Back-to-school checklist: Gear up with the top picks of the season

Find everything you need to be prepared for the new school year.

ByBethany Braun-Silva and Casey DelBasso via GMA logo
August 19, 2025, 2:59 PM
Shop back-to-school must-haves for all ages.
Shop back-to-school must-haves for all ages.
Crate & Kids, State Bags, Walmart, Papier

Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the rush to get everything ready for a smooth start.

Whether you're stocking up on classroom essentials or looking for the latest trending tools, a little prep now can go a long way.

From must-have supplies to smart, time-saving gear, we've rounded up everything students and parents need to feel confident heading into the new school year.

Here's your guide to starting strong.

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Helpful hacks and viral products

Navigating the school year can be challenging, but with these helpful hacks, you can make it a bit easier. These viral products are designed to simplify everyday tasks and keep you organized.

Amazon

Ticonderoga Pastel Pencils, #2 Soft

These trendy pastel-colored pencils are all the rage with the tween set.
  • $5.49
  • Amazon
HydroFlask

Micro Hydro Mini Bottle

  • $19.95
  • HydroFlask
STATE

Mini Rodgers Snack Pack

This snack pack has an insulated, wipeable lining that's great for keeping snacks cool and staying clean.
  • $38
  • STATE
Papier

Bright Ideas Mini Highlighters

A highlighter set that's as portable as it is cute -- a total win!
  • $14
  • Papier
6% off
Amazon

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case

This TikTok-famous pencil case is the only one you'll need this school year. Keeping your pens, pencils, sticky notes and more organized is a breeze.
  • $14.99
  • $15.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Bentgo Kids Utensil Set

  • $12.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Memoqueen Mini Sticker Printer

This compact and versatile thermal printer is perfect for creating photos, study notes and more. This pocket-sized device is wireless and compatible with iOS and Android, making it easy to print on the go. 
  • $37.49
  • Amazon
21% off
Amazon

Acrylic Magnetic Dry Erase Board Calendar for Fridge

Organize your family's schedule with this sleek dry-erase calendar. It's equipped with six magnets for easy fridge mounting and a set of markers and erasers. Stay on top of homework, extracurriculars and family events.
  • $13.29
  • $16.99
  • Amazon
Walmart

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

  • $29.99
  • Walmart

Personalized labels and label makers

One item that can make a huge difference in staying organized is personalized labels. Whether for clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes, or school supplies, personalized labels help prevent mix-ups and ensure lost items find their way back home.

Minted

Custom Name Labels Sportsy Football

  • $10 - $200
  • Minted
Mabel's Labels

Middle School Label Pack

  • $43.75
  • Mabel's Labels
Minted

Mini Note Cards Animal Cracker Parade

  • $15 - $165
  • Minted
Amazon

Teddy Labels 60 Personalized Name Labels

These labels are dishwasher and microwave safe, meaning they can handle whatever kids throw their way.
  • $13.95
  • Amazon
Amazon

Name Bubbles - Custom Name Labels

Name Bubbles has an impressive selection of personalized labels designed for durability and style. With a variety of customizable designs, kids can choose from patterns like dinosaurs, rainbows and more to reflect their personality.
  • $19.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

Iron-On Name Tags for Clothes

These labels are designed to be heat-sealed onto fabric using a household iron, creating a permanent bond that stays put even after repeated washes.
  • $9.99
  • Amazon
26% off
Amazon

Phomemo Label Maker Machine

The Phomemo M110 Label Maker is a compact and versatile Bluetooth label printer designed to simplify your back-to-school needs. This portable label maker connects seamlessly to your smartphone via Bluetooth and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
  • $21.98
  • $29.99
  • Amazon

Trendy and functional backpacks

The North Face

Borealis Backpack

This durable backpack can be used for years thanks to its coated, abrasion-resistant boot fabric.
  • $99
  • The North Face
lululemon

New Crew Backpack 22L

With tons of pockets and a bright, bold color, this backpack will keep your kid organized all school-year long. 
  • $98
  • lululemon

Lunchboxes

From bento boxes to stylish bags, bringing lunch to school has never been easier or more fun.

