Primary School Essentials in Singapore: What Your Child Needs for 2027

Starting Primary 1 is a big step for children and parents alike. Longer school days, more books to carry and new routines all arrive at once. As Singapore's school year begins in January, the last few months of the year are a good time to get organised for 2027 without the last-minute rush.

Our founders, Robyn Liang and Dylan Ong, are parents of school-going children themselves, and this guide covers the essentials that make the biggest difference day to day.

What kind of school bag does my child need for Primary 1?

The school bag is the one item your child uses every single day, so it is worth choosing carefully. Look for a bag that is lightweight, has padded straps and a breathable back, and offers enough compartments to keep books, files and a water bottle organised. A chest buckle helps keep straps on the shoulders and spreads the weight more evenly.

Size matters too. A bag that is too big tends to get overfilled, while one that is too small leaves files bent and squashed. Our guide to choosing a school backpack by age explains which size suits which age group.

At Le Petit Society, our Mini Backpack is designed for children aged 5 and above, the Single Pocket Backpack for ages 7 to 10, and the Double Pocket Backpack for ages 10 and above. All three are lightweight and waterproof, with a breathable back, chest buckle, reflective strips, a padded laptop or tablet sleeve, a hidden pocket and buckles to attach a lunch bag. They are also covered by our 1-year LPS Toughness Guarantee. Browse the range in our school bags and accessories collection.

What should go in the pencil case?

Stationery is used constantly, so practicality matters more than looks. A typical Primary 1 pencil case holds pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, a short ruler, colour pencils and a glue stick. Your child's school will usually share a stationery list, so check it before buying.

Choose a case your child can open and close easily, with enough room to find things quickly. Our double-zip pencil cases have two compartments and a waterproof lining, which helps when a water bottle leaks inside the bag. See our pouches and pencil cases.

How should my child carry a water bottle?

Singapore's warm weather makes regular drinking important, especially after recess and PE. Look for a bottle that is leak-proof, easy for small hands to open and simple to clean.

A water bottle sling bag keeps hands free on school outings and enrichment classes. Ours are water-resistant and come with an adjustable strap; note that they are not insulated, so they will not keep drinks cold. Browse our water bottle bags.

Does my child need a lunch bag if the school canteen sells food?

Many children still bring snacks or a packed lunch, particularly on days with after-school programmes. An insulated lunch bag helps keep food fresh until break time.

Our Munch Bag, Munch Mini and Thermal Lunch Bag have an insulated PEVA lining that keeps food fresh for 1 to 2 hours; add an ice pack if food needs to last longer. The Munch Bag and Munch Mini also clip onto LPS backpacks. For more ideas, read how to keep kids' lunches fresh in Singapore's heat or browse our lunch bags.

Should my child carry a wallet?

Most Primary 1 pupils start buying food at the canteen, so a small wallet helps them keep coins and a student card in one place. A wallet with card slots, an ID slot and a detachable lanyard makes it harder to misplace. See our kids' wallets.

What school shoes and extras are worth getting?

Children spend long hours on their feet, so choose school shoes with good grip, a comfortable lining and an easy fastening such as velcro for younger children. Always check your school's uniform guidelines first.

Singapore weather can change quickly, so it also helps to pack:

• A compact umbrella or raincoat
• A light jacket for cold, air-conditioned rooms
• A spare set of clothes for after PE

Why does personalisation help?

Many school bags look alike, so a name or initials makes it easier for children to recognise their own things and for lost items to find their way back. Children also tend to take more care of belongings that feel like their own.

Every LPS backpack and backpack bundle comes with free name or initials personalisation, by embroidery or patches. Lunch bags, pencil cases and many other items are personalisable too. Personalisation takes around 3 to 5 working days, and personalised items are final sale, so order early before the new school year. Find more in our school essentials collection.

FAQs

When should I buy Primary 1 essentials?

The school year in Singapore starts in January, so November and December are popular months to prepare. Allow extra time if you want items personalised.

Which LPS backpack suits a Primary 1 child?

The Mini Backpack suits children aged 5 and above and the Single Pocket Backpack suits ages 7 to 10. Our backpack-by-age guide explains the differences in more detail.

Can I add my child's name to a school bag?

Yes. All LPS backpacks and backpack bundles come with free name or initials personalisation by embroidery or patches.

How long does a lunch bag keep food fresh?

Our insulated lunch bags keep food fresh for 1 to 2 hours. Add an ice pack for longer.