The Small Social's Back-to-School Essentials
It’s been a busy summer for The Small Social team, catching up with friends, spending time with family, and keeping our school-aged kids entertained between meetings. But now, it’s officially back-to-school season, which means shifting schedules, new routines, and a fresh list of must-haves for the year ahead.
Whether you’re restocking an entire pencil case, navigating the strong opinions of a teenager, or venturing into the world of dorm rooms and first-time study spaces, every stage of school comes with its own essentials.
Whatever back-to-school season looks like for you, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite picks for elementary, high school, and post-secondary students to make the annual school-year scramble a little easier.
Here’s what’s on our back-to-school list:
Elementary School
Elementary school is all about keeping things colourful, organized and, ideally, easy to find. These essentials are great for helping little learners head into the new school year prepared.
When you’re seven, having 64 colours instead of 24 is a very big deal. A classic box of Crayola crayons gives kids plenty of options for art projects, colouring and all those masterpieces that inevitably make their way onto the fridge.
A good pencil case keeps crayons, pencils, erasers and other small supplies together and makes it much easier for little ones to find what they need. Available in 4 colours, there’s an option for everyone.
For older elementary students who are starting to use pens more regularly, InkJoy gel pens add a little fun to everyday schoolwork. They’re smooth, colourful and perfect for notes, creative projects and adding a bit of personality to assignments.
A hot meal at school can make the day so much better. For school lunches, snacks or keeping food warm throughout the day, this Hydro Flask Food jar is a practical addition to any lunch kit.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Tumbler
Staying hydrated is important, especially during busy school days. A reusable tumbler is an easy way to keep water close by, whether kids are at their desks, heading to gym class or spending recess outside.
A lunch tote is one of those everyday essentials that gets a lot of use throughout the school year. This Wild Orchid lunch tote is insulated, durable and easy to carry, with enough room for lunch, snacks and a water bottle.
Gel Ice Packs in Fabric Sleeves 2-Pack
These are perfect for keeping lunches and snacks cool without adding a bulky ice pack to the lunch bag. The fabric sleeves also make them a little more comfortable and practical for everyday use, and with their cute design, your child will be excited to have them in their lunch bag.
For kids who love variety, a compartmentalized lunchbox can be a game changer. The Yumbox Tapas makes it easy to pack different foods into one container, from fruit and veggies to sandwiches and snacks.
Not exactly the most exciting item on the list, but definitely one parents will appreciate. This fruit and vegetable wash by Attitude can be kept at home for giving produce a thorough clean before packing it into school lunches and snacks.
High School
High school comes with a little more independence, a lot more stuff and, somehow, a schedule that seems to change every five minutes. These picks can help students stay organized, hydrated and ready for whatever the school day brings.
A reliable backpack is a high school essential. Jansport has long been a go-to for students thanks to its practical design and ability to carry everything from binders and laptops to gym clothes and snacks.
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A good water bottle is a must for long school days. The Owala FreeSip is designed for easy drinking on the go, making it a practical option for students moving between classes, sports and extracurriculars.
Between classes, assignments, extracurriculars, social plans and everything else happening in high school, keeping track of what's coming up can be a challenge. A magnetic calendar is an easy way to make important dates and deadlines visible at a glance. Add it to a desk, the wall, or the fridge.
For students who prefer something they can carry with them, a personal planner can be a great organizational tool. Writing down assignments, tests, activities and deadlines can make a busy semester feel a whole lot more manageable. With its floral design, this planner is something your high school student might actually want to use.
For students who spend their days on the go, a durable water bottle is worth having. A YETI Rambler can handle being tossed into a backpack, carried to practice and brought along for busy school days.
Whether they’re heading to gym class, walking across a large school campus, attending after-school sports, or simply looking for a comfortable everyday shoe, the HOKA Clifton 11s are a practical addition to a back-to-school wardrobe.
Every student needs pens, and having a reliable stash on hand is never a bad idea. Keep a few in the pencil case, backpack and at home because somehow, pens always seem to disappear by mid-semester (or the end of week one).
Post-Secondary School
Heading off to college or university? The back-to-school shopping list starts looking a little different when you’re responsible for creating your own study space and managing your own schedule.
A comfortable study setup can make a huge difference when you’re spending hours reading, writing papers or attending online lectures. This supportive office chair is an investment in creating a workspace that students will actually want to use.
For students who spend a lot of time working on laptops, tablets and other screens, blue light glasses can be a useful addition to their study setup. Whether they’re working on a paper or watching yet another lecture recording, they’re an easy desk accessory to have on hand to avoid eye fatigue and headaches.
For students who love taking notes digitally, the Kindle Scribe combines reading and writing in one device. It can be a useful option for organizing readings, notes and study materials without filling a backpack with notebooks.
From listening to music while studying to catching up on podcasts between classes, wireless earbuds are a post-secondary staple. The AirPods 4 are a convenient pick for students who are constantly moving between class, campus, home and their favourite study spot. Plus, with noise-cancelling capabilities, they can block out the outside noise and truly focus.
A New School Year Starts With the Right Essentials
Whether it’s a fresh box of crayons, a new planner or a comfortable chair for a university study setup, the best essentials are the ones that make everyday school life a little easier.
If you’re still staring at an empty shopping cart wondering where to start, consider this your sign to make a list, check it twice and get shopping. The first day of school will be here before you know it!
