After 12+ years of back-to-school shopping, I've learned several things.
To assist you in the shopping season, I've put together a list of some of the best clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, and school supplies for the 2024 back-to-school season. Hope you and your family have a wonderful school year!
Dry erase markers are a hot commodity at our house during the school year. We have two giant dry erase boards and they are put to good use - for math instruction, Latin review, homework checklists, and daily reminders.
Quartet just released brand new 36-count dry erase marker sets - available exclusively on Amazon. These low odor, smudge-resistant, fine-tip markers come with a magnetic back and an eraser on the cap! Choose one of four different sets: 36 Count Fine Tip all black, 36 Count Chisel Tip all Black, or 36 Count Fine Tip in four colors.
For sporty pieces with a trendy vintage flair, check out Diadora's athletic clothing and sneakers. You can "search by sport" to find apparel and gear for pickleball, running, soccer, tennis, and beach volleyball.
If you love preppy, timeless, quality clothing for your child that looks as if you pulled it directly from a prince or prince's closet, turn to Janie & Jack. Although these clothes and accessories are distinctly high end, they are also (shhhh!) secretly affordable and wonderfully comfortable.
If you were to look up "school uniforms" in a dictionary, Lands' End would probably be the first entry. This is because LE specializes in durable and well-made polos that wash and wear with tenacity. The words "reliable" and "time-tested" come to mind.
Lands' End also has professional, long-lasting pieces that are perfect for a teacher's wardrobe.
If you think of Skechers as just one particular kind of shoe, take a second look! Skechers offers sandals, sneakers, slip-ons, ballerina shoes, winter shoes, and running shoes for the entire family! On any given day, you will probably find some member of our family wearing Skechers because - quite simply - they are cute, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off throughout a busy day.
For back-to-school shopping, Under Armour is your secret weapon. Here's why: In one shopping cart, you can purchase sports gear and practice clothing PLUS preppy school uniform staples in performance materials. Don't forget that UA offers clothing for elementary age students (size 7 and up) as well!
Look like you breezed right in from the beach on the first day of school (while simultaneously meeting all dress code and/or school uniform requirements) with Vineyard Vines. This Connecticut-based company, offers high-quality, high-style designs that you can wear from school to work to church to the beach.
All three of my girls have used the California Kids #superclear products at some point during their tween/teen years. These hydrating products gently cleanse and exfoliate without the use of harsh chemicals.
The right hair care products go a long way toward keeping hair healthy and looking its best. The Marc Anthony brand has a variety of products for different hair textures and lengths - conditioners, creams, styling foams, refreshers, and gels. If you have a curly-haired child or teen, take note of the Strictly Curls line, which aims to define, enhance, amplify, and refresh curls.
We have four kids (ranging in age from 8 to a college freshman) so we've been shopping for lunchboxes for over a decade. Arctic Zone/Titan usually rises to the top of our list because they have what it takes to keep lunches cold in our desert climate. Arizona can bring a whole new meaning to "hot lunch" if you don't have the right icepacks to keep sandwiches, fruit, and snacks cool. Titan's expandable, zippered lunchboxes are sometimes available at Costco during the back-to-school season.
College students love their hiking backpacks as book bags. This year, our freshman in college is making good use of her A.T.P. 20 Backpack. It's perfectly sized for her Biology, Chemistry, Honors, Forensics, and Bible classes. The well-designed pack includes a removable laptop sleeve, expandable water bottle pocket, sunglasses pocket, key clip, and an external 3L reservoir sleeve (reservoir not included).
CamelBak also makes excellent, heavy-duty, easy-to-clean insulated stainless steel water bottles with innovative magnetic lids. (The Chute Mag is currently my go-to water bottle).
Having trouble with backpacks that seem to fall apart before the school year is up? You need to know about JanSport's Limited Lifetime Warranty. The brand stands by their bags and we've found them to be roomy and well-made. Our family uses them across age levels - from elementary all the way up through college! The only "problem" you'll have on the website is that there are so many different colors and styles to choose from.
Trusted and used by many speech therapists, Articulation Station Hive is an app designed to help kids with - you guessed it! - articulation. Your child or tween can practice specific letter sounds or phrases in a colorful, interactive online environment.
Looking for an exciting way to teach your kids key facts about history, science, and literature? Consider trivia games! Our favorite ones are by Outset Media under the Professor Noggin brand. There are currently over 20 themes, including Presidents of the United States, History of Art, The Human Body, American Revolution, Civil War, Ancient Civilizations, and more! Fun for classroom or family use!
What are your favorite products for back-to-school 2024?
Where will you be purchasing clothes, shoes, and gear for your students?
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Some of the products in the list below were sent to us by brands to try. Other products are ones that we purchased ourselves or were given by family members and friends. Know that I will always provide both the pros and cons of each featured product. You are welcome to send follow-up questions to me on X. (I’m @stephsheaffer)