20 Back-to-School Essentials for Kids (and Parents!)
It’s back-to-school time! Well…almost.
Although tan lines, heat waves, and dust settling on your kids’ textbooks are all signs that summer is still in session—it’s never too early to stock up on supplies. We’ve curated a handy list of back-to-school essentials—for parents and students—that you won’t find elsewhere.
For Kids
Barbie Pen Holder
It’s not plastic, but it sure is fantastic. Store your pens—or plants—in style with this ceramic Barbie holder, or use it to beautify any old bookshelf!
To buy: $12, TYPO
Minimalist Movable Bookshelf
For those with an on-the-go lifestyle, get a bookshelf that moves with you. This mini bookshelf on wheels is perfect for cozy classrooms, dorms, and home offices with more to-do lists than leg room. Use it to store a water bottle, small objects, and of course—your favorite books!
To buy: $25, Temu
Lululemon Clippable Card Pouch
On busy school mornings, it can be difficult to keep track of your license, lunch money, and school ID. So why not make life a little easier by storing all of your essentials in this Lululemon card pouch? It conveniently clips onto your backpack or purse so you’ll never have to frantically search for your wallet again (in theory!).
To buy: $38, Lululemon
Under Armour Backpack Duffle
Once school is back in session, so are sports. Juggling books and gear can be a hassle for any student. Thankfully, Under Armour’s gym bag is convertible so your future Olympian can wear it as a backpack or a duffle.
To buy: $49 at Under Armour
Customizable Ballpoint Pens
Was it, “Peter Piper picked a personalized, pastel pen?” Maybe not. Either way, you can. These flower-filled ballpoint pens can be customized with your name, favorite quote, or even a mantra if you need extra motivation to write your next novel—or term paper.
To buy: $2.25, Etsy
Rocketbook Wave Notebook
You’ll never have to tell your teacher, “My dog ate my homework,” again. Rocketbook’s eco-friendly Wave Notebook instantly uploads your handwritten notes and assignments into your smartphone’s iCloud. Simply scan each page’s QR code to upload, then place the book in the microwave to erase existing notes. Magical, isn’t it?
To buy: 27$, Getrocket
ABRA Locker Organizer
Even though we’ve mostly gone digital, every bookworm knows how heavy carrying books can be. Luckily, this locker organizer can store anything from tomes to binders. Both eco-friendly and multifunctional, it’s perfect for keeping cramped spaces clutter-free (and your back in one piece!).
To buy: $24, Amazon
Book Stickers
Calling all book lovers! Stickers are an effortless way to get your kids more excited about reading: dish them out as reading awards, decorate your favorite books, or use them to spruce up water bottles and laptops for a fun and easy after-school activity.
To buy: $7, Amazon
Yeti Water Bottle
The yeti may be a mythical creature, but this water bottle’s durability is fact not fiction. Even better, it can be personalized so your kids never succumb to the lost-and-found box again.
To buy: $30, Yeti
Insulated Lunch Bag
When functionality meets fashion, great things happen. Take Calpak’s stylish, insulated lunch bag, for example. Perfect for all ages, this lunch bag has a drawstring closure to allow for quick access to your meal at the pull of a string.
To buy: $42, Calpak
For Parents
Moleskine Life Planner
Deadlines don’t end once you graduate. Whether you’re mapping out the timeline for your novel or trying to schedule the kids’ doctor appointments, this Moleskine Life Planner includes a productivity companion so you can plan and prioritize with ease. (Don’t forget to use code ZIBBY at checkout for 15% off your order!)
To buy: $17, Moleskine
Work From Anywhere Kit
Why be tied down to a desk when you could work from anywhere? (The park, the airport, on a rollercoaster—you name it!) This kit contains all of the essentials for maintaining your busy schedule: a notepad, phone stand, cord organizer, charging cable, and more. Don’t forget to pack a book so you can read from anywhere, too.
To buy: $37, Revolve
Italian Leather Sling Bag
Taking a more lavish spin on the traditional fanny pack, this adjustable (and adorable) pebbled leather bag complements both office and activewear. Wear it as a crossbody for a sleek look or around the waist to quickly access your valuables.
To buy: $70, Quince
Yogurt-on-the-Go Container
Joie’s yogurt-on-the-go container keeps your wet and dry fixings separate with a simple twist of the top. As a bonus, the container is spill-proof and travel-friendly. Simply plop it in your bag and go!
To buy: $9, The Container Store
Insulated Tumbler
Equipped with not one, but two walls of insulation, this leak-proof tumbler keeps hot drinks steaming and iced drinks chilly, so you can kiss watered-down, room-temperature beverages goodbye. With twenty-one different colorways to choose from, ranging from bold leopard prints to calmer pastels and ombrés, you can mix and match the tumbler with your favorite bags, lunchboxes, and more!
To buy: $22, Amazon
Personalized Notepad
A little handwritten note goes a long way, especially when it’s to teachers, babysitters, or tutors. Personalized notes make communication so much easier than the traditional looseleaf letter stuffed in your kids’ homework folder. Simply customize it with your name, contact information, and a favorite envelope color to make your note stand out.
To buy, $20.99, Amazon
Library Card Sticky Notes
Raise your hand if you’re tired of forgetting to return library books! Lucky for you, these library card notes have a dual purpose. You can scratch a grocery list on them, or they can be stuck onto book rentals so you and the beloved bookworm in your family never get another late fee.
To buy: $3.50, Etsy
Blue Felt Pen Set
Add a silky black finish to your journal entries with Sugar Paper’s luxurious pen set. The felt tip is quick-drying, making it ideal for writing personal letters or your next bestseller.
To buy: $34, Sugar Paper
Letterboard Panel
This letterboard will easily uplift any bedroom, classroom, or office with inspirational messages. Simply arrange the letters to write yourself reminders, positive affirmations, or your favorite book quotes.
To buy: $25, Walmart
Kaya Leather Backpack
Now that your kids have their back-to-school essentials, why not treat yourself to something nice like this Kaya leather backpack? Made for moms on the go, this backpack is suitable for both travel and work. Store your laptop, Moleskine notebook, pens, glasses, and still have room for books galore!
To buy: $138 at Calpak