To get you ready for the new school year that’s just around the corner, we came up with a back to school guide where you’ll find lots of recommended school supplies, backpacks, and fun children’s fashion that will last you the entire school year.
Essential School Supplies
1. AmazonBasics Pre-sharpened Wood Cased #2 HB Pencils, 30 Pack
Gear up for the new school year with this 30-pack of #2 HB pencils made from high-quality wood. They come pre-sharpened, so you or your kids won’t have to sharpen them come the first day of school. It features strong medium-soft lead that creates long-lasting, smooth, readable strokes and a rounded hexagonal shape with satin-smooth finish for a secure, comfortable grip. Also includes a soft, smudge-free, latex-free eraser at the end for convenient erasing. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These are great quality. My kids’ teacher even asked me where I got them because they didn’t break when sharpening like most do.” Tiffany
2. Westcott Classic Kids Scissors, Blunt Tip, 5 Inch, Neon Pink
Art class becomes more fun and safe with these classic kids scissors from Westcott. It is especially designed for a child’s hand and features extra strong and durable stainless steel safety blades. It has molded, asymmetrical handles that’s perfect for both right or left hand use. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Got these for my 3 year old. They’re sharp enough to cut with clean lines, which helps his confidence. They don’t seem to jam up or tear the paper like some others we’ve used before. Overall, I think these are great little scissors.” Stephen
3. Pacon Lightweight Super Value Construction Paper 6555, 9″ x 12″, 10 Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
Never run out of colorful paper to make crafts and school projects with, with this pack of 500 sheets of lightweight construction paper. It comes in an array of colors, including white, sky blue, blue, pink, scarlet, orange, brown, yellow, green, and black. It’s great for cutting, pasting, doodling, drawing, and more. This product is recyclable. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I’m a crafty mom and a homeschooling mom. We are ALWAYS using construction paper for school projects– and just for fun art! We make birthday cards and signs with it all the time. This construction paper was a good price for a LOT of paper.” Ashley
4. Crayola Jumbo Crayons, Assorted Colors, Great Toddler Crayons, 16 Count
Keep school time fun with these set of jumbo crayons from Crayola. It features 16 colors that come in a jumbo size, making it easier for toddlers and kids to grasp. It includes key primary and secondary colors, among many others they will love to discover and use. It comes in a reusable crayon storage for bringing wherever their little feet take them! Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “My 3 year old hasn’t stopped coloring with these since they’ve arrived, they’re great to hold in his tiny hands and the colors draw so vibrantly, usually crayons break in a weeks time, but these have lasted longer than the others already, great product.” Cheyenne
5. Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers, Large, 12 Count
Sometimes, kids need a helping hand with erasers that are easy to use. While pencils come with convenient erasers at the opposite end, it’s always good to have an extra one in your child’s pencil case. This Paper Mate pink pearl eraser is smudge resistant so that your child keeps his work neat and clean. It’s also easy to maneuver by both kids and young ones alike. It features sharp corners and a flat face to make it easy to erase small details or entire lines. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is the brand that is always recommended by my sons homeschool facilitators. They don’t crumble quickly and they don’t break in half easily. They do the job and don’t leave smears behind.” Kathie T.
