Here are some of our top picks for students heading back to class, whether they're attending face to face or virtually.
In person, in class
For kids physically going back to school, these finds are bound to make life a little easier and a little more fun.
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Express yourself
Face masks are going to be part of our lives for a while, so why not get ones that express your personality? Vistaprint has an enormous array of designs you and your kids will love — you can even customize them. They’re available in kid sizes and have a slot for a filter. $13 at vistaprint.com.
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Cool kid lunch tote
Here’s a stylish way to tote your lunch to school. The Pep Rally lunch bag has a single compartment and a zipper closure. $12.99 at Staples, staples.com.
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Put a name on it
It’s so easy to mix up water bottles. Help your child identify their favorite drink dispenser with personalized bottle bands from Mabel’s Labels. They’re washable and durable. Available in 16 designs and five colors. (They’re also great for baby bottles and sippy cups.) $9.99 for two at mabelslabels.com.
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Ready in a flash
Kids can use these flashcards over and over again thanks to the wipe-off surface. One side is blank, the other is ruled. Plus, the set comes with a dry erase marker attached with an elastic band. $4 at Staples.
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Keep it together
A pencil pouch is vital for keeping all those loose writing instruments in one tidy place. This mini backpack case by Yoobi also has a smaller pouch that’s perfect for erasers or sticky notes. An elastic band on the back makes it easy to attach to a notebook or binder. $5.99 at Target, target.com.
Tuning in from home
For kids logging into class at home, these school supplies can make learning a little more interesting.
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Now hear this
As cool as AirPods might be, some work calls for a comfortable, over-ear headphone. The JBuddies Studio wireless kids’ headphones have 22 hours of playtime with volume-safe sound. $30 at JLab Audio, jlabaudio.com.
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Laptop character
Yeah, you have plans for the kitchen table or a desk to be your child’s study spot, but sometimes they’ll want a change of pace. The LapGear lap desk comes in a variety of fun designs to make laptop work a little more comfortable. They’re also portable, great for road trips. $19.99 on Amazon.com.
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Cut the cord
One less wire to worry about is always nice. The SureTrack Dual Wireless Mouse can track on almost any surface and offers several connectivity options. $29.99 at Kensington.com.
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Stay sharp
This is our favorite pencil sharpener, the X-Acto Bulldog vacuum mount pencil sharpener. A flip of the lever secures it to any nonporous surface, and the cutter smoothly sharpens pencils in a flash. $6.99 on Amazon.com.
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Key to self-expression
Turn your keyboard into a work of art with keyboard decals from Keyshorts. Easy application and removal. Choose from a variety of designs, like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” $28.95 at keyshorts.com.