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.
Gift guides
Gift guide Β· August 11, 2026Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels
Gift guide Β· August 3, 2026The kids' backpacks we're swooning over right now
Gift guide Β· July 30, 2026The best back-to-school tech for teens
Gift guide Β· July 29, 2026Walmart has back-to-school shopping covered
Gift guide Β· July 27, 2026Make back-to-school clothes shopping easy with Primary
Gift guide Β· July 23, 2026Our favorite lunchboxes for Back to School 2026
Treats & recipes
From the archive Β· August 5, 2014
From the archive Β· August 13, 2014
From the archive Β· August 26, 2017
From the archive Β· August 13, 2013
From the archive Β· August 16, 2011
Back to school snacks: 6 exciting, creative ways to pack fruit for school lunch
From the archive Β· August 13, 2014High protein snacks: A healthy snack trend parents can get down with. (Just in time for back to school!)
From the archive Β· August 26, 20175 super fun bento box ideas that are as easy to make as they are to eat.
From the archive Β· August 13, 2013Best Lunchbox Snacks: Back to School Guide 2013
From the archive Β· August 16, 2011Back to school shopping - the best lunchbox accessories
From the archive Β· August 16, 2014Healthy back to school snacks: 4 delicious food trends every parent should know about.
Crafts & DIY
From the archive Β· July 13, 2020This brilliant mask self-portrait art project is one every teacher needs to assign before school starts.
From the archive Β· August 24, 2021A clever back to school gift for young women and menstruators: A DIY locker kit
From the archive Β· August 20, 201412 truly cool back to school crafts that beat macaroni art
From the archive Β· August 29, 20178 incredibly cool ways to customize your denim jacket and make it your own
From the archive Β· August 20, 2013Making the first day of preschool a little easier. On the kids, if not you.
From the archive Β· August 31, 2011Take my heart, please.
Printables & activities
Gift guide Β· October 2, 2026Game Day, Upgraded
From the archive Β· August 19, 201712 motivational back-to-school printables to send kids off with a smile.
From the archive Β· August 17, 20168 outstanding books that teach empathy for kids with special needs
From the archive Β· August 14, 2013A free printable to get your kids excited about back to school. (Also: cheaper than a new outfit.)
From the archive Β· July 26, 2016The lunch box napkins that can help kids make new friends
From the archive Β· September 1, 20185 great printable academic calendars to get you organized for the new school year
Decor
From the archive Β· August 4, 2014Back to school stress-buster: 5 tips to get kids out the door in time for school
Gift guide Β· March 4, 202512 creative ways to display kids' artwork, from DIYs to clutter-saving services
From the archive Β· July 24, 2024The new Smithsonian x Crate & Kids collection is out of this...well, you know.
More ideas
Gift guide Β· October 2, 2026Get Your Suit Together: Homecoming shopping, made easy.
Gift guide Β· August 16, 2026The sweetest back-to-school tradition
Gift guide Β· August 8, 2026Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier
Gift guide Β· August 6, 2026Back to school shoes that will never go out of style
From the archive Β· August 25, 2011Eco-friendly felt name tags - back-to-school awesomeness
From the archive Β· July 30, 2018Personalized keychains and backpack charms to send kids back to school with a smile
From our stories & Selling now
4 picksEditors' top picks
Skip Hop Kids 12" Rocket Backpack
$19.89Shop at Target (opens in a new tab)From: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide
Cat & Jack Daisy Backpack
$19.99Shop at Target (opens in a new tab)From: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide
Quince Recycled Backpacks for Little Kids
$49.90Shop at Quince (opens in a new tab)From: 15 of the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten | Back to School Shopping Guide
Gap Factory: Even better prices on the same look
$6Shop at Gap Factory (opens in a new tab)From: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget