Back To School Guide Ideas

Disclosure: Many of the companies listed below in the Back to School Gift Guide provided products to review. All opinions are my own.

With back-to-school quickly approaching, we thought it would be a good idea to offer a Back to School Gift Guide that showcased items you might not traditionally think about. Here we’ve gathered some of our favorite items and brands we trust. Read a little about each and follow the link under the photo to purchase! We will continue to add ideas, so make sure to check back often.

Feel free to email kaseyTrenum@ gmail dot com to inquire about inclusion.

TickTalk 4 watches featured image

TickTalk4 – Created by two parents, the TickTalk 4 is a back-to-school must-have that gives kids a safer way to connect with family and friends with voice calling, video calling, and safe in-app messaging. Meanwhile, parents get peace of mind with GPS location tracking, history routes, Emergency SOS, 911 response, and over 20 parental controls. With features like 3D Reminders and Do Not Disturb Class Mode, kids learn great habits like independence, time management, and responsibility–all while developing a healthier relationship with screens and more freedom to be kids!

Features:

  • GPS Location Tracking
  • Emergency SOS Contacts
  • Secured/Encrypted End-To-End Individual & Group Chat In-App Messaging
  • CPC Approved Kids Product
  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Safe Harbor Certified Product
  • 2-Way HD Video & Voice Calling
  • 20+ Parental Controls
  • Free Streaming Music
  • 2x 5MP Photo & Video Cameras
  • Reminders & Do Not Disturb Mode
  • Activity Tracker & Step Goals

Details:

  • Made for Kids Ages 5-12 Years Old
  • IP67 Water Resistance
  • Kid-Proof
  • Drop-Proof
  • Shock-Proof
  • Made with Heavy-Duty Durable Materials

Learn N'Balance Set

Little Partners Learn ‘N Balance Set

Balance fun and spatial learning with the Little Partners Learn N’ Balance set, complete with one set of stepping stones! Develop your little one’s balance safely as you encourage self-esteem, spatial development, and learning about colors, shapes, and numbers.

PRODUCT INFORMATION:

  • Four Stepping Stones Included 
  • Helps with developmental learning and balance
  • Portable, space-saving folding design
  • Multiple play options to encourage creativity!
  • The contemporary style makes it the perfect addition to any interior!
  • Excellent choice for both home and classroom
  • Responsibly-sourced materials

epson wi-fi family printer

EcoTank ET-2850 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy, and Auto 2-sided Printing

A helpful tool for the whole family to streamline day-to-day life, the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 cartridge-free Supertank printer provides everyone with the freedom to print in color without worrying about running out of ink. With high-capacity, easily refillable ink tanks for zero cartridge waste and productivity features including wireless, auto two-sided, and voice-activated printing, the ET-2850 allows everyone to print thousands of pages year-round of assignments, homework, study guides, fun activities, and more.

  • Also available in Black
  • Innovative Cartridge-Free Printing with EcoFit® ink bottles
  • Each replacement ink bottle set equivalent to about 90 individual ink cartridges3
  • Save up to 90% with replacement ink bottles vs. ink cartridges1
  • Includes up to 2 years of ink in the box4
  • Scanner and copier; auto 2-sided printing
  • Ultra high-yield replacement ink bottles
  • Replacement Ink Yield ISO Pages: T502 — Black: 7,500, Color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow): 6,0002
  • Model: C11CJ63202

sweetology baking kit

Sweetology Back to School Cupcake and Cookie Decorating Kit

Send Your Kids Back to School in Style with a Do It Yourself Cupcake or Cookie Decorating Experience – As summer winds to a close, make sure your kids leave with a sweet taste in their mouths as they pack their backpacks for the new school year. Sweetology is sure to leave a lasting impression on the summer as we make decoration fun and easy! With ready-to-decorate cupcakes or cookies sent right to your front door, we ensure that clean-up is a breeze and everyone is entertained until the last sprinkle is placed. Sweetology removes all the hassle and leaves all the fun of at-home cupcakes and cookie decorating.

