Whether the school year has already commenced or is about to begin, this compilation of school year essentials, tailored for all age groups, is intended to help your family navigate the months ahead. This isn’t a definitive checklist of items to acquire before school starts. Instead, it comprises a selection of products for various age groups that can prove beneficial to families throughout the school year.
SCHOOL YEAR ESSENTIALS FOR ALL AGES
Today, I’d like to share a few favorites for each age group, including one of my high school senior’s preferred brands, items my college sophomore suggests for inclusion in a care package, and a solution to ensure our children’s online safety. We have motivational lunchbox cards designed for elementary schoolers, conversation starters for middle schoolers, eco-friendly school supplies for all ages, and more! Here, you’ll find a handful of essential items for all ages during the school year.
SCHOOL YEAR ESSENTIALS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLERS
BITES OF BRILLIANCE LUNCHBOX NOTE CARDS ($14.99): I am truly enamored by the vibrant designs and empowering messages on the Bites of Brilliance Lunch Box Note Cards! Every child can benefit from a midday message that celebrates strength, resilience, and the uniqueness of being oneself. I also appreciate the space provided on the back for writing your personalized message to accompany the printed one on the front.
Bites of Brilliance is created by Kids Crafts™, a woman-owned small business dedicated to making a social impact by donating a portion of their proceeds to non-profit organizations that empower girls worldwide. Enjoy free shipping on all US orders or purchase them for $16.99 from Amazon.
AURA (GET 60% OFF THE ANNUAL PRICE OF $99 UNTIL LABOR DAY): Safeguarding children from online predators, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content can be quite challenging, particularly when it involves monitoring screen time and ensuring the security of their personal information. Aura is an online digital safety and identity protection software company with the mission of creating a safer internet. With Aura, you can prevent access to specific websites and applications, set screen time limits, and receive alerts when your children attempt to access blocked sites and apps. What’s more, Aura’s comprehensive features allow you to consolidate various parental control tools into a single platform, displaying everything on one dashboard. Sign up for Aura before Labor Day to enjoy a 60% discount. You can read my comprehensive Aura review here.
WANDERWILD BACKPACKS AND LUNCHBOXES (STARTING AT $35): If your child’s backpack starts showing signs of wear and tear halfway through the school year, consider replacing it with a Wanderwild backpack. Founded by two mothers who have a passion for lively patterns and practical features, Wanderwild puts great care and attention into each design. These backpacks are the perfect fit, come equipped with numerous pockets, and incorporate details that are easy for little hands to use. They’re not only suitable for school but also for adventures far beyond the classroom.
Complete the set with a charming matching lunchbox. Not only will your purchase support a woman-owned small business, but Wanderwild also donates a portion of the proceeds to carefully selected organizations that focus on addressing childhood hunger, educational needs, and promoting kindness. Use the code BACKTOSCHOOL to get a 20% discount and enjoy free USPS shipping on all orders.
TABLETOPIC FAMILY CONVERSATION CARDS ($25): Go beyond the typical “How was your day?” or “What did you do at school today?” questions with TableTopics Family Conversation Cards. Each set contains a mix of engaging, age-appropriate questions that range from lighthearted to thought-provoking.
For example:
- What’s your favorite activity during recess?
- If you could learn another language, which one would you choose?
- Is it more enjoyable to be a parent or a child?
- Which family or school rule would you most like to change?
These cards are best suited for ages 6 and up.
SCHOOL YEAR ESSENTIALS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
BIG FAT NOTEBOOKS ($11.99 EACH): The Big Fat Notebooks represent a groundbreaking study guide series designed exclusively for middle school students, built on the idea of borrowing notes from the brightest student in class. Created by the masterminds behind Brain Quest, this collection consists of six books covering everything middle schoolers need to know about Math, Science, American History, World History, English/Language Arts, and Computer Science.
Each notebook presents concepts in a variety of formats to cater to different learning styles, making learning the essential middle school material a bit more enjoyable. I’ve always been a fan of the vibrant colors, illustrations, diverse fonts, and doodles that give these books the appearance of a friend’s notebook rather than a study resource. For a more in-depth review, visit my post on Big Fat Notebooks: Essential Homework Help for Middle Schoolers That Makes Learning Fun.
TABLETOPIC TEEN CONVERSATION CARDS ($25): Here’s a secret: middle schoolers will open up and share more than one-word responses if you ask them the right questions! TableTopics Teen Conversation Cards are ideal for sparking conversations with your teenagers, thanks to a collection of age-appropriate questions that are both fun and thought-provoking.
For example:
- What’s the highest number of text messages you’ve sent in a month?
- What do you enjoy doing most when you’re by yourself?
- If you could shop for free at any store, which one would you choose?
- How do you measure success?
- If you could swap places with anyone, who would it be?
These questions encourage thought and your teenager’s answers will provide valuable insight into their personality, enabling you to form deeper connections with them. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
AQUAPHOR LIP REPAIR STICK ($8.39 FOR A 2 PACK FROM AMAZON): To keep my lips moisturized throughout a day of teaching, I’ve relied on Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, particularly because the air in schools can be extremely dry. Aquaphor Lip Repair Sticks come in a convenient 2-pack and are excellent for instilling healthy hygiene habits in children. Slip one into your middle schooler’s pencil case and keep the other on their nightstand at home to ensure their lips remain hydrated throughout the year. If your child needs a lip balm with sunscreen, you can try Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen (available for $4.49 from Amazon).
SCHOOL YEAR ESSENTIALS FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
STANCE SOCKS (STARTING AT $11.99): My 17-year-old high school senior adores Stance, particularly their socks with vibrant designs, contemporary patterns, and stylish colors to complement his outfits. Whether it’s cool designs or trendy solids, Stance socks are available in just the right thickness of soft cotton or a poly blend. These socks come in various lengths, from over the calf to no-show, and are a delightful departure from plain white.
TARGUS CYPRESS HERO BACKPACK WITH FIND MY LOCATOR ($149.99): For high schoolers who lead busy lives filled with various activities, the Cypress Hero Backpack with Find My Locator is indispensable. It features an integrated location module that uses low-energy
