EmilyReviews writers were sent product samples for inclusion in our back to school gift guide 2025. There are affiliate links in this article. All opinions are our own.
We can hardly believe it’s mid-August already! Summer is flying by and the new school year is just around the corner. That means, the Emily Reviews team has been working hard! We’re gearing up and are excited to share a great 2025 Back To School Guide with you.
Back To School Guide 2025
With several writers here, we have a variety of kids, of all ages, in our homes. From preschoolers all the way through college-aged kiddos; we truly have the full range. So as the 2025 school year approaches on the horizon, here are some of our favorites! From well-loved brands and must-have items, we hope our guide aids in your preparation.
Arctic Zone Lunch Bucket Combo
Made for kids on the go, the Arctic Zone Lunch Bucket makes lunchtime extra fun. With three playful prints to choose from, pick Unicorn Princess, Space Odyssey, or Shark. Featuring two compartments with a zippered mesh divider, a sandwich-sized food storage container, and a high performance ice pack; there’s space for all your food and snacks. And with a padded handle for easy carrying, it’s truly the perfect choice for school, camp or every adventure in between! I especially love how the interior of this lunch box features high density thermal insulation. This helps keep food and drinks cold and fresh as well as an ultra safe easy clean lining with Microban to help protect against odors and stains. The bottom compartment of the lunch box is even leak proof in case of any spills!
Alter Eco Granola is the kind of back-to-school gift that’s equal parts delicious and thoughtful. Whether you’re packing lunches, prepping dorm snacks, or just trying to start the day off right, this granola delivers big flavor with feel-good ingredients. It’s organic, non-GMO, and made with whole food goodness—think crunchy clusters, a touch of sweetness, and rich flavor combos like Dark Chocolate & Coconut or Cashew Butter. It’s perfect with milk, sprinkled over yogurt, or straight out of the bag during a study break. Plus, Alter Eco is big on sustainability, so every bite supports the planet, too. This is the kind of snack that makes early mornings a little more bearable and late-night cramming a bit more satisfying. Give the gift of smarter snacking to students, teachers, or yourself, and enjoy it all school year long. Because brains need fuel, and Alter Eco brings it in the tastiest way possible!
The Arctic Zone Urban Lunch Box includes a food storage container and reusable ice pack to keep meals fresh on-the-go. Choose from checkered, cool blue, or tutti fruitti designs and get ready to enjoy lunch time even more. This lunch box accommodates most bento style containers! Similar to the lunch bucket combo, the Urban Lunch Box also features a high density thermal insulation to keep contents cold and fresh as well as an ultra safe leak proof, easy clean lining with Microban to help protect against odors and stains. The kids especially love the included zippered accessory pocket. It’s the perfect place for secret lunchtime notes, snacks, or cutlery. Easy to tote around by the carry handles, this lunch box also has a removable, adjustable shoulder strap for added flexibility.
The Blueme 2025 Lunar New Year Collection of scented votive candles is the cutest way to welcome the new year and kick off the school season with good vibes and incredible scents. Each candle comes in a tiny jewel-toned glass holder adorned with festive gold details—basically, they’re mini mood-boosters in a box. Scents like Lucky Tangerine, Dragonfruit Bloom, and Bamboo Whisper instantly transport you from “back to homework” blues to zen study mode. They’re small but mighty—perfect for dorm rooms and desks. It’s like lighting a little bit of Lunar magic every time you need a pick-me-up. Whether you’re gifting one to your kid’s teacher, your college bestie, or sneaking one onto your desk, this collection brings celebration, serenity, and a fresh start all in one. Bonus points for the sustainable packaging—it’s a win for the environment and your gift-giving game.
Casio fx-CG100 ClassWiz® Color Graphing Calculator
For all your calculator needs, look no further than the classic, well known name of Casio. They’ve got your covered! Their fx-CG100 features a large, high-resolution backlit LCD with over 65,000 colors, allowing for clear visualizations and supports 3D graphing of up to three functions, including spheres, cylinders, and planes. The enhanced contrast and flush-gloss panel improve visibility during data analysis and graph transformations. You’ll easily be able to perform complex number calculations, polar and rectilinear graphing, simultaneous equations, dynamic graphing, matrix/vector operations, geometry, statistics, and more. The tab-based menu layout and glyph-based key labeling offer intuitive navigation and faster input. Plus, this calculator is exam approved with mode switching!
