As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s time to get everything your little ones need for a successful year ahead without breaking the bank. We’ve curated a list of affordable essentials that combine quality, functionality, and fun, ensuring your kids are equipped with the best gear to thrive in the classroom. From lunch gear to creative storage solutions, these budget-friendly items will ensure a smooth transition back to school.
Learning Resources Create-a-Space Storage Center ($22.99, Amazon)
If kids are new to school, keeping their workspace organized can be a challenge.
This carousel-style storage center features eight removable containers, allowing kids to store a variety of items, from pens and markers to scissors. Each container comes with a handle, allowing kids to easily grab the one they need and return it to its designated place when they’re done.
Melii Silicone Bento Box ($14.99, Amazon)
This silicone bento box from woman-owned company, Melii, can easily convert from 1 to 2 compartments, depending on what lunch is each day.
The box is for kids of all ages, but I especially like it for younger kids because it’s colorful, slip-free, and easy to open. The microwave & dishwasher safe box is made from durable food-grade silicone, and it’s free of harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, PVC, and phthalates. When your kids outgrow it, it’s handy for food storage in the fridge!
Neco Bags Foodie Bag Sets ($18, Necobags.com)
It’s time to ditch the baggies and opt for an easy, eco-friendly option, like these Foodie Bags. The set comes with one sandwich and one snack-sized bag, but there are also sets with two sandwich bags or two snack bags.
These bags are easy to use, machine washable, and come in lots of fun colors and patterns that your kids will love. They are made with eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, including the only CPSIA-certified and food-safety-tested recycled PUL fabric, according to the brand.
TAL Stainless Steel Ranger Straw Kids Water Bottle ($21.72-$24.88 for a 2-pack, Walmart)
Kids need water bottles, but now that they are so trendy, they’ve become pricey! And for younger kids who have trouble hanging onto theirs, a bottle that is $35+ is not going to work.
These TAL bottles are everything your kids need in a bottle: they are leakproof, durable, have a flip-up straw, an easy-to-carry handle, and keep drinks cold for up to 40 hours. This Walmart exclusive is available in three colors and single or handy twin packs.
Dollar General Backpacks ($5, Dollar General)
These backpacks are perfectly sized for little kids K-5. There are several styles to choose from, from simple and plain to fun and colorful.
These sturdy backpacks have two generously sized compartments and feature a handle on top in addition to the shoulder straps. Your kid will never know you only paid $5!
Art2theextreme Spanish Crayon Stix ($29.95 for a set of 9 solid colors, Etsy.com)
Easy-to-grip Spanish Crayon Stix feature the colors in Spanish, adding educational fun to your kids’ crayons this year.
A former teacher created art2theextreme crayons, and the brand continues to be at the top of Etsy’s best-selling gifts for kids and is an Etsy Design Award Finalist.
Sun Bum Kids SPF 50 Clear Face Stick ($12.49, Amazon)
While the weather’s nice, the kids will be outside during recess and for sports after school. You can encourage them to apply SPF in the morning before they leave, but by the time break time rolls around, they’ll need a touch-up.
This portable, weather-resistant stick goes on clear, so users can simply glide it on and go play! I also love this product for adults – a strategically placed swipe adds a dewy glow to the face. For the morning application, I like the Kids SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Spray ($18.49, Amazon), a non-aerosol, water-resistant spray for the face and body. I like to spray it on my hand first and then apply it. The vegan, cruelty-free, and Hawaii Act 104 compliant products are dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested.
