11 back-to-school essentials the kids will love

The Christmas chaos may be done and dusted for another year, but the back-to-school prep and shopping has only just begun (sorry!).

This year, we’re helping you stay one step ahead of the game by getting the kids ready for the school year ahead super-early and stress-free — no running around the shops like a maniac trying to navigate the sales; instead, you’ve got all the back-to-school essentials the kids will love in one handy list.

Choosing the right lunchbox can be a tricky task, however, this edition from Packit ticks all the boxes. Made from light, non-toxic materials, this Packit lunchbox is easy to clean and carry. With clever built-in cooling technology, the design keeps lunches cool and fresh in the summer, without the need for additional ice packs..

Perfect for high-schoolers, these Bluetooth headphones have more than 30 hours of wireless playtime and deliver clear, crisp sound that will block out any background noise — ideal for long study sessions.

It’s a dreaded thought to send the kids off with lunch money, only to have them come home to say that it’s fallen out of their pocket. In 2019, send them to school with a novelty purse that will keep their coins safe. With an additional key ring, kids can fasten the purse to their bag or belt hooks, for extra safe keeping.

Keep their school work safe and organised with A4 notebooks that are as stylish as they are practical. The back-to-school essential comes in a variety of fun designs, each featuring an elastic fastener, internal pockets and 120 lined pages.

Invest in a backpack that will outlast the endeavours of the school year. Constructed from light-weight, sturdy material, this Jansport edition has a padded back for extra comfort and plenty of internal and external pockets to keep the kids’ belongings in order.

This cool and colourful Smiggle pencil case will be an instant hit with the kids. With double zips and internal pockets, the case will keep stationary neat and organised.

Keep up with the kids’ busy schedules all year round with this month-by-month wall planner. The simple and straightforward layout leaves enough space to pencil in everything from after-school training sessions to award ceremonies.

Let the kids unleash a little extra creativity this year. With every colour of the rainbow on offer, this Faber-Castell pack is as great for original drawings as it is for colouring-in tasks.

Leak-proof and cleverly insulated, this stainless-steel water bottle is the perfect back-to-school accessory. It’s durable too, suitable for the antics of lunchtime.

Kids go through school shoes faster than toilet paper, so why not send them back to school with a pair that will actually survive the playground. This classic and comfortable style from Clarks has durable soles, leather lining and innersoles, making it the perfect pair for all different foot shapes.

In between prepping the kids, dropping them off to school and getting yourself ready, the time for a pick-me-up coffee is limited. So why not take your morning elixir on the road with this cute and environmentally friendly Keep Cup?