8 Last-Minute Back-to-School Essentials for Students
By Rachel Naud
Back-to-school season is here, and whether you’re sending your kids off to elementary or high school or university, getting them ready can be exciting — and expensive! From school supplies and fashion to a few things you may not have thought to put on the list, we’ve got you covered just in time!
Staples
Knapsack is part of Staples’ exclusive Pep Rally Collection
Back-to-school shopping can add up fast, but Staples Canada is making it easier to get everything you need in one place. Their exclusive Pep Rally collection is back with colourful backpacks, water bottles, stationery and accessories in fun, trend-driven designs. Plus, you’ll find all the big brands you know, from Crayola and Sharpie to Microsoft and HP. And there are deals for every budget, with school supplies starting at just 22 cents, backpacks from $7, and laptops as low as $399.99. Shop in-store or online at Staples.ca, with convenient pickup and same-day delivery options.
La Vie En Rose
Leaking through your clothes when you’re at school is one of life’s most traumatizing moments. IYKYK. So if you have a daughter heading back to school, this is a solution. These are Newex leakproof panties from La Vie en Rose. They’re washable, reusable and come in five different fits and three levels of absorbency—from light right up to super, which absorbs the equivalent of five regular tampons. And they’re not just for periods—they can also help with discharge and bladder leaks, so they really take you through different stages of life. There’s even a new boyshort with extra coverage that’s great for overnight. Shop them at your local La Vie en Rose.
SHEIN
Back-to-school shopping can get expensive FAST — especially when you’re buying clothes, school supplies, accessories and, in my case, everything a university student suddenly decides they need for their dorm. That’s why SHEIN is a great one-stop destination for back-to-school. You can find everything from trendy campus outfits and kids’ uniforms to accessories and home essentials, with items starting at just $5.
So whether you’re sending them to kindergarten or campus, you can get a whole lot of that back-to-school list in one place — without blowing the budget. Like what you see? Simply shop on ca.shein.com and search “RachelBTS” for all of your selections!
Squishmallow Fragrances
Photo courtesy of Sephora Canada
Back-to-school shopping isn’t just notebooks and new clothes — it’s also a great excuse for a new signature scent! And for Squishmallow fans, this is a fun one: Squishmallow Fragrances have officially launched at Sephora Canada.
There are five scents inspired by different Squishmallow characters and personalities. Pink Possibilities is fruity with strawberry and kiwi, Wonder Whirl has blue raspberry and vanilla, and Whisked Away Tropical Sunset combines passionfruit, papaya milk and beach jasmine. There’s also Whisked Away, with caramel, foamy milk and vanilla latte notes, and the fruitier, slightly edgier Moonlit Mist. Not only do these scents smell amazing – they are scientifically proven to bring you joy! Every scent contains the exclusive Squishmallow Accord, with sweet, fluffy marshmallow notes enhanced with Emotiwaves technology, which is designed to evoke feelings of happiness, wellbeing and joy!
Task Rabbit
Photo courtesy of Task Rabbit
Moving your kid into a dorm can be stressful—and the last thing anyone wants is a family fight over furniture assembly! Taskrabbit can make move-in day easier by connecting families with skilled, reliable Taskers who can help assemble dorm furniture, unpack or even deep-clean a student home. And Canadians are already preparing: searches for “desk assembly” and “mini fridge” are both up 71%. Book a Tasker today at Taskrabbit.ca or through the Taskrabbit app.
Samsung
Photo from Samsung
The new Samsung foldables are great because they’re portable but still big enough for students to do all the things they love to do like surf the web, text, take selfies and stream their fave shows! The Galaxy Z Fold8 is really the best of both worlds because it’s light and compact enough to fit in a pocket, and when it’s folded, students can easily check their messages between class! And when it opens up, the wider screen is perfect for reading or research and, of course, streaming videos or gaming. If your teen is a selfie lover, they will appreciate the Galaxy Z Flip8, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra offers the lineup’s best camera and plenty of room for multitasking. And for that extra help, all three phones feature Galaxy AI tools like Now Brief and Now Nudge for helpful updates! Check them all out at samsung.com
Sistema
Photo from Sistema
September 19 is Love Your Lunch Day—a reminder that every child should feel proud of the food they bring to school, whether it reflects their culture, family traditions or favourite foods. Sistema Bento Boxes make those lunches easy to pack, with multiple compartments, secure closures and a flexible seal to help keep food fresh. Because every lunch deserves to be welcomed, celebrated and enjoyed with confidence. Shop it at walmart.ca
Photo courtesy of Sephora
Yuja Brightening 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Back-to-school season is the perfect time for a fresh start—and when your skin looks its best, you can step into the new year with confidence. The Yuja Brightening 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser works as a quick two-minute mask and a daily cleanser, making it ideal for busy mornings. Powered by 13 Korean yujas per tube, plus vitamin C and niacinamide, it gently exfoliates and helps skin look brighter, smoother and more even—even after one use. Find it at Sephora Canada or Sephora.ca.