The Brita Large 10 Cup Water Filter Pitcher is the ultimate back-to-school essential you didn’t know you needed—until now. Whether you’re sending a college student off to the dorms or refreshing your home office setup, this sleek pitcher makes hydration easy, clean, and convenient. It fits perfectly in a mini fridge and filters out all the weird dorm tap water taste (you know the one). Each filter lasts for weeks, meaning fewer trips to buy bottled water and less plastic waste—score for the planet and your budget. Plus, the flip-top lid and easy-pour spout make refills a breeze, even during late-night study sessions. It’s one of those practical gifts that instantly becomes an everyday favorite. Give one as a back-to-school gift, and you’re not just handing someone a pitcher—you’re giving them fresh water, better habits, and one less thing to worry about. Hydrated brains think better, after all!
Old Trapper’s 1.8 oz bags are the perfect snack option for busy students (and teachers)! Back-to-school season means packed schedules, quick lunches, and on-the-go snacking — and Old Trapper’s 1.8 oz beef jerky bags check all the boxes for students and teachers who need smart, satisfying fuel between classes. Made from lean cuts of real beef and naturally smoked for bold flavor, these conveniently sized bags are perfect for backpacks, lunchboxes, or locker snacks. With classic flavors like Old Fashioned, Teriyaki, Peppered, and Hot & Spicy, Old Trapper gives students a high-protein snack that tastes great and keeps them focused.
The Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is the back-to-school hero every student (and parent) needs. Whether it’s last-minute essays, permission slips, or colorful project pages, this reliable workhorse handles it all without breaking a sweat—or the bank. Setup is fast and frustration-free (hallelujah!), and it connects wirelessly so you can print straight from your laptop or phone, even in your pajamas. The print quality is crisp, the ink lasts impressively long, and the compact size fits perfectly on a dorm desk or family command center. It’s the kind of gift that earns you serious brownie points—it’s practical, stress-saving, and makes school life run smoother from day one. Give it to a college freshman, a high schooler, or your home office setup, and get ready to wonder how you ever lived without it. Trust us: late-night printing emergencies are no match for a dependable Brother.
As students gear up for the new school year, there’s one thing that rarely makes the back-to-college checklist—but definitely should: an easy, healthy way to eat. Whether they’re living in a dorm or off-campus apartment, Fresh Meal Plan makes it simple to stay well-fed and focused—without the stress of shopping, cooking, or defaulting to dining hall pizza. This awesome subscription service delivers fresh, never frozen meals straight to your door. Each dish is crafted by chefs using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with options for every lifestyle. From keto, paleo, plant-based, low-carb, and more; they have you covered. It’s an easy, no-prep solution for fueling long study sessions, late-night hunger, or post-gym recovery. Fresh Meal Plan is also a great option for busy school nights for the rest of the family too!
The Gorilla Grip Over-the-Door Organizer is the back-to-school MVP you didn’t know you needed—but once it’s hanging up, it earns straight A’s in storage. This genius space-saver transforms any door into a clutter-busting command center. With deep, sturdy pockets and a no-slip grip that stays put (even with a full load of notebooks, snacks, socks, and secret candy stashes), it’s perfect for dorm rooms, bedrooms, or even inside a closet. The breathable fabric keeps things tidy without adding bulk, and the neutral colors match just about any style. It’s the ideal gift for students learning to optimize small spaces—because let’s be honest, floor piles aren’t a good look. Whether you’re organizing school supplies, toiletries, or a rotating snack stash, this organizer keeps everything in reach and off the floor. It’s like giving the gift of sanity—one pocket at a time.
Make oral care easy with these colorful (and soft!) toothbrushes! GuruNanda Butter on Gums Toothbrush is ADA Accepted and meets high oral care standards. With 8000+ Softex ultra-soft bristles, it’s ideal for sensitive gums—effectively helps remove plaque and gently polishes teeth. These brushes have a rubberized, ergonomic handle for ease of usage and comfort. And everyone appreciate how the Softex bristles are gentle on your teeth and gums while providing complete and excellent cleaning of your mouth. Plus, the ergonomic, user-friendly handle helps form a firm, controlled grip, ensuring an easy, safe, and comfortable brushing experience.
