9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family
by Rachel Naud
If there’s one thing everyone in the family wants this September, it’s to look and feel cool going into the new school year.
Those starting fresh in a new school will want to make a great first impression, while others will want to impress their friends now that they’re reunited after a summer away!
These suggestions are sure to make the grade for everyone in the family—from tots to teens!
Keep Daycare Days Comfy
While our littlest family members may not be hitting the halls this September, many babies and tots will be heading to daycare as the rest of the family goes back to work and school. You’ll want to make sure they are also packed with all the supplies and essentials they’ll need while away from home.
Huggies Skin Essential diapers are ideal for transitioning to daycare. They are Huggies’ newest product designed to protect against the top two causes of diaper rash—moisture and runny mess. They are crafted for baby’s sensitive skin, dermatologist-approved, and fragrance-free! You can find them at Loblaw banner stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore!
Find Your Personal Style
Trends may come and go, but one thing remains constant across generations—every tween and teen wants to express themselves by decorating their belongings to reflect their personal style. Fresh school supplies offer a perfect blank canvas for students to make their mark. Students will love StickerYou’s vinyl stickers for decorating everything from binders and lockers to water bottles and more!
StickerYou offers trendy, unique designs that are durable, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe. Most importantly, they are sure to make a statement! Shop them in-store at Walmart Canada!
Create a Fall Style Capsule
One of the best parts about going back to school? Getting that new fall wardrobe!
Today, it’s even more fun with SHEIN, which is launching an exciting pop-up activation at the CNE on August 29, August 31, September 1, and September 2. The CNE is often the last hurrah before school starts, making this a fun way for teens to prep for school and get excited for the year ahead! Adorned with a graffiti-inspired design in the signature “brat green” hue, the truck’s exterior will showcase SHEIN’s colourful, street-style aesthetic, complemented by splashes of hot pink.
Whether your teen wants to get some new ‘fits or shop for cool items for their dorm, SHEIN has what they need to get back to cool this school year!
Find Ultimate Comfort
Now that you have all the new clothes, you want to feel and look good underneath them!
Finding a bra that fits well, is comfortable, and supportive is crucial. La Vie En Rose offers an essential collection designed to bring confidence and comfort this fall. There is a style for everyone, including a front-close bra with a magnetic front closure, a sleek back bra that provides a soft, smooth silhouette under clothes, and a cushioned wire bra that is unlined and gives a natural silhouette.
Shop these and more at your local La Vie En Rose.
Find a Cute Bag Accessory
As the new school season begins, tweens are all about Jazwares‘ adorable clip-on plush toys. From Pokémon and Hello Kitty to Squishmallows, these soft and portable plushies are a hit. The attached clip makes them easy to add to lunchboxes, backpacks, or school bags, bringing a bit of fun to every school day!
Available now across Canadian retailers
MSRP: $8.99-$12.97 depending on the style
Keep It Smooth and Hair-Free
To celebrate back-to-school, some are opting to have self-care parties where they try new hairstyles, makeup trends, and self-care treatments like waxing. The Sliick by Salon Perfect takes the fear out of waxing with its deliciously scented wax beads and bright, fun colours. It’s also super easy to use. The at-home microwave kit with Acai Berry Hard Wax Beads smells amazing and is suitable for all hair types—on your face or body. Simply pour the beads into the microwave-safe 100% silicone cup and melt them until you have a smooth wax! The kit also comes with a durable silicone spatula applicator to ensure a seamless and comfortable waxing experience. Afterwards, the Post-Wax Oil soothes and hydrates the skin, making you feel extra pampered. Pick it up at Walmart!
At-Home Microwave Kit with Acai Berry Hard Wax Beads: $22.97
Post-Wax Oil: $14.97
Get the Right Tech
As students head to university this fall, equipping them with the right tools is crucial for a successful start. The ASUS Vivobook 16 16” laptop is an excellent choice for those studying communications. With its large 16” display, powerful Intel Core processor, and 16GB of RAM, it offers fast performance and portability. Its 180-degree hinge allows for versatile viewing angles, making it ideal for group work. Available at Best Buy Canada, this laptop combines functionality and convenience for a smooth academic experience.
Best Buy Canada: $899
Enjoy a Restful Sleep
After a summer of late nights and sleeping in, it can be hard to get back into a good sleep routine come fall, even though we know it’s crucial for getting a good night’s rest! A comfy, supportive mattress designed for restful sleep will ensure your family is well-rested and ready for the school day ahead. The OG bed-in-a-box mattress, made from a signature foam, keeps you comfortable and cool throughout the night. It minimizes motion transfer, so no more waking up if your partner (or fur baby!) rolls around, and it relieves pressure points to reduce hip, back, and shoulder pain. Right now, you can get one for $500 off just in time for back to school!
Casper.ca: $1499
Look for Affordable Dorm Essentials
Getting ready for university can be exciting but also expensive. IKEA is a great option for finding affordable dorm essentials, thanks to their recent $80 million investment in lowering prices across their range. This includes items perfect for any student looking to make their space feel like home—affordably and stylishly. Whether living solo or with a roommate, air quality is important for ensuring a healthy and comfortable living space. That’s why an air purifier from IKEA is a smart choice. It cleans indoor air from harmful particles and pollen and is portable, so it can be placed in different areas of a dorm as needed. Shop it in stores or online at ikea.ca.