Disclosure: Samples were provided for inclusion in my Back to school guide. All opinions stated are my own.
It is that time of year again – Back to School! It went by pretty fast right? Time to start gathering back to school supplies. I love sharing some of my favorite products for back to school, I hope you enjoy and discover something new!
Elementary School
School Zone Little Scholar Tablet
The best tablet to prepare kids ages 3 to 7 for pre-K through 1st Grade! Preloaded with School Zone’s proven learning curriculum, including over 150 educational apps, books, songs, and videos. Parents are able to track and guide learning, measure performance, and view which apps are being used. Follow Charlie, the Golden Retriever, and his animal friends as they go on exciting learning adventures in this animated series. Build a solid literary foundation with beautifully illustrated stories that teach important life lessons. Unlock Wi-Fi at your discretion; customize active apps, music, and e-books, all within the password protected parental section. Capture special moments with the front- and rear-facing camera, apply artistic effects, and save to a personal gallery.
SuperMe Backpacks
SuperME bags combine the functionality of backpacks and messenger bags with the fun of dress-up play. Because every child is a superhero, just waiting to be uncovered! Available in a variety of colors and themes. Kids will love putting on the Superhero masks that’s include in the backpack. They’ll love flying around with their superhero cape backpack!
Great Designs perfect for School, Home and Travel. Rugged and Colorful Poly Fabric Cases, Pre-Loaded with 80% of the items found on most back to school Lists. Total number of pieces – 41. All of the core essentials for grades K-4. Helps students keep their supplies organized in these decorative and durable cases. School Gear contains six #2 pencils, eight crayons, six washable markers, six colored pencils, seven eraser caps, a glue stick, scissors, a ruler and more. The case and all supplies conform to ASTM D-4236 standards and are non-toxic and latex-free.
Lakeshore Learning – Let’s Play School
Kids love school…when they’re the teachers! Our realistic set has all the fun supplies kids need, like a 21″ chalkboard, pointer, tests, roll book and much more. Over 65 pieces. Kids will have a blast pretending to be teachers but also learning!
Lakeshore Road to Reading Activity Center
Our hands-on activity center gets children ready to read—by building one skill at a time! First, children complete alphabet puzzles to learn letter sounds…then they use picture cards & letter tiles to build simple words. Next, kids progress to tracing sight-words with fun-to-touch tactile word cards. Finally, children put it all together to read an entire book…all on their own! Center comes with 5 folders—each includes letter sound puzzles, word-building cards & letter tiles, sight-word cards and a book.
Fiskars
Safe and reliable scissors from preschool to graduation and beyond. Recognized as the #1 teacher recommended kids’ scissors brand, Fiskars scissors are designed to comfortably fit growing hands and to safely and effectively cut all classroom materials.
Preschool Scissors
• Spring-action blades open after each cut to teach the proper motion
• Blades cut only paper to protect kids
• Blunt-tip design for added safety
5″ Designer Non-stick Kids Scissors
• Available in blunt- and pointed-tip
• Ideal for kids ages four and up
• Innovative safety-edge blade features a safer blade angle to protect kids while still cutting all classroom materials
• Non-stick coating makes it easy to cut cleanly through materials with sticky adhesives like tape or glue without gumming up
• Lifetime warranty
Crayola Power Lines Project Markers
Create rich, vibrant designs with Power Lines Project Markers. With 10 different bold colors to choose from, you’ll be able to create eye-catching drawings that stand out. The versatile tip can create thick or thin lines, so you can add fine details and color in your work using the same marker.
The wide chisel tip makes Visi-Max Dry Erase Markers easy to see — from all over the classroom! Visi-Max Dry-Erase Markers are the ultimate for home or classroom use with bold colors, super-smooth laydown and crisp lines every time. Visi-Max – the choice is clear! Includes 4 Assorted Visi-Max Broad Line Chisel Tip Markers.
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers
Washable Super Tips Markers feature a versatile tip that draws both thick or thin lines. Crayola’s washable ink is specially formulated to easily wash from skin and most children’s clothing.
Great for use at home or school, Crayola Colored Pencils are an essential creative tool for kids. This pack of 24 pre-sharpened colored pencils contains a range of vivid colors to inspire children’s self-expression and imagination. Made with thick, soft leads that won’t break easily, the pencils create brightly colored lines that are perfect for school projects and creating detailed artwork.
Crayola Ultra Clean Washable Markers
Kids love to get creative with color, but parents want to keep the color where it belongs and easily remove it where it doesn’t! Crayola Ultra-Clean Broad Line Bold Markers now have an improved Ultra-Clean washable formula and come with two new bold colors. These durable broad-line markers feature conical tips that let kids color in large areas or create slim lines.
