7 Last-Minute Back-to-School Items They’ll Need

Whether they’re heading back to class or learning online, every teen and tween likes to have some fresh new gear to start off the school year. From lunchtime must-haves to bedtime routines, we have some suggestions sure to make the grade from elementary school kids to college-bound students.

All the Licensed Gear

If you want to get your kid really excited about back to school, the best place to head is Toys R Us. They have everything you need to start the year off right, from licensed backpacks, water bottles and lunch boxes to fun school supplies. Grab all these items in-store or online.

Suck it up

If you love drinking from a straw but hate the sog factor of the paper variety, look no further than The Rice Straw. Perfect for eco-conscious parents and students, alike, this straw is actually made from rice, tapioca and organic dyes. It’s 100% natural and chemical-free. It’s completely bio-degradable, but the best part? It retains its structural integrity for up to three hours!

Good To Go

If your child is always starving after school, keep these Good to Go Soft-Baked Bars on hand. They have a cake-like texture that kids love, but they are also made with organic ingredients. They’re vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, kosher and non-GMO Project Verified. They come in double chocolate, vanilla almond or blueberry cashew!

Soak the Stress Away

Heading back to school this year (especially after a year of being in and out of school) can be a bit stressful and anxiety-filled, which is why this Dr. Teals Melatonin Collection is great for bedtime routines. It’s infused with beneficial vitamins, minerals, essential oils and Melatonin to restore and rejuvenate both mind and body, while promoting a good night’s sleep. Available at Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Safely Sanitize

For students heading back to class, hand sanitizers are going to be as essential as any supply.  These Spread Love, Not Germs hand sanitizers from Bath & Body Works come in a small PocketBac size, perfect for tossing in their backpacks, desks or lockers. They also come with super cute holders so they can toggle their sanitizer to their bag for easy access. Later in the year, they also make for amazing teacher gifts!

On-the-Go

For university students on the go, Walmart has great value overall for back to school. With this Hamilton Beach mini-blender, university or college students can quickly whip up a breakfast smoothie straight into their travel cup, so it’s really quick and easy in the morning! Shop in stores or online. Check out the site for restrictions but you can also score free shipping on orders over $35

Dorm organization

When it comes to shopping for students heading to a university/college dorm or maybe they’re sharing an apartment with friends, Bed, Bath and Beyond is the go-to. This year, just in time for Back-to-University, they have launched Squared Away, a new line of storage and organization products like this metal mesh cabinet drawer, which is awesome for organizing bathroom essentials. New towels from their Wild Sage line are also a must. You can grab these in-store, online or using curbside pickup, and right now Bed Bath & Beyond has a university savings pass that gives students 20% off their university purchases, which is a great way to start the new school year!