25 essential back-to-school sale picks for elementary students — from $3

Excitement and anticipation are building as the first day of school nears. We're here to help keep stress and expense out of the equation as you knock out that back-to-school shopping once and for all. Perhaps you still have a few things to cross off the teacher's supply list. Maybe your kiddo needs a new lunch box, a solid backpack plus some awesome clothing that isn't a size too small. Luckily, we've found loads of school supplies on sale, and Amazon's back-to-school section is stocked with savings.

As the mom of a grade-schooler myself, I was excited to see that Amazon has set up this special one-stop spot, dedicated to helping us parents cross off those last items from our school shopping checklists so we can soak up this last bit of summer with our kiddos. Here are 25 awesome essentials on sale to get your elementary student. (And if you are looking for the cutest school supplies, we have you covered there, too).

Ready, set, go!

A five-star fan wrote: "They work equally well with my 8-year-old right hander and my 6-year-old leftie. They are a great size for them." "Love these," offered another. "Nice little scissors. Not so small that my adult hands can't use them and sharp enough to cut what you need it to. But also great for older kids who need actually functional scissors. You can't go wrong with Fiskars!"

"So many colors, so much fun," raved one reviewer. "My daughter and I love these. Great for school projects and assignments."

This No. 1 bestseller has nearly 7,000 five-star reviews! An 11-year-old fan who has been wearing these hoodies for four or five years wrote (via their parent), "It's super comfortable. They last a really long time. I had one I wore to school for 2 years before I gave it away. And I've had to wash these a lot. I live in the South so winters don't get really cold here but they are perfect for both fall and winter here. I would definitely recommend this hoodie. And my mom says you can't beat the price."

Be the teacher's pet-parent. One teacher testifies: "The best pencils that money can buy! As a teacher, I know my office supplies...These pencils sharpen well...and the eraser is great! It's not a smudgy eraser, and it doesn't break off when it is used. If you are still not sure about buying these pencils, see a teacher's eyes light up when you mention 'Ticonderoga' pencils. I guarantee these are their favorites, and they feel as passionately about these pencils as I do...So, make a teacher's day, and buy these pencils for their classroom. You will automatically be a favorite in their book."

These will get your crafty kiddos not only through the school year but also through long weekends, holidays, breaks and then some. Nab a box for your child's homeroom and art teachers. "Do you want to make an elementary school teacher happy? Give them this," writes a five-star reviewer. "I've taught first grade for nine years. You would be surprised by how many glue sticks a first grader uses in a typical year. You might think that we asked for a lot of glue sticks at the beginning of the year but I can almost guarantee you that those glue sticks will be gone by Christmas. The rest of the year the teacher buys the glue sticks."

"The Fitbit Ace 3 that we have is going strong — through sports, getting wet, and the daily wear and tear of a 6-year-old," writes one of the 4,200-plus five-star fans. "But CHECK THIS.. the battery life is just INCREDIBLE. This Ace 3 holds a charge for 3 to t4 weeks easily. Easily... I’m just blown away. They said the battery life was upgraded to 8 days, but going almost a month without charge is just amazing. Well done, Fitbit. Well done." Plus, the fan added, "as promised, Fitbit has updated the app to include new Minion animated faces! Kid loves it, thanks! :)"

These versatile headphones have over 5,400 five-star fans, including young children and adults alike. "My 9-year-old says they are comfortable," writes a happy parent. "My son loves these. He’s so picky on how [headphones] feel on his ears. Would highly recommend!!" Another reviewer raves: "Large, soft, over the ear covers. Corded, with phone answering button. Noise-reducing. Light feeling while wearing." Note: They're on sale for just $15 in black!

This multifunctional pack has a very impressive 4.8-star rating overall. One fan raved, "Got this for my kindergartener. This is a very good quality backpack. Very spacious with a bonus lunch bag feature...quite innovative. The backpack can hold my son's Chromebook and has space remaining for other items." Another added: "The ice pack we use is still half frozen when my daughter gets home!"

My own rising 3rd grader, who has been loving her Bentgo lunchbox since preschool, said she would give this model five stars, just as some 23,000 other fans on Amazon have. "Excellent for preschool kids and elementary kids...and adults too!" writes a pleased reviewer. "I purchased these for my two little kids...AMAZING! The portion size is excellent. I love the little circle spot in the middle...I will put raisins with a couple of chocolate drops in it or sometimes their multi-vitamins. My kids love that their food doesn't touch, and I love that the lunch box doesn't leak...They are very easy to clean...They are small enough for little hands to carry and pack in their lunch bags...The boxes have a grippy strip on the outside, so they don't slip on the table when the kids are eating."

This affordable KN95 for kids is a No. 1 bestseller with over 18,000 five-star ratings. A happy shopper wrote: "Easy to breathe in, lightweight and comfortable!" Another added: "My kids wear these every day for school, they like the variety of them and sometimes like to coordinate them with their clothes. They fit their faces great, and I will purchase them again. It was a great value and I still have masks for everyday use."

It's no surprise these are a No. 1 bestseller, but get a load of that discount! One five-star reviewer commented, "Granddaughter was happy. She grew out of the last pair. It was her must-have, go-to shoe for school. She’s happy till the next growth spurt! Great shoe. Holds up well."

More school supply essentials on sale:

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Looking for more great Amazon tech deals? Check these out:

TVs and home theater

Headphones and earbuds

Tablets and tech

Smart home

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