The best back-to-school essentials for a fresh start this fall
School's almost in session — start your kids (and yourself!) off strong with editor-vetted water bottles, backpacks and more top-tested gear.
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Don't let the summer sun fool you — it's only a matter of weeks until the country's back in the classroom. And while you can always wait to sort out your kid's supplies, you're better off nailing down your shopping list now so you can score deals through August.
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Not sure where to start? Review the state of your kiddo's existing supplies, then browse this list of the best back-to-school essentials that aced our tests (and come highly recommended by our shopping experts) to fill any gaps. We've got leak-proof water bottles , food storage containers , lunch boxes to keep their food chilled and backpacks that'll carry them into their teen years (and beyond). Honestly, these school supplies are so good, you may just want them for yourself.
Best water bottles
I've got a wave of water bottles coming your way, but this one's the best of the best. Seriously, we tested more than 100 popular bottles and this hydration hero came out on top due to its "insulation, resilience and convenience."
A leakproof water bottle is a non-negotiable, but this one also has a handy strap for easy carrying, a straw cap for casual sipping, and special TempShield insulation for keeping beverages hot (up to 12 hours) or cold (up to 24 hours). Oh, and it's dishwasher-safe!
Because everybody likes options. This mighty multitasker has a two-in-one spout with a built-in straw for sipping and a wider opening for chugging. There's also a push-button cap, which protects the spout — even when tossed in a backpack — from leaking. Level up the 24-ounce option if you're shopping for bigger kids.
There's a time and a place for a straw tumbler, but school isn't exactly one of them. Hear me out: The straw on this tumbler flips down, making it virtually leakproof when folded, unlike more traditional tumblers (like the popular Stanley FlowState Quencher ). "Another pro: Because you can easily flip the IceFlow straw down when not in use, dirt and debris aren't as likely to get through," noted our tester.
This beloved bottle is built to last — it has a shatter-resistant construction, double-wall vacuum insulation and a leak-proof handle cap. "Our toddler is quite the little adventurer, and this bottle has survived countless tosses, drops, and spills without showing signs of damage," one happy parent wrote. "Unlike other kids' bottles that break or crack after just a few rough uses, this one stands up to the test."
Best lunch containers
Bentgo’s bento-style kids’ lunch containers are popular for their whimsical prints (think unicorns to dinosaurs) and a removable, five-compartment tray that lets you portion and have fun with food. The containers also feature rubber-coated edges, making them more friendly to little hands. And with over 64,000 glowing reviews, you can rest assured they’re parent- and kid-approved. (The Bentgo Kids' Chill Lunch Box — available in a range of bold solids — also comes with a removable ice pack.)
Here's a lunch box that pulls double duty. Preheat the insulated container with hot water, then fill it with soups, pastas and other hot dishes. (FYI: The brand says soups and saucy dishes will stay warm the longest, while bread-based eats like quesadillas and paninis will cool the quickest.) Fill the other compartments with fruits, veggies and snacks that need to be chilled. And if there's a day where you want to send 'em to school with a sandwich, just take out the insulated container to make room.
"The lid seals tightly and doesn’t leak, which gives me peace of mind when I pack yogurt or sauces. It’s also easy to clean; I just rinse and pop the parts in the dishwasher," one satisfied lunch-packer wrote.
If you’re looking for more conventional food storage containers , these stackables from Rubbermaid’s Brilliance line are a clear choice, made of durable BPA-free plastic and complete with an airtight lid to prevent spills. The containers have excellent clarity (it's in the name!), so kiddos will be able to see exactly what's inside — and yes, our tests proved this is still true after using them to store colorfully sauced foods such as marinara sauce and hot wings. No odors or stains whatsoever!
There's more than meets the eye here. Yes, these reusable bags are great for storing — and not smushing — produce like carrots and berries, but they can also be used to reheat leftovers in the microwave and then be thrown in the dishwasher for an easy clean.
Another of our best-tested food storage containers, these come in the same colors as the brand's glass bowls , which means everything in your kitchen can match when school's out of session. Better yet, pick up the brand's 14-piece set to get a mix of bowls, bags and silicone stretch wraps — all of which can be used to pack school lunch and beyond.
Stainless steel gives you the best of both worlds. Like glass, it's non-reactive to acids in foods like citrus or tomatoes. Like plastic, it's typically more lightweight and less likely to break.
