Back-to-school shopping guide: Classroom supplies, dorm essentials, clothes and more
Back-to-school season is here, and that means it's time to stock up on everything from dorm room essentials to new fashion for students of all ages.
Below, we've curated top picks in every category to help you shop. From basic supplies like pencils and pens to earbuds, tablets and trending fashion for fall 2025, you'll find everything you need to help your favorite pupil get ready to have their best year yet.
Read on to shop before the school bells start ringing!
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Dorm room decor and essentials
Going away to college for the first time can be stressful for everyone involved, from parents encountering empty nest syndrome to freshmen experiencing their first time away from mom and dad. Make the transition simpler by ensuring your student is stocked on the necessities -- storage, sheets, Lysol wipes, etc. -- and throw in some fun decor to personalize their new and likely limited space.
Back-to-school tech
Get your student ready to participate in the digital world with up-to-date technology like laptops, earbuds and a new calculator to help them speed to the top of their class.
JBL Vibe Beam - True Wireless JBL Deep Bass Sound Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.2, Water & Dust Resistant, Hands-free call with VoiceAware, Up to 32 hours of battery life (Black)
- $49.95
- Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) built for relaxation, 10.1" vibrant Full HD screen, octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB, Ocean
- $139.99
- Amazon
Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine, Portable Bluetooth Mini Label Printer, Smartphone Handheld Thermal Sticker Small Labeler Multiple Templates Font Icon Inkless Custom Label for Home Kids School Items
- $18.99
- $28.98
- Amazon
Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case. Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life. Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone
- $134.99
- Amazon
Logitech Flip Folio, Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) & iPad Air 13-inch (M2 & M3) (2024, 2025) - Protective & Stowable Bluetooth Keyboard Case, Multi-Device - Midnight Black
- $179.99
- Amazon
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Sky Blue
- $849
- $999
- Amazon
Backpacks and lunch boxes
A time-honored tradition for back-to-school season is selecting the backpack and lunch box that will set the tone for your year. We love the stylish Caraa Luna Lunch Pouch for a fashion-forward approach to lunchtime each day, and JanSport continues to churn out the classics that make the brand a go-to for the season.
School supplies
There's something magical about stocking up on all your school supply needs, from a fresh box of unsharpened pencils to a binder for organizing your assignments in an orderly way. Shop your top needs here.
Amazon Basics Woodcased Classroom 2 Pencils with Erasers, Pre-sharpened, HB Lead, Value Pack of 30 count, Orange
- $5.01
- Amazon
Amazon Basics Durable 3 Ring Binder with Zipper, Sturdy Storage to Keep Documents Organized, 3 inch, Black
- $19.99
- $29.69
- Amazon
Composition Notebook Wide Ruled 5 Pack, 200 Pages (100 Sheets), 9-3/4 x 7-1/2, Back to School Supplies, Notebooks for School, Office Supplies, Notebooks for Work, Wide Ruled Notebook
- $16.99
- Amazon
SHARPIE Electro Pop Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 24 Count
- $17.01
- $19.54
- Amazon
On-trend clothing styles for back-to-school
Back-to-school fashion is all about denim, comfortable basics and trendy pieces that are easy to throw on for those mornings when students need their extra 30 minutes of sleep. Silver and Pacsun offer ideal picks that fit the mold for pre-teens through college age students, while go-to department stores like Kohl's and Macy's always offer great value on younger kids' clothes.
adidas Toddler & Little Girls Printed Flutter-Sleeve Pullover Sweatshirt & Elastic-Waistband Printed Jogger Pants, 2 Piece Set
- $39
- $52
- Macy's
