Your child is starting big school, and the list came home covered in things you half recognise. 24 wax crayons, a “chubby” pencil, flip files, prestik. You want to get it right the first time, not make three trips to three shops in the last week of the holidays.
We supply Grade R and Grade 1 families across South Africa, so we have turned the typical list into plain language: what each item is, why the teacher asked for it, and what changes between the two grades. Read it once and you can buy the whole list in a single order.
Grade R stationery list (and what each item is for)
Grade R is about play, fine motor skills and settling into the routine. The list leans towards colour, glue and big tools that little hands can grip.
- Wax crayons, usually a box of 24, for colouring and early pencil control. Buy a spare box, they break.
- Jumbo pencils and colouring pencils with thicker barrels that suit small hands.
- A large glue stick or two. Grade R gets through glue, so buy a couple.
- Safety scissors with rounded tips for first cutting.
- A few A4 exercise books or a scrapbook for early work.
- Prestik, a large eraser and a sharpener with a catch.
- A flip file for worksheets that travel home.
- Plastic covering and a permanent marker to label every single item.
Grade 1 stationery list (and what each item is for)
Grade 1 is where real writing, reading and maths begin, so the list keeps the colour but adds proper pencils, more books and the first bits of structured equipment.
- HB pencils, bought in a pack. The everyday writing pencil, and they go missing, so buy a few.
- Colouring pencils and wax crayons still feature for art and projects.
- A larger glue stick, safety scissors, an eraser and a sharpener.
- More A4 exercise books, often lined, plus a homework book.
- A 30cm ruler as measuring starts.
- Flip files or a folder to keep worksheets together.
- Prestik, covering and labels for everything.
Some Grade 1 lists ask for a first pen near the end of the year. A smooth, refillable brand like Schneider lasts the distance, so browse the pens when you get there.
What actually changes between Grade R and Grade 1
The core is the same, there is just more of it and it grows up a little. Grade R is fine-motor play: crayons, jumbo pencils, glue and cutting. Grade 1 adds the tools of real school work: HB pencils, more books, a ruler and sometimes a first pen. If you are buying for one child moving up, you will recognise most of last year’s list with a few grown-up additions.
Buy the whole list in one order
The reason this feels like a chore is that the items are scattered across shops. Buy them from one place that stocks all of it and you are done in one go. Already have the list as a photo or a PDF? You do not need to type it out. Upload it and we match every item to a ready cart for you.
It is cheaper when you buy for twins, siblings or a whole class. Our pricing rewards buying more:
- 1 to 10 of an item: standard price.
- 11 to 50: a lower price per item.
- 50 or more: request a wholesale quote and we price it for you.
Label it before it leaves the house
The fastest way to spend more than you planned is to replace what goes missing in week one. Write your child’s name on pencils, crayons, ruler and lunch box with a permanent marker, then cover and label the books. Five minutes at home saves a mid-term trip to replace a lost pencil case.
Then have it delivered
Once the cart is sorted you are finished. We deliver across South Africa, free on orders over R750 and affordable door-to-door courier under that, dispatched quickly so it arrives before day one.
Your three steps
- Upload the list or shop the items. Browse the shop, or upload the list and we match it to a ready cart for you.
- Add to cart, or request a bulk quote if you are buying for more than one child or a class.
- We deliver. Free over R750, to your door, in time for the first day.
For the full grade-by-grade picture, saving tips and delivery details, read our complete back-to-school stationery guide. Wondering what it all adds up to? See our school stationery price guide with real per-item costs. Moving up a grade? See the Grade 2 and Grade 3 list.
Frequently asked questions
What is on a Grade R stationery list in South Africa?
Grade R lists focus on fine motor skills: wax crayons, jumbo pencils and colouring pencils, a large glue stick, safety scissors, a few A4 exercise books or a scrapbook, prestik, an eraser, a sharpener, and covering plus a marker for labelling.
What is the difference between Grade R and Grade 1 stationery?
Grade R is play and fine motor: crayons, jumbo pencils, glue and cutting. Grade 1 adds the tools of real writing and maths: HB pencils, more exercise books, a 30cm ruler and sometimes a first pen.
Do I have to buy the exact brands on the list?
No. Buy the closest equivalent. We stock ten real brands including Schneider, Adel and Amos, so you can substitute sensibly when something is out of stock.
Can I get a discount for buying for twins or a whole class?
Yes. Prices drop from 11 items, and for 50 or more of an item you can request a wholesale quote.
How much is delivery?
Delivery is free on orders over R750, with affordable door-to-door courier delivery under that, anywhere in South Africa, dispatched quickly.