Not to mention that it's also nontoxic, which is key if you're trying to steer clear of microplastics and potentially harmful chemicals. This lunch box from Klean Kanteen — one of our best-tested nontoxic food storage container brands — is also 100% leak-resistant, thanks to a unique seal-and-snap mechanism, as confirmed in our tests.
Props to you if you're getting your kid to eat greens. Double down on their love — OK, acceptance — of salad by investing in a special bowl designed to keep lettuce fresh and wilt-free. It even comes with a removable tray to keep toppings separate, and a little container to hold dressing.
This bowl kept greens fresh for a whopping 28 hours in our testing, making it a great option for anyone who likes to pack lunch the night before. It's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Just remember it's always best to hand-wash the silicone lid to extend its life and avoid any potential chemical leaching.
Best lunch boxes and bags
Bentgo's colorful carriers serve to reinforce that the brand has kids' lunches in the bag. They're big enough to fit Bentgo's matching bento containers — with enough room and a zippered pouch inside for extras — and double-insulated and water-resistant, so food stays fresh and dry. A drawstring-style thermos pouch keeps drinks snug, while an adjustable strap and padded handle make for more comfortable school bus rides (ideal for children 3 and up).
"I am writing this review after a year of use by my kindergartner and am very impressed. It held up incredibly well and looks like new after a quick scrub with warm, soapy water," one impressed parent penned.
What this lunch bag lacks in design, it makes up for in durability. This certified classic is intended to last from kindergarten to college — seriously, one L.L. Bean shopper claims they've been using theirs for 23 years! The nylon exterior is the same material as the brand's weatherproof backpacks and the interior lining is designed to withstand wear and tear.
The fun is in the details: Add their initials or monogram (up to three letters) for an extra $10 so they won't mistake their lunch box for someone else's.
Is it a lunch bag? Is it an ice pack? It's both! Pop the whole thing in your freezer the night before to keep their food cold from drop-off to lunch — it stays chilled for at least five hours, according to Senior Wellness Writer (and PackIt packer) Kelli McGrane . "It collapses flat, and I've rarely had issues getting it to fit in my already chaotic freezer," she says. "It's roomy enough to fit a Bentgo box or a random assortment of Tupperware."
The only downside? "You have to remember to put it in the freezer the night before, so it may be worth having one or two ice packs as backups just in case," McGrane points out.
This Calpak cutie has some serious curb appeal. The drawstring top and carrying handle make it look more like a purse than a lunch bag, but the insulated liner is the real star of the show here. Keep hot lunches at a safe-to-eat temp or add an ice pack to ensure cold lunches stay chilled.
"The interior is spacious and allows enough room for the two meals I take to the office," one brown-bagger gushed. "The side pockets are also great for water bottles and packaged food that does not need cooling."
Best backpacks
Has their backpack seen better days? Simple Modern's got you covered with kid-friendly packs that can withstand a year (or more) of wear and tear. "Two months left of the school year and it has held up so well," one happy parent wrote, adding that they've had "zero problems with the zippers, no thinning fabric or holes."
The medium size (12-liter capacity) is your best bet for elementary-age kids, while the large (18-liter capacity) is big enough to fit your older kid's books and supplies.
If an L.L Bean bag is good enough for you, then it's good enough for your kiddo! That's right, this cult-classic has some serious staying power — it was first introduced in 1982 after a student asked the brand to create an all-purpose bag to carry their books to and from school.
Their answer? A backpack made of weatherproof nylon with reflective trim details for extra visibility, padded shoulder straps for comfortable carrying and compartments galore. Some advice: Avoid any mix-ups by adding their monogram for an additional $10.
Do they have to tote their laptop to and fro? Then make sure their backpack has a special sleeve to protect their tech on their daily commute. This one has a padded pocket that can fit a 15" laptop, plus a separate shoe compartment to stash their gym sneaks and plenty of pockets to keep everything else organized. Basically, they'll get all of the best features of the brand's famous duffel , such as a cushy design and lightweight materials, just in a more school-friendly form.
It even earned a coveted spot on our list of the best work bags , so it should be able to make the transition with 'em when the time comes. Just a thought.
There are a variety of brands that specialize in kids’ backpacks — and make them well — but Pottery Barn Kids’ are some of the most thoughtful we’ve seen. Made of recycled materials, the Mackenzie collection features a spacious interior with built-in compartments, an exterior pouch, and two drink holders, as well as adjustable straps along the front and back.
More back-to-school gear, including pens, pencils and other top-rated supplies
Update, July 15, 2026: We confirmed prices and availability for all picks and added more top-tested water bottles, food storage containers and backpacks.
