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The Cutest Back-to-School Supplies for Small Kids and Discerning Teens Alike

From cool lunch bags to the latest high-status water bottle.

2024-08-23
5 min read
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*This article includes mentions of merchants or brands who are partners of DoorDash, and DoorDash may receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase from these merchants or brands.

Ask anyone to recall back-to-school shopping when they were kids and they’re likely to sigh with contented nostalgia. Unspoiled notebook pages, freshly sharpened #2 pencils, a squeaky clean new backpack — it’s almost better than the holiday season haul. 

But, along with nostalgia comes that pit-in-stomach anxiety for parents. Did you buy all the school supplies? Wait, there’s another email from the teacher about something you need? Your kid has a vision and wants their school stuff to be cute and fun? That’s where DoorDash comes in. Read on for the cutest back-to-school supplies we found for 2024, all available through DoorDash. 

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Elementary School 

Yoobi Mini Office Supply Kit  

There’s nothing quite like cosplaying as an adult when you’re a kid. Whether it’s stealing dad’s razor, clomping around the house in a pair of heels, or breaking out the tiny version of an adult office supply set — it never gets old. This adorable set comes with anything an aspiring cubicle worker could need: a pencil sharpener, scissors, stapler, staple remover, tape dispenser, a hole punch, and a little carrying case to keep it all together. 

Jansport Black/Gray Luau Life Backpack   

You know how everything ’90s and early 2000s is cool again? Well, that includes the hibiscus print backpacks of yore, because they’re back in a big way. This one channels 2000s vibes in a more understated way, so any kid would agree to throw it over their shoulders. 

Bic Brite Liner Pastel Highlighters  

Instead of the classic blinding-yellow highlighters, this pack of pastels is decidedly easier on the eyes, especially for kids with a tendency to highlight the entire page… just to be safe.  

Igloo Retro Floral Leftover Lunch Cooler Bag

Okay, so you might get stuck buying the lunchbox that your kid picked — you know, the one that features their current favorite animated character and doesn’t look like it’ll make it to next month? If you’re lucky, however, you can pack a PB&J in this very cool, vintage-inspired cooler… even if it’s just for yourself. 

Pep Rally 1 Subject Ruled Notebooks 

After elementary school, it might be worth investing in more robust notebooks, but for now, these 1-subject notebooks will do the trick (especially if you need to stock backups when they’ve already taken quite a beating by December). They come in lots of colors and patterns to suit any kid, from Dinos on skateboards to ombré pastels. 

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Middle & High School 

U Brands Potted Succulent Magnets  

Decorating a locker is a rite of teen passage. That little sliver of storage space can paint a full picture of the current owner’s personality, and these cutie succulent-shaped magnets are just the thing to hold up summer photos, notes, and birthday invitations. 

Japanese and Mediterranean Inspired Notepads 

If loud colors or juvenile prints are no longer your kid’s scene, these subdued notepads channel Japanese botanicals and Mediterranean tile work — very sophisticated. 

Stanley Tumbler  

What’s the point of going back to school if you aren’t getting the hottest new shade of the Stanley tumbler? There isn’t one, of course, so it’s worth adding one of these cult-fave cups to your list. 

Patagonia Refugio Backpack 

For the teen who’s a little adventurous, there’s a very mature Patagonia backpack for schlepping school supplies. Plus, when your kid heads back to their part-time summer camp job at the end of the school year, this rugged backpack will withstand plenty of cavorting through the woods. 

Everygirl Planners 

Even the cellphones and laptops generation needs to put a pen to paper sometimes, and if your kid happens to prefer analog scheduling, this brand has no shortage of adorable weekly and monthly planners. 

Nike Futura Sportswear Lunch Tote  

How do you get a teen boy to not be embarrassed by carrying a lunchbox to school? Make it Nike and get it in a very cool color, like this one that comes in slate blue and smoke gray, and slings over the shoulder like a tote.  

Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizers

Perhaps the most important item on this list: Hand sanitizer that your kid might actually use because it looks cool, comes in many elevated scents, and kills germs that might preclude them from attending next week’s big football game.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods and Staples