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.
History Makers Wooden Puzzle Block Set
A set of wooden puzzle blocks featuring historical Black figures designed to teach kids about leadership and history through hands-on play—great for ages 3+ and classroom or home gifting.
From: Bevy & Dave makes Black history blocks that help build future leaders, too.Metamorphabet (app)
Interactive alphabet app that turns letters into playful, animated scenes — a fun early-literacy gift for preschoolers.
From the guide
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Lunch Bag
A perfectly sized insulated lunch bag in many colors and licensed themes that fits small backpacks — a classic, kid-friendly school gift.
From the guide
Osmo Little Genius STEM Learning Starter Set (for iPad)
Hands‑on STEM and early learning kit that pairs with a tablet — a thoughtful educational gift for preschoolers (iPad required).
From: 11 of the best Prime Day 2021 Deals from brands we trust. No "ACKHYDRO" or "PROFORL7" or whatever.Cubetto Deluxe Coding Playset
A screen-free, wooden coding toy for young children that teaches basic programming logic through tactile blocks and story-based adventure packs.
From the guide
MilkDot Insulated Lunch Tote
A durable, stylish insulated tote that has held up through multiple seasons — a practical, long-lasting lunch bag gift for kids.
From the guide
New Sphere Online Preschool Subscription (Free Trial)
A subscription-based online preschool program for ages 2–6 that provides structured early-learning classes and activities—good for parents wanting guided, at-home education.
From: This absolutely wonderful preschool program lets kids learn right from homeKinToons Nursery Rhyme DJ (Kids App)
A safe, kid-friendly app that lets children mix and play with nursery rhymes — a playful, educational gift for preschoolers and young kids.
From the guide
KidKraft Classic Kids Play Table and Chair Set
A sturdy, affordable art and activity table set sized for younger children—great for early learners and craft time.
From: Setting up a study space at home: Tips to make it one your kid will actually useMetamorphabet (Google Play)
Interactive alphabet app that turns letters into playful, animated scenes — a fun early-literacy gift for preschoolers.
From the guide
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio (picture book)
A picture-book adaptation promoting kindness and empathy, suitable for preschoolers and early readers.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.Metamorphabet (Amazon Appstore)
Interactive alphabet app that turns letters into playful, animated scenes — a fun early-literacy gift for preschoolers.
From the guide
Personalized Kids Crayon Name Set (Etsy)
Chunky, name-shaped crayons personalized for the child—fun, practical, and great for little hands.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Superhero Graphic Tee (children's)
Character graphic T-shirt featuring a favorite hero—an easy, wearable gift most preschoolers enjoy.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.Ergonomic Keyboard
A low-profile ergonomic keyboard helps reduce wrist and forearm strain during long laptop sessions, making it a practical gift for teens who type a lot.
From the guide
My First Bananagrams
A preschool-friendly version of Bananagrams with lowercase and combo-letter tiles to encourage early literacy through play.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Walkie Chalk Sidewalk Chalk Holder
A handheld chalk holder that keeps little hands cleaner and makes outdoor drawing easier and more fun.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Superman and Wonder Woman Wooden Figurines
Small wooden superhero figurines that encourage imaginative play and storytelling.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Bug-shaped Flashlight
A cute, durable bug-shaped flashlight that makes bedtime and playtime more adventurous.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Novelty Kids Socks (Sock It To Me)
Fun, themed socks sized for little feet with playful designs that feel like a treat to receive.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Melissa & Doug Solar System Floor Puzzle (48 pieces)
Large, colorful 48-piece floor puzzle featuring the solar system—big pieces are great for preschool motor skills and imaginative play.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Seedling Color Your Own Kokeshi Doll Kit
A kid-friendly DIY kit with colored pencils to decorate a wooden Kokeshi doll—easy, portable craft for creative play.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
La Baby Soft Baby Doll
A small, soft, diverse baby doll sized for preschoolers to cuddle and use in pretend-play.
From: 15 of the best birthday gift ideas for preschoolers that are under $15. For real.
Quiet (picture book) by Tomie dePaola
A peaceful picture book ideal for reading with preschoolers to encourage calm, quiet reflection.
From: Keep calm and carry on with these 7 excellent children's books about mindfulness, meditation and deep breaths