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Set them up for success with these smart organizers and bedroom essentials.
As Good Housekeeping’s senior home editor, I come across tons of home-related products, both good and bad. But there are some special finds that are just too great to keep to myself. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite home items with you — our readers — here on our website every month in the hope that you’ll appreciate them as much as I do.
The back-to-school season is upon us, and if you're anything like me, your nerves might be getting the best of you. It's always tricky trying to navigate that long list of essential school supplies without feeling like you're breaking the bank. To help you keep your back account in check, I've rounded up a list of my favorite affordable back-to-school products for kids of all ages, whether they're starting elementary school or college.
From a Lazy Susan that's great for upgrading a dorm room to a handy water bottle carrier, these finds will add a bit of fun and some much-needed back-to-school organization to their routines. They're also all under $50, because I know you have more than enough to pay for as a parent!
Brown bag meals are just fine, but if you've been looking to make lunchtime just a little more fun for your little one, go for this insulated option that comes in four vibrant prints. For even more options, check out the Good Housekeeping Institute's top-tested list of the best lunch boxes for kids.
Teach them the importance of making sustainable choices with this smart notebook that can be used with a Pilot Frixion pen, marker or highlighter. It has 36 reusable grid-style pages to keep them on track with assignments. Plus, they can easily send their notes to platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, you name it.
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This set of four peel-and-stick wall organizers has everything they need to ace their classes this year. It includes weekly and monthly calendars, along with a decal for notes and a cork board for pinning any school essentials. Bonus: Push pins and a dry erase marker are included.
Introduce your kid to the brilliance of Lazy Susans with this modern design that's available in three colors to match their room's aesthetic. It's equipped with multiple compartments for all of their school supplies, and it features a wood handle that'll be helpful for moving it around their desk.
Great for drawing or coloring, these thin Spider-Man markers with interchangeable charms will be their new favorite school supply.
Reusable lunch containers make it easy for parents to pack meals (and fun for kids to eat!). Keep their box in order with these silicone organizers that are available in star and heart shapes. They're even designed to hold up in the dishwasher, microwave or freezer.
With everything from pages to track deadlines, grades and goals to extra space to map out their meals, this daily planner is a smart choice for any hardworking college student.
No more lugging around clunky water bottles with this handy insulated sling. Available in six patterns, this holster has an adjustable strap and a drawstring closure, making it easy for them to stay hydrated during the day.
Trade the annoying ice packs for this compact snack box, featuring a built-in freezable gel to keep their favorite snacks and beverages cool. It can be placed right inside a backpack or clipped onto it with the buckle handle — their call.
There's nothing like a multifunctional product to make life just a little bit easier. This dorm room essential isn't just a LED night light with four brightness levels, it also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, wireless charger and an adjustable holder for a cell phone or e-reader.
They'll never lose sight of their AirPods once they clip this carrying case onto their keys or backpack.
Spruce up the walls in their study area with a cute framed print that will motivate them to achieve their goals for the school year.