Amazon

OmieBox Bento Box for Kids

With an insulated food jar right in the lunch box, this makes a perfect option for kids who prefer hot lunches.
  • $49.95
  • Amazon
Athleta

Athleta Girl Limitless Lunch Bag

A cute lunch bag that's water-repellent and easy to carry is a must-have for back-to school.
  • $35
  • Athleta
Yeti

Daytrip Lunch Box

This lunch box might seem a bit pricey, but with its rugged design and the ability to keep lunch hot or cold for hours, it's a worthy investment.
  • $80
  • Yeti
17% off
Amazon

Bentgo Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box

This popular lunchbox is a top choice for kids and parents who prefer a lot of compartments for different food and an easy way to keep lunch cold thanks to the built-in ice pack option.
  • $32.99
  • $39.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box

A freezable lunch box is a great option for families who pack lunches the night before. The entire lunchbox and its contents can be safely placed in the fridge for cooling.
  • $24.99
  • Amazon
22% off
Pottery Barn Kids

Mackenzie Classic Lunch Box

This lunch box comes with a water bottle holder, ensuring your child has everything they need at lunchtime, all in one place.
  • $22.99
  • $29.50
  • Pottery Barn Kids

Back-to-school essentials

Certain items are essential for the school year. These products cover the basics and ensure students are well-prepared for their daily activities and creative projects.

Minted

Calendars Greetings

  • $42
  • Minted
79% off
Amazon

Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened Pencils, 30-Pack

This 30-pack of pre-sharpened pencils ensures your child is ready to write from day one.
  • $2.49
  • $11.99
  • Amazon
53% off
Amazon

Crayola Broad Line Markers (12 Count)

Crayola markers are perfect for coloring, drawing and creating art projects. This set includes 12 colors that are washable and safe for kids.
  • $4.98
  • $10.69
  • Amazon
Amazon

Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks

Elmer's glue sticks are a must-have for arts and crafts. The disappearing purple formula makes it easy for kids to see where they've applied glue, and it dries clear.
  • $4.39
  • Amazon
Amazon

Fiskars 5" Pointed-Tip Scissors for Kids

These kid-friendly scissors are designed with safety in mind. They feature blunt tips and ergonomic handles, making them perfect for young hands to use during crafting and school projects.
  • $9.89
  • Amazon
Amazon

LilGadgets Connect+ On-Ear Kids Headphones

These durable and comfortable headphones are perfect for young students. They offer excellent sound quality, a built-in volume limiter for safe listening, and are available in a variety of fun colors.
  • $19.95
  • Amazon

Personalized picks

Nothing says "back-to-school" more than supplies, backpacks or other items with your kid's initials embroidered on them. These personalized supplies are as practical as they are adorable.

41% off
pottery barn kids

Mackenzie Navy NBA Personalized Backpacks

  • $37.99
  • $64.50
  • pottery barn kids
Etsy

Personalized Kindergarten Shirt by frankybstudio

  • $17.22 - $22.17
  • Etsy
15% off
Etsy

Personalized Nylon Backpack by DaisyScottDesigns

  • $42.50 - $76.50
  • $50 - $90
  • Etsy
19% off
Etsy

School name labels by GiggleLabels

  • $7.59
  • $9.48
  • Etsy
Etsy

Personalised Star Sign Leather Bookmark + Stamped Name or Initials by SbriStudio

  • $22.48
  • Etsy
10% off
Etsy

Monogram Pillow Cover with Punch Needle Embroidery by ThePineTroveGifts

  • $16.06
  • $17.85
  • Etsy

Budget-friendly buys

Getting ready for school doesn't have to be expensive. These budget-friendly buys ensure you have everything you need without breaking the bank.

Amazon

Mr. Pen- Sticky Notes

These eco-friendly sticky notes are made from 100% recycled paper and are perfect for reminders, to-do lists, and quick notes. You get 720 notes for under $7.
  • $5.99
  • Amazon
Amazon

BIC Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pens, 60 ct

For under $7, you can stock up on all the pens you'll need for the school year and beyond.
  • $6.49
  • Amazon
5% off
Amazon

Trailmaker Backpack Set

Rather than shelling out big bucks for a backpack, lunchbox and water bottle separately, grab this affordable set, and you're good to go.
  • $17.99
  • $19
  • Amazon
Amazon

Mead Composition Notebooks

This six-pack of wide-ruled composition notebooks makes it easy to color coordinate by subject.
  • $12.54
  • Amazon
Amazon

Sooez 7 Pack Folders with Pockets

Much like the composition notebooks above, these folders allow you to assign different colors to various subjects, and a pack of seven costs under $6.
  • $7.98
  • Amazon

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