Supply Side Shopping

For ages 3-8: Bixbee Animal Pack, “Dino”

Sized specifically for little ones starting at age 3, this cool dinosaur-themed backpack comes complete with fun 3D details, contoured and padded adjustable shoulder straps, and plenty of interior and exterior pockets. Plus, for every backpack purchased, Bixbee will donate a schoolbag with supplies to a child in need. $31.99, bixbee.com

For ages 3-8: Crayola Color Sticks Colored Pencils

We promise you’ve never seen colored pencils like the ones in this 24-pack from Crayola! Recommended for ages 6 and up, these pencils forgo the wood casing, so they last about four times longer than standard colored pencils—making them the perfect pick for your budding artist. $15.49, shop.crayola.com

For ages 3-8: Land of Nod Teacher’s Pet Lunch Box

Perfect for little prepsters ages 3 and up, this lovely lunch box is a Land of Nod exclusive, featuring a nautically nice fish and anchor design by artist Michelle Romo. In addition to the cute look, this lunch box has an interior lining made of environmentally-friendly and food-safe PEVA vinyl, an exterior water bottle pocket, and an interior compartment for utensils. $22, landofnod.com

For ages 3-8: Mini Monsters Scented Neon Markers

Available from the Paper Source, this sweet-smelling set of six colored markers (which come in a handy plastic case) is a delight for the senses. Not only are the vibrant neon markers scented, but each pen cap also features funny monster faces. $4.95, papersource.com

For ages 3-8: Yoobi Giraffe and Elephant Rulers

These brightly hued 6-inch rulers shaped like favorite jungle animals are sure to help young learners along as they master their measuring skills. And what’s more, for every Yoobi item you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a classroom in need in the US. $1.99, yoobi.com

For ages 3-8: Flying Tiger Bot I Love Pencils Pencil Sharpener

The new Flatiron outpost of the Danish sensation Flying Tiger has parents snapping up everything from office supplies to party favors at unbeatable prices. This retro-looking robot pencil sharpener is no exception. Perfect for keeping your little one’s writing utensils on-point, this sharpener is a must-have. $4, flyingtiger.com

For ages 3-8: Kikkerland Eraser Bowling Set

While we don’t encourage too much distraction during school, this eraser set that doubles as a mini bowling game is just too cute to resist! Complete with 10 diminutive pins and two tiny bowling balls, this eraser set puts the “fun” in “functional” when it comes to school supplies. $6, kikkerland.com

For ages 3-8: Kipling Zoey Snap-On Case

Available in several eye-catching color combos, this mini pack acts as an easy add-on to a child’s regular school bag for times when there’s a little bit of extra cargo to tote. The quick-release buckle lets you snap the case onto any strap or loop, and it’s the perfect size for an afternoon snack, hats and mittens for cold days, or extra supplies for a special project. $29.99, kipling-usa.com

For ages 8-12: Pendleton Park Rucksack

The National Parks Service is coming up on its 100th anniversary next year—get the celebration started in style with this vintage-inspired Pendleton pack bedecked with authentic National Park patches. The pack features a draw-cord opening, hidden magnetic snap closures, an interior sleeve and drop-down zip pocket, and padded straps. $269, pendleton-usa.com

For ages 8-12: Hello Kitty 3D Tue Dye Backpack by Loungefly

Loungefly’s continued collaboration with Hello Kitty strikes again in the form of super-cute 3D backpacks in all new patterns and colors. Our fave? The very on-trend tie dye motif. Featuring 3D ears, a 3D faux leather applique bow, and embroidered features, this spacious pack is the perfect pick for sending your Kitty fan back to school in fierce feline fashion. $45, sanrio.com & loungefly.com

For ages 8-12: Terry Le Bat MimoPowerBot

With the explosion of tech in the classroom comes an inevitable drain on your youngsters’ various batteries. The MimiPowerBot from Mimoco acts as a portable, rechargeable battery for smartphones, tablets, and 5V mobile devices, and includes a USB charging cable with multiple tips and a carrying pouch. We love the feisty Terry Le Bat look, but a menagerie of other animals and cartoon characters are also available. $49.99, mimoco.com

For ages 8-12: Uglydoll School Planner

Few skills are as essential to a successful school year as organization, especially as kids progress towards middle school. Set your student (age 10 and up) up for success with this cheeky Uglydoll planner, which includes weekly calendars, practical tips, and more than 150 stickers for highlighting important events. This sturdy planner can also be picked up at any time during any year. $14.99, uglydolls.com

For ages 8-12: PB Teen Northfield Navy Dot Lunch Tote

Let your tween coordinate their lunch box with their hipster wardrobe this year. The Northfield lunch tote from PB Teen is crafted from durable cotton canvas (in a trendy chambray-esque exterior, no less) with an insulated PEVA lining. $22.50, pbteen.com

For ages 8-12: Cynthia Rowley Composition Book from Staples

One of our favorite NYC moms in fashion, Cynthia Rowley, is lending her signature quirky cool to school supplies at Staples. These chic composition notebooks are available in three covetable floral-print covers and include 80 sheets of college-ruled note paper. $3.49, staples.com

For ages 8-12: Post-It Geo Pattern Flags and Tabs

The Pattern Collection from Post-It is serving up the coolest looks for back-to-school study aids! The brand’s trusty tabs and flags take on a new vibe with bold hues and geometric motifs, making it easier (and more fun) than ever to mark important pages and categorize class notes. Each set contains 20 flags per pattern and 100 flags per dispenser. From $4.99, post-it.com

For ages 8-12: Stoney Clover Lane Pouches and Pins

Go beyond the standard pencil case this year with a preppy plaid pouch and personalized pins from celeb-favorite Stoney Clover Lane. The zipper pouch (which comes with an attached keychain) is perfect for stashing school supplies, while SCL’s signature pins—including emojis and individual letters—make it easy to add a personal touch. Pouches, $50; pins sold separately from $15; stoneycloverlane.com