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School schedules? Check. Number two pencils? Check. Now it’s time for the fun-yet-equally essential goods on your list. You probably already have a lunchbox or backpack refresh on your radar, but some trends this year may require a little more forethought.
I talked to a few (very trendy) teachers, parents, and kids to see what they were scoping out this fall. In terms of what’s popping in fashion this season, the kids say bright, fun colors and super comfortable fabrics and fits are a must. So are items that make it easy to stay organized and express creativity — or better yet, like a snazzy planner with stickers or colorful storage boxes — do both at once.
In 2024, mental health continues to be a priority — educators and families recognize the need to support not just academic achievement but also the emotional and psychological well-being of kids. Products and routines that honor a kids’ whole, authentic self are a big win.
If you’re unsure what to buy your kids for their back-to-school needs, here are some surefire hits for the year ahead:
Durable Water Bottles in Sunny Colors
Staying hydrated is a foundation of physical and mental health, and choosing a reusable insulated water bottle will have a much lower environmental impact. When it comes to water bottles, preschool teacher and mom of two Melissa Valez swears by Hydro Flask. “It's an insulated stainless steel water bottle… which holds up better than other materials,” Valez explains. They can also keep water cold all day, come in lots of jaunty colors, and the straw cap makes it easy to sip on the move.
Owala water bottles are also a cool option, according to my middle school source. The triple-layer insulation maintains any temperature, and the design manages to be both sleek and subtly unexpected.
Bento Boxes for Balanced Lunches
This bento box from Bentgo Kids (for littles) and this one for bigger kids both hold a deceptively large amount of food. Even my two-year-old can open and close his Bengto box by himself, and it keeps whatever I pack super secure — no headache-causing leaks. Easy to clean (dishwasher safe), my four-and-a-half-year old’s bento box is still going strong from when she started daycare at 18 months. It’s also a great way to pack a lunch for people of all ages — getting all the food groups and plenty of snacking opportunities in.
Cozy Hoodies
The best hoodies are sort of wearable comfort blankets for easing into a new school year, and a staple in kid, teenager, and adult closets. Hoods provide warmth and deep-in-the-soul comfort in chilly classrooms. Plus, they’re great for school days and weekends alike. A fifth grader and a seventh grader both told me that they were eyeing classic, soft hoodies like this one from Columbia, “the softer the better.”
A Smart Alarm Clock and Noise Machine
There’s nothing cooler than getting solid sleep — fundamental for a great school year and optimal well-being. A Hatch Rest is a great tool in any wellness toolkit for students of every age. Its customizable sleep routines are complete with sleep exercises, stories, and sounds; plus, a slow sunrise alarm will help start and end the day on a peaceful note.
Classic Kicks
Your kids’ shoe sizes will change, but some things stay the same. “Converse are coming back into style again,” says Kellie Ford, middle school Special Education teacher and mom of two. She says her kids and students are all about high-top Converse this season, which instantly elevate any outfit to dashing status. They manage to look both retro and current.
Smooth Pens in Fun Colors
High school English teacher and mom of two Jessica Manners believes “a lot of teachers are going to push for more handwritten assignments” this year. To make sure her students are up to the task, she recommends “good quality, smooth pens,” like these Inkjoy Ultra Smooth Ink Ballpoints from Paper Mate, which write with ease. Many teachers require only blue and black for assignments, but the jazzy colors are perfect for taking notes or getting organized in a planner, which brings us to…
A Planner With Stickers
As students get older, a planner lets them take their schedule and projects into their own hands. Planning their days helps reduce stress by providing a sense of structure and autonomy. There are plenty of great choices, and this one has a pretty design, stickers, and sticky notes to make organizing feel gratifying.
Cheerful (and Cheap) Storage Bins
A place for everything, and everything it its place — these clear storage bins can store craft supplies, past homework assignments, and all kinds of odds and ends. Starting the year off on an organized note feels deeply satisfying, and the transparent boxes make it easy to find all your treasures.
A Sleek Backpack
“I’ve learned to spend some extra money on a backpack that will last the whole school year,” says Valez. “It’s no fun when your child’s backpack zipper breaks and their books are falling out all day.” The North Face Borealis checks this box and comes in a whole lineup of colors for every style, plus it’s certified by the American Chiropractic Association. It’s big enough to fit a whole day of essentials, and equipped with a whole bunch of pockets to help keep students organized.
Good Snacks for Study Fuel
What even is studying without snacks? Dry roasted edamame, yogurt bites, and Noosa fruit smoothies are full of both yumminess and nutrition to fuel brain, body, and spirit. Start the year off right with a delicious stash for the after school energy slump.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, Staples and Walgreens.
