Ace the School Year: Essential Gear for Middle and High Schoolers

Tailored and Treasured Custom Engraved Stanley Ice Flow Cup ($60, Etsy)

Let’s face it, kids are less likely to lose their water bottle if it’s personalized just for them! This husband-and-wife team laser-engraves 20- and 30-oz Stanley tumblers with your child’s handwriting – or you can choose to have their name or initials engraved in pre-designed styles.

Stanley tumblers are already incredibly popular, so your kids will love them. The engraving ensures that your child will stand out from the crowd. I had one made with my handwriting, and it’s so cool!

JanSport Station Pack ($65, Jansport.com)

This backpack is spacious without being bulky, and very well-organized with all the pockets kids need, including a laptop side pocket. It’s comfortable to carry, thanks to EVA shoulder straps and a padded top handle, and is available in five basic colors.

With the proper care, this backpack could take students all the way through college, and bonus, it’s roomy enough to be used as a weekender.

Titan by Arctic Zone Fridge Cold Lunch Box with Ice Walls ($29.99, Arcticzone.com)

It’s tough to keep kids’ lunches cool enough, especially in warmer climates.

This new lunch bag features two High Performance Ice Walls, SuperFoam insulation, and a Therma-Flect radiant barrier interior to keep food and drinks “fridge cold” up to 6 hours (it works!). There are four colors available, and the handle has a handy clip for attaching to their backpack.

Satechi FindAll Keychain ($29.99, Amazon)

As your kids get older and take on more responsibility, they may need to carry house keys, car keys, or a school ID.

This vegan leather keychain syncs with Apple’s Find My network to ensure that your student can locate these essential items when needed. The FindAll will even automatically send an alert if it is left behind. It lasts for a year on a single charge!

PAPERAGE Undated 12-Month 7.5 x 9” Weekly & Monthly Planner ($15.99, Amazon)

A planner offers a good way for your teen to keep track of everything they have going on.

This 12-month planner is undated, allowing your student to start it at any time. It features durable plastic covers and a spiral binding to withstand everything your teen puts it through, and includes useful features such as note pages, goals, stickers, and even a budget tracker, if they have a part-time job. The planner is available in several colors to suit all tastes and genders.

Pipa Start Young Bundle ($44, value $59, Pipastics.com)

Kids’ skin is a funny thing. One day, it’s clear and smooth, and the next day, bumps appear, and the battle for clear skin begins. When kids enter the tween years, it’s essential to encourage healthy skin habits, such as cleansing and hydrating, which can help prevent breakouts.

This trio includes a gentle foaming cleanser, a refreshing mist to hydrate skin, and a lightweight moisturizer. There’s also a headband for keeping their hair back. The products are pediatrician-approved, clean, and effective, and contain no harsh chemicals or hormone disruptors.

Dollar Shave Club Double Header Electric Trimmer ($49.94, Amazon)

This trimmer has two easily swappable heads: one for beards and one for bodies. The ceramic blades on the face head are designed for a long-lasting, close shave, while the stainless steel body head features a self-sharpening blade that prevents hair tugs. My tester (husband) regularly uses trimmers and found that this one is easy to use, quickly delivering a close shave. He’s a fan! And bonus, the trimmer is stylish enough that it can accompany them to college when they are ready to leave the nest.