6. Mead Spiral Notebook, 6 Pack of 1-Subject Wide Ruled Spiral Bound Notebooks, Pastel Color Cute school Notebooks, 70 Pages
Your kids will love these colorful notebooks that come with wide ruled pages. It’s perfect for preschool, elementary, and high school students. It features soft paper ringed with spiral lock to prevent snags and is punched with 3 holes for use inside a binder by older kids. It comes in an array of fun colors, including light pink, light blue, purple, green, yellow, and orange. Perfect for every school subject! Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “These are perfect for my kids to doodle in and fill up with their “projects” over the summer. Also great for school. I like the color selections for this pack which offer both my son and daughter’s favorites.” MLBbookworm
7. AmazonBasics Colored Pencils 24-Count Set
Let your kids explore their creativity with these colored pencils that offer an array of rich pigments with its artist-quality soft lead. This results in smooth application for shading, layering, or drawing. This set of 24 comes in a convenient tin storage case with a built-in tray to keep pencils organized and protected from damage. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “My kids are very keen artists and they were delighted to get these. The presentation tin and second layer plus the variety of colors is really impressive. Very happy customer.” Eoin Treacy
8. Avery Glue Stic White, 0.26 oz., Washable and Nontoxic
This back to school must-have is safe for children, so you know your kids can use it all year long. This all-purpose glue is great for school projects, arts and crafts, and scrapbooks, as it glues on smoothly without any clumping and wrinkling. This white glue bonds to an array of surfaces, including paper, photos, cardboard, foam board, fabric, glass and more. It is a strong and permanent adhesive, but washes off easily from hands and clothing. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Great for the kids and not messy. Great on paper crafts.” Harvey H. Willard
9. Scotch Magic Tape 0.25in X 650in
This magic tape is a handy school must-have that adheres invisibly, as it disappears when applied permanent. It can conveniently be written on with a pencil or a ball point pen for labels and such. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Works really great and is pretty darn transparent when placed on most surfaces. Besides the obvious and because the other reviewers already gave so much information, I’ll focus on why I like this product so much… it’s because my 5 and 3 year old kids can MUCH MORE easily use this than the large dispenser devices and the prior design where the little indentation was not there at the bottom. When the kids hold this, it really stays put rather than squirm around in their hands. So this is a big plus. Well done Scotch brand!” Arizona Phoenix
10. Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes
If your young children are heading back to school this September, make sure they’re equipped with these hand sanitizing wipes that are alcohol-free and plant-based. It has a skin nourishing formula that have a gentle formula that leaves hands smooth and germ-free. It has non-allergenic ingredients, making it safe for even the most sensitive hands. This product does not contain alcohol, triclosan, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances or dyes. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I put these packs in my kids’ lunchboxes so they wipe before eating. My son loves how they smell—he thinks they smell like lemonade.” Christine
Bags, Backpacks, and Gear
1. Kipling Faster Kids Small Printed Backpack
This backpack is full of personality! A cute and creative carry-all, this kids’ backpack suits your child’s growing needs. It features a roomy main compartment, with two additional zip pockets for their school essentials and a friendly pair of eyes and ears that bring new life to the bag. Available at Amazon.
2. Tilami Rolling Backpack 18 inch for School Travel, Black Square
Middle schoolers will love this rolling backpack, which features a large storage capacity and a multi-compartment design that can hold all their school essentials. Its rod is made with high-strength aluminum alloy and the bag features a Tilami armor bottom protection system that protects the bag from collision and damage from daily use. Get this at Amazon.
3. Pine Kids Backpack
Perfect for preschool, this children’s backpack is made of environmental durable neoprene that’s BPA-free. It features a roomy main compartment with two side mesh pocket for a small water bottle. It’s lightweight and made of waterproof material so your child’s things stay protected throughout any weather or activity. Shop at Amazon.
4. Urban Infant Toddler/Preschool Packie Backpack in Traffic
Meet your child’s first ever backpack! This charming little backpack features a laminated exterior making it waterproof and easy to clean. It features a patented vertical side tube that allows your child’s artwork to be stored without any folds. It’s roomy enough for a change of clothes, beach or weather gear, diapers or pull-ups, snacks, stuffed animals, and coloring books, whether for school or play. Shop at Amazon.
5. Little JJ Cole Toddler Backpack, Train
Whether it’s daycare or preschool, your child will love toting around this backpack, which features a fun train design. Being on the go is fun and convenient with this backpack, which features a roomy interior that’s large enough to fit a standard folder and two exterior side pockets and small zippered front pocket. It also includes a reflective patch for added safety and a write-on name tag. Shop at Amazon.
