Summer is winding down, and everyone can feel it in the air.  And as moms, we can feel that little whisper, “school is coming.” And if you’re anything like me, you’re probably sitting there, half sentimental and half exhausted, wondering where the time went.

I had big plans for this summer. Oh yes, I was going to be that mom, the one with the Pinterest-perfect bucket list, jam-packed with travel plans, beach days, late-night movie marathons, trying many different baking recipes, and homemade fruit popsicles. And we did some of that (okay, a lot of baking). But honestly? Some days were just survival mode. Some days, I would count the hours until bedtime. Well, most days, if I am being honest.

And now here we are. The kids are bouncing off the walls, and as much as I’ll miss their giggles during the day, I cannot lie, I’m ready for the sweet, sweet sound of a quiet house when school starts again.

But then reality smacks me right in the face: school supplies. That dreaded list. Last year, I swore I would be the early bird who shops in July, and this year I’m the mom frantically scrolling online in late August, trying to remember if we still have last year’s scissors or if someone “borrowed” them to make something. Between juggling my career, making meals and taking care of the house, making money, and just trying to keep life together, I don’t always have the luxury of slow, leisurely shopping trips.

And I know I’m not the only one. Some of us just don’t have the time, or the mental energy, to make ten different lists, run to five different stores, and still keep our sanity. That’s why I’m grateful for Amazon. A big cup of milky tea in one hand, phone in the other, and a few clicks, boom, the backpack is filled, and I can check something off my never-ending list.

So, for all my fellow late-shoppers, tired moms, and “where-did-the-summer-go” parents, I’ve put together a list of 50+ back-to-school must-haves for our kids of all ages, and also their Amazon links to get them from. These aren’t just the basics like pencils and paper (though we’ve got those, too). These are the smart, durable, sanity-saving finds that will make the school year smoother, easier, and maybe even a little fun.

Ready? Let’s dive in, mama. We’ve got this.

Backpacks, Lunchboxes, Water Bottles, and the basics

1. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack: A classic, durable choice that’s always in demand.
2. The North Face Recon Backpack: A popular choice for older students, known for durability and a padded laptop compartment.
3. Bento Kids Lunch Box: The bento box trend is here to stay, and for good reason. These leak-proof containers make it easy to pack a balanced meal without multiple plastic bags. The individual compartments keep food separate and appealing, which is a huge plus for picky eaters.
4. Bentgo Kids Lunch Box: These bento-style lunch boxes are a huge hit for keeping food organized and preventing leaks.
5. Bentgo Kids Lunch Bag: An insulated bag designed to fit the Bentgo lunch box perfectly.
6. Mfacoy 3-Pack Bento Boxes for Adults/Kids:  This 3-set Bento box is a perfect fit for most bento bags and able to be carried or moved easily. There is enough space for you to take food at the same time. It’s perfect for students, busy office workers, and travelers.
7. Owala FreeSip Water Bottle: This bottle’s unique two-in-one sip and chug lid makes it a top seller.
8. Contigo Aubrey Kids Water Bottle: A leak-proof water bottle is non-negotiable. This one is a mom’s favorite because of its spill-proof valve and easy-to-clean design. No more soggy homework or ruined library books!
9. Customized Backpack: While not a specific brand, this is a category you can’t skimp on. Look for a backpack with a padded laptop sleeve, durable zippers, and a water bottle pocket. For older kids, a simple, minimalist design like the Herschel Classic is a popular choice. For younger kids, find one that is sized for their smaller frames and comfortable to carry.
10. Wildkin Two-Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag: A popular option for keeping food separate and organized.
11. Yeti Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle: The tank of water bottles is praised for its durability and ability to keep drinks cold.
12. High Sierra Loop Backpack: A versatile and highly rated backpack with multiple pockets.
13.  Girl’s Biker Shorts: Biker Shorts for Girls to wear under their skirts or dresses.
14. Girls Rain Boots: Waterproof PVC Rain Boots: These rain boots are made of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC, which is a kind of sturdy plastic material. It is waterproof, lightweight, and flexible. The qualities make this boot perfect for standing up to adventurous play.

School Supplies

• Personalized Pens with Stylus:  This pen can be engraved with up to two lines of text.  Its body is made of metal material, with a comfortable grip and smooth writing. It features a responsive stylus tip that can be used on any mobile phone, tablet, or touchscreen device.

• Shuttle Art 108 Pre-sharpened Pack Golf Pencils With Erasers: This is a classic for a reason. Shuttle Art pencils are known for their exceptional quality, and they sharpen smoothly without breaking. These 3.5-inch pencils with erasers in a box come pre-sharpened, which saves your children time making them ready to use right out of the box. 

1. Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils: A practical choice for all ages, with options like the triangular shape for smaller hands.
2. Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks: A classic for arts and crafts that dries clear.
3. Crayola Colored Pencils: A staple for any classroom.
4. Sharpie Clear View Highlighters: Highlighter with see-through tip so you can highlight neatly and evenly. It is a popular buy for students taking notes.
5. BIC Round Stic Xtra-Life Ballpoint Pens: A go-to for a reliable, inexpensive pen.
6. Five-Star Spiral Notebooks: Durable notebooks with study apps are a popular choice.
7. Mead Composition Notebooks: A classic composition notebook known for durability.
8. Post-it Sticky Notes: Essential for organizing notes, flagging pages, and leaving reminders.
9. Dry-Erase Pockets: This is a genius hack for a variety of subjects. Insert a worksheet into a dry-erase pocket, and your child can use it repeatedly with a dry-erase marker. It’s a great way to save paper and make homework more interactive.
10. Personalized Pencils and Cases: Let’s face it, things get lost. A personalized pencil case or a set of pencils with your child’s name on them is a simple and effective way to prevent them from getting mixed up with those of a classmate.
11. Expo Dry Erase Markers: A top-selling item, especially for teachers stocking their classrooms.
12. Amazon Basics Plastic Three-Hole Punch Folders: These folders are durable and come in a variety of colors, making it easy to assign a specific color to each subject. The three-hole punch feature is an added bonus for keeping loose papers secure in a binder.
13. Bic Brite Liner Highlighters: Whether your student is a middle-schooler or in high school, highlighters are a game-changer for staying on top of reading assignments and organizing notes. This multipack offers vibrant colors to make studying more engaging.
14. Kid-Safe Headphones (Multi-Packs): With more and more tech-based learning, a good pair of headphones is a necessity. A multi-pack is a smart idea, so you have a backup pair on hand and can even share with a sibling. Look for ones that have volume-limiting features to protect little ears.
15. Fidget Toys and Sensory Tools (Bulk Packs): For kids who need a little extra help staying focused, a small fidget toy can make a world of difference. Bulk packs are great for stocking up, and many teachers welcome these in the classroom as long as they aren’t a distraction.
16. Fiskars Kids Scissors: Blunt-tip scissors are a must-have for students. MIGHTY CUTTING POWER – Patented PowerCut blades slice through cardboard, foam, felt, ribbon, and more with ease
17. Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case: A popular, large-capacity pencil pouch to hold all a student’s supplies.
18. Paper Mate Pink Pearl Erasers: A classic eraser that cleanly removes pencil marks.
19. Avery 3-Ring Binders with Dividers: Essential for keeping different subjects organized.
20. Oxford Filler Paper: A basic but necessary item for note-taking and assignments.

Tech and Electronics

1. HP 15.6-Inch Laptop: A reliable laptop for students who need a full computer for schoolwork.
2. Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet: A budget-friendly tablet that’s great for accessing digital textbooks and apps.
3. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator: A must-have for high school and college students in math and science classes.
4. Apple MacBook Air: A top-tier choice for students who need a powerful and long-lasting laptop.
5. JBL Vibe Beam Wireless Earbuds: A popular choice for listening to music while studying.
6. Anker Portable Charger: Keeping devices charged throughout the day is a top priority for students.
7. HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer: A fun gadget for dorm room decorating.
8. Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones: Great for blocking out distractions while studying.
9. Logitech M317 Wireless Mouse: An ergonomic and reliable mouse for students using a laptop.
10. SanDisk USB Flash Drive: For saving and transferring files, this is a simple but crucial item.

Dorm Room and Desk Essentials

1. Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock: A popular product for making early morning wake-ups easier.
2. Utopia Bedding Twin XL Sheet Set: A top-rated, affordable option for dorm room beds.
3. Dokehom Large Laundry Basket: A must-have for college students to keep their laundry organized.
4. Levoit Core 300-P Air Purifier: A popular pick to help with air quality in dorms.
5. Attmu Mesh Shower Caddy: A simple solution for carrying toiletries to and from the communal bathroom.
6. Amazon Basics Slim Velvet Clothes Hangers: A space-saving option for small dorm closets.
7. Brightech Maxwell LED Shelf Floor Lamp: A stylish and functional lamp for dorm rooms.
8. Budding Joy Large Storage Bags: Vacuum-seal storage bags for saving space when storing clothes.
9. Amazon Basics Magnetic Dry-Erase Board: Perfect for keeping track of assignments and deadlines.

Making Back-to-School Easy

As you gear up for the new school year, remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. Take a breath, grab your list, and use these suggestions to make your Amazon shopping trip a success. By choosing durable, clever, and thoughtful items, you’re not just buying school supplies; you’re investing in a successful and stress-free year for your children. Happy shopping!