2026 Back to School Guide

EaZyHold:

EaZyHold is a soft silicone grip aid that adapts to any tool, pencil, utensil, or art supply and more. Not only are these great for children, but they are also great for adults, as I use EaZyHold myself!

Their Infant to Child 5-pack includes the five smallest-sized EaZyHold universal cuffs and is designed to be used as soon as 6 months old all the way up to 10 years old! They then offer a youth to adult 5 pack which is perfect for 10 and up.

The infant to child pack is $34.99

Igor Euri Raincoat, Amarillo:

JustShoesforKids.com offers a variety of great items for back-to-school, including this high-quality raincoat, which features the classic yellow design with a striped interior.

Their shoe collection features a variety of different styles and sizes, and they carry brands such as Old Soles, Sticky Lemon, Tip Toey Joey, Atlanta Mocassin, Lilies & Roses NY, Victoria, Igor, Naturino, Falcotto, and much more. They carry a large assortment of shoes from infant and toddler to little kid and big kid shoes.

Price: $62

MOSS DOGS BY MOSS BAGS

These adorable little dog keychains from Moss Bags make an adorable backpack companion for the back-to-school season.

Bring your favorite furry companion with you everywhere you go with these beautiful handcrafted leather keychains that are made using leather offcuts, which means they reduce waste too!

They are available in multiple colors, and a portion of profits supports service and mountain rescue dogs.

Starting at $16, buy 2, get 1 free!

KEEP>GOING First Aid Kits:

KEEP>GOING First Aid Kits are a great addition to any back-to-school shopping list.

Compact enough to toss into a backpack, diaper bag, glove box, or carry-on, these TSA-approved kits are packed with 130+ first aid essentials, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn relief, and more.

The water- and stain-resistant cases make them especially handy for busy families, school activities, sports, road trips, and outdoor adventures.

Refill kits are available once you run out, which is nice, but I find the contents last a long time.

They offer a variety of different kits starting at $24.99

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Handzies Soap + Water Wipes:

Perfect for lunchboxes, backpacks, classroom parties, field trips, and everyday messes, these individually packaged wipes make it easy to keep little hands fresh and clean.

Made with natural castile soap, water, and essential oils, Handzies are free from alcohol, BZK, triclosan, artificial perfumes, and dyes, so you can skip the harsh hand sanitizer.

You can purchase on Amazon for $14.99

BILLY Limitless Adaptive Shoes:

BILLY Footwear teamed up with RWJBarnabas Health’s Children’s Specialized Hospital to create BILLY Limitless, a fully adaptive shoe designed with direct input from CSH clinicians, patients, and families.

These shoes are designed to be stylish, comfortable, and accessible for people with autism, cerebral palsy, sensory sensitivities, diabetes, gout, arthritis, or those who wear orthotic braces.

These shoes feature an easy on-and-off zipper, sensory-friendly fabric, and interchangeable easy-grab loop zipper pulls. They are built with alignment, stabilization, and reducing impact to the heel and joints in mind. They also include two sets of removable, stackable inserts for a customized fit.

A portion of sales supports Children’s Specialized Hospital, helping children with unique challenges achieve their fullest potential.

They are available in men’s, women’s, and kids.

As someone who is physically disabled myself, these are a wishlist item of mine!

Period Starter Kits by Natracare:

The Period Starter Kit by Natracare is a wonderful back-to-school essential to be prepared for your tween or teen’s first period.

This kit features a variety of disposable, compostable Natracare pads, panty liners, and wipes to choose from. It also features a reusable pad and microwaveable cherry stone thermal pillow.

They also offer a large kit, which features all the above as well as ultra extra regular pads with wings, organic cotton non-applicator tampons regular, and organic cotton applicator tampons regular.

Price: Standard kit $55 and Large Kit $79.99

Big Tree Farms Coconut Sugar:

Big Tree Farms Coconut Sugar is a great pantry staple that can make breakfast more exciting. It offers a caramel-like flavor and can be swapped one-for-one for traditional sugar in everything from breakfast recipes, baking, and sauce to marinades and traditional dinners.

They also offer a Bali BBQ sauce, coconut aminos, and other marinades.