6. Eastsport Everyday Backpack with Secure Zipper Pulls
This cute backpack is perfect for growing kids. It has a large main compartment with an interior laptop and tech pocket, dual front easy access pockets, a padded back support, and padded shoulder straps. Also includes an internal mesh sleeve and and ornate glitter zip pulls, perfect for a middle schooler. Get this at Amazon.
7. Adidas Originals Kids’ Classic Backpack
When it comes to stylish children’s bags that are durable and sporty, go for the classic. Adidas Originals offers a classic backpack with a zip main compartment, padded laptop pocket, and front zip pocket that provides ample space for all your child’s school things. It features adjustable shoulder straps and a carry loop on top. Shop at Amazon.
8. Trail Maker Girl’s Backpack With Plush Applique And Multiple Pockets (Plush Hearts)
If your little one is one to make a statement, get her this cute backpack that features super cute heart patterns. It has a large compartment that allows room for notebooks and folders, while the two mesh side pockets are perfect for holding water bottles, umbrellas, and snacks for easy access. It also has large and small zippered pockets on the front of the bag for smaller items. Sturdy zippers and a reinforced top handle makes for added durability. Get this at Amazon.
9. Rockland Luggage 19 Inch Rolling Backpack Printed, Purple Pearl, Medium
Growing kids need a bag that grows with them. This rolling backpack from Rockland features a retractable T-handle, inline skate wheels, and roomy interiors that can pack a punch. Its zippered main compartment has a padded compartment for a laptop and two mesh side pockets. it also has a front pocket with an organizer to keep things where they should be. Its heavy duty plastic base at the bottom keeps back standing and protects against dirt and wear. Shop at Amazon.
10. Joymoze Leisure Backpack for Girls, Magic Grey
Waterproof, lightweight, and scratch-proof, this backpack is the perfect partner for your young lady, as it offers a main compartment that can fit all of her things. It includes a zipper pocket, laptop sleeve, two pen sleeves, a cellphone pocket, a wallet pocket, a key ring, side pockets, and front zipper pocket. Get this at Amazon.
Children’s and Teen’s Fashion
These ultra cute picks will let your kids show off their personality!
Little adventurers! 1. Joules Striped Dinosaur Applique Long-Sleeve Dress, Size 2-6, Neiman Marcus 2. Joules Dino Graphic Tee, Size 2-6, Neiman Marcus 3. Joules Knit Drawstring Joggers, Size 3-6, Neiman Marcus Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Smart and stylish! 1. Velveteen Meredith Multicolored Argyle Knit Sweater, Size 8-12, Neiman Marcus 2. Velveteen Rhea Denim Embroidered A-Line Skirt, Size 8-12, Neiman Marcus Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Stepping into campus! 1. Adidas Women’s Originals Sleek Casual Sneakers from Finish Line, Macy’s 2. Skechers Women’s BOBS-B Cute Gore Slip-On Casual Sneakers from Finish Line, Macy’s 3. Converse Women’s Chuck Taylor Ox Casual Sneakers from Finish Line, Macy’s Photo courtesy of Macy’s
Smart and sporty! 1. Peter Millar Boy’s Perth Camo Quarter-Zip Sweater, Size XS-XL, Neiman Marcus 2. Peter Millar Salem Bermuda Shorts, Size XS-XL, Neiman Marcus 3. UGG Marcus Leather Sneakers, Toddler/Kids, Neiman Marcus Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Our back to school guide continues in the links from our archive below so don’t forget to check these awesome ideas out too!
4 Easy Back to School Recipes for Kids + Fun Lunch Bags!
10 Best College Deals at Amazon Right Now
New Skincare Arrivals at Sephora Just in Time for Back to School
10 Dorm Room Essentials You Can Get at Amazon Right Now
10 Fun Dorm Room Accessories To Inspire You This School Year
Back to School Backpacks for Kids of All Levels
10 Best Children’s Lunch Boxes and Bags for Summer Camp and School
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
