2025 School Supply Checklist for Filipino Students (with Budget Tips!)

It’s back-to-school season again, and you know what that means. You’re juggling reminders, a new curriculum, and a child who’s suddenly grown two shoe sizes since the summer break. Whether you’re shopping for a fresh Grade 1 student or a returning elementary kid, hunting down everything on your school supply list is as much a parenting rite of passage as it is a budgeting challenge.

But don’t worry! This year, you’re doing it wiser. Below is your ultimate 2025 school supply list, packed with budget hacks and tips to make your next Divisoria run or Lazada checkout feel less stressful and more satisfying.

Preschool Essentials

When shopping for school supplies, take note of your child’s capabilities and habits. 

Preschool might be your child’s first big step into the world of structured learning. Consider it your initiation to tackling that overwhelming school supply list. Don’t worry, preschool requirements are usually simpler (and cuter!) than grade school ones, but they still need thoughtful planning.

Most preschools provide shared materials like art supplies and toys, so you’ll likely only need to pack personal items. Here’s a general idea of what to prepare:

• 2–3 extra sets of clothes labeled with your child’s name (accidents happen!)
• Small towel and baby wipes for hygiene
• Lunch box and water tumbler with easy-open lids
• Name-tagged pencil case with jumbo crayons or thick pencils
• One notebook (if needed for communication or doodling)
• Child-safe scissors and glue
• A roomy but lightweight backpack that they can carry themselves
• Blanket or nap mat, if the school includes nap time

When in doubt, check with the school if they prefer to keep supplies uniform to avoid distractions or classroom envy. Some schools even discourage character-themed items, so it’s best to ask first.

Tipid tip: Preschoolers grow quickly and their needs change fast, so avoid overbuying. Reusable lunchboxes, washable labels, and hand-me-downs from older siblings or cousins work wonders at this stage.

Pro tip: Label everything from socks to spoon cases. You can use iron-on tags, waterproof stickers, or a permanent marker.

School Supplies for “Big School” (Grade 1 and Up)

Starting “big school” is a big deal for your child and your wallet. Unlike preschool where most materials are shared, elementary school often means individualized supplies per subject and class.

Here are the items you’ll want to tick off your school supply list, especially for Grade 1 and above:

• 5–10 notebooks (lined and unlined, depending on subjects)
• 3–5 pencils and a reliable sharpener; pens may be required for older students
• 1 pencil case that’s easy to open (zippers over snaps!)
• A box of crayons or colored pencils for art class
• Safety scissors, glue stick, and ruler
• Intermediate or grade-level pad paper
• Folders or envelopes for each subject to organize handouts
• Art materials (brushes, watercolors, construction paper, glue or paste)
• Lunchbox and a refillable water bottle
• A durable school bag with strong zippers and enough compartments
• Personal hygiene or grooming kit, complete with a comb, sanitizer or alcohol, and a change of clothes
• Emergency kits

Some schools are more tech-savvy and may now ask for tablets, headphones, or stylus pens, so check the school supply list early and plan accordingly.

Again, make sure to double-check your school’s regulations. Schools may be particular about sizes or brands.

What to Buy, What to Reuse, and When to Splurge

Be smart about spending. Sometimes, buying cheaper can cost more in the long run.

Before heading out to shop, take inventory of what’s already at home. You’d be surprised how many unused notebooks and extra erasers are hiding in drawers from last year’s school haul.

You can invest in items that are reusable, such as pencil cases, sharpeners, rulers, art brushes, and even lunch kits. These are usually staples throughout your child’s student life and can last more than one school year.

Don’t be afraid to splurge on things that go through heavy wear and tear, like school shoes or backpacks. A pair of sturdy albeit slightly more expensive shoes might outlast two cheaper pairs that wear out mid-year. Sometimes, spending more now means saving later.

Splurge on:

• Durable backpacks with reinforced straps
• High-quality shoes that can withstand daily wear and the rainy season
• Comfortable, well-fitting uniforms—cheaper ones may fade or tear faster

You don’t need to shell out too much of your precious shopping budget for items that easily break, get stepped on, or get lost. Crayon sets with a few broken pieces? Recycle them! Melt and mold them into new ones for fun or use them for at-home art activities. Anything consumable, you can probably go the store-brand route that offer the same quality for less.

Save on:

• Basic notebooks and writing pads—no need to go branded here
• Art supplies and coloring materials, especially for younger grades where usage is light and breakage (not to mention wastage) is high
• Glue, pencils, pens

Here’s a money-saving tip: Spread out the spending by shopping in phases or as sales pop up. If possible, set aside a “school budget” monthly starting in June to avoid the July-August expense rush.

Where to Find Affordable School Supplies

Filipino moms are pros at stretching the peso, especially during school season. But it’s still easy to get overwhelmed by options, especially with price differences between stores and platforms.

• School supply stores in Divisoria and Baclaran are still unbeatable for bulk buys. Make sure to go early, wear comfy shoes, and bring a friend for moral (and crowd) support.
• Big-name bookstores offer convenience, brand reliability, and even bundled sets. You can even get generic or store-brand school materials that might be more bang for your buck.
• Online platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop are lifesavers for busy moms, especially during flash sales and payday promos. Don’t forget to use vouchers and cashback offers!
• School-organized fairs or book drives sometimes offer curated bundles that align exactly with the school’s list, perfect for moms who want it done in one go.

How to Involve Your Kids in School Shopping

Bringing your child while shopping through the school supply list can teach them valuable financial knowledge.

Getting your kids involved in school supply shopping not only teaches them real-life budgeting but also makes them more excited for school.

Hand them a mini budget and let them choose their own notebook design, pencil case, or even a small item like a bookmark or sticker pack. It’s a great opportunity to talk about “needs vs. wants” and to let them have ownership over their things. You can even gamify it: challenge them to find the best deal within a certain amount!

The school supply list isn’t just about pencils and paper. It’s about preparing your child to tackle the year with confidence and care. With a few smart budget hacks and a dash of creativity, you’ll send your child off with everything they need, without burning through your savings.