About the company: Founded in Bali in 2003, Big Tree Farms began with a mission to create better-for-you foods rooted in regenerative agriculture and bold flavor.

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Alter Eco Foods:

Alter Eco Foods offers a variety of organic, non-GMO, and Fair Trade treats made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Their selection includes indulgent chocolate, crunchy oat clusters, granola, and more.

With a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, Alter Eco makes it easy to enjoy your favorite snacks while supporting better practices for farmers, communities, and the planet.

Ocean Bottle:

Water bottles are a required item on most back-to-school supply lists, and Ocean Bottle is more than just a reusable water bottle company. Every sale funds the removal of the equivalent of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic water bottles(that equates to 25 lb.)

You can read more about their impact here.

These water bottles are made of a minimum of 67% recycled materials and built to last, which makes them perfect for multiple school years.

Evergreen Waffles:

Evergreen is a clean-label waffle brand that helps simplify your morning breakfast routine. Made with 100% whole grains, avocado oil, and real fruits and vegetables, Evergreen waffles also contain up to 6 grams of protein per serving.

The lineup includes both Mini and Thick & Fluffy waffles, with a variety of flavors to choose from.

Evergreen Minis come in fun, dessert-inspired varieties like Peanut Butter Banana, Apple Cinnamon Cobbler, Chocolate Brownie, Zucchini Carrot Cake, and Mixed Berry Cobbler.

The Thick & Fluffy collection includes classic favorites such as Homestyle, Blueberry, Chocolate, and Cinnamon Swirl.

Evergreen waffles are available in more than 8,500 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Kroger, and select Walmart and Target locations. They’re also available through Amazon via Whole Foods.

Migration Butterfly Necklace from Camille Torres Designs:

Camille Torres Designs offers stunning handcrafted fine jewelry, and this migration butterfly necklace makes a stunning gift for the college-bound student and a wonderful way to symbolize independence and their new journey.

This necklace honors the 3,000-mile migration and endurance of the monarch, which reminds the wearer that resilience can carry us anywhere.

Starting at $140.

Camille Torres Designs offers a variety of other butterfly-themed jewelry that is all stunning!

MEZETE Grab N Go Hummus:

MEZETE’s Grab N Go Hummus packs are perfect for school lunches, field trips, sports practices, and busy days on the go. The best part? They don’t require refrigeration, making them easy to toss in a lunchbox, backpack, or bag. Made with no preservatives, these shelf-stable snack packs pair creamy hummus with crunchy breadsticks for a convenient and satisfying snack anytime, anywhere.

MEZETE also offers authentic Middle Eastern stand-alone hummus, sauces, soups, and stews.

Mightylicious Cookies:

Mightylicious Cookies make a delicious addition to lunchboxes, after-school snacks, and busy back-to-school days. They’re gluten-free and offer both vegan and vegetarian options, so there’s something for a variety of dietary needs.

These cookies are everything but bland, and my family loves them! The Oatmeal Coconut is personally my favorite.

Flavors include Oatmeal Coconut, Brown Butter Shortbread, Oatmeal Raisin, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip, Salted Peanut Butter, and Double Dutch Chocolate.

Mightylicious Cookies are $8.99 per bag, and they also sell bundles.

Case•It:

Case•It is an organization brand that offers a variety of essentials in fun designs.

Pictured is their Printed Mighty Zip Tab in Pastel Iridescent, featuring a five-colored tabbed, six-pocket expanding file to help keep everything organized. It also includes a convenient U-zip design, three-ring binder, and a handle and shoulder strap for easy carrying.

Price: $29.99

Also pictured is their Clear Case XL, which is a spacious pouch that features an elastic band inside to secure items and can be used to store a variety of school supplies.

Price: $14.99

Case•It: was also kind enough to send me their Medium Portable Medical Binder / Organizer, which is something I suggest for anyone battling a chronic illness, as it makes illness management easier. It has plenty of space for my meds and even comes with a pill organizer.

Price: $49.99

Cruiser™ Everyday Shoes:

Stonz is a kid’s brand that I love! Their items are high quality, and my son had their 2-in-1 snowsuit, which was one of my favorite items, and I was so sad when he outgrew.

