Back to School and College Essentials
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.
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Compact Coffee Maker
A small, simple coffee maker that brews single to multiple cups—convenient for early classes and limited dorm counter space.
From: The coolest affordable small appliances for college | Back to school guide
DIY Lunchable Kit
Components for building homemade Lunchables (crackers, sliced cheese, deli meats and compartment tray) — great for picky eaters and customizable lunches.
From the guideTOMS Glow-in-the-Dark DNA Canvas Shoes
Novelty canvas slip-on shoes featuring a glow-in-the-dark DNA print—fun for science lovers and a playful back-to-school gift.
From the guide
Cooling Bed Sheets
Breathable, cooling bed sheets to help with hot dorm rooms and improve sleep comfort.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Sunflower Spread (Sunflower 'Nutella' Alternative)
Sunflower seed–based chocolate spread (or homemade recipe) as a nut-free Nutella alternative — a tasty sandwich option safe for nut-restricted schools.
From the guideiTooch Grade-Level Math Apps (individual grades or bundles)
Grade-specific math apps with thousands of practice exercises that align to U.S. curriculum — great for reinforcing classwork for multiple grades when purchased as a bundle.
From the guide
Weighted Sleep Mask
A weighted sleep mask can help a student get better rest when roommates keep late hours or lights are on.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Bentgo Compartmentalized Kids Lunch Box
A compartmentalized lunch container that helps pack balanced meals and keeps foods separated — great for encouraging kids to pack their own lunches.
From the guideiTooch 8th Grade Math App
An 8th-grade focused version of iTooch offering extensive practice exercises to help students master grade-level concepts.
From the guide
Hanging Dopp Kit
A hanging dopp kit keeps toiletries organized and accessible for shared bathrooms or travel.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Mason Jar Ramen Recipe (Brit + Co.)
Mason jar ramen recipe with variations for easy hot-water lunches, suitable for cooler days or cozy meals.
From the guideJohansen Bellbrook Laptop and Camera Backpack
Water-resistant waxed canvas backpack with padded dividers and multiple compartments designed to protect laptops and camera gear while traveling.
From the guide
Robe for Dorms
A comfortable robe ideal for quick trips to shared bathrooms or lounging in a dorm room.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
12-Pack Pint-Sized Ball Mason Jars (Target)
Set of 12 pint mason jars ideal for packing salads, pasta, overnight oats, or other portable lunches.
From the guideMacBook Air
A thin, lightweight laptop with strong performance and long battery life—suitable for schoolwork and creative projects.
From the guide
Heavy-Duty Moving Bags
Sturdy moving bags are a useful gift for transporting belongings during a dorm move or summer relocation.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Sushi Mason Jar Recipe (Clean Food Crush)
A deconstructed sushi-in-a-jar recipe that provides a fun alternative to sandwiches for kids who love sushi flavors.
From the guideTomtoc 360° Shockproof Laptop Sleeve
A slim, spill-resistant laptop sleeve that offers shock protection while fitting easily into a backpack or tote.
From the guide
HEPA air purifier (compact)
A compact air purifier improves air quality in shared dorm rooms, reducing allergens and odors for better comfort.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Antipasto Mason Jar Salad (Fed & Fit)
Sophisticated antipasto salad layered in a mason jar — a flavorful, giftable lunch option for older kids or teens.
From the guideFacet Magnetic Pyramid iPad Stand
Compact magnetic pyramid stand that holds iPads at a comfortable viewing angle — a sleek, space-saving gift for home or office use.
From the guide
Cordless stick vacuum (featherweight)
A lightweight stick vacuum helps keep small living spaces tidy with easy maneuverability and compact storage.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Insulated Mason Jar Carrier from LaFae (Etsy)
Insulated shoulder tote for carrying a mason jar lunch with a side pouch for phone or small items; available in multiple colors.
From the guideUSB Beverage Warmer
A desk-friendly beverage warmer that keeps coffee or tea at a drinkable temperature — helpful for people who get pulled away from hot drinks.
