It’s that time of year again — the start of a new school season brings fresh energy, new routines, and plenty of opportunities for both learning and growth. Whether you’re supporting a kindergartner discovering the joys of the classroom, helping an elementary student stay organized throughout the months ahead, or keeping a teen on track with busy schedules and extracurriculars, having the right tools can make the school year run more smoothly. That’s why I’ve put together a School Year Survival Kit of favorite finds for students of all ages—products designed to keep mornings manageable, school days productive, and evenings calmer — so families can focus on enjoying every part of the year instead of stressing over the little details.
Kizik Shoes
From bold sneakers to easy everyday neutrals, Kizik kids’ shoes fit every school-day vibe.
A request from my kid’s each year, Kizik shoes are a total game-changer for back-to-school mornings — especially for kids who want independence and parents who want less chaos. With Kizik’s hands-free technology, kids can slip their shoes on all by themselves, no tugging or tying required. This season’s kids’ lineup is not only practical but stylish too, with options like classic sneakers in bright pops of color, sporty designs for active days, and versatile neutrals that go with any outfit. Easy for little ones, stress-free for parents—Kiziks make getting out the door smoother than ever.
Price: $45+
Available: kizik.com
Totes Umbrella
Rainy day magic—this color-changing kids’ umbrella makes every drizzle a fun surprise with bright patterns and an easy-to-hold handle.
Kids actually look forward to a rainy day stroll when they have their Totes umbrella in hand, watching the playful patterns change color with every drop. Totes umbrellas make it easy for kids to be prepared for whatever the school day brings—rain or shine. Their kid-friendly designs are lightweight and easy to carry, and with bright prints that transform when wet, these umbrellas turn drizzles into something to smile about while keeping kids dry on the walk to and from school.
Price: $34+
Available: totes.com
NatPat Patches
NatPat patches offer kid-friendly options for sleep, focus, energy, and immune support—making routines easier throughout the school year.
NatPat patches have been such a fun (and helpful!) find for back-to-school season. The Kids Sleep Patch has been especially handy for shifting my crew from late summer nights to school-night routines; it’s packed with gentle ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, and magnesium to help calm busy bodies and minds. When homework time rolls around, the Focus Patch with peppermint and vitamin B12 gives a natural nudge toward concentration. We’ve also been using the Immune Support Patch with elderberry, echinacea, and zinc to help keep the sniffles away, and the Energy Patch is perfect for those long days when a little boost is needed. With patches for sleep, focus, immunity, and energy, they’ve turned into one of my favorite back-to-school hacks.
Price: $14.99+
Available: natpat.com
Frangrancenet.com Variety Set
Mini discovery sets from Fragrance.com let teens match scents to school-day moments—from everyday freshness to special memories like dances, plays, and after-school fun.
For teens, scent is such a fun way to capture memories and moods, and mini discovery sets from Fragrancenet.com make it easy to experiment without the commitment of a full bottle. The Lancôme Variety Set is a favorite, featuring minis like La Vie Est Belle, Trésor, Miracle, and Idôle for everything from everyday wear to a school dance. Other playful options include the NEST New York Mini Eau de Parfums with fresh and floral picks, the Burberry Her Travel Spray Set for fruity, youthful vibes, and the Juliette Has a Gun Discovery Set for something more unique and edgy. With scents for daily routines, after-school activities, plays, or dances, these little bottles let teens match fragrance to the moment — while building scent memories that stick with them long after the school year ends.
Price: varies per set
Available: frangrancenet.com
Mabel’s Labels
Mabel’s Labels makes it easy to keep track of supplies, shoes, and lunch boxes.
Labeling everything kids take to school—backpacks, water bottles, lunch boxes, jackets—saves so much time and stress, and Mabel’s Labels makes it easy with durable, dishwasher- and laundry-safe labels that actually last. Their designs are endless, from colorful icons like dinosaurs, rainbows, and sports themes to modern patterns and minimalist styles, so each child can find something they love. I was able to find a perfect match for each of my kids’ style preferences within their selection, which makes labeling fun instead of a chore. With custom packs for school, daycare, and even clothing tag-mates, it’s simple to keep track of belongings and avoid the hassle (and cost) of replacing lost items during the school year.
Price: Starter Label Pack $38.50
Available: mabelslabels.com
Hello Kids Toothbrush and Toothpaste Back to School Kit
Kick off the school year with bright smiles — the Hello Kids Back to School Kit includes fun flavors like bubble gum and blue raspberry, plus a kid-friendly toothbrush and activity book.
With the beginning of each school year, it feels so good to start fresh with new hygiene products that kids will actually use. I have really picky kids when it comes to toothpaste flavors, and they all love the Hello Blue Raspberry. The Hello Kids Toothbrush and Toothpaste Back to School Kit ($10–$15) makes brushing fun and easy, with a BPA-free, soft-bristled toothbrush designed for ages 3+ and a wide, grippy handle perfect for little hands. It also includes two 4.2 oz fluoride toothpaste tubes in bubble gum and blue raspberry flavors to help prevent cavities and strengthen enamel, plus an activity book packed with puzzles and coloring pages to make dental care part of the daily routine. Each toothpaste is vegan and free from artificial sweeteners, preservatives, spicy mint, dyes, SLS, and gluten—so parents can feel good about what’s inside.