I recently came across their Cruiser™ Everyday shoes and thought they were absolutely adorable. Designed for little explorers, they feature a water-repellent upper, scuff-resistant materials, and a zero-drop design for natural movement. They’re lightweight, comfortable, durable, and made to keep up with all the running, jumping, and everyday adventures that come with being a kid.

Price: $64.99

Enamio Gum:

Enamio is a sugar-free chewing gum with nano-hydroxyapatite that rebuilds enamel between brushings and is perfect for lunchboxes, backpacks, and on the go.

Available in mint, berry, cinnamon, and watermelon.

This is great to use between brushing and flossing to freshen your breath and improve your oral health.

Price: Starting at $24.99 for a 2-pack.

Totes Signature Clear Bubble Umbrella:

This fun bubble umbrella from Totes is a chic and unique way to stay dry during rainy weather. It features an oversized 51-inch dome-shaped canopy that extends lower over your body, offering extra coverage.

I love this fun design so much, and they offer clear, iridescent, rainbow, birds, and sunset pink.

Price: $38

Totes also offers other wonderful back-to-school items, including Unisex Rain Poncho and Kid’s Charley Tall Rain Boots.

Oh Color Me:

Oh Color Me is a family-owned company that offers pocket-sized (4” × 4”) mini coloring books. Each book includes 50 bold, easy-to-color pages and fits perfectly into backpacks, lunch bags, and desks, and is perfect for on-the-go.

They offer fun titles like Mystical Wonders, Little Doodle Notes, Sea Secrets, Sweet & Salty, and more.

Oh Color Me also offers coloring banners and regular coloring books.

The mini coloring books sell for $6.99

Website

MusaArtGallery:

MusaArtGallery offers a wide variety of canvas art that can add personality and style to dorm rooms, classrooms, and other spaces.

Their collection includes a variety of styles and categories, including abstract, motivational, pop art, nature, and more. With different sizes and price ranges available, there’s something to fit a variety of spaces, styles, and budgets.

Personalized College Pennants:

ForeverYoursbyAVL is an Etsy shop offering a variety of personalized items, including these fun custom college pennants! Each pennant can be personalized for both private and public universities and features the school name and mascot.

These embroidered felt pennants measure 7” x 3” and make a fun gift or keepsake for college students and alumni.

Starting at $23.99.

They also offer Personalized Crayon Water Bottles, Custom Embroidered Name Patches, and more.

Website

Roam Smart Tracker:

Roam is a smart tracker that works with both Apple and Android Find My networks, requires no additional apps or subscription fees, and easily attaches to bags, bikes, backpacks, and more.

No charging is required, and each tracker features up to a 2-year battery life. They are also made from recycled plastics and are waterproof.

Plus, every Roam tracker sold helps plant a tree!

Starting at $29.99.

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Daily Hydration by Thread Performance:

Daily Hydration is a potassium-forward electrolyte blend designed to support hydration without overloading on sodium. I like to experiment with different electrolytes, so I’m always trying new brands.

This plant-based, zero-sugar electrolyte blend provides a balanced potassium-to-sodium ratio to support cellular hydration. It’s formulated with trace minerals from the ocean, B vitamins, and coconut water powder, making it a great option for everyday hydration without adding an excessive amount of sodium.

While sodium is crucial for managing my POTS, I also like having options that allow me to mix things up. I can enjoy Daily Hydration alongside my other electrolytes without having to worry about consuming too much sodium throughout the day. For me, it’s a nice way to add some variety to my hydration routine while still getting important electrolytes and minerals.

This product is specifically built for ages 8+, so it’s great for lunch boxes, sports practice, and even for adults.

Starts at $23.96

Color Oops Color Barrier Style Stick:

I colored my hair A LOT in high school, and it was very embarrassing to go to school with dye stains! I wish this was a product I had known about then!

This product is formulated with nourishing, scalp-friendly ingredients and is a glide-on stick designed to work with all hair types and textures.

You can use it as a styling hold to tame flyaways, create sexy slicked-back looks, and as a shield to prevent at-home hair dye mishaps that can stain your skin.

Price: $10.38.