Decorating Kit Includes:

  • 12 fresh, baked sugar cookies or cupcakes
  • 5 pre-filled piping bags in assorted colors
  • 5 professional stainless steel decorating tips and reusable piping bag
  • Extra professional piping bags
  • Sugar pressed decons, assorted sprinkles*

volcano erupting volcano

Sweetology Volcano Cake Decorating Kit

This Volcano Cake with Erupting Lava Project Kit is the Perfect Accompaniment to your Earth Science Lesson Plans

Using a 3-D, edible model of an erupting volcano is an ideal way to pique interest and introduce natural geological events that help sculpt our Earth. Young, curious students will be filled with questions as they problem-solve and construct their cake volcanoes, mix and create erupting “lava,” and observe how the flowing lava creates a change in the surface. (No baking required)

Sweetology Play & Learn project kits provide hands-on fun with edible, educational projects that will spark learning and discovery. These unique decorating kits provide an ingenious opportunity to wrap your science lesson in a creative package. Projects help build awareness of our connection to nature, practice color mixing, measuring, and develop fine-motor, visual, and general motor skills. The only thing kids will love more than creating these projects is eating them!

curls smith shine curl define system

Curlsmith – High Definition Curls: 3-Step System

If you’re looking for a quick and easy curl routine that doesn’t involve a million steps, this kit is made for you. It contains only 3 products, but it covers all the basics you need for a successful wash day: Cowash to cleanse and condition, Reactivator to moisturize, and Soufflé to style. You can also use the Reactivator to refresh your hair in between washes to keep your curls looking great without having to go through a full wash & go. It’s a lazy curl’s best friend!

WHO IS IT FOR? – All curl types! Particularly beneficial for low-maintenance people who want an easy-to-follow, quick routine. Suitable for any hair thickness or porosity.

curlsmith shine oil

Curlsmith Shine Oil – Weightless oil blend that locks in moisture and breaks crunchy gel cast to make curls soft and bouncy.

Too many people don’t use oils in their hair routines because they’re worried about the results. Natural oils are heavy and can weigh the hair down. Silicone-based oils aren’t curly girl friendly and risk building up on the hair in the long run. If you’re one of them, we’ve got the solution! This Shine Oil is based on similar technology to Curlsmith’s revolutionary Bonding Oil, but it packs an extra shiny punch. It is made of 100% naturally derived ingredients and contains PlantSilk, a unique next-generation blend of plant-derived esters specifically designed to outperform silicones while being lighter than raw oils. This nourishing formula instantly softens the hair and makes it look extra glossy.

WHO IS IT FOR? All curl types and even straight hair! Suitable for any hair thickness (even fine hair!) or porosity. Particularly beneficial for most people who have scalp and fragrance sensitivities.

reading eggs image

READING EGGS

Reading Eggs focuses on a core reading curriculum, teaching skills, and strategies that are essential for sustained reading success. The platform supports and supplements material students learn in school to improve academic results while keeping kids engaged with games, puzzles, animation, songs, and stories. Currently, Reading Eggs is offering 41% off its yearly subscription as well as free downloadable back-to-school resources to ensure students and parents alike are prepared for the upcoming school year.

ROYBI Robot Smart Educational Toy

ROYBI Robot Smart Educational Toy

Named by TIME Magazine as one of The Best Inventions in Education, ROYBI Robot is an AI-powered educational robot for children 3+ in language learning & basic STEM. It comes with over 500 lessons, 70 categories & topics, and over 70,000 vocabularies. Topics include math, science, space, tech, habitats, and geography. ROYBIRobot creates smart reports for parents and educators to track learning progress, pronunciation scores, and much more. Parents can play, schedule, and check their favorite lessons on companion iOS and Android apps. Best educational toy for homeschooling and remote learning to make learning fun through play and innovative engagement.

featured graphic for college student ideas for back to school

Nolan mattress toppeer on a bed

Nolah Mattress Topper – Made in America with the same technology as our premium mattresses with AirFoam™️, the Nolah Mattress Topper adds comfort and support to any mattress. Use it to bring new life to your old bed, or add it to your new mattress for even more cushioning and pressure relief.

