Your homeschool preschool supplies list doesn’t have to be super long or super expensive. In fact, to keep it relaxed and fun, it’s actually better to keep it simple and frugal.
After teaching preschool at home to all five of my boys, I’ve learned that the you really don’t need everything. You just need the right things.
If you want make preschool at home feel doable and fun, I’ve got some fantastic ideas, tips and a cool tool. Grab my free Preschool Homeschool Supplies Checklist to keep things easy and organized.
Let’s make preschool learning joyful—without the overwhelm!
Why Less Is More in Your Homeschool Preschool Setup
When I was getting ready to homeschool preschool with my youngest, I had this moment of oh my word… we have SO much stuff. With four older boys in our homeschool, we’d collected way too much supplies—workbooks, manipulatives, crafts, flashcards, games—you name it.
And honestly? It was overwhelming.
Not just for me but for my preschooler, too. It was hard to find what we actually needed. I didn’t have a lot of space to organize everything. And I knew deep down that we didn’t need all of it.
So, I paused and thought about what had actually worked with my older boys. What had kept them excited, engaged, and learning naturally?
It wasn’t the fancy tools or overflowing shelves. It was the basics. The resources that made it easy to jump into a project, follow their interests, or enjoy some creative play. And it was all wrapped up in our relaxed and fun homeschool approach—flexible learning blocks, hands-on discovery, and lots of connection.
That’s when I decided to simplify and create our preschool homeschool cart. I grabbed one of our rolling carts (a total homeschool MVP!), sorted through the clutter, and only added the supplies I knew we’d actually use.
The result?
- It was easier to keep things organized.
- I could quickly see what needed to be restocked.
- My preschooler felt involved and excited. He go to his cart, pick an activity, and dive into learning fun.
This checklist comes those experiences. It’s the “essentials only” list I wish I had back then—a way to make sure you’re getting what you’ll really use and love, without overspending or having all the things.
Preschool at home can be magical and simple. And with a few intentional supplies (and maybe a rolling cart if that’s your type of thing), it absolutely can be.
The Best Homeschool Preschool Supplies to Keep It Fun
This simple list of homeschool supplies for the best activities for your preschooler is all about what you’ll actually use and love.
No clutter. No overwhelm. Just the basics that make hands-on, playful learning fun, flexible, and doable—especially if you’re on a budget.
I’ve rounded up the tools, materials, and resources that have stood the test of time in our homeschool. Plus, I’ve added a few extra fun ideas to sprinkle some magic into your day (without spending a fortune).
Whether you’re brand new to teaching preschool at home or looking to refresh your setup, this list will help you have the tools you need so you can get on with enjoying those special moments with your preschooler. On this list, you’ll find:
- Creativity Tools
- Preschool Books and Printables
- Learning Tools and Manipulatives
- Organization Tools
- Extras for Enchanted Learning Fun
I would stock up on many of these materials during back to school sales (usually mid- to late summer). I found the best prices at that time plus didn’t have to run to the store if we were missing anything. Another great option is to keep your eyes open for good deals on Amazon!
EaseSky 3-Tier Rolling Cart with Drawer & Lockable Wheels, Plastic Shelf Storage Organizer Cart – Easy Assembly, Waterproof Design for Kitchen, Bathroom, Office, WhiteYASONIC 3 Tier Rolling Cart – Metal Utility Cart with Wheels, Hanging Cups, Hooks, Heavy Duty Mesh Rolling Storage Cart Organizer, Craft Cart for Kitchen Office, Lightweight and Sturdy
Creativity Tools for Your Preschool
Preschoolers learn so much by doing. I encourage you to stock up on tools that spark creativity and build fine motor skills:
- Playdough (store-bought or homemade)
- Safety scissors
- Coloring and writing tools (like crayons, washable markers)
- Washable glue sticks and white glue
- Washable markers, crayons, and watercolors
- Watercolor paints and brushes
- Washable tempera paint
- Dot markers (I got this set when my oldest – now 22 – was 3 and it still works after using with all 5 boys!)
- Stickers, stamps, and foam shapes
- Pom-poms, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, and other child-safe craft supplies
- Mini tongs or tweezers for fine motor work
- Tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix)
💡 Tip: Keep a craft bin filled with recyclables like cardboard tubes, scrap paper, or tissue boxes for spontaneous (and frugal) projects.
Play-Doh Sparkle and Bright 14 Pack, Non-Toxic Modeling Compound, 3-Oz Cans, Back to School Classroom Supplies, Preschool Toys, Ages 3+ (Amazon Exclusive)Play-Doh Starter Set 9-Piece Kit with Storage Tote & 4 Modeling Compound Cans, Arts and Crafts Toys for Kids 3 Years & Up, Preschool ToysWestcott 5Classic Crayons – with Built In Sharpener – 64 ct (Pack of 1)Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers, 12 CountKids Painting Set, Washable Paint for Kids with Paint Cups and Toddler Paintbrushes, Non Toxic Washable Finger Paints 2 oz Each, Toddler Painting SuppliesDo A Dot Art! Markers 6-Pack Rainbow Washable Paint Markers, The Original Dot Marker, Activity Craft Coloring Supplies for Kids and Toddlers, Made in the USAGoodyKing Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids – 1170Pcs+ Craft Art Supply Kit for Toddlers Kids Craft Supplies & Materials Age 4 5 6 7 8 9 – All in One D.I.Y. Crafting School Supplies (Large)
Preschool Books and Printables
Build your preschool at home library with select books for read-alouds. Also, simple printable activities can be more quick ways to extend learning fun and build connection.