Splat Glossy Sauce Demi-Permanent Clear Gloss Hair Color:

Splat was my go-to brand in high school, and recently I discovered #GlassHair, a trend on TikTok, and found out that Splat offers its own Demi-Permanent Clear Glass Hair Color at home! It is designed to deliver extreme shine and silky softness, boosting manageability and making hair easier to style and maintain. It also fortifies hair and protects against breakage for shiny, nourished, healthier hair.

Price: $17.99

Lavanila Perfume Sampler Set:

This mini spray set is a fantastic gift for the tween or twin who is looking to experiment with scents.

It features 5 mini eau de parfum: Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Sugarcane & Vanilla Lavender, so you can experiment and even blend to make your own signature scent.

They also offer luxe aluminum-free deodorant and hair and body mists.

About the brand: Lavanila is a natural beauty brand known for its collection of clean, naturally derived fragrances and deodorants.

Price: $28

French Twist Claw Clip by The Hair Edit:

The Hair Edit offers a variety of hair care, hair accessories, hair tools, and more.

The French Twist Claw Clip is Allure’s Best of Beauty Award Winner 2022 and perfect for updos, half-up styles, and more, and designed to work with all hair types.

Price: $13.99

Their hair accessories make for an easy morning hair routine, and some of my favorites are French Twist Claw Clip – Gold, Couture Claw Clip – Ivory, and Ruffled Polka Dot Oversized Scrunchie.

Their products are affordable, fun, and they even have a lovely sale selection.

Bioré:

Bioré is a brand I was OBSESSED with in high school. I swore by this brand, and somehow, as I got older, I just forgot about them, so I am so excited to see they are still a brand.

I RELIGIOUSLY used their original pore strips, and for those that don’t know, they instantly lift away dirt, oil, and blackheads, leaving pores visibly cleaner in just one use.

Price: $9.99

Other great items from them include Bioré UV Aqua Rich Moisturizer SPF 50 and Bioré Pore Refining Bubbling Nose Mask.

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Floverb Keepsakes by Let’s Flow GOLD:

Floverb Keepsakes by Let’s Flow GOLD offers encouragement cards & ornaments that can help kids and teens feel seen and supported.

Parents can use Floverb cards as a beginning-of-year ritual: they choose a card with an uplifting message, write a personal note inside the blank interior, and gift it to their child on the first day of school. The card then lives on a study desk, bedroom wall, or locker as a source of encouragement in moments when it’s needed.

Milestones can be jotted down inside and saved as mementos to be looked at in the future.

Tiy Hair Ties:

Tiy is a high-performance hair tie brand that solves the problem of breaking elastics. Instead of a simple one-size-fits-all design, Tiy allows you to cut and tie the elastic yourself and create multiple loops to customize to your hair type or style. Tiy is very durable compared to standard hair ties and has more stretch.

Beloved by athletes, these are great for sports or those with thick hair looking for a better hold.

Foxhollow Farm:

Cooking can get hectic on school nights, and that is where meat boxes from Foxhollow Farms come into play.

Foxhollow Farm is a 1,300-acre Biodynamic farm in Kentucky that’s been raising cattle on pasture for nearly two decades using regenerative farming practices that prioritize healthy soil, animal welfare, and quality.

Their subscription options are a perfect way to keep freezers stocked without having to worry about running out.

Pictured is their Ground Chuck Box, which features 10 lbs of 90% lean/10% fat ground chuck.

Foxhollow Farm offers FREE In-Market Pick-Up, $15 Local Delivery (Within 30 Miles), and shipping to Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia ONLY.

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George the Mouse in a Log Pile House:

George the Mouse in a Log Pile House by Rebecca Atanassova, illustrated by Alissa Hansen, follows an adventurous mouse named George as he searches for the place where he belongs. This book is inspired by an English wildlife photographer and his wild mouse friend.

This book reminds readers that friends come in all shapes and sizes, and that it’s okay to venture out and be curious.

Price: $17.99 for Paperback and $25.99 for Hardcover.

Campfire Crafts: 70+ Screen-Free Outdoor Projects for Kids and Families:

This hands-on book is full of 70+ screen-free outdoor projects for families, camps, and classrooms that are all nature-based. Projects include glowing lanterns, twig-woven frames, and simple science experiments. The book also includes fun extras, including camp songs, stories, safety tips, and journal pages.

