Back to School
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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Mabel’s Labels, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.

Back-to-School Toolkits: All the Products and Gear Your Kids Need This Year

written by KATHY SISSON

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

back to school products"
back to school products
Source: Amanda Shapin Michaelson
Source: Amanda Shapin Michaelson

Back-to-school shopping is back in full swing this year. And, as parents, being as prepared as possible can help lessen the stress leading up to the first day of school. To help, we pulled together a back-to-school toolkit, including a few of our favorite gear essentials, like kids’ backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles, plus a few fun pieces of flare for the kids.

We also added items many schools include on their school supplies list—like cleaning wipes, tissues, and more. As we go into another school year, hopefully being prepared with the essentials will quell some of the anxieties and make room for excitement about getting back to school. Read on for our list of all the products and gear your kids need for the school year.

 

The Essentials for Back-to-School

mabels labels
Mabel's Labels
Personalized Label Multi-Pack

First and foremost, we need labels to keep track of all their little items. Our team is full of Mabel's Labels fans because of the quality, design, and variety of their labels. Their ultimate set of back-to-school waterproof labels is a must to keep your kid’s things out of the lost and found. Plus, they're sturdy enough to stay on no matter how many times their stuff gets flung across the playground or washed in the laundry.

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kids stanley tumbler
Stanley
Kids Water Bottle

We love these kid-sized insulated versions of editor and reader (and social media's) favorite Stanley cup. This version can also be customized with your LO's name, monogram, or a cute graphic.

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water bottles
Amazon | Simple Modern
Kids Water Bottle

Stock up for back-to-school with editor-favorite brand Simple Modern. These kid-approved water bottles are vacuum sealed to keep beverages cool.

Available in 30+ patterns, including kid-favorite characters like Paw Patrol and Spongebob.

multiple sizes available

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bento lunch box
Amazon | Bentgo
Lunch Box

An editor favorite for preschoolers and early elementary kids, the Bentgo lunch box features five compartments that are perfectly designed for kids. Plus, it's also leak-proof so your little ones don't have to worry about spilling while carrying it around.

multiple colors available

Shop more of our favorite lunch boxes here!

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Target
Lunchbox

The high-density thermal insulation included in this lunch box will keep your child's food and drinks super cold. Plus, this option features a hard liner designed to keep soft foods separate from hard containers.

5 colors available

Shop more of our favorite lunch boxes here!

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stasher bag
Grove Co. | Stasher
Sandwich Bag

Grab a sandwich bag kiddos can use again and again, eliminating the need for plastic baggies.

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backpacks
Amazon | Simple Modern
Printed Kids' Backpack

Plenty of pockets for school including a padded tablet sleeve, large zip-closure front pocket, and two expandable bottle sleeves on the sides. Comes in toddler and little kid sizes.

25+ patterns available including Disney and Pixar prints

View more backpacks here!

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state backpack
State
Backpack

Available in 28 colors, this kids' backpack will fit a 13 inch laptop in the main compartment and a 17 oz. water bottle in the side pockets.

Bonus: For every bag purchased, STATE supports American children and families in the ways they need it most, from free virtual tutoring sessions to fully packed pack drops in the country’s most underserved communities.

View more backpacks here!

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be kind sticker
Etsy | All Things Happy Shop
Be Kind Sticker

A gentle reminder for kids to add to their water bottle, pencil case, or lunch box.

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Amazon
Dr. Talbot's Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer

Grab an extra thermometer to keep in your car or at the ready before school drop off or the bus to help follow the safety protocols at most schools.

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The Extras for Health and Safety

sanitizer
Etsy | ZEA Khan Designs
Personalized Refillable Hand Sanitizer

Personalize a refillable hand sanitizer with their name. Plus these come with a clip easy to fasten to their backpack so they'll always have it.

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hand sanitizer
Amazon | Lemyn Organics
Medical Grade Hand Sanitizer Gel

This sanitizer smell is pleasant and the aloe helps keep your hands moisturized. Grab a large size to refill travel-sized bottles.

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cleaning wipes
Grove Co. | Method
Cleaning Wipes

Probably on most back-to-school supply lists, cleaning wipes are used daily in the classroom. Method's wipes are compostable too.

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tissues
Grove Co.
Facial Tissues

Another must-buy on every school supply list—tissues. Grab a few boxes of these facial tissues made from sustainable bamboo.

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Burts bees
Amazon | Burt's Bees
Immune Support Gummies

Kids getting sick is one near-certainty whether they're at daycare, preschool, or school. While nothing is full-proof preventative, these gummies for kids age 4+ can help provide immune support with Zinc, Vitamin C, and Manuka Honey.

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The At-Home School/Homework Set-Up

paper organizer
The Container Store
7-Pocket Vertical Paper Organizer

Start the year off right with organization at the ready—this seven pocket file folder is perfect to house artwork, worksheets, or paperwork sent home from school.

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Target
Kids' Headphones

Prepare for a day of schooling at home with these kid headphones.

multiple colors available

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Amazon
Fintie Tablet Case

A protective case is a necessity because, well, kids drop things.

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Amazon
Portable Supply Caddy

This is the perfect sized container for kids to cart around their crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and other supplies.

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lap desk
Target
Lap Desk

Bring a school-size desk anywhere around the house with this convenient folding option—also great for parents working from home.

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IKEA
Flisat Convertible Play Table

This IKEA table is an editor favorite for its flexibility—make it a desk or a play table— storage options, and price point.

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best toys for baby registry
Lalo
Table and Chair Set

Save $80 on reader and editor favorite brand Lalo's Play Kit table and chairs through 8/7.

multiple colors available

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This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for timeliness. 

5 Things to Get Your Kids Excited for Back-to-School
CLICK HERE!

 

mabels labels logo

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Mabel’s Labels, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.