Back-to-school season hits with the same chaotic energy as a double espresso spilled on your white shirt at 8:01 a.m. Whether you’re a parent, student or teacher already emotionally bracing for the first bell, there’s one universal truth: you need stuff.
Pens that work past Wednesday, backpacks that don’t fall apart by October, and maybe a few things that make you look like a fully-functioning, organized human being. That’s where this glorious, well-researched caffeine-fueled guide comes in.
We’ve scoured the vast, algorithmic jungle that is Amazon to find over 100 of the absolute best back-to-school products so you don’t have to spend three hours debating between two nearly identical pencil cases. Whether you’re shopping for a first grader who insists their water bottle be “aesthetic,” a high schooler who suddenly needs a graphing calculator and a skincare routine, or yourself (because teachers deserve nice gel pens too), we’ve got you covered.
Think of this as your syllabus for smarter shopping. From genius organizational tools to tech that’ll survive a semester, dorm-friendly finds, lunch gear that doesn’t leak and even some hidden gems with cult followings — you’ll find picks that are practical, stylish, and borderline life-changing (OK, maybe not life-changing, but definitely locker-life-enhancing).
We’ve broken it all down by category, with notes on what’s trending, what’s budget-friendly and what’s TikTok-famous (because, like it or not, Gen Z is driving the school bus now). You’ll laugh. You’ll bookmark. You might even finally understand what the difference is between a planner and a bullet journal.
So grab a snack, sharpen your metaphorical pencils and dive in. These are the 100+ best back-to-school products on Amazon, and you’re about to leave your shopping experience feeling like you just scored an A+.
This back-to-school edit would be incomplete without the Owala Kids FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw. Priced at $25, it’s the add-to-cart find that will keep your beverage ice-cold for the entire school day.
Healthy snacks aren’t out of reach, and what kid wouldn’t want to take a bite of pizza at lunch?
These premium headphones are the real deal for any age, and they’re great for study sessions.
First off, this is adorable. Second, it helps your little one sleep better and get back into a school routine.
Obviously, the Apple iPad made the cut. It’s available in plenty of colors and is excellent for class.
Switch up your drab old writing utensils with these sweet-smelling gel pens that add some flair to your notebooks.
For those nitty-gritty algebra questions on your exam, this calculator is here to assist on your quest for an A+.
For both school and play, the Amazon Fire Tablet is a great find for watching educational content and entertainment.
For only $6, you can’t go wrong with this durable binder that hails from a back-to-school brand we trust.
Yes, Kindle makes a kids’ version — and it’s great for budding bookworms who want to read on the go.
If you’re on a quest for new earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds is a fantastic pair. In honor of back-to-school season, they’re 20% off and boast true noise-cancelling technology with up to 45 hours of battery life.
For the kid (or adult) with a sweet tooth, SmartSweets are the healthier alternative to your Swedish Fish or jelly rings.
All hail the star of lunch boxes. Bentgo is truly the best in the biz, with compartments to make mealtime a breeze.
If you detest the processed nature of your average grocery cheese balls, this container is a must-buy from Amazon.
While you’re grabbing a brand-new lunchbox for the school year, these ice packs are great to have for certain meals.
Whether you’re in middle school or college, a solid set of pimple patches is your best friend for pesky blemishes.
For less than $25, this trusty backpack comes in a variety of patterns to best suit your student’s personal style.
Skip your cheap, sticky deodorant and grab this one from Sol de Janeiro to smell like a delicious tropical island.
Parents of little ones, rejoice. This value pack of these best-selling nutritional pouches are less than $15 right now.
Stock up on your printer paper with 100 sheets from HP. Not for anything, it’s something you don’t want to run out of.
Yes, kids can rock a smartwatch, too. The Fitbit Google Ace LTE Kids Smartwatch with Call, Message & GPS is one of the best in the biz, boasting a slew of smart features and a comfortable, modern design. What’s not to love?
Prepare for your best note-taking of the year with this set of aesthetically pleasing pencils. Obviously.
Colorful, cute and practical, this set of scissors is equally as great for school projects as it is for weekend crafting.
During busy school days, caring for your hair may be a last thought. That’s why this hair mask is great to buy.
Dazzle your school products with this glitter glue, especially this four-pack for less than $15.
If you’re on the hunt for a printer, this model is a great value, especially with two years of ink included.
We can’t stop glossing over this adorable pencil case that we want for, honestly, every occasion.
New kicks for the school year is something we’re on the lookout for, and these match-all sneakers have that it-factor.
