Every June, Filipino families face the same back-to-school challenge: figuring out exactly what supplies to buy, which items are actually worth the money, and how to do it without overspending at the last minute.
This guide gives you a practical school supplies list for the Philippines — organized by grade level, with budget guidance, tips for avoiding unnecessary purchases, and notes on where to buy locally.
For bag recommendations, see Best School Bags for Students in the Philippines. For broader preparation tips, read Back-to-School Essentials in the Philippines.
Before you start buying: Wait for the subject list
The most important tip for Philippine school supply shopping is this: wait for the subject list before buying notebooks and folders.
Many students (and parents) buy supplies before school starts, only to discover that the teacher uses a specific notebook size, color coding system, or folder type. Buying too early means you end up with the wrong sizes or too many of an item you do not need.
What you can safely buy early:
- Pens and pencils (universal)
- Eraser and sharpener
- Ruler
- Clear book or document folder
- Scissors and glue
Wait until you have the full subject list for:
- Notebooks (size, color, brand preferences vary by teacher)
- Folders and binders (number and color)
- Specialty supplies (graph paper, lab materials, art supplies)
School supplies list by grade level
Elementary school (Grade 1-6)
Elementary students in the Philippines typically need:
Writing and drawing:
- Pencils (No. 2, at least 6-12 pieces)
- Ballpen (black and blue; begin in Grade 3-4)
- Eraser (staple brand; separate eraser per subject works well)
- Pencil sharpener (manual or small electric)
- Crayons (Crayola or Faber-Castell 24-count minimum)
- Colored pencils (often required in Araling Panlipunan and MAPEH)
- Watercolor set (for Art, most elementary grades)
- Markers or pentel pens (for projects and charts)
Paper and notebooks:
- Composition notebooks (1 per subject minimum; usually 10-12 subjects)
- Intermediate pad (for seatwork, tests, and projects)
- Construction paper (colored; for projects — buy a pack of assorted colors)
- Oslo paper (white; for project covers and diagrams)
- Bond paper (A4; some schools require for printed reports as early as Grade 4-5)
Organization:
- Accordion folder or individual subject folders
- Clear book (for worksheets)
- Plastic envelope or zipper pouch (for smaller supplies)
- Name labels or labelmaker (for every supply item)
Tools:
- Scissors (rounded tip for younger grades)
- Glue stick (Pritt or equivalent)
- White glue (Elmer's or similar — for craft projects)
- Ruler (30 cm)
- Small stapler and staples
Daily essentials:
- Water bottle or tumbler
- Small pencil case or pouch
- Handkerchief or tissue
- Face mask (still useful in some environments)
Junior High School (Grade 7-10)
Junior high students need a step up in organization and subject-specific supplies.
Writing:
- Black and blue ballpens (stock up — these go through quickly)
- Pencils (for Math and Science diagrams)
- Highlighters (at least 2 colors — for reviewing notes)
- Gel pens or colored pens (for note-taking and labeling)
Paper and notebooks:
- Composition notebooks (1 per core subject; 8-10 subjects typical)
- Intermediate pad and bond paper (for reports and projects)
- Graph paper (for Math and Science)
- Lab notebook (for Science if applicable)
Organization:
- Clear book (200-300 pages capacity)
- Individual folder or binder per subject
- Planner or diary (for homework tracking)
- Accordion folder or expanding file
Specialty items:
- Compass and protractor (for Math)
- Scientific calculator (by Grade 8-9; fx-991 Casio type widely used)
- Colored pencils and art supplies (for MAPEH/TLE/projects)
- USB flash drive (for computer class and project submissions)
Senior High School (Grade 11-12)
Senior high school students in the Philippines are preparing for college or work, and their supply needs shift accordingly.
Writing and notes:
- Black and blue pens (rollerball or gel for faster note-taking)
- Highlighters (3-4 colors for organized reviewing)
- Sticky notes (useful for flagging textbook pages and quick reminders)
Notebooks and paper:
- Spiral notebooks (preferred by many SHS students over composition books for their portability)
- Bond paper (A4 and short; reports and requirements)
- Intermediate pad
Tech and organization:
- USB flash drive (essential; 8-16 GB minimum)
- Laptop or tablet (many SHS programs require digital work; consult the school)
- Earphones (for online modules, recorded lectures)
- Calculator (scientific; required for STEM and ABM strands)
- Planner or calendar (for managing multiple deadlines)
Project and presentation:
- Colored cardboard and art supplies (for research presentations)
- Permanent markers
- Clear book (200+ pages for handouts and modules)
College
College supply needs vary significantly by course, but the common essentials are:
- Ballpens (buy in bulk — you will use many)
- Notebooks (course-specific; many students prefer spiral)
- Highlighters and colored pens (for note organization)
- Bond paper (A4; for most requirements)
- Clear book (for modules, printed readings)
- USB flash drive (16 GB+)
- Scientific or financial calculator (depending on course)
- Earphones
- Laptop (many courses require it; buy used or refurbished if budget-constrained)
Budget guide for school supplies in the Philippines
| Grade Level | Basic Supplies Budget | With Notebooks and Specialty Items |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary (Grade 1-3) | ₱500-₱800 | ₱1,000-₱1,500 |
| Elementary (Grade 4-6) | ₱700-₱1,000 | ₱1,200-₱2,000 |
| Junior High School | ₱800-₱1,200 | ₱1,500-₱2,500 |
| Senior High School | ₱1,000-₱1,500 | ₱2,000-₱3,500 |
| College | ₱1,200-₱2,000+ | Varies widely by course |
These are estimates based on typical prices at National Bookstore, SM, and department stores. Buying at Divisoria or Shopee can reduce costs significantly.