From the guide
Bissell MyAir compact air purifier
Bissell MyAir compact air purifier—trusted-brand option sized for a nightstand to help keep dorm air cleaner.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
A Sweet Pea Chef Salad Jars (recipe/meal prep)
Layered mason jar salads designed for make-ahead grab-and-go lunches that keep ingredients crisp through the week.
From the guide
Compact electric toothbrush (subscription option)
Slim electric toothbrush with replaceable heads—compact for dorm life and available with subscription refills.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Gimme Delicious Burrito Jars (recipe/meal idea)
Prepared burrito-style mason jar meals — a customizable grab-and-go lunch idea that's great for older kids and busy parents.
From the guide
Corded stick vacuum (compact Bissell option)
Affordable compact Bissell stick vacuum that saves space and encourages simple dorm-room cleaning.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Fitpacker Meal Prep Containers (Multi-Compartment Bento Boxes)
Stackable meal-prep containers that keep components separated for week-long packed lunches and reduce morning prep time.
From the guide
Reusable K-Cup filter
Single-serve brewer that accepts K-cups or a reusable K-cup for grounds—more affordable and eco-friendly option.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Insulated Kids' Lunch Box
A durable, insulated lunch box makes a thoughtful gift to keep food fresh and is easy to clean between uses.
From the guide
Rechargeable portable lantern / study light
A portable, rechargeable study light provides focused illumination for reading or studying anywhere in the dorm.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping Guide
Star-Shaped LED String Lights
Decorative battery/string LED lights that add a cozy, ambient glow to a dorm room or apartment.
From: 21 great gift ideas for college students | Holiday Gifts 2022
Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle (customizable)
Durable insulated bottle available with college logo options to keep drinks cold or hot through the day.
From: 21 great gift ideas for college students | Holiday Gifts 2022
Comfy Wrap Headphones
Soft, wrap-style headphones designed for comfortable listening and sleep-friendly ambient sound in noisy dorm environments.
From: 21 great gift ideas for college students | Holiday Gifts 2022
Clothing Hangers
A set of hangers to keep a dorm closet organized and maximize limited storage space.
From: 11 dorm room essentials your college student needs
Bedside Multi-Function Device (charger, lamp, speaker)
A compact bedside gadget that combines a lamp, phone charger, alarm, and Bluetooth speaker for small spaces.
From: 11 dorm room essentials your college student needs
Tessan Outlet Extender Power Strip
Power strip with USB ports and flat plug design to provide extra outlets without blocking furniture placement.
From: 11 dorm room essentials your college student needs
Combo Air Purifier & Humidifier
Two-in-one unit that improves air quality and adds moisture—helpful for shared living spaces and allergies.
From: 11 dorm room essentials your college student needs
Hanging Shoe Organizer
Over-the-door shoe organizer that saves floor space and keeps footwear tidy in a small dorm room.
From: 11 dorm room essentials your college student needs
Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Compact)
A lightweight stick vacuum designed for small spaces to help keep a dorm room tidy and inviting.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Uno Card Game
A classic fast-playing card game that's compact and great for breaking the ice at dorm gatherings.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Novelty Door Stop
A decorative doorstop that keeps the dorm door propped open and doubles as a playful conversation starter.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Door Chalkboard Sign
A small chalkboard for dorm doors to leave messages, announcements, or fun notes for roommates and visitors.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Foldable Comfy Dorm Chair
A compact, foldable lounge chair that provides extra seating for late-night chats and tucks away under a bed.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Flatware Set (Compact Cutlery Set)
A quality flatware set to upgrade dorm meals beyond disposable utensils—compact and useful for everyday dining.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Keurig K-Mini Mate Plus Single-Serve Brewer
A slim single-serve brewer designed for small spaces that makes hot or cold drinks using K-Cup pods.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
A compact instant photo printer that lets students print 2x3-inch photos from their phone for dorm decor and memories.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love
Guitar Controllers for Rhythm Games
Wireless or wired guitar-style controllers compatible with PC rhythm games for group gaming and retro parties.
From: NON-essential dorm room items your college student will totally love