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
Shop all picks
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.
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
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
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
Rapid Ramen Cooker
Simple microwave/boil cooker designed to make instant ramen quickly—handy for dorm life.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Cuisinart 5-Cup Coffee Maker
Compact coffee maker suited to tight spaces like dorm rooms, pairs well with a travel mug.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker
Compact portable Bluetooth speaker with rich sound, great for dorm rooms or travel.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
PLAE x Jasper Wong Glow-In-The-Dark Sneakers
Comfortable, durable kids' shoes are a useful gift that kids will wear daily.
From: These new PLAE x Jasper Wong glow-in-the-dark sneakers are lit (ha)
Back-to-School Kids' Glasses — assorted branded frames
Affordable kids' eyeglass frames from brands like Converse and DKNY with polycarbonate, scratch- and impact-resistant lenses—good for gifting a durable first pair.
From: 5 things parents need to know before buying your kids glasses
Behind My Mask self-portrait project
Printable lesson idea for teachers to lead a creative mask self-portrait activity—great as a classroom starter or back-to-school project.
From: This brilliant mask self-portrait art project is one every teacher needs to assign before school starts.
Apollo 11 Spacesuit Large Backpack
Large backpack styled after the Apollo 11 spacesuit, with optional personalization—practical and thematic for school or travel.
From: The new Smithsonian x Crate & Kids collection is out of this...well, you know.
Alice in Wonderland Limited Edition 18‑Month Moleskine Planner (5 x 8.25")
A handbag-friendly 18-month weekly planner with Alice in Wonderland-themed design — a whimsical, collectible option for organized gift-giving.
From: 9 of the coolest, prettiest 2017-18 school year planners to get you and your family on the same page
SoYoung x Pixopop Backpack and Lunch Cooler Bag
Durable raw-linen backpack or insulated lunch cooler featuring illustrated designs by Ali Sabet — a practical, stylish back-to-school gift for kids who like art-forward gear.
From: New backpacks that make us glad our kids need new backpacks.
Kids' Team Back-to-School Gear (backpacks, lunchboxes)
Back-to-school backpacks and lunchboxes featuring kids' favorite team logos — practical, recognizable gifts for school-age children.
From: Smells like team spirit: 8 super fun ways kids can support their favorite team
Tiyya Foundation — Backpacks for Refugees Drive (Amazon Wish List)
Donate school supplies and backpacks from the Tiyya Foundation's Amazon wish list to help refugee children get essential back-to-school gear.
From: A simple way to help refugee children feel a little more confident on their first day of school in the U.S.
Boost Mobile Entry-Level Phone Plan (Kids' First Phone)
A budget-friendly mobile plan paired with discounted entry-level devices—good for a child’s first phone because it prioritizes reliable connection and simple setup without high cost.
From: Boost Mobile makes the "kids' first phone" choice a little less stressful
We Are All Smith Laser-Engraved Pencil Set
Set of laser-engraved pencils by We Are All Smith with an encouraging message—handmade-feel school supplies that make a thoughtful pick-me-up or back-to-school gift.
From: Get the write stuff with cool pencils for a back to school ego boost