Coolest Back-to-School Gear for Elementary School Kids

Just like they have for decades, right now elementary schools are sending parents a list of demands, supply lists populated with the usual suspects of pencils, erasers, spiral notebooks, and so on. Move beyond the basics with our new and improved back to school list. Here’s all the stuff we wished existed back when we went to school (when we had to walk there, in the snow, uphill, both ways).

Razor Power Core E100 Electric Scooter

Key Selling Point: A zippy electric scooter for kids with an impressive hour-long range. 

Designed for kids eight and up, the Razor Power Core E100 supports up to 120 pounds and runs for an hour on a charge. It starts with a kick/push start and from there, the twist throttle on the handle will shoot up to a fun-but-not-too-dangerous 11 miles per hour. The brake disengages the motor and there’s a kickstand to keep the steel and aluminum scooter upright after a ride. 

Yoto Audio Player

Key Selling Point: An ingenious kid-friendly speaker that plays audiobooks, music, and more. 

Screen-free and capable of playing music and telling a thousand stories, the Yoto Audio Player is completely kid-controlled. The player can read audiobooks by inserting physical cards into the player (Yoto has hundreds of cards available on their site or through the app). The player also offers free content like Yoto Radio, and lets you record, download, and play your own content with custom cards. It even has nightlight and sleep sound capabilities. Yes, this is the kid speaker that parents are going nuts over, and it's easy to see why.

Zip & Pop Pencil Case

Key Selling Point: The utility of a pencil case paired with the tactile satisfaction of fidget poppers

Silicone popper toys are addictive, no matter your age. Kids can expend fidgety energy pushing and popping the bubbles on this Zip & Pop Pencil Case, while keeping their supplies in one place. Inside there’s plenty of room for the important stuff like No. 2 pencils, pink erasers, and a Bakugan or two. 

OtterBox Kids EasyGrab iPad Case

Key Selling Point: A durable case for current-gen iPads that protects against drops and acts as its own stand. 

If your kid is lucky enough to spend their allotted screen time on an iPad, here’s the case with enough protection to keep the tablet in working order. Made by the tough-case experts at Otterbox, it’s a stand and protector in one, made from a silver-ion infused plastic that inhibits microbial growth. The stand even attaches to the back of headrest posts for travel time. Fits 7th, 8th, and 9th-gen iPads.

Garmin Vivofit Jr. Fitness Tracker, Grogu Edition

Key Selling Point: A “Star Wars”-themed activity tracker that encourages kids to use the Force and get moving. 

Tough and waterproof, this Garmin fitness Tracker for kids encourages your little Grogu to stay active and complete challenges. Pair it with your smartphone to track sleep, steps, and activity — all of which unlock “Star Wars”-themed games and adventures your kids can play on your phone. The battery is replaceable, lasting up to a year and you can store your contact info in the watch for extra peace of mind.  

Bentgo Kids' Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box

Key Selling Point: A bento box that includes its own nesting ice pack to keep lunches cold. 

Inside this leak-proof bento box has a removable ice pack under the compartments that’ll keep your kid’s lunch cold ‘til noon rolls around. The bento box is a good size, with compartments roomy enough for a cut sandwich and snacks. It snaps shut tight for no-mess transport, making it perfect for backpacks, and can fit inside larger lunch bags.

Ultra-Washable Markers

Key Selling Point: Italian-made, washable markers with bright colors and double tips. 

Not just washable, ultra washable, these brightly colored markers come in their own standup pencil case and wash out easily from hands and clothes. The 16 vibrant double-tipped markers have a thick tip on one end and a thin tip on the other. Designed in France and manufactured in Italy for extra cool points.

Final Thoughts

While we might enjoy telling kids we went to school with calculators the size of books and books the weight of bricks, secretly we all wish today’s inventive design and revolutionary tech was available back when we actually had time to enjoy it. Pick out a couple doodads from our list and live vicariously through your kid.