The 2018 Back to School Guide

This school year, we are very excited to partner with amazing companies such as Crayola, Creativity for Kids, Faber Castell, Rocketbook and Dash to bring you amazing back to school products that will get your kids excited about going back to school!

I can’t believe it but it is already that time of year again. It’s time to get the backpacks, lunch boxes, pencils, crayons, notebooks…the list goes on. After an amazing summer of fun, excitement and some relaxation (I hope), it is time to get back to the school routine. To make the transition easier, we have put together a list of some awesome back to school items we know you and the kids will LOVE.

We all know it can be difficult to get the kids excited about school again, but with the school gear on this list, your kids will be begging to return. Well maybe not begging, but they will be pretty excited. In this guide, we have included items that will not only provide opportunities for academic success but will get kids excited to go back to school. We have included Amazon affiliate links to make your shopping experience easier and faster!

Back to School Guide for Kids

Backpacks

Bixbee Backpacks

Bixbee Shark Backpack

If your child dreams of flying, then give them wings this school year! If they dream of launching into outer space, then the Space Racer or Rocketflyer may be your child’s style or they may prefer butterfly wings, but in either case there is a backpack for them. Not only does Bixbee have a phenomenal philosophy of One Here and One There, but they also make well designed and captivating backpacks. For each backpack purchase, Bixbee donates a schoolbag with supplies to a kid in need. If that doesn’t grab you, then the design of a backpack resembling a fox or owl might. For older children, they have sparkly designs or camouflage in dinosaurs or sharks (see above). Backpacks can be found at affordable prices on Amazon and the Bixbee website.

BUILT NY Big Apple Buddies Backpack

BUILT Backpack

We were recently introduced to BUILT New York Back to School products and instantly fell in love. They offer a variety of products for all ages and style. The little ones will love their adorable Big Apple Buddies Backpacks that come in a variety of playful designs like this alligator. This backpack offers tons of storage space as it has a roomy main compartment, zippered front pocket and side mesh pocket perfect for water bottles. The fabric is water-resistant polyester and is PVC and BPA free! Plus, it is affordable selling for under $20 on Amazon! You can also find it on the BUILT NY website.

Mojo Dinosaur Adventure Backpack

387701_Dinosaur_Play_Scape_Open

If you have a budding paleontologist in your home that is starting school, they will love the Dinosaur Adventure Backpack from Mojo! It has space for books, mesh section for writing utensils, and of course side pocket for water bottle as well as boasting a fold out prehistoric background scene which makes a wonderful scene for dinosaur figurines. Priced for less than $30 on Amazon this backpack also makes road trips and travel more fun (and educational)!

BUILT NY City Carryall

BUILT City Carryall

Looking for something a little different this school year? BUILT New York has stylish and durable bags perfect for moms, teachers and college students. They come in a variety of sizes and designs but I really like the City Carryall due to its larger size. It is perfect for carrying files, notebooks, books, electronic devices and more! There is also an inside pocket to store your keys, phone, wallet and more. The City Carryall is made from neoprene (wetsuit material) making it quite durable. It can purchased for $49.99 on the BUILT NY website.

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Lunchboxes and Containers

Bixbee Lunchbox

Bixbee Sparkalicious Ruby Lunchbox

Besides making adorable, unique and stylish backpacks, Bixbee also makes lunchboxes that will make kids excited about going to school. From butterflies to zombies to camouflage to even monkeys in space suits, there is something for every style and interest. As fans of their backpacks, we appreciate that the lunchboxes can be partnered with a coordinated backpack. Conscious of the modern trends and what appeals to children, Bixbee knows how to make going back to school something to look forward to!

BUILT NY Big Apple Buddies Lunch Sack

BUILT Lunchbag

Looking for an adorable lunchbox to go with your new backpack? BUILT New York offers the perfect option for little ones as it comes in 3 designs: ladybug, dog and hippo. This bag is durable making it a great choice for your preschooler. The fabric is safe too as it is PVC, BPA, latex and vinyl free. It is affordably priced at under $20 on Amazon and the BUILT NY website.

BUILT Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote

BUILT Gourmet Lunch Tote

BUILT New York also offers stylish and durable lunch tote options for older kids, parents and teachers. The Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote comes in a wide variety of designs to suit everyone’s style. It is also insulated, made from neoprene (wetsuit material), has a zip closure, is machine washable and is PVC and vinyl free. Even better, it is stain resistant! This lunch tote is under $20 on Amazon and the BUILT NY website.

