The best back-to-school supplies for kids in 2018
Celebrate the season with awesome back-to-school supplies for kids! We've rounded up great picks for everyone from your preschoolers to your young teens at a variety of price points. See below for cute kids' clothes, gadgets, accessories and more that'll bring a smile to their faces, and don't forget to check out our guides to the best local school supply stores, as well as tips on where to get free school supplies.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to get your kids back to school in NYC
While you're planning ahead for the 2018–2019 school year, you'll also want to browse our roundup of top after-school programs in the area.
Best school supplies for kids
Ages 3–5: Print Packable cinch sack
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
Ages 3–5: Juice in the Box
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
Ages 3–5: Jean jacket
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
Ages 3–5: Shark lunch box
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
Ages 6–8: Owl fluorescent pencils
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
Ages 3–5: REMI Sleep Companion
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
Ages 6–8: Anthozoa sneakers
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
Ages 6–8: Bentgo Kids lunch box
Bring bento-box–style dining to your kid’s backpack with this cute container. Five compartments allow for all kinds of snacks. Did we mention that it’s leakproof? $28, target.com
Ages 6–8: Burger Backpack
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
Ages 6–8: Fiskars color-change scissors
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
Ages 6–8: Flying Creatures Paper Airplane Book
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
Ages 6–8: VW Coolbox lunch box
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
Ages 9–11: Light-up bow tie
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
Ages 9–11: Mini scented candy-twist highlighters
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
Ages 9–11: Mermaid-tail screen cleaner
Keep tablets and phone screens free of dirt and fingerprints with this purple mermaid-tail mitt that easily wipes away grime. $2, yoobi.com
Ages 9–11: Mini Medley soft- cover notebooks
Color-coding is a piece of cake with this set of 10 notebooks, each sporting a different relaxing hue. $20, poppin.com
Ages 9–11: Dinosaurs Decomposition book
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
Ages 12–14: VHS backpack
Connoisseurs of ’80s culture can rewind time with this pack, which is emblazoned with a retro videotape design. $70, society6.com
Ages 12–14: 3-D cupcake notepad
Jot down all those important tidbits on this accordion-style 3-D cupcake notepad. Nuff said. $10, dylanscandybar.com
Ages 12–14: Laptop sleeve
Even kids who truly abuse their book bags can keep their laptops safe and sound with this groovy case, which has a scratch- resistant microfiber interior. $36, society6.com
Ages 12–14: Cotton shorts
Bring summer with you to homeroom! This beachy pair of yellow shorts comes with three pockets and a drawstring waistband. $13, hm.com
Ages 12–14: Settlement backpack
hese simple, ultra modern backpacks come in great colors and patterns and include a 15-inch laptop sleeve. $60, herschel.com
Ages 12–14: Post-it Tabs and Flags
Forget dog-earing textbook pages—these colorful little tabs will have your kiddos pumped to mark their favorite lines. $6, post-it.com
