Shop August 20, 2024

Personalized labels, lunch boxes and backpacks: Everything you need to head back to school

ABC News Photo Illustration
Shop back-to-school must-haves for all ages.

Heading back to school can mean a whirlwind of preparation, but you can make the transition smooth and exciting with the right tools and tips.

From the latest viral gadgets to essential classroom supplies, having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring an easy transition back to school.

Whether you're a student gearing up for another year of learning or a parent looking to make sure your child has everything they need, this guide covers everything you need to head back to class with confidence.

Here's everything you need to prepare for the new school year.

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Personalized labels and label makers

One item that can make a huge difference in staying organized is personalized labels. Whether for clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes, or school supplies, personalized labels help prevent mix-ups and ensure that lost items find their way back home.

Teddy Labels 60 Personalized Name Labels

Price: $13.95 · From Amazon

These labels are dishwasher and microwave safe, meaning they can handle whatever kids (or life) throw their way.

Name Bubbles - Custom Name Labels

Price: $19.99 · From Amazon

Name Bubbles has an impressive selection of personalized labels designed for durability and style. With a variety of customizable designs, kids can choose from patterns like dinosaurs, rainbows and more to reflect their personality.

Iron-On Name Tags for Clothes

Price: $9.99 · From Amazon

These labels are designed to be heat-sealed onto fabric using a household iron, creating a permanent bond that stays put even after repeated washes.

Phomemo Label Maker Machine

Price: $19.19 · 48% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $36.99

The Phomemo M110 Label Maker is a compact and versatile Bluetooth label printer designed to simplify your back-to-school needs. This portable label maker connects seamlessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

KiddoSpace Name Stamp

Price: $19.99 · From Amazon

The KiddoSpace Name Stamp for Clothing is an efficient and creative way to label your child’s belongings, especially clothing, without the hassle of sewing, sticking or ironing on labels. The stamp uses long-lasting, waterproof ink that holds up through multiple washes, ensuring that your child’s items remain labeled even after heavy use.

Helpful hacks and viral products

Navigating the school year can be challenging, but with these helpful hacks, you can make it a bit easier. These viral products are designed to simplify everyday tasks and keep you organized.

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case

Price: $11.99 · 25% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $15.99

This TikTok-famous pencil case is the only one you'll need this school year. Keeping your pens, pencils, sticky notes and more organized is a breeze.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Price: $24.89 · 11% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $27.99

With reviews in the five-figures on Amazon and an innovative way to sip your beverage, this water bottle is a must-have for back to school. 

Memoqueen Mini Sticker Printer

Price: $37.49 · From Amazon

This compact and versatile thermal printer is perfect for creating photos, study notes and more. This pocket-sized device is wireless and compatible with iOS and Android, making it easy to print on the go. 

Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Storage Bags

Price: $45.96 · From Amazon

These eco-friendly, reusable snack bags are a great alternative to disposable plastic bags. They're easy to clean and come in various sizes and colors, perfect for packing snacks or small school items.

Acrylic Magnetic Dry Erase Board Calendar for Fridge

Price: $16.99 · From Amazon

Organize your family's schedule with this sleek dry-erase calendar. It's equipped with six magnets for easy fridge mounting and a set of markers and erasers. Stay on top of homework, extracurriculars and family events.

Lunchboxes

From bento boxes to stylish bags, bringing lunch to school has never been easier or more fun.

Athleta Girl Limitless Lunch Bag

Price: $35 · From Athleta

A cute lunch bag that's water-repellent and easy to carry is a must-have for back-to school.

Daytrip Lunch Box

Price: $80 · From Yeti

This lunch box might seem a bit pricey, but with its rugged design and the ability to keep lunch hot or cold for hours, it's a worthy investment.

Bentgo Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box

Price: $29.99 · 25% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $39.99

This popular lunchbox is a top choice for kids and parents who prefer a lot of compartments for different food and an easy way to keep lunch cold thanks to the built-in ice pack option.

PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box

Price: $24.99 · From Amazon

A freezable lunch box is a great option for families who pack lunches the night before. The entire lunchbox and its contents can be safely placed in the fridge for cooling.

Mackenzie Classic Lunch Box

Price: $21 · 20% Savings
From Pottery Barn Kids

Original: $26.50

This lunch box comes with a water bottle holder ensuring your child has everything they need at lunchtime, all in one place.

Back-to-school essentials

Certain items are essential for the school year. These products cover the basics and ensure students are well-prepared for their daily activities and creative projects.

Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils, 30-Pack

Price: $5.59 · 53% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $11.99

This 30-pack of pre-sharpened pencils ensures your child is ready to write from day one.

Crayola Broad Line Markers, 10ct

Price: $2.49 · 56% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $5.79

Crayola markers are perfect for coloring, drawing and creating art projects. This set includes 10 classic colors that are washable and safe for kids.

Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks

Price: $4.39 · 65% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $12.59

Elmer's glue sticks are a must-have for arts and crafts. The disappearing purple formula makes it easy for kids to see where they've applied glue, and it dries clear.

Fiskars 5" Pointed-Tip Scissors for Kids

Price: $5.64 · From Amazon

These kid-friendly scissors are designed with safety in mind. They feature blunt tips and ergonomic handles, making them perfect for young hands to use during crafting and school projects.

LilGadgets Connect+ On-Ear Kids Headphones

Price: $19.95 · 31% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $28.95

These durable and comfortable headphones are perfect for young students. They offer excellent sound quality, a built-in volume limiter for safe listening, and are available in a variety of fun colors.

Personalized picks

Nothing says "back-to-school" more than supplies, backpacks or other items with your kid's initials embroidered on them. These personalized supplies are as practical as they are adorable.

Handmade Corduroy Backpack by LoHoTreasures

Price: $26.76 · 60% Savings
From Etsy

Original: $66.90

School name labels by GiggleLabels

Price: $6.88 · 9% Savings
From Etsy

Original: $7.64

Personalised Star Sign Leather Bookmark + Stamped Name or Initials by SbriStudio

Price: $21.41 · From Etsy

Custom dorm room pennant by mtnestdesign

Price: $16 · From Etsy

Monogram Pillow Cover with Punch Needle Embroidery by ThePineTroveGifts

Price: $14.28 · 20% Savings
From Etsy

Original: $17.85

Budget-friendly buys

Getting ready for school doesn't have to be expensive. These budget-friendly buys ensure you have everything you need without breaking the bank.

Mr. Pen- Sticky Notes

Price: $6.99 · From Amazon

These eco-friendly sticky notes are made from 100% recycled paper and are perfect for reminders, to-do lists, and quick notes.You get 720 notes for under $7.

BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pens, 60 ct

Price: $6.99 · From Amazon

For under $7, you can stock up on all the pens you'll need for the school year and beyond.

Trailmaker Backpack Set

Price: $16.95 · From Amazon

Rather than shelling out big bucks for a backpack, lunchbox and water bottle separately, grab this affordable set, and you're good to go.

Mead Composition Notebooks

Price: $12.73 · From Amazon

This six-pack of wide-ruled composition notebooks makes it easy to color coordinate by subject.

Sooez 6 Pack Plastic Pocket Folders with Labels

Price: $4.98 · From Amazon

Much like the composition notebooks above, these folders allow you to assign different colors to various subjects, and a pack of six costs under $5.