Precidio Design Snack in the Box and Drink in the Box
BP imaging (Bochsler Photo Imaging) www.bpimaging.com Precidio Design Inc. 9741 Photography

BP imaging (Bochsler Photo Imaging)
www.bpimaging.com

We were recently introduced to innovative and unique snack and drink containers that your kids will LOVE to bring to school each day. Whether it is for lunch or snack, Precidio Design has created two amazing products that make packing snacks and drinks for school easy. The Drink in the Box is a reusable, easy to clean container that comes in 8oz and 12oz sizes. The Snack in the Box offers dual chambers so kids can have 2 healthy snack options. It is easy to open making it perfect for kids as young as preschool. Each product is BPA, BPS and Phthalate free and made from the nearly indestructible Tritan. They fit perfectly in your child’s lunchbox and backpack and come in a variety of colors. You can purchase these products on drinkinthebox.com as well as Amazon.

Nalgene Lunch Box Buddy

Nalgene Lunchbox Buddy

Often times when you have a lunchbox, there are hinges or crevices to hold crumbs, but the Lunch Box Buddy has a simple design that makes it easy to use and clean. The top part of the lunch box can be taken off and used as a tray. The ice pack included is adjustable which allows you several ways to pack a lunch. The velcro sleeve makes it easy to be carried. Cleaning up is easy and the box is dishwasher safe and the sleeve can be thrown in the washing machine. On Amazon the Lunch Box Buddy is less than $25.

Nalgene 12 oz. Water Bottles 

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Every super hero needs to stay hydrated to tackle learning this school year which is why Nalgene has kids set up for success with these amazing 12 ounce water bottles. The lid has a latch that stops spills and is built for durability. The size of the water bottles is perfect for the lunch box or road trips! Your kids will love picking out their favorite Avenger and on Amazon the prices range but all stay under $11.

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School Supplies

Crayola Take Note!

Take Note Gel Pens

Every school year Crayola supplies are on the top of our list and this year is no exception! Their new Take Note! line takes things to the next level. Recommended for ages 6 and up, the new Take Note! Washable Gel Pens and Erasable Highlighters are a perfect addition to your child’s pencil case. The gel pens come in packs of 6 and 14 and are available in a variety of bold and bright colors. The pens feature a quick-dry formula and are streak-free.

Take Note Erasable Highlighters

The Take Note! Erasable Highlighters will change the studying game as kids can boldly highlight important information but erase it if they make a mistake. It is perfect for kids just learning to perfect their reading and studying techniques. The highlighters come in 6 vibrant colors so they appeal to all learners! Take Note! products can be found on the Crayola website and Amazon.

Everlast Notebook from Rocketbook

Everlast Rocketbook

The Everlast Notebook by Rocketbook will change your note taking experience FOREVER! This innovative notebook can be used over and over and over…again. When writing using any pen from the Pilot Frixion line, the writing sticks to the paper like a traditional notebook. When done, use the Rocketbook app to scan your notes into an editable document that will automatically be saved to your favorite cloud service. You can then erase the notes using water allowing the notebook to be used again! This notebook is perfect for students in college and graduate schools as it allows them to save notes to specific files as well as share them with classmates. To learn more about the Everlast notebook, please visit their website! You can also purchase your own notebook on Amazon for under $30!

Faber Castell Colored EcoPencils

Triangular Colored Ecopencils

With school comes projects.  Faber Castell Colored Ecopencils are a staple art product in our household for those expected (and sometimes unexpected) assignments. The rich color makes their drawings stand out! The triangular shape means no pencils constantly rolling off the table. Available on Amazon for less than $6, they can also be purchased at your local Target.

Faber Castell DuoTip Washable Markers

Duo Tip Washable Markers

The DuoTip Washable Markersmarkers are a household favorite because they have bold and vibrant colors as well each marker has two colors. There are no strong odor or fumes from them and if your kids forget to return the caps dip them in water to rehydrate them. For less than $10 on Amazon it is recommended for children ages 4 and older.

Faber Castell Beeswax Crayons

129124 Beeswax Crayons #1

The Beeswax Crayons from Faber Castell boast not only bold and vibrant colors but are designed for young artists. They are triangular shape which works well for young children to learn proper grip (and they won’t roll off the table). The 12 or 24 packs comes with a sturdy case that make them great to travel; however, most kids love how easy they are to use and how brilliant the colors are on their art projects. The 24 pack is priced less than $11 on Amazon and is recommended for children ages 3 and older.

Crayola Silly Scents

Crayola has come up with a line packed with sensory fun! Silly Scents is available in markers, colored pencils and crayons. They come in a variety of colors and scents that kids will LOVE!