HEY DUDE shoes are the back-to-school gift that screams comfort meets cool. These lightweight, slip-on wonders are basically like wearing pillows on your feet—if pillows had serious street style. Whether you’re dashing to class, cruising the hallways, or standing in the lunch line, HEY DUDES keep your feet happy without sacrificing an ounce of style. They come in tons of colors and patterns, so you can go bold or stay classic, and they’re easy to toss in a backpack or gym bag (yes, they’re that light). Bonus: they’re machine washable—perfect for muddy campus shortcuts or spilled coffee emergencies. From teens who want to look effortlessly chill to teachers who need all-day support, HEY DUDE shoes make the grade. Gift a pair and you’re basically giving someone a high-five for their feet. A+ in comfort, ease, and back-to-school vibes.
Whether your kiddos is starting primer school or college, a good night’s sleep is so important. The easiest way to help with that is with Fishers Finery 30 Momme 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcases! I’ve been using mine for years and it’s been life-changing! Far and away the best silk pillowcase I’ve ever had, Fishers Finery 100% long-strand, luxurious mulberry silk is an excellent, easy-to wash pillowcase that is withstanding the test of time. It’s the best option to help regulate sleep temperature, reduce bedhead, prevent sleep wrinkles, improve sleep quality, and even help keep acne away! It’s a must have for all ages!
The iWalk portable charger is the back-to-school lifesaver every student (and teacher!) needs in their backpack. This little powerhouse plugs directly into your phone—no extra cables, no bulk, just instant juice when you need it most. Whether you’re snapping pics in class, navigating campus, or pulling an all-nighter with Spotify and study apps, the iWalk keeps your phone going strong. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket but mighty enough to give your battery a serious boost. The built-in connector means no more digging for cords, and the sleek design looks modern and polished. It’s a perfect gift for college students, high schoolers, or anyone constantly on the go. Because nothing says “I’ve got your back” like a gift that keeps their phone alive during a busy school day. Trust us—dead phones are so last semester.
It’s easy to support growing bodies with these fun and tasty Swanson Kids Multivitamin. Vegetarian and gluten free, these iron-free gummies deliver well-rounded nutritional support for healthy development, all in a juicy mixed fruit flavor. Each two-gummy serving delivers beneficial amounts of vitamin A for healthy growth and vision, B vitamins for metabolism and healthy cell development, vitamin C to promote optimal immune system function, vitamin D for strong bones and vitamin E for brain health and cognition. As a mom, I appreciate how the kids actually look forward to taking their vitamins each day!
The LectroFan EVO sound machine is the unsung hero of the back-to-school season, especially for anyone adjusting to a new dorm, apartment, or hectic household. This little device packs a powerful punch with its selection of white noise and fan sounds, helping block out distractions like noisy neighbors, hallway chatter, or midnight cramming sessions. It’s compact, travel-friendly, and easy to use—just plug it in, pick your perfect sound, and drift off to dreamland. Whether you’re gifting it to a college freshman learning to sleep through dorm noise, a teacher needing better rest, or a student trying to focus during study time, the LectroFan helps create calm in the chaos—no Wi-Fi, no app, just consistent, soothing sound that works like magic. For better sleep, better focus, and a much smoother transition into the school year, this is one gift that totally makes the grade.
Did you know, playing piano offers numerous benefits for kids, including enhanced cognitive development, improved fine motor skills, and increased self-esteem. It also fosters creativity, discipline, and a love for music. So be sure to add a Casio Keyboard to your back to school shopping list! This elegant, vintage-inspired design comes in black, white, or red with a lightweight body, strap pins, and optional battery power for playing anytime, anywhere. Featuring 61 full-size touch-responsive keys paired with AiX Sound Source deliver dynamic, expressive tones—from grand pianos to vintage synths—perfect for the beginner to seasoned player. The intuitive front panel lets you select tones, record, and engage the Metronome and Surround features.FUNCTION button unlocks deeper features, like EQ and virtual venues, with a simple built-in guide to help you explore. The Casiotone Ct-S1 is an overall fantastic choice for your next keyboard!
If you want to be the coolest gift-giver this Back to School season, the Liene M100 4×6 Photo Printer is your golden ticket. This compact little gadget turns phone pics into gorgeous, smudge-proof prints in seconds—no messy ink cartridges, no drama. Perfect for dorm rooms, scrapbooks, locker collages, or sending a surprise photo to the grandparents. The colors are vibrant, the quality feels professional, and it’s so easy to use that even the most tech-challenged student can master it. Plus, it connects seamlessly via Wi-Fi or USB, so everyone in the household (or dorm!) can print their favorite memories. Imagine capturing first-day smiles, game-day wins, or late-night study session silliness—then printing them instantly to relive again and again. Forget boring notebooks and pens—this is the Back to School gift that keeps the memories as fresh as day one.
