The best back-to-school gear for kids and teens in 2026

Whether your kids are seven or 17, here are some fun finds and practical gear to get them excited for the first day of school.

For the preteens

Headster Twisted Crayons backpack

Canadian brand Headster’s vibrant backpacks come in two sizes, and the 20L ones work well for kids aged 4 to 8. This water-resistant style also features reinforced straps and side pockets for water bottles. $56

Ikea Kaptensfisk lunch box

Order multiples of this highly rated lunch box and you won’t have to worry about running the dishwasher every night. It has two compartments, a handle and space for cutlery. $3

Crate & Kids silver metallic star pencil case

Offered in a wide range of colours and patterns, these Crate & Kids pencil cases can be personalized for an extra fee. This one is made in part with recycled materials, and the exterior fabric is water- and fade-resistant. $30

Owala FreeSip kids’ water bottle

Liquids will stay cold for up to 24 hours in this insulated, stainless steel bottle with 16-ounce capacity. There is a built-in straw and a leakproof, dishwasher-safe lid. $35

Jellycat Bashful bag charm

Backpack accessories continue to be popular with kids and adults alike, and this sweet bunny charm is sure to be a hit in the schoolyard and beyond. $38

Social media-free phone

Parents wanting to stay in touch with older elementary-aged kids who may be walking to school or sports activities solo could consider the TCL Flip, which is a “dumb” phone, or Pinwheel’s Genesis 5 Android smartphone, designed for kids: There is no web browser, and parents can control things such as contacts and screen time. $199

For the teens

U Brands locker organization kit

Organizers can help teens make the most of limited locker space. Offered in multiple colours, this set comes with a foldable shelf and two magnetic storage bins. $30

Fluf Square Lunch bag

Designed in Toronto and made in India with materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester, this bold and roomy lunch bag is insulated and machine washable. $50

Stanley Wellspring bottle

If they’re over their tumbler, this insulated 24-ounce bottle features a leak-resistant push-button lid for easy hydration on the go. Plus, it is available in 10 great colours. $52

Apple MacBook Neo laptop

Apple’s portable, lower-priced MacBook Neo laptop offers features such as an A18 Pro chip, 13-inch Liquid Retina display and up to 16 hours of battery life. From $949

Caroline Gardner phone strap

A handy fashion accessory for the teen who is rarely without their phone, this phone strap is adjustable and works with pretty much any phone case. It is also available in other colour combinations and a longer length for wearing crossbody. $27

Fjällräven Skule 28 backpack

This backpack fits a 15-inch laptop and is made with a durable, recycled polyester fabric. There are padded shoulder straps and plenty of pockets and compartments for all their essentials. $145