Top Homeschool Supply Must-Haves for Real Life

Must-Have Homeschool Supplies for Real Life - Supplies pictures around text.

My Homeschool Supply Must-Haves (That Actually Get Used)

Because around here, homeschooling runs on grace, snacks, and a whole lot of printer ink.

(Heads up! This post contains affiliate links. That just means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). I only share what I truly use and love in our homeschool.)

I’ve been homeschooling for 13 years. We started on a shoestring budget, so I know exactly what it’s like to figure out how to homeschool while making it work financially. Over the years, I’ve learned that more isn’t always better. Pinterest-perfect school rooms and massive carts full of color-coded everything might look dreamy—but if the stuff just sits there collecting dust or causing stress, it’s not helping anyone.

So here’s my real-life list. The things we actually use—day in and day out—with a 6-year-old, 10-year-old, and a teenager learning under one roof. These are the supplies I prioritized when I needed them most—and still rely on today.

1. A Printer That Can Handle the Hustle

Let’s crown this the MVP. I recently upgraded to the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 and it’s easily the most-used tool in our homeschool. I print worksheets, unit studies, planners, chore charts, craft templates—everything. And the ink lasts forever, which is basically a miracle.

Epson EcoTank ET-4850 →

2. Dry Erase Boards in Every Shape and Size

We have a 3’x4′ wall-mounted board that’s perfect for math, big visuals, and lessons that need extra attention. Then there’s our 24″x36″ magnetic whiteboard—the perfect size for All About Reading and All About Spelling magnet tiles (it’s actually the size they recommend!). On top of that, we’ve got plenty of lap boards and smaller options.

Colored markers and oversized writing make concepts click—especially for our neuro-spicy crew. The kids love being able to erase and start over quickly—it keeps frustration low and confidence high.

3. Electric Pencil Sharpener

Quietly doing its job like a champ. No whining. No pencil casualties. Just reliable, clean points every time.

Bonus tip: Invest in Ticonderoga pencils. I know—they cost more. But they sharpen beautifully, write smoothly, and don’t split in the sharpener like the cheap ones do. When you’re sharpening pencils constantly, they’re worth every penny.

4. A 40-Page, 3-Hole Punch Beast

This Bostitch 3-Hole Punch? Legendary. I’d had my eye on it for a while, and when our old 3-page punch went missing, I took it as a sign. Now I can punch through whole workbook sections without breaking a sweat. Total homeschool mom power move.

It saves me so much time and frustration—no more struggling with tiny punches or accidentally tearing pages. When you’re juggling multiple kids and multiple subjects, having a tool that just works is priceless.

Remember, y’all… YOUR TIME IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET!

Bostitch 3-Hole Punch →

5. Rolling Carts That Flex with the Seasons

We’ve got two—one standard-size crafty cart and a wider version. They’ve been art carts, book bins, and chaos catchers, but right now, one holds everyone’s daily must-do work, and the other is packed with math and language manipulatives.

Not Pinterest-worthy? Maybe. But it gets the job done every single day. Bonus if you get one with a flat top—it doubles as a portable podium for your Teacher’s Manuals.

6. Good Scissors in Every Size

We keep solid scissors in multiple sizes so the kids have their own and don’t feel the need to “borrow” Mama’s. My mom was oddly protective of her scissors, and I never understood it… until I discovered my favorite pair dulled from cutting cardboard or coated in some mysterious sticky gunk. Now I get it. Good scissors are sacred.

The kids get tired of the little “trainer scissors” so fast and are always asking for the “good” ones. That’s why I make sure they each have their own solid pair—just right for their age—so they can cut comfortably without sneaking mine.

Here’s what I recommend: One pair for paper, one pair for thicker project materials, a pair just for fabric (trust me, you’ll want them), and a kid-friendly variety pack so they have their own and stay out of yours! (✨ For high-end fabric scissors, I love Gingher Dressmaker’s Shears →. I actually inherited a pair from my grandmother, and they’re so sharp I still keep them in the special case she stored them in. They’ll last forever if you treat them right.)

7. Timers

Timers are how we survive transitions, focused work, brain breaks, and “Mom, how much longer?” questions. We use a visual timer that shows a red countdown so the kids can see how much time is left—it’s a game-changer for setting expectations without constant reminders.

8. Clipboards

Great for couch-schooling, porch-schooling, and “please go do this outside” moments. Also super handy for co-op days, waiting rooms, library tables, or park bench math.

We use a standard bulk kind, but I also have a special clipboard with paper storage and a separate pen compartment. It helps me keep pencils, pens, highlighters, tests, and my planner all in one place.

9. A Laminator (No, Really)

I didn’t think I needed one either. But now I laminate everything: math games, handwriting charts, reusable checklists—you name it. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and helps things survive sticky fingers and repeated use.

Scotch Laminator →

10. Bookshelves That Can Roll With You

We’ve got a custom shelf my husband built back when my oldest was a toddler and I ran a home daycare—still going strong. In our current house, we added several Better Homes & Gardens modular cubby shelves in the bonus room (aka our “room of requirement”). We’ve used them in every configuration imaginable.

11. Art Supplies—But Not All of Them

Markers, crayons, watercolors, glue sticks… NOT glitter. Glitter is chaos disguised as sparkle. We don’t allow it—and we don’t miss it.

12. Label Maker & Mavalus Tape (Bonus!)

This one’s a little different from the rest—more of an organizational hack than a daily tool—but both items have saved me countless headaches.

Label Maker: I use a name-brand Brother, but off-brand refills work just as well. It’s been surprisingly helpful—not just for the kids’ folders and supply bins, but also for my planner, storage tubs, manipulatives, and even my own workspace.

Mavalus Tape: This is a whole other level. It sticks well, peels clean, and doesn’t damage walls or surfaces. Seriously, it’s a game-changer if you like things neat and reusable. Worth buying in bulk if you want to use it everywhere.

Bonus: Grace. For You and Them.

It’s not on a school supply list, but it should be. Grace for the days that start late. Grace when we need to pivot mid-lesson. Grace for the meltdowns, skipped pages, and forgotten phonics sheets. Grace for ourselves.

This homeschool life isn’t picture-perfect—but it’s personal. And it’s powered by grace, snacks, dry erase markers, and a dang good printer.