Crayola Silly Scents

  • Markers: These adorable scented markers come in a variety of unique smells such as pepperoni pizza, spice cake, brick oven and barn yard. Kids will love these markers so much they will be begging to draw, color and complete school projects. They come in a variety of styles such as wedge tips, washable and fine line.
  • Twistables Colored Pencils: Available in packs of 12, these easy to use twistables colored pencils come in fun scents adding another level of sensory learning when drawing, creating and learning.
  • Twistables Crayons: Silly Scents now comes in the form of twistables crayons too! This is perfect for your little one who is not quite ready for markers but wants to enjoy the fun sensory experience too. They come in packs of 24.
Everyday Art Supplies from Crayola

Crayola continues to lead the pack in art and school supplies. My house is full of Crayola products just like classrooms across the country. Here are some everyday school supplies your kids can use in class and at home this year:

Crayola Art Supplies

  • Ultra Clean Washable Markers Color Max: Let your kid’s creativity shine without worrying about the mess with these new Ultra Clean Washable Markers. They come in classic, tropical, bold, multicultural and bright.
  • Colored Pencils: Available in a variety of pack sizes, these bright and bold pencils are perfect for your budding artist. With the Twistables Colored Pencils, no sharpening is needed as you just need to twist for more coloring fun. These pencils are perfect for adding to your child’s pencil case this school year.
  • Twistables Crayons: Crayola is known for their amazing crayons. In fact, they are preferred by teachers! Crayola offers a wide variety of crayon options including ultra-clean washable crayons for your little messy artist. We especially love the new Twistable Crayons. No more broken crayon pieces all over your house this school year!
  • Super Tips Washable Markers: With these bold and vibrant markers, kids can draw thick and thin lines which inspires more creativity and imagination. They fit perfectly in pencil cases making them easy to transport to school. Plus, they are washable so don’t worry about the new shirt or tablecloth!
  • Washable Dry Erase Crayon and Markers: Available in bright and bold colors, dry erase markers and crayons makes learning fun and easy. Kids can learn to write, draw pictures and solve math problems over and over again at school and at home. These are perfect for homeschool students as parents can use the Crayola Easel for lessons.

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Accessories

Mabel’s Labels

Mabel's Labels

Don’t let your child’s lunch box, soccer jersey or baseball mitt go missing again! Mabel’s Labels offers unique customized labels that can be used on anything this school year! The labels are not only waterproof but also dishwasher and microwave safe. The labels come in a wide variety of designs, colors and sizes with packages available for multiple uses. They even offer medical labels and tags. I let my boys pick out their labels to make them more personal to them, and we cannot wait to use them this school year. Learn more by visiting their website.

Creativity for Kids Emoji Kits

If your kids get a little nervous getting ready for the school year, then host a playdate with friends. The Creativity for Kids Emoji kits are not only fun but offer an opportunity to check in with how everyone is feeling about the new school year. The can make their own emoji bracelets or window clings!

CFK Emoji Bracelets

At less than $10 on Amazon, the Emoji Bead Bracelet Craft Kit makes five bracelets. Children can make bracelets for themselves, their friends or to share as well they can make different bracelets for each day of the school week.

Emoji Window Art 6176

Another fun craft set that will appeal to kids will be the Emoji Window Art! Not only can they make emojis, but unicorn and the ever popular poop. While the window clings can be put on yes windows, they can also be accessories for notebooks, planners, lockers and mirrors. There is enough to make 40 different types! Priced for less than $16 on Amazon, this is perfect for a playdate.

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For Home

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Make mornings easier this school year with the Mini Waffle Maker from Dash! Your kids can easily make their own waffles for breakfast each morning make them more independent and the mornings a little less stressful. The waffle maker is also perfect for making waffles ahead of time and freezing them for use later in the week. The mini waffle maker is available in 6 fun colors making it the perfect fit for any kitchen! You can also make other meals in it too like hash browns and paninis. It is under $10 on Amazon making it the perfect addition to your kitchen or college dorm room!

Dash Compact Air Fryer

Dash Mini Air Fryer

My friend has been raving about her air fryer so I knew we had to get one! The compact air fryer is perfect for quick family meals or snacks. College kids will also love to have one in their dorm room so they can make some homemade food while studying. The air fryer is also a healthy alternative to traditional fried foods. The compact air fryer is available in red, grey, white and aqua. It sells for under $50 on Amazon. To learn more and to see more amazing products, visit the Dash website!

Storage Organizer

hayneedle-storage-bins

This storage organizer is not only great for storing toys but also for creating a learning center at home making it perfect for those that home school! The bins are great for holding crayons, marker, paint and pencils as well as paper, workbooks and puzzles. You can also use it as a maker space. The possibilities are endless! This unit can be found on Amazon for under $75!

What is in your Back to School shopping cart?

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