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.
Lunchskins Reusable Snack Bags
Velcro-closing reusable snack bags with a plastic-bag-like feel—an easy transition from disposables and available in many fun prints.
From: 7 cool, reusable snack containers for kids that beat plastic bags
Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
A painted two-liter bird feeder made from a recycled bottle — a charming gift that attracts birds and encourages outdoor moments.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Recycled Grocery Bag Mother's Day Book
A homemade little book made from a brown paper grocery bag with pockets for notes and treasures — perfect for preschoolers to personalize.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Recycled Crayon Candle in Jam Jar
Colorful homemade candles made from recycled crayon pieces poured into clean jars — a personalized, fragrant gift kids can customize.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Tin Can Planter
Brightly painted recycled tin can planters perfect for small succulents or herbs, an easy kids' craft that becomes a useful windowsill gift.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
CD Fabric Coasters
Stylish coasters made by covering old CDs with fabric or paper — a quick recycled craft that pairs well with a beverage gift.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
T‑Shirt Coasters
Soft, functional coasters braided or twisted from upcycled t-shirts — practical, machine-washable, and great for everyday use.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Painted Wine Bottle Vase
Upcycled wine bottle painted and decorated as a bud vase — a simple, elegant display for a single flower or small bouquet.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Bottle Cap Clock Magnets
Mid-century inspired magnets crafted from bottle caps with printable clock faces — a retro, fridge-friendly gift kids can make.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Milk Jug String Art Necklace
A lightweight necklace made from upcycled milk-jug plastic and colorful thread — a playful, eco-conscious accessory kids can craft.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Washi Tape Toilet Paper Roll Phone Stand
A decorative phone stand made from recycled toilet-paper or paper-towel rolls and washi tape — fun, functional, and kid-friendly.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Egg Carton Teacup Mother's Day Card
A colorful, recycled egg-carton teacup card handmade by kids — a sweet, budget-friendly keepsake that can include a note or small tea gift.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Paper Bead Necklace
One-of-a-kind necklace made from rolled paper beads crafted from scrap paper or magazines — a lightweight, eco-friendly keepsake.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Coffee Can Bird Feeder
Colorfully decorated bird feeder made from an empty coffee can — bright, durable, and easy for kids to help assemble.
From: 15 easy recycled Mother's Day gifts your kids can make from stuff you have right at home | Mother's Day Gift Guide
Printable Father’s Day Coupon Cootie Catcher
A fun, interactive paper cootie catcher with activity/gift coupons that reveals dad’s treat based on his mood.
From: 9 free, fun Father's Day printables, for the easiest gift giving ever | Father's Day Guide 2018
Boys Short Sleeve Henley (4 colors)
A basic short-sleeve Henley that’s priced well and built to last — a versatile staple for many outfits.
From: The best of the J Crew kids summer sale: Hurry for 30-50% off!
Elevated Messenger Bag
A stylish messenger bag is a polished alternative to a backpack for classes and internships.
From: Our ultimate high school graduation gift guide
MilkDot Stoh Collapsible Insulated Lunch Bag
Structured, insulated lunch bag that collapses flat for storage and offers extra protection for fragile items.
From: Which lunch boxes and bags hold up the best? Here are our 5 picks after trying dozens over the years.
Dabbawalla Neoprene Lunch Bag
Washable neoprene lunch bag that holds its shape well and stands up to heavy use — great for active kids.
From: Which lunch boxes and bags hold up the best? Here are our 5 picks after trying dozens over the years.
Pottery Barn Kids Classic Lunch Box
A soft-structured, durable insulated lunch bag with internal mesh pocket and exterior water-bottle pouch — stylish and long-lasting for school kids.
From: Which lunch boxes and bags hold up the best? Here are our 5 picks after trying dozens over the years.
Set of 36 Dual-Brush Markers
A colorful dual-tip marker set for drawing, lettering, and crafts — versatile for school or home art.
From: More than 60 amazing holiday gifts for kids under $15: Like, GOOD gifts. Not stocking stuffers.
DIY Confetti Bookmark Supplies Pack
Clear bookmark sleeves and confetti filler components for making colorful, custom confetti bookmarks.
From: 15 thoughtful DIY gifts for teenage girls | Holiday Gifts 2021
Marvel Spider-Man Backpack and Lunch Box Set
A themed backpack and matching lunch box set featuring Spider-Man—practical and fun for kids who love superheroes.
From: The best Amazon Prime Day deals that don't look like leftovers from your grandmother's yard sale
Smencils 5-Pack (spring scented pencils)
A set of scented pencils in jelly bean, bubble gum, and cotton candy — practical and playful.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!