Your Back-to-School Survival Kit: Why These 5 Classroom Heroes Will Save Your Sanity (And Your Students’ Too!)

Every teacher (and parent) knows the September ritual too well: replacing dried-out markers, struggling to organize messy art stations, and finding new tools to help kids with handwriting or focus. The truth is, the right back-to-school supplies can make or break those first few weeks of going back to school. 

In 2025, it’s not just about filling your cart with cheap basics, it’s about choosing classroom heroes that actually solve problems. Meet the Top 5 TPG products that educators swear by: tools to transform chaos into calm, boost creativity, and keep students focused. 

Meet Your First Hero: Pencil Grips That Actually Work

Handwriting struggles affect as many as 30% of school-age children, often leading to frustration and slower learning. Research has shown that a proper pencil grip not only improves writing legibility, but also reduces hand fatigue, making it easier for kids to focus on content instead of mechanics. 

That’s where The Pencil Grip shines. Developed with input from doctors and therapists, these grips are the go-to solution for teachers and occupational therapists nationwide. 

Why Teachers Love Them: 

• Triangle pencil grips naturally guide fingers into the correct position

• Work with pencils, pens, and crayons, acting as a flexible pen grip holder

• Reduce strain during long writing sessions

• Recommended by occupational therapists across the U.S.

A study published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy found that kids using proper grips applied less pressure, improving both legibility and stamina. Teachers even reported that after just a month, handwriting quality improved by nearly 40%. 

👉 Explore The Pencil Grip collection.

The Art Supply That Changes Everything: Kwik Stix Paint Sticks

Traditional painting in class can feel like a marathon. Think 20 minutes of setting up, a few minutes of creativity, and 30 minutes cleaning brushes, water cups, and stained desks. That’s why Kwik Stix Paint Sticks are a teacher’s dream. 

These solid tempera paint sticks deliver vibrant color that dries in just 90 seconds. No water, no brushes, no spills. It’s mess free art at its best, and it works brilliantly on paper, cardboard, wood, posters, and even rocks. 

Why Students & Teachers Love Them:

• AP-certified, non-toxic washable paint formula

• True washable paint that boasts of easy cleanup on clothes, desks, and skin

• Allows daily art projects without cutting into teaching time

• Eliminates the need for multiple supply categories such as brushes and palettes

According to art education research, student engagement rises by 65% when barriers like setup and cleanup are removed. Teachers say Kwik Stix Paint Sticks make art doable (and fun!) every single day. 

Try them in your classroom with the Kwik Stix collection.

Never Worry About Losing Another Cap: Magic Stix Markers That Last 7 Days Open

Few things drain a classroom budget faster than dried-out markers. Teachers report spending over $200 a year replacing them. That’s both costly and frustrating, but there’s a smarter solution: Magic Stix. These washable markers are specially designed to stay fresh for up to 7 days uncapped, thanks to its patented ink technology that keeps the moist for a full 168 hours. 

Standout Features: 

• Patented ink technology: Markers stay vibrant and ready to use even without a cap

• Triangular barrel design: Encourages proper pencil grip while preventing rolling off desks

• Bright, fade-resistant colors: Washable and non-toxic, perfect for every classroom

Magic Stix dramatically reduces the need for constant marker replacements, saving teachers both money and stress. Less time spent managing dried-out supplies means more time focused on teaching and engaging students. Even children who frequently misplace caps can enjoy uninterrupted creativity. 

Teachers who have switched to Magic Stix report saving up to 80% in yearly marker costs, plus hours of frustration avoided, definitely making this a win-win situation. Back-to-school season just got easier, brighter, and more efficient for both educators and students alike. 

See the Magic Stix sets for your supply list.

Hero #4: Wonder Stix – The Multi-Surface Miracle Worker

What if one tool could replace markers, chalk, crayons, and even multisurface paint? That’s what makes Wonder Stix the ultimate multitasker.

They’re brightly pigmented sticks that work on nearly any surface—glass, mirrors, whiteboards, plastic—and wipe off easily. On paper, wood, or cardboard, they stay permanent for lasting projects.

Why Teachers Call Them a Game-Changer:

• Serve as both washable art tools and washable window paint.

• Perfect for seasonal displays, whiteboard activities, and posters.

• Reduce classroom supply clutter by up to 60%.

• Students love the novelty—kids say drawing on windows is their favorite project of the year.

Stock up on Wonder Stix multipacks for classroom creativity without limits.

Hero #5: Silent Fidgets – The Focus Facilitator

With more than 6 million children in the U.S. diagnosed with ADHD, staying focused in class is a challenge. Many students need movement to concentrate, but noisy toys disrupt everyone else.

That’s why silent fidget toys are essential. Subtle but effective, they provide sensory input and movement without distraction.

Why They’re Among the Best Fidget Toys for Classrooms:

• Research shows fidget toys improve on-task behavior by 45-55% in kids with ADHD.

• Quiet, durable, and effective for group settings.

• Particularly helpful as sensory toys for autism but useful for all kids needing focus support.

• Teachers get peace of mind knowing fidgets help behavior instead of creating chaos.

Discover the latest silent fidgets.

Why These 5 Heroes Work Better Together

When combined, these five tools cover every corner of classroom prep:

• Fine motor skills (pencil grips)

• Creativity (Kwik Stix)

• Convenience (Magic Stix)

• Versatility (Wonder Stix)

• Focus & regulation (silent fidgets)

This school year, don’t settle for chaos control. Transform your classroom with these classroom essentials and create the learning environment you’ve always wanted. Your students—and your sanity—will thank you.