14 Back-to-school Must-haves

Get organized and back into the groove this year with the coolest gear

Back to school is the perfect time to establish routines and set the whole family up for success. Little ones, teens, university-aged kids and even parents will find these essentials a huge help this September. We’ve rounded up the best stationery, clothing and kitchen tools to help you transition seamlessly from summer to school. If you’re determined to be prepared this year or could use a little help, then this guide is for you.

Here’s are our top picks for back-to-school supplies…

 

1. Stationery by Yoobi, various prices

New to Canada this summer, Yoobi is an adorable stationery brand available exclusively at Indigo. The best part? Yoobi gives back through the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation by giving school supplies to Canadian children in need. You’ll probably be tempted to pick out some Yoobi supplies for yourself from their mermaid collection (pictured at top)

 

2. Native Shoes, from $46

Kids shoes that are easy to slip on are key for parents who—despite their every effort—find themselves rushing the little ones out the door each morning. Native Shoes are lightweight, extremely durable and have a high resale value—kids will outgrow them before they wear out. Deck out the whole family in stylish Native shoes this fall to make mornings go smoothly.

 

3. Acrylic storage from Muji, from $8

With the start of a new school semester comes an explosion of all sorts of stationery, homework assignments, craft projects and paper (so much paper!). Stay on top of the onslaught this year by using storage from Muji to sort everything out. These clear acrylic trays are versatile and chic; plus, it’s fun to create a custom storage solution that works for your family.

 

4. Reusable snack bags from Colibri, from $8

Save yourself from emptying lunch boxes full of litter by using these reusable snack bags from Colibri. The outside is 100 percent cotton and the lining is polyester with polyurethane membrane—completely certified food safe. Cute and colourful, these bags will save you money this school year by reducing food waste and eliminating plastic snack bags.

 

5. Colour-changing raincoat from Hatley, $56

Even though the weather is still lovely when school starts in September, the rainy season is just around the corner. Be prepared by having rain gear that your kids will love. Hatley is a Canadian company that makes fun and colourful rain gear that kids will be happy to wear even on the rainiest days—and these colour-changing raincoats are so incredible you’ll wish you had one when you were a kid! 

 

6. Google Home Mini, $59.99

The Google Home Mini is like having a personal assistant who will ease you back into the school year with confidence. You can check the weather, arrange your schedule and play music hands-free. The voice technology is so advanced that it can even tell family members apart. Kids can also use this tech tool as a dictionary, translator and calculator to help with their homework.

 

7. Beeswax wrap from Abeego, from $16

This reusable beeswax wrap from Abeego is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic wrap and a must-have for school lunch boxes. It keeps fruits and veggies fresh and prevents browning. Each wrap lasts for a year or longer and thanks to the beeswax, it is antibacterial, breathable and compostable.

8. Pure Presence Sweater from Lululemon, $68

The Pure Presence Sweater from Lululemon is the perfect piece for all her athletic activities as well as for everyday casual wear. It fits loosely and has thumb holes, so it’s perfect to layer under a coat or jacket as the weather gets cooler.

 

9. MÅLA Apron from IKEA, $6.99

Unless you love spending your free time trying to remove stains, do yourself a favour and grab a few of these art smocks the next time you’re at IKEA. There are a lot of arts and crafts days at school, especially when it’s raining outside, so pack one in their backpack for days when things get messy.

 

10. Water bottles from Indigo, from $23.95

Give older kids a chance to pick out their own S’well bottle. These trendy, ubiquitous water bottles come in a stunning range of colours and designs. Encourage kids to use them at home, too, and you’ll find a lot fewer glasses of water left around the house.

For the little ones, Skip Hop’s zoo character water bottles have a super easy-to-use pop-up lid with a straw (kids are more likely to stay hydrated when it’s easy for them to grab a sip). Wrapped in a slip-resistant silicone sleeve, the stainless steel water bottle keeps drinks cold and hands warm.

 

11. Odette Bedding Set from Bed Bath & Beyond, from $47.99

This bedding set from Bed Bath & Beyond is a beautiful boho-style addition to any bedroom. Any big kids going off to college will love this for their dorm room. It’s also a good idea to treat little kids with a bedding set they love to get them excited about earlier bedtimes and mornings that come with the start of the school year.

 

12. The ‘At Your Desk’ Remedy Bar from Saje, $36.95

Back-to-school time can cause a lot of anxiety. Saje Natural Wellness makes plant-based aromatherapy designed to support your family’s health during all the stresses of the school year. This kit includes some of their best-selling roll-on remedies to help calm and focus the mind, ease tension and aid digestion.

13. The Weekly Staples Box from SPUD, $39.99

Grocery shopping is the last thing on your mind during the hectic return to school. This clever weekly staples box from SPUD is an easy way to make sure you have fresh fruit, vegetables and basics. Choose from omnivore, vegan or gluten-free and receive a weekly box of affordable organic food. You can make a simple weekday meal using fresh ingredients and not have to stress about your grocery list.

14. Rocketbook Wave Wirebound Notebook by Rocketbook, $34.60

This is no ordinary notebook. Use the Rocketbook app to easily scan and upload your content online. The notebook comes with a special Frixion pen to write with and once the pages are full, you stick it in the microwave. Yes, you read that right. You microwave the notebook and it clears the pages and you can reuse the notebook up to five times! For those who need the hippest gadgets for the new school year, look no further than the Rocketbook.