Starlux Games – Word Treasures – A Pirate’s Adventure Game Set
Looking for hands-on games that get kids back into a learning mindset while burning off energy? Word Treasures is it! This fun game teaches vocabulary and reading comprehension through pirate-themed clue cards and adventures. It’s designed for early readers, and loved by parents and teachers alike. With six pirate-themed kids games: three types of scavenger hunts, matching games, sorting games, and kids puzzles; there’s always a new adventure to enjoy.
As the back-to-school season rolls around, it’s time to think beyond the usual notebooks and pens—enter the Snailax Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager, the ultimate gift for students gearing up for a new year! Imagine this: after a long day of classes, homework, and late-night study sessions, all they want is to relax. This massager is like having a personal therapist right at home, with its 3D deep shiatsu massage that kneads away all that tension from their shoulders and neck. And let’s not forget about the soothing heat therapy! It’s the cherry on top, melting away stress while boosting blood circulation—perfect for those late-night cramming sessions. With an armrest design and multipurpose handle, they can easily adjust the pressure, making it utterly customizable. Plus, it’s portable for use in the car or dorm! Trust me, it’s a gift that says, “I care about your well-being this school year!”
Buy it:Amazon.com and use code TQXYRORT for a 10% discount.
Busy mornings and hectic afternoons don’t leave much time for baking from scratch. Keep convenient, ready-to-eat snacks on hand so you’re never scrambling. From muffins and brownies to cakes and cupcakes; these goodies can be kept frozen but thaw quickly for grab-and-go breakfasts, lunch box treats, and after school snacking. Their brownies are a favorite here! Rich, fudgey, and loaded with double the chocolate, these Double Chocolate Brownies are the ultimate indulgence. It’s a modern twist on a classic treat, so delicious that no one will know the difference, making them the must-have snack everyone can enjoy.
Buy It: AntoninasGlutenFreeBakery.com (use the store locator to find a location near you that carries these goodies)
SneakERASERS
SneakERASERS are the perfect back-to-school gift for anyone who loves fresh, clean kicks without the hassle. These handy little wipes are like magic for your sneakers—quickly wiping away dirt, scuffs, and stains so your shoes look brand new, even after a long day of classes, sports, or campus adventures. They’re super easy to use (no water or extra supplies needed), making them perfect for busy students on the go. Toss a pack in a backpack, locker, or gym bag for instant shoe rescue whenever it’s needed. Plus, they work on all types of sneakers—from classic canvas to trendy leather. SneakERASERS help students step into the school year with confidence and style, proving that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Practical, portable, and just plain fun, these wipes make staying clean simple—and that’s a gift everyone will appreciate!
Be proactive! Elderberry Gummies are a great and easy option to support your child’s immune system daily. Packed with antioxidant-rich elderberry, zinc and vitamin C, each serving of 2 gummies contains 50 mg of Black Elderberry Fruit Extract. With a delicious taste kids enjoy, these kids elderberry gummies are an easy and effortless way to incorporate into their daily routine and support their immune system.
VISOONE blue light glasses and sunglasses are the ultimate back-to-school sidekick for anyone glued to screens and chasing the sun. Whether it’s endless Zoom classes, late-night homework marathons, or weekend hangouts, these stylish specs protect your eyes from that pesky blue light glare, saving you from headaches and tired eyes. The best part? They look seriously cool, so you’ll actually want to wear them everywhere, from the library to the quad. Plus, the sunglasses have UV protection, making them perfect for those sunny strolls between classes. Lightweight and comfy, VISOONE glasses don’t just protect—they elevate your whole vibe. Gift these to a student, teacher, or yourself for a little mix of style and eye-saving superpower. Because starting the school year with a clear vision and a fresh look? Now that’s what we call a win-win!
Keeping kids hydrated has never been easier! Cocosmile Cups offer a delightful blend of style, functionality, and fun that makes hydration easy and motivating for kids everywhere. With so many choices and price points, the Cocosmile Cup solve the real-life parenting challenge of keeping your child hydrated while giving youngsters a way to express themselves. These aren’t your average water bottles. From the adorable Coco Robot Round Cup to the charming Coco Cap Fun Charm Thermos Cup, each water bottle is crafted from insulated stainless steel, ensuring safety and durability. There’s a Cocosmile Cup out there for any kid, thanks to the abundance of unique, imaginative, colorful and fun designs!
