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.
Kodak Pocket Projector
A compact portable projector that lets teens stream movies and share photos anywhere for impromptu movie nights.
From the guideAnker Nebula Mars II Pro Projector
Portable home projector for upgrading movie nights and streaming in larger-than-TV format.
From the guideAnker Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector
Smaller, budget-friendly smart mini projector that still offers a big-screen experience for streaming and travel.
From the guideSony Bluetooth Speaker (Portable)
A compact Bluetooth speaker offering clear sound and easy pairing, suitable for desks, kitchens, or small gatherings.
From the guideHyperice Hypersphere Mini Vibrating Massage Ball
A portable vibrating massage ball for targeting sore muscles and easing tension after activity or travel.
From the guideUltimate Ears Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Wonderboom)
Small, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with big sound and durable design — a versatile gift for teens, travelers, or outdoor use.
From the guideHouse of Marley Chant Sport Waterproof Floating Speaker
A rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speaker that floats—good for pool, beach, or boating outings and delivers strong sound for outdoor entertaining.
From the guideBitty Boomers Novelty Mini Bluetooth Speaker (themed designs)
A tiny, novelty Bluetooth speaker with licensed themes (Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Stranger Things) that delivers surprisingly good sound for its size.
From the guide
Phone-Access Blocker (Study Aid)
A device or accessory that limits phone access to encourage focused study sessions and reduce distractions.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Noise‑Cancelling Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones to reduce distractions and help focus while studying in noisy environments.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
Insulated Iced Coffee Tumbler
A large insulated tumbler to keep drinks cold during study sessions—handy for teens who like iced beverages while they work.
From: Setting up a study space at home: Tips to make it one your kid will actually use
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
High-quality noise-cancelling headphones great for studying, travel, and dorm life.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
GoodPop Organic Frozen Pops (pack)
A box of organic, clean-ingredient frozen popsicles in kid-friendly flavors—an easy treat gift for families with children.
From: How parents are surviving the school year (so far)
Dutch Speculaas Spice Cookies
Traditional spiced speculaas cookies — a cozy, shareable treat that makes a festive, easy-to-gift holiday snack.
From: Our big list of more than 200+ homemade holiday gift ideas: DIY gifts for moms, dads, kids, grandparents, neighbors, teachers...
readypac.com
Pre-packaged fresh salad kits for convenient, ready-to-eat meals—good for busy parents or teens who need quick nutritious options.
From the guide
Legit Organics Digits
Melt-in-your-mouth organic chocolate fingers available in various flavors — a tidy, less-mess alternative for handing out to trick-or-treaters.
From: Natural Halloween candy that tastes as good as the stuff you're used to.
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat
Lightweight, inflatable booster that deflates for easy storage and is handy for road trips or occasional use.
From: Mifold vs. BubbleBum: Travel booster seat smackdown
Mumbelli Baby Bed
A portable infant lounger designed to mimic the womb and help soothe fussy babies—makes a thoughtful gift for new or exhausted parents.
From: Why this innovative baby bed could be an exhausted parent's life saver
Luna StoryTime Projector
A portable storytime projector that displays soothing images and stories to help kids wind down in hotels or cars.
From: 13 things to make your summer travel with kids easier
Portable Outdoor Quad Chair
Compact folding chair for sidelines, camping, or backyard use — gives him a chair of his own.
From: 30 Gifts to Wow Dad for Less Than $20 | Father's Day Gift Guide
Nomad ChargeKey USB-C Keychain Cable
Compact USB-C emergency charger that clips to a keychain—practical for moms on the go.
From: Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that still feel thoughtful
Gritin Rechargeable LED Book Light
Dimmable, travel-ready LED book light ideal for bedtime readers who don’t want to disturb others.
From: Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that still feel thoughtful
Smokeless Portable Fire Pit & Grill
A rechargeable, smokeless portable grill that runs on charcoal or wood and is controllable via Bluetooth.
From: 20 unique gifts (good ones!) for dads who have everything | Father's Day Gift Guide
SmartDevil Portable USB Fan (black/woodgrain)
A compact USB-rechargeable portable fan available in multiple finishes; convenient for travel, desks, or hot cafes.
From: Your summer lifesaver, now on sale. Or is that my summer lifesaver?