City kids may start to feel a bit pouty as the sun sets on a beautiful summer, so we’ve compiled the perfect guide for everything they’ll need to start the new school year off in style with a smile! From hipster knapsacks to ultra-modern binders—back-to-school shopping just got a little bit sunnier.
The Perfect Pouch
To help your young scholar bring a stylish edge to the classroom, check out these bold Converse shoe pencil pouches. These crafty cases are perfect for infusing desktop organization with some personal panache.
$22.95, coolpencilcase.com
Style For Every Subject
With a variety of eye-catching patterns, Staples printed Better Binders are sure to make homework a breeze. And there’s no need to choose just one of these handy binders—try different looks or sizes for classes or assignments.
$8.49-9.49, staples.com
A Bright Reminder
M
ake sure that no errand goes undone and no homework assignment goes unchecked. With Post-it® Super Sticky Shaped Notes, organization takes on a whole new spectrum of eye-catching colors and playful shapes. Fun sticky notes shaped like hearts, stars, and apples offer something for students of all ages.
$4.25, post-it.com
Haute Hipster
What cuter way to ease the sting of summer’s end than with a back-to-school backpack from Hello Kitty? Mustache, the animated world’s beloved feline, proves that a cheeky dose of hipster fun can turn the hallway into a runway!
$45, sanrio.com
A Classically Delicious Lunch
L.L. Bean’s patterned lunchbox—shown here in Color Splash—mixes durable construction and high-tech insulation with a variety of perky prints. Plus, there’s even a monogram option so your studious kiddo never gets his or her lunch mixed up in the cafeteria.
$17.95, llbean.com
For The Eager Reader
Keep book pages free of creases with Night Owl Paper Goods’ water otters bookmark/ruler. Crafted from eco-friendly, sustainably harvested yellow birch wood, this sweet marker features otter graphics and doubles as a handy ruler on its flip-side.
The Academic Aesthetic
Say “goodbye” to messy backpacks and missing homework assignments. PBteen’s sleek Gear-Up Houndstooth Homework Holder will assist your busy student in keeping track of every last note, list, and assignment.
$25.50, pbteen.com
Savvy Snacking
Adorned with smiley fruit friends, Land of Nod’s Disguised as Fruit Snack Pouch makes for the perfect addition to any lunchbox. The organic cotton pouch is perfect for holding every kind of lunchtime treat.
$16.95, landofnod.com
Budding Artiste
Help your child add an elegant splash of color to every poster and art project with Muji’s mini tube of 36 colored pencils. Packaged in recycled cardboard, these vibrant cedar scribblers are the perfect way to bring the rainbow to the classroom.
$11.25, muji.us
To Back It All Up
With a full course load comes plenty of typing, online research, and tech-powered learning. Make sure your little one protects her hard work with Tokidoki’s Pantera Mimobot flash drive. This USB drive disguised as a crazy kitty is available in two gig and four gig sizes.
$19.95-24.95, tokidoki.it
Write With Whimsy
Nothing can spoil a pop quiz like a dull pencil. Keep things sharp-as-can-be with Gama-Go’s Unicorn Pencil Sharpener. This magical trinket will bring a pop of playfulness to any desktop and comes complete with a shimmery silver pencil.
$6, gama-go.com
Navigating The Concrete Jungle
Ever stop to think how your urban student might yearn for the schoolyard to transform into a leafy jungle? Aid the imagination with animal-inspired Zoo Packs from Skip Hop. Shown here in Giraffe, this sweet backpack is sure to hold everything to transport your tot from morning announcements to afterschool activities.
$20, skiphop.com
Keepin’ Clean
Pencils and books aren’t the only things that students bring back to school in September. Head lice outbreaks are common, so how can you prevent your child from having to deal with unwanted critters? Fairy Tales Hair Care’s Rosemary Repel Leave-In Conditioning Spray is clinically proven to repel lice without the use of harsh chemicals. The lightweight conditioner is infused with pure oils of rosemary, citronella, tea tree, cinnamon, and rose extracts.
$11.95, available at Kidville locations in NYC and fairytaleshaircare.com
Cafeteria Cutters
You better believe an adorably shaped sandwich or piece of fruit will encourage your little one to eat up come lunchtime. Bento accessories like these animal-shaped food cutters make lunchbox noshes cute enough to nibble for even the pickiest eaters.
$5.75, from-japan-with-love.com
Colorful Composition
Mini academics can compose colorful chronicles within the pages of Crayola’s Wild Notes Mini Notebook Set. Creative writing on-the-go has never been easier with these tiny, spiral-bound notebooks and matching Wild Notes pen, which infuses words with bursts of color. Stash one in your son or daughter’s book bag for when inscription inspiration hits!
$4.99, crayola.com
And for more great shopping tips, visit our Treats blog!