Water flossers are all the rage because they work so well for cleaning teeth but did you know there’s an option for kids too? The GuruNanda water flosser for kids offers 4 gentle flossing modes, making it easy and safe for children to develop healthy oral hygiene habits for enhanced daily cleaning! Lightweight and portable with a 200ml water tank capacity, this flosser featuring an easy-to-hold design and a smart 2-minute timer to guide kids toward proper flossing habits. It also comes with waterproof Monster Frens stickers which allows kids to decorate and customize their flosser for a fun and engaging flossing experience.
As a young child, my ears were super sensitive and I struggled to find earrings I could wear. Chanteur Kids Jewelry understands this battle and offer the perfect, safe solution! Your little one will feel like a princess in these screw-back stud earrings. Safe and non-toxic, the post is made from surgical titanium. The rest of the earring material is brass with a yellow gold plating or Palladium plating (similar to white gold just more hypoallergenic). So not only will your kiddo be thrilled at how pretty these butterflies are, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be safe to wear too.
This Swanson Probiotic for Kids helps support your child’s immune system and reduce mild occasional upset stomach. Probiotics provide valuable support for healthy digestion, immune function and many other processes throughout the body. This supplement is the perfect way to set your children on the path to wellness. When you choose probiotics from Swanson, you’ll get the best ingredients so you can feel great caring for the ones you love. Get ready to help your kiddos begin living a healthy lifestyle starts from the beginning.
The ultimate warm hugs meet icy cool relief with Warm Pals! Choose from a ton of different characters to find your perfect pal! These clever plushies feature internal packs that can be either warmed or chilled to provide soothing comfort for achy days. Simply snuggle up with a refreshingly cool Warm Pal to instantly calm bumps, bruises, fevers, and insect bites on summer days. Or heat your Warm Pals up in the microwave for a snuggly comfort pal to help kids get a good nights sleep when the school year comes.
This checkered throw blanket is made from 100% polyester for an ultra-plush feel, providing exceptional warmth and comfort for lounging, napping, or curling up with a book. Truly perfect for sending a bit of comfort from home with any college student setting out on their own for the first time. Generously sized, this gorgeous blanket measures in at 50″ x 70″. Featuring a stylish and timeless checkered pattern, this throw blanket adds a cozy, decorative touch to any bed, couch, or lounge chair.
As routines reset and backpacks get packed, there’s one back-to-school essential that’s more about mental balance than notebooks or pencils. Completing the Puzzle is a sustainable, screen-free subscription that delivers beautifully designed jigsaw puzzles straight to your door — giving kids (and parents!) a mindful way to unwind after school, build problem-solving skills, and reconnect offline. It’s the first-ever puzzle rental service, combining eco-conscious living with creative enrichment. Whether it’s part of a calming post-homework routine or a weekend bonding activity, each puzzle offers just the right mix of challenge and chill. Perfect for families looking to limit screen time while still keeping young minds engaged.
The perfect game to keep kids active, engaged, and entertained; it’s Protectors of the Rainbow! Mischievous “Leprechauns” have stolen the colors of the rainbow (glowing gems) and it’s up to the majestic unicorns to return them to the rainbow (a light up cloud that bursts with light and music when all the gems are restored). Kids ages 4-10 (although our 2 and 3 year old also LOVE this game!) will spend hours enjoying the hide and seek gameplay and glow in the dark components. Matching the gems to the rainbow teaches color recognition, functioning as color sorting games and preschool learning activities, while collecting gems in teams and taking turns enhances social development.
As kids across the country head back to school, Chanteur Kids Jewelry presents an enchanting collection of best-selling, non-toxic fine jewelry designed to delight children and give parents peace of mind. Perfect for back-to-school style and thoughtful gifting, Chanteur’s trending pieces blend playful imagination, safety, and a mission-driven message to empower young wearers. Chanteur is more than beautiful jewelry; it’s a brand with purpose. The company’s mission centers on encouraging girls to celebrate their unique selves, spread kindness, and build unshakeable confidence, believing that true beauty begins within and radiates outward. This gorgeous Panda Necklace is just one of their many, must have pieces. Definitely check out their entire collection today!
Unfortunately, there’ll probably be a time when the kids will come down with something. If that happens, Mommy’s Bliss Children’s Acetaminophen is an effective solution for temporarily reducing fever and relieving minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, flu, headache, sore throat or toothaches. Geared for ages 2-11, this is the first-ever acetaminophen to be Clean Label Project certified. Featuring a delicious natural berry flavor with organic elderberry juice, the kids won’t complain when it’s time to take their medicine either!
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
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