Meet Your Mattress’s New Best Friend – Our durable, pressure-relieving Nolah Mattress Topper transforms any mattress with an extra layer of comfort and support. It contours to your curves and redistributes your body weight, taking stress off your joints and pressure points while keeping your spine aligned.

Sleep Cooler Than Ever – Free from the harsh, heat-trapping chemicals used to make memory foam, Nolah AirFoam™️ is CertiPUR-US® certified and temperature neutral. It dissipates heat 20 percent faster than memory foam, preventing uncomfortable night sweats. It also comes wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover that wicks away moisture to keep you cool and dry.

Comfortable, Compact, and Convenient – Our mattress topper packs all the cooling, pressure-relieving benefits of Nolah AirFoam™️ into a 2″ design. It ships in a compact box directly to your door and easily unravels for your first night of elevated sleep.

Eli & ELm Weighted Blanket

ELI & ELM WEIGHTED COMFORTER – The comforter that’s worth its weight.

Weighted Comfort – Thousands of micro glass beads are evenly distributed throughout the comforter to achieve the right amount of weight for a calming and relaxing nights sleep.

Premium Fabric – Encased in a quilted 300 thread count, 100% cotton sateen fabric to put you to sleep faster than ever.

Duvet loops – Although the comforter can be treated as a weighted blanket that looks amazing on top of any bed, we’ve sewn in loops on all four corners so you can easily attach your duvet cover.

PEACHSKINSHEETS

PeachSkinSheets

PeachSkinSheets is the perfect dorm must-have for any college student, with their temperature-controlled bedding and a 1500 thread count level of softness that boasts a brushed Peachskin finish on the front and back for a breathable coziness unlike anything else. Add to that the fact that they’re antimicrobial and feature moisture-wicking fabric that helps hot sleepers stay cool and cold sleepers stay cozy. They are thoughtfully constructed with deep pockets for a secure, adjustment-free fit, guaranteed to give them the most incredible zzz’s of their life – especially after a long night of studying.

They come in a variety of sizes to choose from (yes, even Twin XL!), not to mention they come in 24 different colors, making it easier for students to customize their dorm room.

modular closet slanted shoe shelf closet organizer

Modular Closets

Modular closet systems will help you get organized by maximizing your closet space while turning your closet into a beautiful part of your home. Making homeowners happy since 2015.

The Modular Closet Shoe Shelf Short Tower unit is the perfect closet section for the smaller spaces of your closet or to place under a window. A perfect way to display your shoes for easy access.

featured image for workly desk

Worky is the first-ever portable desk in a box: a complete, organized, and instant workstation in a carrying case. Worky packs up all of one’s desk needs instantly for easy storage to help with clutter, organization, and saving space. Once open, the 15 key elements of a productive desk ($300+ worth) are ready for use: built-in power and device charging, built-in video conference light, paperwork storage, magnetic dry erase, and more.

The Home Office makes any space in your home office space by bringing together all the elements of a productive desk setup in one convenient, mobile solution. Stay productive and organized anywhere work happens!

Specifics:

  • Dimensions: 26″ x 16″ x 3.5″
  • Compatible with up to 15.6-inch laptops (size measured diagonally from corner to corner).

Wellinsulated performance laptop case

WELLinsulated Performance Tech Case (Laptop Case)

 
Protect your tech. Working with top aerospace engineers and top technical designers for over 2 years to create WELLinsulated’s high-performance laptop case. The Tech Case is sleek, slim, and lightweight. Designed to protect your investment from scratches, bumps, and spills – thanks to the high-performance insulated lining (that doubles as protective padding) and ultra water-resistant zipper.
The perfect back-to-school accessory. Designed for 13″-14″ MacBook Pro or MacBook Air (fits most 12”-14″ laptops or tablets).
 