Price: $10 (on sale)
Available: hello-products.com
Cort Furniture Rental
CORT Furniture Rental takes the stress out of college move-ins with flexible student packages, easy delivery, and stylish essentials for the whole school year.
Back-to-school looks a little different when it’s the “bigger kids” heading off…college moves, first apartments, or temporary housing for new jobs. The checklist is long, and somehow almost everything needed has four legs or requires assembly. That’s where CORT Furniture Rental comes in. Instead of parents taking time off work to buy, haul, and build bulky furniture, CORT makes the process simple with ready-to-go student packages that cover all the essentials. With flexible rental plans, delivery and setup included, and options that fit both budget and timeline, it’s an easy solution for creating a functional space without the stress or commitment of ownership. Especially in today’s world, renting furniture means freedom, flexibility, and one less headache on the “older kid” school-year checklist.
Price: $139 per month+
Available: cort.com
Lucy Darling Backpack
The Lucy Darling Bear Backpack features a whimsical design and kid-friendly size, making it a great option for early school years.
For the early school years, the Lucy Darling Backpack is a standout choice and makes an ideal first backpack. It’s thoughtfully sized — lightweight and easy for little shoulders to carry — yet roomy enough for snacks, folders, art supplies, or even a favorite stuffed toy that needs to tag along for the day. The collection comes in a handful of whimsical designs, but a personal favorite is the bear design—playful, gender-neutral, and instantly eye-catching, making it a great pick for both girls and boys. Beyond being practical, the backpack has an artistic, creative style that feels special — turning an everyday essential into something memorable. Durable, charming, and designed with kids in mind, it’s the perfect companion for those exciting first school adventures and beyond.
Price:$59.99
Available: lucydarling.com
Chicco Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Chicco Stainless Steel Water Bottles keep kids hydrated with a durable, leak-proof design available in four playful styles.
Staying hydrated is essential for kids throughout the school day, and the Chicco Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a reliable pick that’s as practical as it is durable. Made from BPA-free, food-grade stainless steel, this bottle is designed with little ones in mind, featuring a sweat-proof exterior that keeps backpacks dry and hands comfortable.
The leak-proof twist cap with a silicone ring makes it easy for kids to open and close independently while preventing spills. Perfect for ages 4 and up, these bottles come in four fun designs: pink, teal, safari, and sloth, so kids can sip in style all year long.
Price: $14.99+
Available: chiccousa.com
Reading Eggs
Keep learning fun and stress-free with Reading Eggs—interactive reading made easy for kids and parents.
Make reading fun — and make the school year flow more smoothly — with Reading Eggs, an online program for ages 2–13 that builds confidence through interactive games based on the five pillars of reading. Perfect for preschoolers learning at home or kids wanting to stay sharp over holidays and summer, it blends digital lessons with optional workbooks for offline practice.
A single subscription covers up to four children and includes Reading Eggs Junior, Reading Eggspress, Fast Phonics, and Mathseeds — accessible anytime on desktop, iOS, or Android. By keeping learning consistent and enjoyable, Reading Eggs helps families feel more organized and less stressed during the busy school year.
Price: from $9.99 a month
Available: readingeggs.com
Melii Food Storage
Mellii’s animal-shaped bento boxes and reusable bags make school lunches and on-the-go snacks fun and sustainable.
Melii makes lunchtime both fun and functional with its playful Snapple Animal–shaped bento boxes and reusable snack bags. Available in a variety of kid-favorite designs—like elephants, lions, and hippos—these cheerful containers turn everyday lunches into something special. The durable, eco-friendly bags make it easy to portion snacks for park days, road trips, or the rush between after-school activities. Parents will love how simple they are to clean and reuse, while kids will love the friendly animal shapes that make every bite more exciting.
Price: $10.99+
Available: meliibaby.com
Bookshelf Must-Haves
What Does It Mean to Be Kind? inspires kids to see how everyday kindness can ripple outward.
Sometimes the easiest way to tackle big or tricky topics with kids is through books — they introduce subjects in a gentle, age-appropriate way while opening the door for meaningful conversations. Since school is such a learning ground, having these resources at home helps parents continue the dialogue. A few standout titles from Sourcebooks include Self-Esteem Workbook for Kids: 40 Fun Activities to Feel Great about Yourself by Taira Burns, LPC-MHSP, illustrated by Claudio Cerri (June 2024); What Does It Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch; Sex, Puberty, and All That Stuff: A Guide to Growing Up by Jacqui Bailey; and Eyes, Knees, Boundaries, Please! by Krupa Bhojani Playforth, MD, illustrated by Julia Bereciartu (January 2026).
Price: $8.99+
Available: sourcebooks.com
*A few of these products were kindly sent by brands for me to try, but I only share what I truly love.
