11 Practical Homeschool Supplies That You'll Be So Glad You Have

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These practical homeschool supplies can help you breathe a sigh of relief. The knowledge that you have what you need, when you need, it is priceless. And adding a few affordable fun materials never hurts.

I'm sharing my top 11 supplies that make a world of difference in our homeschool-and I truly hope that they help you rock your homeschool.

The Benefits of Practical Homeschool Supplies

I'm not always known for being practical. In fact, I'm usually the girl with rose-colored glasses jumping down rabbit holes and squirreling left and right. Such a Luna Lovegood!

It's because I'm not a naturally practical gal that I must take measures to ensure our homeschool flows. Without my practical planning and prep work, I'm floating around in la-la land, trying to find my favorite purple pen or scrambling for a magnifying glass to get an up-close look at our local flora and fauna. 

The responsibility of homeschooling our five boys is something that I take seriously. I want to feel good about our homeschool life and know that I'm doing everything that I can to make sure my boys have what they need to thrive in our modern world.

In addition to my favorite homeschool planning and morning time materials, I've discovered that having these practical homeschool supplies help me be a better homeschool mom. A few of the benefits that you and I can reap from stocking up on these supplies include:

• Saving time (no more dashing off to the store because you ran out of one of these materials)
• Saving money (again, you're not wasting gas running out to get a supply when it's not on sale)
• Saving energy (say goodbye to scrambling around your junk drawer or praying that you actually bought those binder clips to organize your growth mindset copywork pages)
• Easing anxiety 
• Keeping you grounded and focused
• Maintaining your homeschool budget (by getting these supplies on sale or in bulk)
• Better organization (see #11)

Top 11 Practical Homeschool Supplies for Improved Quality of Life

Think I'm joking about that quality of life statement? Just see how much better your homeschool day flows when you're using these materials!

1. Quality Printer

We've gone through our share of printers in our homeschool. Some printers have sucked the life out of me and our budget. Running out for new ink cartridges every other week is draining.

Currently, we have two printers for our family. The first is a rescue from my husband's office. Our black-and-white laser printer was going to get tossed out! (And I can get over 1,000 pages out of one $20 ink cartridge!). I use this printer for printable activities like our Mandala Multiplication Pages and Sight Word Coloring Pages.

Our second printer is my FAVORITE OF ALL TIME!! The HP OfficeJet 3830. I got it for a steal on Amazon. And the HP Instant Ink program helps me always have plenty of ink whenever I need it (no more frantic 25-minute trips to the store, thank-you-very-much!)

2. Library Card

Totally free and totally awesome! We use our library card several times a month. Our local library is super supportive of our homeschooling efforts (and that's saying something in our area with few homeschoolers). 

Our librarian gave us an extension for due dates (one month instead of the standard two weeks). Plus, I get email reminders for when books are due so I don't get those late fees.

And don't forget interlibrary loan! In our library system, you can browse and order books online. When our books are available for pick-up, we pop over into town and walk out with armloads. Great way to save time and get the books we need for our homeschool.

 3. Special Writing Utensils

For both the kids and mom!

There's just something magical about using a special pencil or pen. I like to have a stock of my boys' favorites for their handwriting and writing work. Writing is not one of their favorite activities but using a glittery gel pen or smelly pencil helps get the job done.

I'm a #plannergal and love using different styles of pens and pencils in my homeschool planner to make it easy to pick out activities, assignments, and kids.

Here are a few of our favorite writing utensils that make our practical homeschool supplies list:

Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Design Collection Dots, Refillable & Retractable Gel Ink Pens, Fine Point (0.7mm), Assorted Ink, 5-Pack (15220)Pilot, FriXion ColorSticks Erasable Gel Ink Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Pack of 10, Assorted ColorsPilot, FriXion Fineliner Erasable Marker Pens, Fine Point 0.7 mm, Pack of 12, Assorted ColorsPilot Frixion Light Soft Color Erasable Highlighter Pen, 6 Color Set (SFL-60SL-6CS)Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, Pre-Sharpened, 2 HB Soft, Yellow, 30 Count, 6 Packs/180 Count TotalCrayola Erasable Colored Pencils (24ct), Kids Coloring Pencils for Coloring Books, Assorted Colors, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Gifts, Ages 6+Crayola 588106 Washable Super Tips Markers, Assorted, 20/SetThe Pencil Grip Kwik Stix Paint Pens and Thin Stix Paint Pens | 24 Count

4. Clipboards

As a busy family with an erratic schedule, clipboards are wonders when we are on-the-go. My boys and I also use clipboards on a daily basis for to-do lists, securing handwriting sheets, and organizing work.