Features: Waterproof zipper, insulated/padded, vegan leather 
Inviswear keychain

InvisaWear creates wearable personal safety devices disguised as beautiful stylish, everyday accessories that are powered by ADT, a leading provider of safety solutions.

Whether your student is walking home from class or work, taking a walk, or simply unable to reach their phone, a quick double press of the button on the invisaWear accessory will initiate an S.O.S and send an alert to ADT. ADT’s professional 24/7 monitoring services can notify emergency contacts, alert authorities, and share their location. The device does not need to be recharged, which is great for the forgetful student! The devices also give parents greater peace of mind knowing their kids have access to emergency services at the press of a button if needed.

  • The charm on the keychain has a hidden button on the backside.
  • If you push the button two times, it immediately texts up to five friends/family members to let them know that you need help.
  • The text message sends them a link to your exact GPS location.
  • It works with a free app that you install on your phone. The simple setup allows you to choose up to five people that you’d like to notify.
  • The app also allows you to enable a free and optional Contact 9-1-1 feature (U.S. Only) which can share your location with 9-1-1 dispatchers during an emergency.
  • You can also set your phone to play an alarm to deter the attacker or attract other people nearby.
  • No charging necessary! The battery life is guaranteed to last one year but typically lasts close to two years depending on the usage. The app will automatically detect once the battery is low and sends a notification to purchase a discounted replacement charm. Replacement charms start at $99, and you’ll have the option to upgrade to another style.
  • No required monthly fees or subscriptions!

Luis Steven wallet crossbody in black

SMARTPHONE CROSSBODY WALLET

This Luis Steven crossbody wallet allows you to travel light and comfortably. Designed in soft calf leather, this beautiful accessory features an all-around zip closure, a removable cross-body strap, and enough space inside to hold your smartphone, cards, and cash.

Features:

  • 100% Soft, Calf Leather
  • Easy Glide All-around Zippers
  • Adjustable Leather Cross Body Strap
  • Dimensions: 8″W x 4.5″H X 1.5″D
  • Interior Details: Phone Pocket, Slip Pocket, Zip Compartment, Multiple Card Slots
  • Leather Pull with 8mm Tiger Eye Cabochon

 

back to school bedding bundle

The Saatva Back To School Bundle

Upgrade their bed (and their sleep) for the new school year with this essential bedding bundle. It features crisp & cool organic percale cotton sheets, plush & hypoallergenic down alternative pillow, and a foam mattress topper that adds instant comfort to any mattress, all in dorm-friendly Twin XL/standard sizes. Help your college freshman get better sleep for a better school year with the Saatva back-to-school bedding bundle for students.

Vegamour Glo Complete

Vegamour GRO Complete 

Kit includes: GRO Foam, GRO Hair Serum, GRO Shampoo, GRO Conditioner, GRO Detoxifying Scalp Serum, GRO Dry Shampoo, GRO Biotin Gummies (2 bottles)

Treat yourself to the GRO Complete Kit and watch your hair flourish from root to tip! This comprehensive set includes a mix of our best-selling products (GRO Hair Serum and Biotin Gummies) along with additional newcomers to the GRO lineup, featuring powerful phyto-actives and our proprietary Karmatin™ (the first-of-its-kind vegan keratin) that work together to restore and strengthen your hair health.*

The GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum sloughs through scalp buildup, impurities, and dirt to support scalp health. Its formula of wildcrafted botanicals and proprietary b-SILK™ protein helps to repair scalp damage, aids with unhealthy bacteria while providing a semi-permeable barrier that locks in moisture and helps to protect the scalp from environmental pollutants. The perfect entryway is created to allow for the GRO Foam, Shampoo, and Conditioner to work their magic.

