Summer may not be over yet, but back-to-school season is already underway. For the 2026–27 school year, TDSB elementary and secondary students return on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Buying more school supplies doesn't necessarily mean being better prepared.

We've divided this guide into three groups:

Buy before school starts → Wait for the school's supply list → Buy only if needed

That way, you can avoid spending money on supplies that never get used.

🎒 1. Backpack

If there's one back-to-school item worth spending a little more on, it's a good backpack.

It gets used every day, often for an entire school year or longer.

What to look for:

• Padded Shoulder Straps

• Water Bottle Pocket

• Laptop / Tablet Compartment

• Waterproof / Water-resistant Material

• Avoid buying one that's unnecessarily large.

👉 School Backpack

🍱 2. Lunch Bag

Bringing lunch to school is common in Canada, which makes a practical lunch bag more useful than plenty of trendy stationery.

Look for:

• Insulated lining

• Easy-to-clean interior

• Enough room for a lunch box and snacks

• Handle / Shoulder Strap

👉 Carhartt Insulated Lunch Cooler

🍱 3. Lunch Boxes and Insulated Food Containers

Many students in Canada bring lunch from home. A practical lunch-storage setup is often more useful than a single insulated flask.

Depending on your needs, consider:

• Compartmentalized lunch box

• Insulated food container

• Sandwich / Snack Containers

• Reusable food bags

• Insulated lunch bag

These work well for sandwiches, fruit, snacks, salads and pasta. In winter, an insulated container lets you pack warm meals.

👉Sistema to GO Lunch Stack Square Lunch Box

💧 4. Leak-Proof Water Bottle

Everyday essentials are worth buying for durability.

For younger children, prioritize:

Easy to open, leak-proof and easy to clean.

👉TOPBADE 32oz Water Bottle Stainless Steel with Straw

✏️ 5. Pencil Case and Basic Stationery

You don't need to buy out the stationery aisle before classes begin.

Start with the basics:

• Pencil

• Eraser

• Ruler

• Pencil Case

• Highlighter

• Notebook

• Sticky Notes

For specific binders, calculators and art supplies, wait until teachers provide their supply lists.

👉 Large Capacity Pencil Case

🎧 6. Headphones

Many students now use Chromebooks or tablets for assignments and educational content.

Choose headphones that are:

• Durable

• Simple to use

• Easy to store

• Compatible with the school's device—check whether it uses a 3.5 mm jack, USB-C or another connector.
  

💻 Extra Essentials for High School, College and University

For older students, the back-to-school checklist increasingly shifts from stationery to tech.

7. Laptop Sleeve

If you bring a laptop to school or campus every day, a sleeve is an affordable and practical way to protect it.

👉 Herschel Supply Co. Anchor Sleeve, Navy, 15-16 Inch

8. USB-C Charger

As phones, tablets and laptops increasingly support USB-C, one multi-port charger can be more convenient than packing several chargers.

👉 Anker Phone Charger, 20W USB C Charger

9. Power Bank

A power bank is especially useful for university students who have several classes and spend long days on campus.

👉 Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank, 10,000mAh Wireless Portable Charger

10. Cable Organizer

Loose USB-C cables, laptop chargers, earphones and USB drives can turn your bag into a tangled mess within two weeks.

🏠 Organize Your Study Space at Home

Back-to-school preparation isn't just about what goes into your backpack.

If you regularly study or do homework at home, consider whether you actually need:

• Desk Lamp

• Laptop Stand

• Desk Organizer

• Extension Cord / Charging Station

• File Organizer

For these items, we recommend waiting until the first week or two of school is over.

Once you know your actual study routine, you can make better purchases instead of buying everything in advance.

✅ 2026 Back-to-School Shopping Checklist

The key rule:

Buy the items you'll use every day first, then wait for teacher or school requirements.

It's a simple way to waste less.

Toronto School Start Dates for 2026

TDSB 2026–27 School Year:

📅 September 8, 2026 — First Day of School

Winter break begins December 21, 2026, and the 2027 mid-winter break begins March 15.

Other boards, including York Region, Peel and Catholic school boards, as well as private schools, may use different calendars. Always check your own school's official calendar.

FAQ

When Does School Start in Toronto in 2026?

The first day of class for TDSB elementary and secondary students is September 8, 2026。

What Should You Buy First for Back-to-School?

A backpack, lunch bag, water bottle and basic stationery are useful for most students. Wait for the school's supply list before buying items such as calculators, binders and art materials.

Is a Laptop a Must-Have Back-to-School Purchase?

Not necessarily. Elementary and secondary students should first check what devices their school supplies. College and university students should follow the technology requirements of their programs.