We LOVE the clipboard with storage box option. It's fantastic for bringing along extra papers and making sure you don't lose your favorite writing utensil. 

Tip:  Let your kids decorate their clipboards with stickers. A fun way to customize and make it special.

Amazon Basics Colorful, Sturdy, Lightweight Plastic Clipboards, Pack of 6, Letter Size, Assorted ColorsSooez Toughest Clipboard with Storage, Internal Pen Pouch Included, Letter/ A4 Size, Shockproof Heavy Duty Plastic Clip Boards 8.5x11”, High Capacity Clipboards Box Case for Contractor Trucker DriverSooez Clipboard with Storage, High Capacity Nursing Clipboard with Pen Holder, Heavy Duty Plastic Clipboard, Teacher Must Haves School Office Supplies

5. Planner

Many homeschoolers are overwhelmed when it comes to planners. Like, how in the world are you supposed to find a planner that fits everything from meal planning, chores, family life, homeschooling, holidays, and more?!?

I get it. In fact, I often have at least three planners that I'm using at any given time. I know that sounds crazy but it helps me compartmentalize and sort it all out. 

The best planner is the planner that you'll actually use. Paper or digital. DIY or purchased. Expensive or free. 

If you have the time and money, it's cool to try different styles out. If not, I suggest getting a simple, affordable binder and using free homeschool planning printables to get started. For that matter, use free planning printables that appeal to you for budget, family, and more.

BinderX Extra Durable 3 Ring Binder, Round Rings 1 Inch Binder, Fits 175 Sheets of 8.5x11 Paper, Customizable View Cover with Inside Pockets, Cute 1Amazon Basics 3-Ring Binder, 1-Inch - White 1 PackHappy Planner Undated Plans + Notes Monthly Planner Notebook Journal, 12-Month Planner, Colorblock Brights, Classic Size, 60 Pages, 4 Dividers, 4 Sticker Sheets, 7

6. Dry Erase Supplies

You can save so much money and time with dry erase supplies! My boys and I use our dry erase boards and markers every day. We added dry erase sleeves to our practical homeschool supplies this year which have been great for our printable activities.

We use our dry erase supplies for handwriting, jotting down math work, brainstorming writing projects, and more. Check your local dollar store for dry erase supplies or order these quality supplies by clicking on any of the images below.

EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Marker Set with White Board Eraser and Cleaner, Chisel Tip Dry Erase Markers, Assorted Colors, 6 Piece Set with Whiteboard CleanerSmall Weekly Calendar Dry Erase Whiteboard for Wall, 16AMUSIGHT Dry Erase Magnetic White Board, 16Scribbledo 6 Pack Small White Board Dry Erase Boards Classroom Pack Mini White Boards 9Ufmarine Dry Erase Pockets Sleeves, Reusable,10 x 13 inches, Clear Sheet Protector for Teacher Classroom Supply（6 Pack）

7. Washi Tape

I feel like washi tape is magical.

This decorative tape has just enough stickiness to hang pictures on walls and add flourish to art projects but can easily be readjusted if misplaced.

One of my favorite ways to use washi tape is in my homeschool planner and for color-coding materials (see #11).

Super affordable and available in a wide variety of colors and themes, washi tape is one of our must-have practical homeschool supplies.

Oh, and glitter washi tape is an excellent way to add glitter to your homeschool without all the mess!

**I often purchase washi tape at Michael's (or you could check out Hobby Lobby or other local craft store) with a coupon. Another fabulous place to find washi tape is your local dollar store!

60 Rolls Washi Tape Sets 8mm Wide 10ft Long Basic Solid Color Rainbow Colored Decorative Thin Masking Tapes for Arts, Children Gifts, Bullet Journals, Wrapping Planner, Calendar, Scrapbooking DIY50 Rolls Washi Tape Set, Decorative Adhesive Tape for Scrapbook, Arts & Crafts, Journals, and Planners, Each Rolls 5yd Total 250yd (Pink)Tesuivra DIY Glitter Washi Tape Set - 12 Rolls Colored Masking Tape, Sparkle Decorative Tape for Art, Scrapbook Tape,Decor & Crafts (Dark)

8. Cardstock

When you need durability and sturdiness, cardstock is the way to go.