Truly innovative, GRO Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner utilize microencapsulated vegan b-SILK™ protein, which physically bonds to hair follicles and remains attached to strands even after rinsing, making these nourishing formulas the world’s first chemical-free keratin hair treatment products. Wild harvested marula oil, organic murumuru butter, and ximenia oil help to condition, hydrate, and fight damaging free radicals without imparting pore-blocking residue.

Suitable for all hair types and safe for color-treated hair, these clean, effective formulas work best in conjunction for maximum results.

AAVRANI Turmeric Ritual Set

AAVRANI Turmeric Ritual Set

This bestselling skincare ritual is comprised of four powerful steps that work together to achieve your most radiant glow. Perfect for sensitive skin or those with blemish-prone skin.

Purifying Oil Cleanser – Apply 2-5 pumps onto dry hands and gently massage onto dry face. Add a splash of warm water to emulsify, and continue to massage to remove makeup and impurities. Rinse thoroughly or gently remove with a wet, warm washcloth and pat dry.

Glow Activating Exfoliator – Spread evenly on clean, damp skin. Leave on for up to 5 minutes or when the mask hardens. Remove gently with a wet, warm washcloth and pat dry.

Balance Restoring Serum – To dispense serum, unscrew the top to reveal the dropper. While the dropper is still inside the bottle, push down on the top button to extract the product. Press the button again to release 2-3 drops of serum onto a cotton pad or clean hands, and press onto the face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area. Apply day and/or night, always after cleansing.

Eye Rejuvenating Elixir – Pull gently to remove the cap and reveal the pump. Push down on the pump to dispense. Gently pat the elixir under the eyes, morning and night, or as needed.

 

VERB Purple Toning Kit

VERB purple toning kit

Ghost your brass and brighten blonde, grey, and silver tones. This kit supports color and shine at every step. Enhanced with professional-grade violet pigment for color toning and açai extract for antioxidant protection. Purple Shampoo and Purple Mask cleanse, hydrate, and deep condition hair while neutralizing yellow hues. Finish with Ghost Oil™ to smooth frizz and add shine.

How to Use:

  • Purple Shampoo: Massage into wet hair, lather well, and rinse.
  • Purple Mask: After shampooing, work formula through damp hair. Allow mask to sit on the hair for five to seven minutes. Rinse. Use once a week or as needed.
  • Ghost Oil™: Use 2-3 drops on damp or dry hair to weightlessly eliminate frizz, smooth flyaways, and add all-over shine.

Ovente 9.5" Lighted Tabletop

Ovente 9.5″ Lighted Tabletop Makeup Mirror, 1X & 5X Magnifier, Adjustable Spinning Double Sided Round LED, Dimmer Switch, Battery USB Powered, Vanity & Skin Care, Polished Chrome MGT95CH1X5X

  • Dual-Sided & 5x Magnifying -This Two-Sided 360°swivel design luxury mirror features 1x & 5x magnifications. 1x (full-face view) and 5x (to see every detail up close)
  • Dimmable Diffused White LED w/ Acrylic Edge– Helps to produce a brighter glow. Use dimmable light knob to dim white tone ring lights (simulates natural daylight); gives you full control of the intensity
  • Concave Lens –Creates the magnification side. For a clear, undistorted view, look into the mirror at 12 inches or closer. (See Maximum Distance Recommended Guide)
  • 4 AA Battery & 2- PORT USB– Can be cordless, using only batteries (not included) or operated by 2- PORT USB Adapter and cable (included), which allows you to charge a device while using the mirror.
  • US-based Customer Service: Ovente warranties that the product shall be free from defects in material & workmanship under normal use & conditions for 1 year from the original purchase date.

blendjet2 heroimage

BLENDJET2 – PERFECT FOR EVERYTHING

BlendJet 2 makes smoothie-bar-quality beverages, silky-smooth protein shakes, top-shelf mixed drinks, and creamy frozen lattes, plus milkshakes, slushies, baby food, dips, dressings, sauces, and so much more.