Crayola Washable Dry Erase Markers
Washable dry-erase markers that wash clean from hands and clothes! Easily wipes off dry-erase surfaces. Includes 12 bright, bold colors. Broad line Markers.
Dexas – Clipcase 1
Hold A4 paper and letter size files – forms – pads. Use at school on the job or at home.
WEATHERPROOF – Keeps contents safe from wind and dust.
EASY ACCESSIBILITY – Use just one hand to open or close.
HIGH IMPACT – Break-resistant, tough, durable, and light-weight.
Steel clip holds papers securely in place. Holds pens, papers, accessories and more.
Dexas – E-Clips
Deluxe carrying case. Ideal for carrying large papers, blueprints, arts and crafts, artwork and supplies, photo slides and negatives, and much more!
Lies flat for use as a lap desk work surface for writing and drawing.
Generous storage interior with spill-proof compartments for brushes, paints, and other loose material.
Firefly
Firefly® is a leader in children’s oral care solutions, delivering Good. Clean. Fun. to entertain children into healthy habits that last a lifetime, while helping to minimize mess. By using bright colors, flashing lights and the most popular characters such as Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Barbie™ and others, Firefly® helps turn brush time into a fun experience for kids and parents alike. Plus, its ADA-approved (American Dental Association) toothbrushes and mouth rinse all come at an affordable price point, helping parents trust they are choosing the best quality product for their children’s oral care routine. In 2013 Firefly® introduced the innovative Ready Go Light-up Timer Toothbrush™ to help kids learn how long to brush. Firefly® also empower kids to take charge of their oral care routine with the Fun Pump Rinse, equipped with a No Mess Cup that is conveniently stored within the package to help parents eliminate the mess. The pump is designed to make it easy for kids to ‘do it themselves’ and pump the right amount of rinse into their cup.
CHOOZE is a lifestyle brand on a mission to empower and elevate individuals around the world. Each backpack is double-sided, featuring two different prints and reversible straps that flip from side to side. Kids get to CHOOZE which side to show off every time they carry a CHOOZEpack! Padded convertible straps simply flip from side-to-side to provide a different look. What backpack will you CHOOZE? Available in a variety of patterns and colors! CHOOZE offers unique and one-of-a-kind backpacks, lunchbags, clothing, and shoes for kids.
Wildkins Watercolor Peonies Pink Kickstarter Messenger Bag
Kick your day into high-gear with one of our Kickstart Messenger Bags. Available in several stylish patterns, this multi-functional bag is durably constructed with lots of storage space and extra pockets. Great for school, afternoons at the coffee shop, weekend daytrips, and school.
Simmons Kids Memory Foam Toddler Pillow
Sized just right, the Simmons Kids Toddler Pillow was created to help promote restful sleep for your child. Using the proper size pillow will help your little one achieve a good night’s sleep, which is essential in helping them grow and learn. Recommended for ages 2-5. The cover of the Simmons Kids Toddler Pillow is made with high-performance ThermoCool technology. Designed to help keep the body within its natural temperature range, ThermoCool is different from normal fabric—woven fibers help with evaporation which promote a cooler sleep environment by wicking moisture away.
Olive Kids Fairy Princess Nap Mat
Fairies, flowers, and stars adorn our magical Fairy Princess design. Colorful fairies float on beautiful blue wings in this enchanting scene. Shades of pinks and purples make this design a royal addition to any girl’s room! Sail off to dream-land in style with a Nap Mat by Olive Kids. Our Nap Mats can be used for school or home – rolls up for easy storage and travel. A favorite with preschools, daycares, and as a starter sleeping bag for little ones.
Mabels Labels
Start the school year off right! This best-selling combo includes all the durable, waterproof labels needed to keep your things out of the lost and found. Perfect for backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, pencil cases and so much more, these labels are a must have on your back-to-school shopping list! Read my previous review here.
- 40 Mini Custom Name Stickers: 38mm x 8mm (1-1/2″ x 5/16″)
- 50 Tag Mates™ Stick On Clothing Labels: 21mm x 10mm (13/16″ x 3/8″)
- 16 Custom Shoe Stickers: 33mm (1.3″)
- 2 Personalized Mini Tags: 30mm x 20mm (1-1/4″ x 3/4″)
Designed By Students The Big Pen Pencil Case
The Big Pen Pencil Case from Designed by Students is an all-in-one school day essential. Write, erase, store, highlight, sharpen and more. Class is starting. Your pens, highlighter and sharpener are lost in a black hole, aka your backpack. Meet your new BFF: The Big Pen, a pencil case that writes, stores, erases, highlights and does your algebra homework (kidding). The Big Pen stands out so it’s easy to find. Just reach into your bag and quickly grab everything you need to tackle class — or a pop quiz (yikes!). Be ready for any assignment with the The Big Pen.