To pair with your new lunch box, this utensil set is easy to clean and convenient to use and store.
You’ve seen the thin scrunchies, but the large? A game-changer for study sessions and workouts.
Upgrade your home desk situation with the HP 24-inch All-in-One Desktop PC, a model that looks sharp on your desk and boasts brilliant picture quality. Its slim design is excellent for smaller spaces, too.
One thing’s for sure: you can never have too many notebooks. For only $7, add this one to your cart.
We didn’t think we needed fluffy ballpoint pens in our lives until these came along. Hello, fun purchase.
For art projects, personal doodles and color-coding your planner, this full-throttle set is yours for less than $25.
If you love the feel and grip of mechanical pencils, this set should be in your cart.
Stock up on socks — the easiest treat-yourself purchase that’s practical for school.
It’s official: denim isn’t going anywhere. The Levi’s Girls’ Denim Trucker Jacket is an essential for girls, especially for hailing from a trusted brand and looking great with any outfit.
Recharge after a long day of classes with these face masks that are some of our favorites.
Whether for after-school dance class or school retreats, this weekender is budget-friendly.
Available in a slew of fun colors and patterns, kids will love this on-the-go tumbler.
Plan for the school year in style with this fun spiral planner, offered in many renditions.
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, JanSport typically lands on top. The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack is a top seller on Amazon, offered in many prints with a less-than-$40 price tag and plenty of storage.
Touch up your lip gloss on the go with this compact mirror that’s an underrated school essential.
How picture-perfect is this set of Post-It Notes? It’s so good, we’re eyeing it, too (and we’re not going back to school).
Your Amazon cart is waiting: stock up on highlighters for no more than $4. Need we say more?
Easy to carry and great for those soft-cased lunch box lovers, Bentgo has one for only $20.
Mealtime just got an upgrade with these fun chopsticks we didn’t know we needed. Now, stir-fry leftovers are more fun.
Healthy snacks are important to pack, and these are some of the most delicious-tasting (trust us).
For the middle school, high school and college gals, a claw clip is a surefire necessity.
If you’re buying a new printer this season, remember to stock up on ink. This bundle is a great value.
New school year, better habits. Brush better with an electric toothbrush before school with this buy.
Hey Alexa, play the Moana playlist. The Amazon Echo Pop Kids (newest model) can do that and so much more. In short, it’s a kids’ bedroom essential that’s borderline a personal assistant. Nothing gets better than that.
Budget-friendly mechanical pencils are such a score, and two dozen for $6 sounds even better.
This best-selling tablet is great for Android lovers, clad with a matching pencil that’s great for note-taking.
Lububus hates to see these keychains coming. Accessorize in style with the OG Squishmallows.
Hello, calculus class. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is now on sale, perfect to pick up if required for one of your math or STEM classes.
Travel-friendly and all bright, happy and colorful, these notebooks are at a great price point.
You already know — long study sessions require a hoodie. This one is from Amazon’s private brand.
Whether for your backpack or lunch bag, this fuzzy cherry keychain is too cute to pass up.
From the makers of some of our favorite water bottles, this lunch box is great for the high schooler.
Kids can sport a handsome watch, too. With an olive-rimmed face and camo band, the Timex TIME Machine Elastic Fabric Kids Watch is how to put the “C” in cool for the school year.
With this clipboard folio, all of your notes can be in one place (and organized in a cute way, may we add).
As mentioned, the new school year calls for new jeans. The Levi’s 511 is top-rated among the brand.
Finally, healthier snacks that don’t tase gross. With sweet flavors, pick these up for the first day.
Food containers are great for school and weekend extracurricular activities, so be sure to stock up on the S’well S’nack Stainless Steel Food Container. It’s only $20 and extremely durable.
If you want a spiral notebook that’s pleasing to use, this one from ban.do has caught our attention.
Comfy pants, anyone? For only $12, we’re calling these our favorites for the back-to-school season.
Some may find pencils to be essential, but others (like us) consider a good skincare routine just as important.
Casual and versatile, this crew T-shirt is one that is surely worth the $14 price tag.
If you prefer your lunch totes to be roomier than most, the Vera Bradley option is your best bet.
Finally, a cute and durable container to carry hot soups and other home-cooked meals.
Whether to serve as your makeup bag for your gym locker or a pencil pouch, this quilted gem is only $10.
Make sure to have a rainbow of sticky notes at your disposal with this 15-pack that’s perfect for storing anywhere and everywhere.
We’re beyond obsessed with click-clack keyboards, and this one comes with a mouse, making it an even better value.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.