BLENDJET 2 FEATURES:

  • PORTABLE – Perfect for jetting around town. Lightweight & durably constructed. Stash it in your bag & drink straight from the jar.
  • POWERFUL – Big blender performance, compact size. Patented TurboJet™ technology powers through anything in 20 seconds flat: ice, frozen fruit, leafy greens & more.
  • USB-RECHARGEABLE – Lasts for 15+ blends & recharges quickly. Water-resistant USB-C charging port. Reversible cable included.
  • SELF-CLEANING – Just add water, soap & blend. Rinse & you’re ready to go!

Molecule Duvet Cover

MOLECULE DUVET COVER

Constructed from a blend of TENCEL™ and long-staple cotton in a sateen weave that is durable, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant

  • Silky Smooth – Blend of luxe long-staple cotton and TENCEL™  for a soft and breathable fabric
  • Wrinkle-Resistant – TENCEL’S™ natural wrinkle-resistant properties keep the duvet looking fresh. 
  • Eight Anchor Points – Secures a compatible comforter in place to prevent shifting
  • Easy Zipper Opening – Simplifies care and washing.
  • OEKO-TEX® 100 Certified – This product passes the highest standard of testing for harmful chemicals and dyes.

Molecule down comforter

MOLECULE COMFORTER

Experience the ultimate in comfort, temperature, and moisture regulation. TENCEL™, eco-friendly poly puff, and long-staple cotton come together with precise and thoughtful construction to create a uniquely airy and weightless sleep experience.

  • Air Engineered Proprietary Fill – TENCEL™ and eco-friendly poly puff ensure optimal moisture and thermal regulation.
  • Box Quilting – Stitched-through pattern delivers uniform feel and temperature regulation throughout
  • Eight Secure Loops – Securely anchors comforter in place with compatible duvet covers
  • Long Staple Cotton and TENCEL™ Blend Shell – The ultimate in softness, durability and breathability
  • OEKO-TEX® 100 Certified – This product passes the highest standard for testing for harmful chemicals and dyes

pluto pillow

PLUTO PILLOW 

Pluto pillow is perfect for those going off to college for the first time and those still at home needing a good night’s sleep after long nights of studying and homework. 
 
Pluto Pillow is the first and only sleep pillow custom-built to your body stats, sleep, and what you like. By leveraging data through a proprietary process, Pluto takes the guesswork out of pillow shopping and maximizes sleep. To start customizing a pillow, visit (plutopillow.com), fill out a quick questionnaire, and the data will run through an algorithm that will help Pluto create a custom pillow. The materials combine for over 35 variations through a patent-pending process.

Pluto pillows are all a modular design, crafted from a solid foam core, encased within an outer plush pillow. The core’s height and properties (density, additives) all depend on your answers. The fibers in the outer cover vary in thickness and quantity from one pillow to another (also dependent on your answers!).

And if you heat up at night, your pillow surface will be made up of cooling fibers. Pluto pillow’s materials can combine for over 35 variations through their patent-pending process, and the “feel” of the pillows can be a drastic difference from another.

Pluto also offers the PUFF, a body pillow that brings cuddle comfort when the stress of school inevitably kicks in.

Copperfox company

Copper Fox Company 

A custom charcuterie board is perfect for sprucing up a college dorm room. Not only does it add a touch of sophistication, but it also turns a bag of potato chips and store-bought dip into a work of art! It’s like the best kind of dorm room magic. Sure, your college student could just put out a bowl of chips and a plate of cookies, but a charcuterie board transforms those same ingredients into an elegant spread that will have their college friends ooh-ing and ah-ing. That way, the first time your college student plans a spur-of-the-moment study party, they can skip the bowls and platters and go for something a little more stylish!

Personalized charcuterie boards make great conversation starters – who doesn’t love talking about food? So even If your college student’s idea of cooking involves opening a can of soup or microwaving some ramen noodles, don’t despair. They can still impress their friends with their culinary skills – all they need is a custom charcuterie board. Help your student update their dorm room by investing in a custom charcuterie board.

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