Designed By Students Super Folder
The Super Folder from Designed by Students includes everything students need to take notes and stay organized during the school day. Wouldn’t it be cool if you had a personal assistant at school? While the parental units might not spring for that, the Super Folder could be the next best thing. From note taking and sharpening to storage compartments and clear pockets for schedules and pics, the Super Folder keeps you organized, cuts through clutter and let’s you tackle the school day your way.
Fun Chalk
Fun Chalk are *non-toxic*, *odor-free*, *washable* and *eco-friendly*. The colors are incredibly *bright* and they have a *reversible tip* that can create a variety of lines, making them fun to use. The markers are *dustless* making them a great choice for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.Clean-up is quick and easy. Simply wipe off with water and a cloth. Whether you use them for decorating your windows, brainstorming ideas in the boardroom, teaching in the classroom, writing menu boards, or creating art with your kids, your creations will stand the test of time!
Sakar Hello Kitty Headphones
The Hello Kitty Kid-Safe Headphones feature sound isolation that helps clarify audio, a ferrite magnet that reinforces sound, and large, full-range drivers that deliver powerful audio, along with a built-in volume limiter to protect children’s hearing. The Hello Kitty Kid-Safe Headphones are compatible with all portable devices that feature a 3.5mm stereo jack output, including iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones and tablets, and portable gaming devices such as the PS Vita and Nintendo DS series. These headphones are also compatible with laptops, PCs, CD players, and home audio systems.
iHome Minions Over-the-Ear Headphones with Volume Control
Treat your kids to rich, detailed audio in cushioned comfort. Our padded headband and ear cushions make extended listening a pleasure, while an in-line dial puts volume control within easy reach. Adjustable headband for perfect fit.
- Delivers detailed, rich audio sound
- In-line volume control for added convenience
- Padded and adjustable headband for custom fit
Thames and Kosmos Kids First Aircraft Engineer
Read the amusing story of two inquisitive kids and build simple models of the aircraft they discover on their hilarious family vacation. Along this roundabout trip, the kids build various flying machines to help the people they encounter solve problems and complete tasks. As you follow the story, you can build models of the 10 vehicles in the story. Large, colorful plastic building pieces make it easy for small hands to put the models together
MyBuckleMate
A must-have for road trips and everyday travel, MyBuckleMate keeps back seat buckles propped up and easy to reach so buckling up is always a snap! No more buckles flopping around, falling into seat pockets, or getting wedged under booster seats–buckles always stay where you can easily reach them. It is the perfect seat belt solution for kids in booster seats, and those with special needs or motor planning difficulties. It won’t interfere with your vehicle’s buckling mechanism, as it locks into place around the fabric that anchors back seat buckles to your auto’s back seat. It won’t obstruct the buckle‘s release button or the latchplate where the buckle clicks into place. Available in Red (brand new!), Black, Gray, Cream, and Tan, each duo-pack retails for $13.99.
High School and Beyond
TYLT Energi+ Backpack with Built-in Battery
A must-have for busy students, the ENERGI+ is not only stylish and functional, but also features a removable 10,400mAh rechargeable battery that can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously and provide up to 4 full smartphone charges. The ENERGI+ Backpack boasts over 1,450 cubic inches of storage, and includes charging pass-thrus to 7 of its 13 specialized compartments, keeping cords from tangling and allowing plenty of space for school supplies. Plus, the backpack’s straps are heavily padded so that even when it’s full of gadgets and books, it won’t hurt students’ shoulders while they navigate through their busy days.
Knomo London – Beauchamp Laptop Backpack
Made from soft and sleek nylon exterior with saffiano leather trim. Laptop/tablet compartment with shockproof padded protection through sides & base.