I use our HP OfficeJet 3830 printer all the time to print out chore cards, reading logs, learning fun games, and more.

Neenah White Index Paper, Mediumweight, 300 Sheets, 199 gsm, 94 Brightness, 8.5Astrobrights Colored Cardstock, 8.5” x 11”, 65 lb / 176 gsm,NEENAH Creative Collection Classics Specialty Cardstock Starter Kit, 8.5 X 11 Inches, 72 Count Assortment (46407-02)

9. Laminator

In many homeschool circles, you'll hear that a laminator is just not worth it. And that may very well be true for your homeschool. 

I've found that the cheap laminator that I got at Aldi has served us well. I think I've spent a total of $25 on the laminator and laminator sheets for it. Totally worth the ability to lamintate at will for our homeschool!

Self-sealing aminating pouches are a brilliant option if you just don't want to go down the laminator path. Buy a set of 25 or so and see how many you use in a year. You may find that you need more or barely touched the stack. In any case, you'll have them when you need them.

Scotch Thermal Laminator, Extra Wide 13 Inch Input, Ideal for Teachers, Small Offices, or Home (TL1302X)Amazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminator Machine, WhiteSelf Stick Laminating Sheets 8.5 x 11 Inches, 4mil, Pack of 20, No Heat, No Machine, Peel and Stick Laminating Sheets, Self Adhesive Contact Paper, Self Sealing Clear Vinyl Stickers by VIOLLETO

10. Binder Clips

You'll want to stock up on these babies in all sizes. 

We use binder clips for all sorts of homeschool and family things like:

• Organizing papers
• Impromptu bookmarks
• Color-coding materials
• Potato chip bags (my boys like their snacks!)
• STEM projects, especially with their frugal inventor's box 

Staples 395200 Medium Binder Clips Bulk Pk Blk 1 ¼-Inch Size with ⅝-Inch Capacity 144/PkBinder Clips, 100 Pcs Binder Clips Assorted Sizes, Large, Medium, Small, Mini Binder Clips Combination, Can Meet Most of The Daily NeedsBinder Clips Paper Clamp for Paper-130 Pcs Clips Paper Binder Assorted Sizes (Black)

11. Color-Coding Supplies

Think stickers, stamps, pens, folders, binders, binder clips, paper clips, etc.

If it's got a color and you can assign it to a child, subject, or activity, grab it!

 We are visual beings. Color-coding provides easy reminders and makes it simple to organize. 

For example, each of my boys has been assigned a color in our homeschool:

• Captain - green (his favorite color)
• Professor - red (after his favorite soccer team)
• Smiley - orange (he thinks it's fun)
• Bear - pink (for his favorite creature in the entire world, blobfish)
• Xman - blue (another favorite color)

I also assign colors to our morning time work and different subjects. After over 12 years of homeschooling, I've found that color-coding has been such a helpful practice for allowing our homeschool day to flow.

STARLIBOO Dot Stickers - 1440 PCS Color Code Labels, 1inch Garage Sale & Yard Sale Price Tags, Writable Not Blurry (8 Colors)3000 Pieces 1 Inch Round Removable Color-Code Dot Stickers Circle Dots Stickers Label Rolls Label Sticker for Office 500 Pieces/RollDo A Dot Art! Brilliant Colors 6 Pack Washable Paint Dot Markers Daubers for Children, The Original Dot Art MarkerAegero Plastic Folders with Pockets (7 Pack, Assorted Colors), Durable Heavy Duty File Folders with Business Card Slot, 2-Pocket Folder for Schoolwork & Office,Letter Size…SUNEE File Folders, 30 Pack Manilla Folders 8.5 x 11, Colored File Folders Home Office School Supplies for Documents Files Paper, 6 Assorted Colors200 Paper Clips 28mm Colorful Paper Clips,Small Paper Clips Reusable Paper Clips for School, Office, Folders, Bookmarks, DIY Albums, Etc

So, that's my list of practical homeschool supplies. These gems have allowed our homeschool to thrive and grow. 

⭐ Now that I've shared my suggestions, I'd love to read your ideas! Please share your practical homeschool supplies suggestions in the comments area below. Happy homeschooling!

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