup remover wipes are perfect for after PE and handy for touch-ups, smudged eyeliner, or just a fresh face before an after-school activity.
- Aquaphor lip repair is hands down the BEST lip moisturizer around. My dermatologist switched me to it years ago, and my whole family never looked back.
For On-the-Go Freshness
- Hand sanitizer is great for anyone, but in a school environment it’s a must. The Touchland brand is basically a beauty accessory at this point because it smells good and is slim enough to fit into her backpack.
- Mints, gum or disposable toothbrushes should always be in each child’s backpack. They’re great for after lunch or before a presentation, but, more importantly, they help your girl feel confident. I love the toothbrushes for our girls with braces!
For Grounding & Calm
- A prayer jar isn’t brought to school, but it’s a beautiful gift to give your daughter before the year begins. There will be days when she’s going to want to share her problems with you and there will be days when she doesn’t. This is your way to help guide her when she wants to quietly reflect on what’s going on.
School Supplies for Girls: Setting Her Up for Success
Between my years in the classroom and raising my own teen, I’ve learned that it’s rarely the big supplies that make a school day go smoothly; it’s the small comforts. Tossing a few of these into her backpack or locker is a simple, loving way to keep your daughter feeling confident, organized, and ready to take on the school year. Trust me that these will be well-received by your teen.
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