Ready or not, here it comes: back to school shopping. Whether you’re on a hybrid model, doing a “pod” with close friends, are 100% virtual learning or home-schooling, you and your kids are probably in the market for school supplies right now. Our ace correspondent (and mother of three) Julie Chang Murphy is sharing her curated list of the back to school supplies you need to buy right now to start the 2020 school year off strong.
back to school supplies in the age of coronavirus
Are your kids going back to school in-person, or online, or maybe a little of both? Are they in cohort A, going to school two days a week and then three days the next week? Perhaps they were attending school all five days but then had to quarantine at home for ten days because they sneezed twice in a row in science class.
Whatever the permutation, we have suggestions for the school supplies you will need to make this unprecedented year a success. Hahaha! Just kidding.
As a mom of a 4th grader, 2nd grader and Kindergartner, let me revise that. Here are the supplies you need so that the school year does not become a complete and utter nightmare of epic proportions.
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In all seriousness, this year in particular we’re placing a premium on school supplies that make us smile. That are reliable, that can multi-task, and that won’t make a wreck of our homes, since that’s doubling as the school house for many of us.
Wherever school may be taking place for your family this year, these well-designed, cheerful and functional items will make the best of a really challenging situation.
the back to school supplies you need to buy right now, whether in-school or virtual learning
1. away backpack
AWAY’s water-resistant nylon backpack has that nostalgic cheery yellow of school buses and No.2 pencils.
BUY NOW -$295.
2. timbuk2 messenger bag
Does your kid prefer a messenger style bag? Timbuk2’s Classic Messenger Bag fits a laptop, water bottle and all school essentials.
BUY NOW – $99.
3. face mask holders
These colorful, beaded lanyards keep face masks from being shoved into pockets and then eaten by the laundry machine – like socks.
BUY NOW – $18.
4. timbuk2 ID holder
City kids and big kids who have Metrocards, IDs and credit cards will appreciate this eye-catching holder for quick and easy access.
BUY NOW – $55.
5. jansport lunch bag
Lunch! The best part of the school day. This bag has an insulated interior to keep foods warm or cold plus an angled zip opening so it can lay flat for use as a tray.
BUY NOW – $22.
6. jansport pencil holder
This cosmic-inspired accessories pouch is perfect for hand sanitizer, extra face masks, plastic gloves, and maybe even a pencil or two.
BUY NOW – $16.
7. Lenovo 100e Chromebook
The Lenovo 100e Chromebook makes our list of essential supplies because its built and priced right for kids who are in virtual school settings this year. It’s drop-resistant up to 29.5 inches, roughly the height of a school desk, and it has up to 10 hours of battery life to last an entire school day and then some.
BUY NOW – $199.
8. kanex mobile device stand
Tablet users will need a stand and this one comes in a pack of two for multiple students in the house.
BUY NOW – $14.95.
9. calmoptics blue light-blocking glasses
If you’re worried about too much screen time, these non-prescription glasses are designed to block harmful digital blue light.
BUY NOW – $25.
10. jbl wireless headphones
These wireless headphones are designed for kids, with softer ear cups and headband. Most importantly, they are engineered to output audio below 85 dB, which will protect hearing even at maximum volume.
BUY NOW – $39.95.
11. skullcandy earbuds
For kids who prefer earbuds, check out Skullcandy’s (more affordable than Apple’s) version that has 30 hours of battery life and a rapid charge.
BUY NOW – $79.99.
12. poppin file cabinet
Stylish file cabinet is not an oxymoron. This bright and modern cabinet will help organize your in-home classroom without being an eyesore.
BUY NOW – $249.
13.
Help them get control of their work area with this thoughtful set. Can’t say it ever worked for us but gotta start them young!
BUY NOW – $34.99.
14. kore wobble chair
If you have a fidget-prone kid, consider the Kore Wobble Chair which encourages active sitting, allowing one’s knees, hips and back to find comfortable and ever-changing positions without tipping over.
BUY NOW – $53.99.
15.
Pencils with positivity. We’ll take one of each, please!
BUY NOW – $10.
What are the best school supplies to buy right now?
Whether you’re all-in at the school building, on a hybrid schedule, or doing virtual or home schooling – or even if you’re in a pod – we think these are what to buy: back to school supplies will give you the best shot at a strong start. Good luck this year, students, teachers and parents! We’re rooting for you (while crying on the inside)! Stay safe and healthy out there.
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier Newsletter here. And see luxury in a new light.
Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.