Where to buy school supplies in the Philippines
National Bookstore — widest selection of notebooks, paper, pens, and school specialty items; branches nationwide
SM and Robinsons Department Stores — school supplies section with mid-range brands; convenient if you are already at the mall
Divisoria (Manila) and local markets — significantly cheaper for bulk items like pens, notebooks, and folders; quality varies so check before buying in bulk
Shopee and Lazada — often the cheapest option for branded items; Casio calculators, quality pens, and stationery sets are well-priced and ship quickly
Mercury Drug and pharmacies — for hygiene supplies, alcohol, tissues, and face masks alongside school items
Tips for avoiding wasted school supplies
Label everything. Name labels on every notebook, pencil case, and supply item. Lost items are a significant waste of money in Philippine schools, particularly in large public schools.
Buy incrementally. Do not buy 12 composition notebooks on Day 1. Wait until each subject has confirmed what it needs, then buy specifically for that class.
Reuse where possible. Highlighters, rulers, scissors, and organizers from the previous year that are still functional do not need to be replaced. The annual back-to-school refresh should focus on consumables (pens, notebooks, paper).
Compare prices. The same Mongol No. 2 pencil box is typically cheaper at Divisoria than at SM. For a large family with multiple school-age children, price comparison makes a real difference.
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic school supplies every student in the Philippines needs?
Most students need notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, folders, rulers, and intermediate pad. Elementary students also need crayons and colored pencils.
Should I buy school supplies before school starts?
Buy universal items early (pens, erasers, ruler). Wait for the subject list before buying notebooks and specialty items to avoid buying the wrong size or type.
Where is the cheapest place to buy school supplies in the Philippines?
Divisoria in Manila and Shopee/Lazada online are typically the cheapest sources. For branded items, Lazada Mall and Shopee Mall offer competitive prices without quality risk.
What notebook size do Philippine students typically use?
Composition notebooks are most common in elementary and junior high. Senior high and college students often prefer spiral notebooks. The most common sizes are 80-100 pages for elementary and 120-200 pages for higher levels.
What is the average back-to-school budget for school supplies in the Philippines?
A basic supplies budget ranges from ₱500-₱800 for elementary students to ₱1,200-₱2,000+ for senior high and college students, before specialty items like calculators and USB drives.
Do Philippine students need a laptop?
Not necessarily until Senior High School, and even then it depends on the strand and school. For college, many courses require a laptop — check your program's requirements. A basic second-hand or entry-level laptop is usually sufficient for most non-tech programs.
School supplies for specific subjects and activities
Science and laboratory subjects
Students in Grade 7 and above often need:
- Lab notebook — separate from regular notebooks; often has graph or blank pages for diagrams
- Ruler and measuring tools — 30 cm ruler is standard; protractor and compass set for Geometry
- Scientific calculator — the Casio fx-991ES Plus is the most widely recommended for Philippine high school and college science; ensure yours is the appropriate model for your school's requirements
- Safety gloves and goggles (for Chemistry labs; check with the teacher)
Art and MAPEH subjects
Art, Music, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) is a required subject in Philippine basic education and often has the broadest supply requirements:
- Watercolor set (12 or 24 colors)
- Colored pencils (Faber-Castell 24-count is a popular choice)
- Oil pastels
- Sketchbook or manila paper pad
- Paintbrushes (small, medium, large)
- Acrylic or poster colors for specific projects
- PE uniform (check your school's specific requirements)
Tip: Do not buy MAPEH supplies before the teacher specifies what is needed — art requirements vary significantly by teacher and school.
Computer and Technology subjects
By Junior High, many students need:
- USB flash drive (8-16 GB; buy a reputable brand like SanDisk or Kingston to avoid data loss)
- Printed assignments and requirements — bond paper and printing access; verify whether your school has a printing station or if you print at home
Popular stationery brands in the Philippines
Knowing which brands are reliable helps you buy smarter:
| Item | Recommended Brands | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ballpen | Pilot, Pentel, Zebra, Stabilo | Pilot G-2 gel pen is a popular upgrade from budget pens |
| Pencil | Mongol, Faber-Castell | Mongol No. 2 is the Philippine standard |
| Eraser | Staedtler, Faber-Castell | White plastic erasers are cleaner than pink rubber types |
| Notebook | Silvermist, Lisa Frank, Wella | Composition books; quality varies; check paper thickness |
| Highlighter | Stabilo, Pentel | Stabilo Boss is the classroom standard; comes in many colors |
| Calculator | Casio fx-991 series | The most widely accepted in Philippine schools |
| Crayons | Crayola | Standard in most elementary schools; consistent color quality |
| Colored pencils | Faber-Castell | Better quality than Mongol for Art use; worth the small price premium |
A note on counterfeits: Popular brands like Crayola, Stabilo, and Pilot have been counterfeited in Philippine markets. Buy from National Bookstore, SM, or verified Shopee/Lazada Mall stores for genuine products. Counterfeits often have weaker ink, shorter lifespan, and inconsistent colors — particularly visible with crayons and colored pencils where color accuracy matters for school projects.