Gift guides
Back to School and College Essentials
From the editors
Whether you're prepping for the first day of kindergarten or packing the car for college move-in, back-to-school season is a lot. Here's our favorite gear for every stage: lunch boxes and backpacks, dorm essentials, care package ideas, and the little things that make a new school year feel exciting instead of overwhelming.
Newest and most read
6 guidesStart with a guide
Gift guide · October 2, 2026Get Your Suit Together: Homecoming shopping, made easy.
Gift guide · October 2, 2026Game Day, Upgraded
Gift guide · August 16, 2026The sweetest back-to-school tradition
Gift guide · August 11, 2026Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels
Gift guide · August 8, 2026Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier
Gift guide · August 6, 2026Back to school shoes that will never go out of style
Gift guides
Gift guide · August 11, 2026Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels
Gift guide · August 3, 2026The kids' backpacks we're swooning over right now
Gift guide · July 30, 2026The best back-to-school tech for teens
Gift guide · July 29, 2026Walmart has back-to-school shopping covered
Gift guide · July 27, 2026Make back-to-school clothes shopping easy with Primary
Gift guide · July 23, 2026Our favorite lunchboxes for Back to School 2026
Treats & recipes
From the archive · August 9, 2011Back to school shopping - better lunchbox snacks
From the archive · August 16, 2011Back to school shopping - the best lunchbox accessories
From the archive · August 13, 2013Best Lunchbox Snacks: Back to School Guide 2013
From the archive · September 3, 20136 simple, delicious dinners for hectic back to school schedules
From the archive · August 5, 2014Back to school snacks: 6 exciting, creative ways to pack fruit for school lunch
From the archive · August 13, 2014High protein snacks: A healthy snack trend parents can get down with. (Just in time for back to school!)
Crafts & DIY
From the archive · August 20, 201412 truly cool back to school crafts that beat macaroni art
From the archive · July 13, 2020This brilliant mask self-portrait art project is one every teacher needs to assign before school starts.
From the archive · August 24, 2021A clever back to school gift for young women and menstruators: A DIY locker kit
From the archive · August 31, 2011Take my heart, please.
From the archive · August 20, 2013Making the first day of preschool a little easier. On the kids, if not you.
From the archive · August 29, 20178 incredibly cool ways to customize your denim jacket and make it your own
Printables & activities
Gift guide · October 2, 2026Game Day, Upgraded
From the archive · August 14, 2013A free printable to get your kids excited about back to school. (Also: cheaper than a new outfit.)
From the archive · August 17, 20168 outstanding books that teach empathy for kids with special needs
From the archive · August 19, 201712 motivational back-to-school printables to send kids off with a smile.
From the archive · July 16, 2010A girls' guide to middle school mojo
From the archive · August 19, 2012This book belongs to...
Decor
From the archive · August 4, 2014Back to school stress-buster: 5 tips to get kids out the door in time for school
Gift guide · March 4, 202512 creative ways to display kids' artwork, from DIYs to clutter-saving services
From the archive · July 24, 2024The new Smithsonian x Crate & Kids collection is out of this...well, you know.
More ideas
Gift guide · October 2, 2026Get Your Suit Together: Homecoming shopping, made easy.
Gift guide · August 16, 2026The sweetest back-to-school tradition
Gift guide · August 8, 2026Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier
Gift guide · August 6, 2026Back to school shoes that will never go out of style
From the archive · August 5, 2008Presenting the Cool Mom Picks Back-to-School Shopping Guide
From the archive · August 2, 2009The back to school sneakers for climbing a tree or cutting a rug
Each opens inside its guide
4 picksEditors' top picks
Gap Factory: Even better prices on the same look
$6See it in the guideFrom: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
Kohl’s: One-stop shopping and real rewards
$49See it in the guideFrom: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
Skip Hop Kids 12" Rocket Backpack
$19.89See it in the guideFrom: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide
Quince Recycled Backpacks for Little Kids
$49.90See it in the guideFrom: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide