The best back-to-school supplies for kids in 2018

Before the school bus pulls away, pop books, snacks and toys into this printed single-pouch drawstring sack.You can even get it personalized with initials and cute embroidered symbols, from rainbow hearts and unicorns to dinosaurs, planets and skulls. $17.95, landsend.com

Leakproof, dishwasher-safe and made from 80 percent recycled material, this reusable juice box will save your kid’s homework from spills time and time again. $12, amazon.com

Perfect for the transition from summer air-conditioning to chilly fall days, this stellar denim jacket will make your kid the star of the show. $35, gap.com

Your little beasts will devour whatever food you pack into this sharp-looking lunch box! Compact in size, it easily slides into smaller backpacks, and the zipper pocket is perfect for stashing snacks. $18, gap.com

Highlighting is even more fun with these six bright, large-grip pencils in a cute package that includes a sharpener. $7.49, shop.eeboo.com

Connected to a parent’s iOS or Android smartphone via Bluetooth, this alarm clock’s sleeping or waking digital face gets kids used to the idea of snoozing on a set schedule. While this little gadget demystifies the very concept of time, it also sends alerts and plays lullabies, among other cool features. $99, store.moma.org

Whether your kid is jumping around at the playground or jetting to the classroom, these versatile shoes will lend their support. Bonys: The insoles can be removed for washing! $55, jambukd.com

Consider this school accessory an ode to your kid's favorite fast food. Your small fry will relish this hamburger-decorated backpack, which includes two pockets but no soda. $48, omgaccessories.com

Ditch your average, boring scissors for a pair that changes color when you cut stuff up—fun, right? Available in a variety of shades and sizes. $4.50–$6.50, target.com

We’re certainly not suggesting that your kids make paper airplanes at school. But if they ever do, they should reference Jeff Lammers and Ken Blackburn’s how-to book, which features animal- themed folding projects. $9.95, workman.com

Dudes and dudettes can keep lunch super chilled with this insulated camper-van lunch bag.The zipper top has a cool surfboard handle, and the inside will pack enough bento boxes to feed even the hungriest tween. $24, vwcoolboxproducts.com

Can you brush up on your STEM skills and still be the life of the party? Yes, you can. After building a mini electrical circuit,you and your kid can assemble this dapper bow tie that glows and blinks. $25, uncommongoods.com

These teeny highlighters look good enough to eat—and they smell just like candy.The pint-size four-pack is great for kids on the go. $9, dylanscandybar.com

A clever twist on the classic school supply list, these 80-page dino composition books are made from 100 percent recycled paper. $6, amazon.com

Connoisseurs of ’80s culture can rewind time with this pack, which is emblazoned with a retro videotape design. $70, society6.com

Jot down all those important tidbits on this accordion-style 3-D cupcake notepad. Nuff said. $10, dylanscandybar.com

Forget dog-earing textbook pages—these colorful little tabs will have your kiddos pumped to mark their favorite lines. $6, post-it.com