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.
The guides
Newest guide · August 11, 2026Our pro-mom back-to-school tip each year: Mabel's Labels
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
Gift guide · July 20, 2026The most beautiful way to get organized: Paper Source
Gift guide · July 19, 2026Why Target is our favorite back-to-school shopping destination
Gift guide · July 9, 202611 dorm room essentials your college student needs
Gift guide · May 20, 202616 fantastic gifts for college grads
Gift guide · August 17, 2025Back to school tips for moms: a smart reset guide
Gift guide · July 29, 2025Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
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This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
The coolest tech for college kids while you're doing back to school shopping.
From: 12 must-have electronics and small appliances for dorm rooms | Back to School Shopping 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
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
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
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
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