About the Authors:

Anna-Marie Fahmy has worked in college admissions for the past decade. She is currently the Regional Associate Director of Admissions for the West Coast at Muhlenberg College. She graduated from Scripps College, the women’s college of the Claremont Colleges in Claremont, CA, in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. In 2019, she earned her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University.

Andrew Fahmy has worked in the nonprofit field for the past decade. He is currently the Executive Director of the United for Financial Security initiative at Orange County United Way. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Price: Paperback $15.83 and Ebook $9.99.

I Am King Chameleon! I Demand to be Seen!

King Chameleon is a flashy, larger-than-life chameleon who demands to be seen! Loud, proud, and over-the-top, King Chameleon is determined to make sure all eyes are on him, whether anyone asked or not.

This hilarious seek-and-find adventure will have readers laughing at King Chameleon’s increasingly ridiculous demands as they search through beautifully illustrated pages packed with fun details. Full of personality, humor, and plenty of visual surprises.

About the Author:

BEN OKON is the best-selling author of the King Chameleon series, Dinos Love Donuts, and the Younger Me Academy series. Look for him, his wife, and his two boys in the children’s section of libraries in cities like Boston, MA, New York, NY, and Birmingham, AL.

Price: $14.99

Gomer the Gassy Goat:

Gomer the Gassy Goat is a hilarious fart-filled tale that follows Gomer, a goat who has a bit of a gas problem.

He is sassy, gassy, and likes to introduce himself to everyone on the farm. Gomer the Gassy Goat will have you laughing out loud before you can say, “trendy-bendy, nosy, noisy, smiley, smelly, classy, silly, sassy, gassy goat!”

Price: $14.99

First Day of School storybook from Storybug:

Storybug offers personalized books, including this lovely First Day of School that is a personalized adventure to help ease any nervousness your child may have about their first day back to school.

This book navigates new experiences, making friends, and discovering that school is a fun and welcoming place.

You get to completely customize your child, including their name, gender, hair color, and more.

Price: $19.99

Compassionate Math:

Compassionate Math is a book that combines compassion for those who have experienced math anxiety or trauma with practical guidance for building essential math skills.

Written for parents, teachers, and students preparing for college, it offers helpful tips for supporting math learners and helping children.

With a focus on the belief that anyone can learn math, Compassionate Math aims to help readers realize that they really can “do math”.

Price: $29

About Author: Dr. Geillan Aly was born in Giza, Egypt, and raised in Queens, New York, and is the founder of Compassionate Math and a longtime math educator. With over 15 years of teaching experience, her work focuses on the emotional side of learning mathematics, equity, and helping all students reach their full potential. She holds a PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education and a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Arizona.

Popcorn Thanks:

Popcorn Thanks is an activity designed to spark gratitude and thankfulness.

Packaged in a beautiful keepsake box, Popcorn Thanks includes a hardcover storybook, instructions for playing Popcorn Thanks, and Pearl, a hand-knit, organic cotton, fair-trade popcorn toy.

Price: $29.99

Raising 4 Dimensional Children in a 2 Dimensional World:

Raising 4 Dimensional Children in a 2 Dimensional World explores how children develop across four dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, at every stage of childhood, and is backed by hundreds of references to expert research.

It helps parents better understand their child’s capabilities and limitations at each age while providing fun, educational activities designed to support growth and help children reach new milestones in all four dimensions.

This book is designed to help parents:

Encourage healthy physical habits and reach critical milestones.
Develop strong problem-solving skills and cognitive abilities.
Support emotional resilience and build meaningful relationships.
Guide children in forming a strong sense of self and understanding their purpose.

Price: Paperback: $14.99, Ebook: $4.99, Individual Chapters by age group: $.99 or audio chapters for $2.99.

Website

The Cheeky Book of Bear Butts:

The Cheeky Book of Bear Butts is just that, a book of bear butts! All kinds of butts. Cold bear butts, Old bear butts, and even panda bear butts!

This is a hilarious book, and my son thought it was even more hilarious because his nickname is Bear.

Price: $14.99

About the author: Jonathan Fenske is the author and illustrator of nearly 40 books for children, including the Geisel Honor-winning Nothing Fits a Dinosaur (2022) and A Pig, a Fox and a Box (2016). He lives in South Carolina with his wife and their three daughters.