- Quilted compartment with padded protection to hold a laptop up to 14″
- Knomo signature external front zipper pocket for keeping your smartphone or keys handy
- Slim front zip pocket for easy access to necessary items such as your iPad/tablet or keys
- Internal pouches to store your key items
- Soft and comfortable padded shoulder straps with a grab handle at the top of the bag
iLuv TimeShaker
Features
– Dual alarm feature allows you to set two separate alarms
– Offers multiple alarm options, including iPhone/iPod music, FM radio, buzzer and/or shaker
– Unique shaker vibrates to wake heavy sleepers, the hearing impaired and anyone who shares a room
– Play music and charge your device via the Apple Lightning connector
– Large, easy-to-read LCD display with 10-level dimmer
– TimeSync button allows you to automatically sync the time from your iPhone or iPod
– Auxiliary input port for a direct connection to other devices
Ventev
Ventev Mobile Accessories™ designs and manufactures premium mobile device accessories for the on-the-go mobile professional. The comprehensive portfolio of chargers, cases, and battery sources stem from a philosophy of transforming the everyday into forward-thinking solutions. Combining functionality with high performance, Ventev makes the mobile experience reliable and effortless.
WallPops – Gold Confetti Organization Kit
Show your appreciation for style with WallPops Gold Confetti Organization Kit. There’s no better way to stay organized than with this four piece decal set that includes a dry-erase calendar, weekly planner, message board and convenient cork board. From your bedroom to your kitchen, dorm room or office, add a glittering focal point that helps you stay on track of all life’s hurdles. Includes four 13″ x 13″ peel and stick decals as well as a cork board and dry-erase marker.
Blue Sky Day Planners
The stylish Day Designer for Blue Sky collection brings sophisticated chic planners and calendars for everyday consumers. The Day Designer for Blue Sky line will help you achieve a more balanced and organized life by allowing users to better manage their to-do lists, track their schedules and most importantly- live the most fabulous and stylish life. Day Designer for Blue Sky is available in solid colors and trendsetting prints including floral, stripes and more.
Yoobi x Usher Round No. 2 Pencils – Blue Drippies
Curated by Usher and featuring exclusive designs by artist Jonni Cheatwood, these are the No. 1 choice for No. 2 pencils. Ace your test in style, or kick up your pencil case with this box of 24 pre-sharpened pencils in a cool blue & green drippies design. You buy, Yoobi gives – For every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a classroom in need, right here in the U.S.
Yoobi x Usher Composition Book, College Ruled
Curated by Usher and featuring exclusive designs by artist Jonni Cheatwood, it was about time the old composition book entered the age of color. With 100 pages of college ruled paper, a spot on the front cover for your name, subject, school and grade, and a customizable class schedule inside the front cover, what more could you want? Oh yeah, an awesome black lines design that will have all your friends asking where you got it.
Yoobi Mini Supply Kit
Think of it as a first aid office kit for when you’re on the go. Pencil sharpener? Check. Scissors? Check. Stapler, staple remover and staples? Check. Tape dispenser, hole punch? Check. We’ve got you covered for any supply emergency. All mini sized and organized in a green matching carrying case, of course. You buy, Yoobi gives – For every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a classroom in need, right here in the U.S.4
Lanyard – Pink Dot
Add the final touch to your daily look and turn heads in the hallways with a cool pink dot printed lanyard necklace to hold your keys and IDs. Its soft cloth won’t irritate your skin or your wardrobe, and the easy release clip prevents any minor uh-oh moments while being worn.
Heart Push Pins, 75 Pack
Pin it up. Create a gallery of kids artwork, printed photos, or even just reminders, with these cutie-pie aqua heart pushpins, which stay just where you want them.
Yoobi 1 Subject Spiral Notebook, College Ruled
ake note: this is no ordinary spiral-bound. A happy-making bright white sturdy cover keeps each smart scribble protected, while 100 college ruled pages are perfectly perforated to tear out cleanly and easily. There’s even a pocket hidden under the cover for handouts, receipts, love letters and treasure maps.
Yoobi Pretzel Erasers, 4 Pack
Everyone loves pretzels. One awesome shape in four great colors. Work some magic and watch those mistakes disappear! (You’ll be working some magic for kids in need, too.) You buy, Yoobi gives – For every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a classroom in need, right here in the U.S.
Yoobi Fuzzy Coin Purse
Our fuzzy aqua coin purse is convenient and ready to tag along on all your adventures, so show it some love! You buy, Yoobi gives – For every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a classroom in need, right here in the U.S.
Yoobi Fun Paperclips
It is hip to be square with these paperclips. They won’t snag or mark your important documents, notes or presentations (they’re that smooth) not to mention they’ll make the world’s greatest paperclip necklace. Plus, they’re easily stored in a reusable foil pouch.
Yoobi Backpack Pencil Case
It’s a pencil case, it’s a mini backpack, oh wait – it’s both! This bright green toucan camo printed pencil case, with its two zipper pouches, makes a stylish statement to store your tools for school! Complete with an easy-to-use expandable elastic band on the back, you can loop this case around just about anything – your notebook, text books, or even your laptop!
