Although it is still July, Back to School days are right around the corner, with some students heading back to school as early as August. With school lists coming out soon, you might want to grab a few items before there is a rush on supplies. This can be especially helpful with Amazon Prime Day and other deals taking place. These ten items are certain to make sure your student has a great start to the year while still keeping your budget in check.

1. Mini Laptop
In this day and age, it is important for students to have a computer on hand. A lot of homework is presented online now so students having their own computer can be crucial to their success. Plus, higher level students need access to the internet in order to research and ensure their papers are completed on time. On top of that, it is hard to say when schools will close down due to the spread of illness. A mini laptop is a great option for most students. Not only will it allow your student to find success in what they need, but it won’t take up a lot of space in their backpack. A lot of mini laptops are more than on budget too, which is certain to give you more to cheer for when shopping around.

2. Clear Backpack
With all of the issues in schools these days, many schools are talking about going to clear backpacks. These backpacks do give students less privacy but can open up your student to a lot of fun. There are many stylish options available, including those that are glittered or tinted with a fun color. Depending on the school, students may even be able to add some decals to their backpacks, which can add to the fun. Make sure you do check in with your school to make sure you are getting the correct item based on their dress code.

3. Masks
Although vaccinations have made schools a little less dangerous for students, masks still may be required to help keep students safe from exposure. However, not all masks are made equal. With the immergence of Omicron and whatever new variations pop up, medical professionals have recommended that everyone shift to wearing N95 and KN95 masks. At the beginning of the pandemic, these were not widely available, but now there are plenty of options available. You can even find reusable options to save money and reduce waste. There are lots of kid-friendly options on the market too, so investing in a week’s worth is a great idea for the upcoming school year.

4. Water Bottle
Hydration is incredibly important for everyone’s health. Using water fountains at school isn’t always the best option though, especially with Covid-19 still causing problems. If you want to ensure your child has what they need to feel comfortable all day, then packing a water bottle can help. You can find no-spill bottles that will allow you to feel confident that your child has safe to drink water every single day. Bottles can be found in all sorts of shapes and sizes too which will definitely inspire your child to drink more water.

5. Headset
A headset is another must-have school supply for most students. With ZOOM classes often taking place during periods of the outbreak, there is a good chance your student is going to need a headset in order to take part in classes. There are so many options on the market right now, including options designed for small children, so you should be able to find a great headset for everyone on your list. Apart from that, the headset can also come in handy for studying, especially if students have a hard time concentrating in school settings or at home.

6. Sanitizer
As we all learned in 2020, having hand sanitizer on hand can save a life, which is why you should pack a little sanitizer for your child to use during the school day. Your best option is to purchase a small sanitizer that can be refilled when necessary, as opposed to continuously purchasing travel-sized containers. There are a lot of cute containers that will suit your child’s personality while proving them with easy access to their sanitizer. Placing the sanitizer on their backpack is especially helpful, but you might also find an option that can be kept in the desk or locker for extra protection.

7. First Aid Kit
Although schools do have a nurse’s office to help with injuries and ailments, packing a small first aid kit might bring your child some peace of mind. For younger kids, the kit might just contain some bandaids to help your child feel like they can handle a problem if it arises. Older children might have more supplies, including small packages of ointments to help with injuries and maybe small packages of ibuprofen, depending on the school’s policies. Girls might also keep items for their period in the kit, so they are always prepared.

8. Lunch Box
A lot of schools have considered raising the prices of school lunches, which makes sense when it comes to the inflation that most people are dealing with. However, paying for a school lunch might not currently be in the cards due to this or if your child doesn’t like the school lunches to begin with. A good lunch box will help you to save money while ensuring your child gets the nutrition they need to grow strong and function well in the classroom. A thermal lunchbox is always a great option, especially if you want to provide your child with a hot lunch. You should also consider finding an option that has a thermos, so children will have a drink to go with their meal without having to lug their water bottle to the classroom. If your child does get lunch at school, then a lunch box might still come in handy for snacks. This is especially great for children that take part in after-school activities without getting a break to eat after the school day is over.

9. Calming Items
Unfortunately, schools can be a great source of anxiety these days. Luckily, there are many products that are designed to help your child feel calmer while they’re in school. Some items are discreet, while others might require permission before you send the items to your child’s school. Some of the discreet options include calming strips which can be placed on notebooks to help your child calm down during lessons. Some pens can also act as sensory items to help children calm down as well. There are items like fidget toys which some teachers allow, while others will not. However, one way around this is to place the object as a keychain so your child can use it whenever they need to. There are also items like weighted blankets that sit on the lap to ensure your child can calm down in stressful situations.

10. The Basics
Once your school list comes out then you’ll know all of the basic items your child is going to need for their classroom. However, you will probably know most of the items that will be on the list, so if you see a good deal then you might want to grab it before it is gone. Usually, things like colored pencils, crayons, paper, glue, paper, and notebooks are completely safe to buy.

Back-to-school deals are already being released, so you should be able to find spectacular options to suit your needs. These ten categories of items should definitely be on your list if you’re hoping to keep up with trends while ensuring your child is set up for success.