When I was a kid, the only thing that took the sting out of back-to-school and the end of summer was heading to the mall with my parents to pick up all the new gear I needed for school. Backpacks and lunch bags, binders and pens, I loved it all. I mean, how many different kinds of pens are there? I loved getting the chance to pick my perfect pen.
As we’re nearing the end of August—I know, I am so sorry—it’s time to start thinking about everything your kids are going to need for the school year. While you may have some kids like me who are super excited about BTS shopping, you might not be as ready to head into the mall with the whole family in tow to find the perfect backpack.
We’ve rounded up our favourite back-to-school gear to make your shopping trip a little less hectic, and a lot more fun!
Backpacks
Gap Metallic Unicorn Bag
If you have a kid who has drunk the unicorn Koolaid, then look no further than this metallic gold unicorn backpack, complete with an iridescent sparkle horn. Not only is this backpack extremely cute, but it also has padded, adjustable straps, front and side pockets, and it’s made of wipe-clean polyester.
Hershel Heritage Backpack
Perfect for kids 5 and up, this Hershel backpack is a classic design with fun pops of colour. We love the interior and exterior pockets as well as the chest strap that means no matter how excited your kid is on the bus ride to school, they won’t forget their bag!
STATE Kane Backpack
It’s always great to support a company with a positive mission and we love STATE’s effort to be inclusive with their products. This backpack is “suitable for anyone and everyone–however you identify.” The soft padded straps mean your kid will be comfortable and the four pockets, including a main compartment that fits an 11” laptop mean your kid will be organized, too.
Lunch bags
Keep Leaf Insulated Lunch Box
With a bunch of fun, colourful prints, the Keep Leaf Insulated Lunch Boxes are stylish and functional. The exterior zipper pocket is perfect for utensils and the bag is fully insulated to keep your kids’ lunch fresh and protected. Add to that an exterior that is coated for easy cleaning and we’re sold!
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag
If you’ve never heard of the PackIt before, get ready to be wowed! These lunch bags feature PackIt’s patented cooling technology. Each bag has freezable gel permanently built into the bag, so you will never waste money on separate ice packs or gel packs again. Simply fold the PackIt flat and store in the freezer overnight. The bag is ready the next morning to keep lunches cool and fresh.
Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box
If you’re more of a bento box kind of family, we love the Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box. The removable tray has 3 leak-proof compartments to hold a main dish and sides without any carrots having to touch your little one’s sandwich (thank god!). It also comes with an extra divider to create 4 compartments for when you’re packing even more options.
Litterless lunch accessories
Joie On The Go Yogurt Container
Say goodbye to single-serve yogurt and hello to the Joie On The Go Yogurt Container. Featuring double-wall insulation to keep the yogurt cool and fresh, plus a handy compartment to store granola or fruit to add to the yogurt, this container makes taking a healthy, delicious refrigerated snack to school a breeze.
Available at Kitchen Stuff Plus
Bumkins Reusable Snack Bag
Say goodbye to one-time-use plastic snack bags and hello to the Bumkins Reusable Snack Bag. Machine washable and dishwasher safe, these bags are perfect for everything from sandwiches to cheese and crackers.
Abeego Beeswax Food Wrap
Never buy another box of cling wrap again with the amazing, reusable Abeego Beeswax Food Wrap. Made with beeswax, tree resin, organic jojoba oil infused into a hemp and organic cotton cloth, each food wrap lasts for a year and is easily washed in cold water.
David’s Tea Reusable Straw & Brush Set
We’ve all heard about single-use straws and how terrible they are for the environment. And while straws aren’t the only thing we need to rethink when it comes to single-use plastics, this reusable set of 6 straws with a cleaner brush is a great place to start.
Pencil Cases
Yoobi Pencil Case
We love a company that gives back to the community. Feel good knowing that for every Yoobi pencil case sold, the company donates one to a child in need right here in Canada. Add to that tons of pockets and fun designs, and this pencil case is a winner on all fronts.
Staples 3-Ring Binder Pencil Pouch
This is a classic and a real space saver for any kids who are using binders. The full-length zipper means your kids will be able to store all their pens, pencils and maybe even a protractor.
Lululemon Pack For Class Pencil Case
If the dreamy surf space colour scheme isn’t enough to sell you on this pencil case, it’s small, compact size is great for those already overcrowded backpacks.
Alarm Clocks
Teach Me Time! Mirari Alarm Clock
For the little ones in your house, the Teach Me Time! Mirari Alarm Clock is a great way to let kids know when it’s time to get up and start their day. It also helps them learn to tell time on their own and makes sure that they stay in bed until at least 6 am on weekends!
FiveHomes Kids Alarm Clock
We love this alarm clock because it easily grows with your child. At a young age, the light colour will teach your children when it’s time for bed and when it’s time to get up in the morning using different coloured lights. As they grow up the digital display lets them see exactly what time it is.
Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock
If you have a reluctant riser on your hands, the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with sunlight simulation might be just what you need to get them out of bed in the mornings. The sunrise simulation helps them wake up gradually as the changing light stimulates the body to wake up naturally and comfortably.
Just for Fun
Book Bestie Dog Book Cover
If your little one tends to be a bit rough on their books, the Book Bestie is right up their alley. The book sleeve is made from durable canvas and will help keep your kids’ books from any unwanted page tears cover rips, and scratches.
Inklings Scratch-off Lunchbox Notes
Add some fun and love to lunchtime with these Scratch-off Lunchbox Notes. Jut write your special handwritten message in the designated area, cover it with the scratch-off sticker provided, and voila. You’ve made your kids day!
Iscream 3D Eraser
Because who doesn’t love an avo-cat-o?
