SMART STARTS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING GUIDE

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean last-minute chaos, impromptu shopping sprees, and kids insisting they “need” everything on the shelf. From backpacks and lunch boxes to school supplies and little luxuries, these practical, parent-approved favorites will help your child stay organized, confident, and comfortable from homeroom to homework.

Kane Double Pocket Backpack | $115 | statebags.com

The Kane Double Pocket Backpack is built for busy students ages 7 and up who are suddenly juggling “real” schoolwork. It keeps everything in its place — laptop, iPad, binders, pencils, and water bottle—so your child isn’t digging around in a black hole between classes. Thoughtful padding, comfy straps, and customizable details mean it feels and looks good to wear, lasts all year, and makes every school day run smoother.

Bentgo Kids Prints Lunchbox | $29.99
bentgo.com

The Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Box turns packing lunch into something fun for both you and your little one. With five perfectly sized compartments, it encourages balanced, colorful meals and lets kids feel excited about their food instead of begging for cafeteria pizza.
The leak-proof design means yogurt, dips,
and applesauce stay put, while the sturdy, kid-friendly build stands up to bus rides, drops, and daily use, all while giving you peace of mind with safe, easy-to-clean materials.

Marvel Boy’s Pencil Case | $19.99
amazon.com

The Marvel Pencil Case makes school supplies feel like a superpower. Instead of loose crayons and broken pencils at the bottom of a backpack, your child gets a cool, organized kit packed with colored pencils, markers, a ruler, sharpener, and more, all wrapped in their favorite Spiderman or Avengers designs. It turns homework and classwork into something they actually look forward to, while keeping everything they need in one fun, easy-to-grab case.

Similove Insulated Kids Water Bottle $17.99 | amazon.com

This 18-oz insulated kids’ water bottle set keeps drinks cold through classes, recess, and after-school activities, so you’re not tossing half-full plastic bottles at the end of the day. The dual-drink lid lets kids sip from a straw or spout, and the leak-proof design means no soggy backpacks. With included sticker sheets, kids can personalize their bottle (and actually keep track of it), while you get a safe, durable, easy-to-clean option that stands up to daily use.

Puro Sound Labs Noise Cancelling Headphones for Kids | $119
purosound.com

These kid-friendly noise-cancelling headphones are like a quiet corner your child can take anywhere. They soften background noise so kids can actually focus on lessons, audiobooks, or music whether you’re at home, in the car, or on the go. With a built-in volume limit, wireless connectivity, and a comfortable fit for smaller heads, they help protect young ears while giving parents a little extra calm and concentration time.

Kids Arts and Crafts Kits | From $35 per box | cratejoy.com

This kids’ craft subscription box is a simple way to build in regular, screen-free creativity without you having to plan a thing. Each month, your child opens a box filled with themed projects, quality art supplies, and easy-to-follow tutorials that can be shared between two kids. It turns “I’m bored” moments into hands-on fun and gives you ready-made opportunities for connection, keepsakes, and calm, creative time together.

Kids Daily Planner & Organizer for School $12.50
barnesandnoble.com | published by Childlike Mischievous

This kid-friendly planner turns staying organized into something your child actually enjoys. With space for daily schedules, goals, and even doodles and memories, it helps kids ages 7–12 see their week at a glance and feel proud of managing it themselves. Built-in checklists and trackers gently teach responsibility, healthy habits, and gratitude, so you’re not the only one keeping everyone on track.

Naked Bee – Mini Bee Kit | $12 | thegoodlifeboutique.com

This little Orange Blossom Honey Mini Bee Kit is a sweet way to send your child into the school year feeling a bit more grown-up and put-together. The travel-size lotion, hand sanitizer, and lip balm tuck easily into a backpack or locker, so dry hands, chapped lips, and post-lunch stickiness are handled in seconds. This simple, feel-good set encourages self-care, smells amazing, and adds a tiny touch of luxury to everyday school routines.