- A mix of picture books including classic stories like fairy tales, fables, and nursery rhymes (and Dr. Seuss!)
- Alphabet and number concept books
- Printable packs and activities (like our color by number, playdough mats, and
- Alphabet and number flashcards
- Story sequencing or retelling cards
And did you know that my Preschool Enchantment program features story-based themes that tie in beautifully with these types of books and resources? 😊
My First Library: Boxset of 10 Board Books for KidsMother Goose Treasury: A Beautiful Collection of Favorite Nursery Rhymes for Children (Hardcover Storybook Treasury)Fairy Tales Treasury: A Timeless Collection of Favorite and Classic Fairy Tales Stories for ChildrenStar Right Words Toddler Flash Cards Set of 4 – Number Flash Cards, First Words, Colors and Shapes, & Alphabet/Letter Flashcards – 4 Binder Rings – 144 Sight Words Kindergarten Flash Cards 3-7 YearsCarson Dellosa Toddler Flash Cards 4 Pack, Alphabet Flash Cards, Sight Word Flash Cards, Colors & Shapes Flash Cards, Number Flash Cards, Math & Phonics Kindergarten – Preschool Learning Activities 4+Kasfalci Sequencing Cards,Sequence Board Game for Kids,Speech Therapy Materials Toys for Autism,Story Storytelling,Social Skills,Sentence Building,Preschool Learning Activities,Classroom & Homeschool
Simple Learning Tools to Keep Preschool Engaging
Preschool doesn’t have to be complicated. A few basic tools go a long way and can be used for a variety of homeschool preschool activities:
- Counting bears or mini erasers
- Magnetic letters and numbers
- Shape sorters and pattern blocks
- Dice and spinners for math games
- Dry erase pockets and markers for reusables
- Calendar/weather chart (printable or DIY!)
- Sensory bin fillers (rice, beans, scoops, etc.)
These supplies are perfect for rotating into your weekly themes to keep things fresh and fun. We often used them as part of our free play time, too.
Bmag Counting Bears with Matching Sorting Cups, Preschool Learning Toys Color Recognition and Math Learning Games, STEM Educational Toy Gift for Kids Age 3 4 5 Year Old Boys GirlsSpriteGru Math Linking Cubes, Set of 100 Math Cubes Manipulative Connecting and Counting Snap Blocks for Early Math and Construction, Educational Toy for Preschool, Kindergarten, HomeschoolCurious Columbus Magnetic Letters and Numbers for Toddlers. Foam Alphabet Fridge Magnets and Numbers for Kid Learning. 123 ABC Toddler Magnets for RefrigeratorLearning Resources Pattern Block Math Activity Set, Math Games for Kids, Educational Games, Preschool Math, Montessori, 144 Pieces, Age 5+Learning Resources Calendar & Weather Pocket Chart – Classroom Calendar, Calendar and Weather Chart for Classroom, Teacher and Back to School Supplies
Keep It Together: Organizing Your Homeschool Supplies
You don’t need a huge space for your homeschool preschool and its supplies. You just need a system that works for you. Some ideas for organizing tools that you can use are:
- Small bins or baskets for rotating toys and books
- Daily materials caddy or cart
- Clipboard or lap desk for flexible workspaces
- Binder or folder for homeschool plans and printables
For our homeschool preschool cart, I repurposed empty and clean coffee cans and small boxes to store caryons, manipulatives, and such.
Extras for Enchanted Learning Fun
These extras aren’t necessary. But, they sure can add joy to your days. You probably won’t be able to store these in a rolling cart but that’s okay. I kept some of these resources in a clear plastic bin so we could see what’s inside but have it tucked out of the way.
- Dress-up bin or pretend play props
- Puppets or plush toys for storytelling
- Preschool songs playlist or music player
- Nature walk bag or explorer box
- Printable playdough mats
- Building toys like blocks or magnetic tiles
Mix and match based on your child’s interests, attention span, and what you already have on hand!
Get Your Free Printable Homeschool Preschool Supplies List
High five! I’m so excited that you’re going to have all this preschool fun at home!
This free printable includes one PDF page with all of the categories plus a notes section for you to add your own ideas.
To get this printable supplies list for your homeschool preschool, simply subscribe (for free) to Rock Your Homeschool.
⭐️ An email will be sent to your inbox with the PDF file plus a password to open the VIP Resource Library to all RYHS freebies. Please email Amy at rockyourhomeschool@gmail.com if you have any issues!
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