Yoobi Jumbo Highlighter Pencils
It’s a pencil and a highlighter? That’s right! No messy liquid, but with the same highlighting effect. Grab ahold of these jumbo highlighter pencils, and brighten up your notes with four awesome neon colors – pink, orange, yellow and green.
Duck Brands Tape
Duck brand is perhaps best known for its Duck Tape®, a hugely popular fashion and crafting medium available in more than 250 colors, designs and licenses. With a suggested retail price of just $4-$6 per roll, Duck Tape provides an easy, inexpensive way to personalize school supplies, from decorating notebooks, lunch boxes and lockers to creating unique backpacks, pencil pouches and tablet covers. Duck brand also has introduced several crafting tapes that provide the ideal embellishment to Duck Tape projects. New this year are Duck Real Cork Tape, perfect for adding texture to craft projects; and Duck Dry Erase Tape and Duck Chalkboard Tape, useful for creating one-of-a-kind calendars, message boards or labels.
Casio fx-300ES PLUS-BU
Casio’s powerful and versatile fx-300ES Plus large screen and patented Natural Display is a perfect choice for middle through high school students in Mathematics and Physics! It’s solar-plus-battery provides long life and dependability in addition to being packed with over 200 features and calculations, it’s approved for use on SAT, AP, PSAT/NMSQT, and ACT exams.
Dust-Off Fashion Collection
These printed microfiber cloths are fashionable, and extremely effective in cleaning sensitive surfaces of dirt, grime, fingerprints, facial oils and makeup. Only 5×6, they’re perfect for keeping in a purse or your child’s backpack for easy on-the-go cleaning for all of their electronics inside and outside of class.
Dust-Off Screen Cleaning Kits
Help your kids keep all of their electronics clean and readable amongst dirty hands and traveling to and from school. Dust-Off’s “no-run” formula spray and microfiber cloths make cleaning their computer and phone screens easy while on-the-go. The screen care line ensures that there are no fingerprints, dust or build-up on mobile device screens, laptops, or other electronics.
Bath & Body Works PocketBac
The Fresh Picked Apples PocketBac ($1.75) from Bath & Body Works is the perfect solution for keeping kids’ hands germ-free before lunchtime and after recess. With it’s fragrant blend of crisp, juicy apples, aloe and vitamin E, the antibacterial formula kills up to 99.9% of germs while leaving hands clean and smooth.
1″ Staples® Teen Vogue Better® Binder with D-Rings, Assorted Patterns
Holds up to 275 sheets. Rings open easily with the touch of a finger. Reinforced rubberized spine and edges withstands heavy use without splitting. Non-stick, archival safe material won’t lift ink or toner off printed pages. Easy-insert spine label – inserts from the inside. Interior pockets for organization and storage.
University of Style Into the Wild 1 Subject Notebook, 80 Pages
University of Style 1-Subject notebook having 80 pages includes perforated sheets with decorative cover. Notebook tells about a young man chasing after his dream and ultimate adventure and is sold as 4 per pack.
GeckoTech
GeckoTech™ Reusable Hooks are made using revolutionary Microsuction technology that allows them to be used again and again.
- No tools needed – hooks remove without damage and do not leave residue.
- Great on glass, painted surface, laminate, stainless steel and any other flat, sealed surface.
- Waterproof after application, hooks can be used in many different areas, including bathrooms.
Online Resources
Net Nanny
Net Nanny protects families and helps them manage their experiences with digital content. Parents, spouses, guardians, and educators are given visibility and control in managing a child’s online experience.
Net Nanny for Windows provides the following core functions:
- Filters web content on any computer using Microsoft Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP
- Masks profanity or vulgar words on web pages
- Enforces Google Safe Search
- Provides time controls to limit the time spent online
- Provides alerts and reports of a child’s online activities
- Gives parents a cloud-based tool to manage settings and review activities
Net Nanny is available on Window and Mac OS X operating systems. It is also available on Android and iOS phone systems.
Class Complete
Class Compete is a video game system that will refresh students on topics and concepts they learned last year to get them ready for the school year. Research shows summer learning loss can put students back and they are not ready for school in September.
Product Offering:
- A reimagined Test Prep solution that improves student scores
- Teaches Time, Anxiety and Pressure skills management
- Make testing a positive learning tool by using fun games
- Use at true gaming engine (Unity) to provide games students love, not “bolt on” sub-par experiences
- Include certified content that is similar in style as new digital standardized tests
Offer an integrated platform for students, AND portals for parents and teachers
