The Strategist Guide to Back-to-School Shopping
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Even if you’re not overhauling an entire wardrobe or gear situation for back-to-school season, refreshing those grimywater bottlesor upgrading your preschooler to more elementary-appropriate attire can help everyone get excited for the fall rush. We’ve rounded up the best of the best from across the Strategist in every school-related category you can think of, frombackpackstosneakersto thedigital plannerthat’s like having a live-in personal assistant for your family, all backed up by years of reporting as well as the collective experience of all the parents on staff. (Our kids range in age from 2 to 11.) We’ve also included some new picks that we think will become instant classics.
The water bottles that will last all year (and more)
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“This thing is a tank; our Owalas get dented from being dropped, but our Yetis survive falls on pavement with barely a scratch. (The customization option is great too.)”—Winnie Yang, Strategist senior editor
Read more:The 8 Very Best Water Bottles for Kids
Leakproof lunch boxes and go-to protective lunch bags
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“Each of my kids has been using the standard size of these for the last three years. Bentgo also just released smaller and larger sizes of the Chill to accommodate different ages and appetites.”—Jen Trolio, Strategist senior editor
“Between the PlanetBox Rover and the original Bentgo, our daughter preferred the latter because it was easier for her to open and close herself and lighter to carry.”—W.Y.
“TheoriginalBentgo is a staple in my house. I think this size is ideal for preschoolers.” —Lauren Ro, Strategist senior writer
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“This, combined with U-Konserve containers and a thermos, continues to be our go-to for lunches for our tween. It’s easy to clean, and the exterior stands up really well to wear. Ours must be eight years old at this point.”—W.Y.
Read more:The Very Best Lunch Boxes
Backpacks they can throw around
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“I got this onNew YorkMagazine deputy editor Alexis Swerdloff’s recommendation. It’s going on three years now and it still looks new, although I might have to upgrade to the larger size after first grade.”—L.R.
Read more:What Are the Best Kids’ Backpacks?
Basics to put through the wringer
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“I have so many Winter Water Factory hand-me-downs from friends, which I have then handed down to my younger son after my older son grew out of them. Really well-made shirts with the funnest prints in town.”—L.R.
Read more:What Are the Best Kids’ T-Shirts?
And some good undies and socks
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“My 9-year-old’s favorite underwear since she was 5. She likes the high rise and generous coverage and says, ‘It’s the comfiest.’”—W.Y.
“I recently upgraded my boys’ Target undies to these and they are incredibly nice, comfy, and not restrictive at all thanks to the high waist on them.”—L.R.
Read more:What Is the Best Underwear for Kids?
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“These toddler socks are basically indestructible (and stay put). I got them as hand-me-downs from a relative then used them with both of my kids. The brand also makes really nice socks fornewbornsandbig kids.”—L.R.
Read more:The Toddler Socks So Durable That They’ve Become Hand-Me-Downs
Easy-on shoes for smoother mornings
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“These were our go-tos for kindergarten and first grade. They’re so easy for kids to put on themselves, and the BOA mechanism is fun for them to play with (maybe a little too fun, some teachers might say). Older kids may prefer shoes with more ‘grown-up’ laces.”—W.Y.
Read more:The Best Sneakers for Kids, According to Cool Parents and Sneaker People
Rain gear for all-day splashing
“Patagonia’s Baggies jacket for kids is great for when it’s warm and rainy — but not pouring—since it’s unlined, and is easy to ball up and stow in a backpack.”—W.Y.
Read more:The Best Rain Boots for Kids, According to Experts
The art supplies you never want to run out of
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“Pip-Squeaks are great if you have a preschooler or elementary-schooler under age 8. They are much less messy, come in a zillion colors, and are just the right size to help your child master that tricky pencil grip. And this pencil case may actually be indestructible — NASA should test it. It was recommended to me by trusted colleagues atParentsmagazine years ago and I have not looked back since. It’s just the right size, so you don’t cart around an entire crayon collection, and it protects pens and pencils perfectly.”—Julia Edelstein, Strategist senior editor
Read more:The Best Art Supplies for Kids
And to keep everything organized
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“My P-Touch conked out after something like 15 years (because I let a battery corrode in it) and now my house is covered in handwritten labels (but I don’t have cute handwriting) — and wow do I miss the serene look of those P-Touch labels, which provided instant calm, even if the contents of the bins were messy.”—J.E.
Read more:How to Organize Your Kid’s Art Supplies (and Actual Art)
If you get one piece of technology, may we suggest a digital family calendar?
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“The Hearth is an attractive visual landing spot in my kitchen. As my school-age children’s incredibly busy schedules (multiple sports teams, after school activities, doctor’s appointments, etc.) spring back to life in a few weeks, it will be an important visual marker to help us see where everyone is, who needs to be picked up when, and more. I’ve also started using the meal-planning function, and my kids use the morning-routine function. It has not particularly helped with the age-old division of labor problem (the bane of my existence), but it does help everyone see the truly bonkers schedule so I’m not hunched over my phone or on my computer, the sole keeper of that information. You can create chore lists and to-do lists for every member of the family, too.” —J.E.
Read more:The Apps and Planners That Keep Us Organized
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The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
