10090807060504030201
Kids/Tween/Shoes & Accessories

Top 10 Tween Back To School Essentials

10 Essentials Your Tween Will Need Before The First Day Of School

10 Essentials Your Tween Will Need Before The First Day Of School

With the first day of school quickly approaching, it's time to think of supplies and essentials your tween will need in the months ahead. In addition to pencils, pens, glue sticks, and the like, there are tons of other necessities your growing kiddo will use day to day come the new school year—and we have the scoop on which ones to add to your shopping list. From lunch boxes, pencil bags, planners, and more, we rounded up the top essentials for keeping your tween organized and stylish as they venture into their new grade. Approved by both moms and kids the following features some of the top-rated, buzziest, and best-selling back to school products out there. Scroll down now to discover the 10 back to school essentials that will have your tween ready and excited for the school year! Opening image: @statebags

Love our 10 Best Tween Back To School Essentials? Shop all our Top 10 Tween lists to discover more top-ranked finds! 

Jump To Products

August 8, 2019

FacebookPinterest logoTwitter logoEmail icon

Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Levi's Denim Trucker Jacket
Rank & Style Approved

nordstrom.com

Levi's Denim Trucker Jacket

LIGHT JACKET

USERS SAID: "My daughter likes this jacket a lot. To start off the material it’s made of is super comfortable and stretchy, the color is nice and it doesn’t fade. This jacket can be worn with jeans or a dress and it looks nice and elegant with either or. This jacket is lightweight and that’s a plus, also it’s good for summer or winter."

BEST FOR: Layering over tank tops or short sleeve dresses for schools with strict dress codes and though transitional seasons


Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case

PENCIL POUCH

BEST FOR: Storing all your essentials—pens, pencils, calculator, scissors, and more—in one, compact, organized pouch

USERS SAID: "When I got mine in the mail---the first thing I had done was put all my pens, pencils, and etc into my pencil pouch. Mind you I have a lot to hold when it comes to pens, so I was quite surprised it was able to hold all of them! If you're looking for something that's spacious. this is for you. It's worth the purchase! There are many compartments."


State Rodgers Metallic Lunch Box

CHIC LUNCHBOX

ABOUT THE BRAND: For every STATE bag purchased, STATE hand-delivers a backpack—packed with essential tools for success—to an American child in need.

LOVED FOR: Keeping lunches insulated in a fashionable statement lunch bag


Ban.do Medium 17-Month Academic Planner

QUIRKY AGENDA

LOVED FOR: The added touches to this planner (like its quirky stickers and cute quotes) make organizing full of fun.

USERS SAID: "I’ve been using bando planners since 2016. What I love the most is the quality of the materials and the fact it actually endures 17 months!! There’s plenty of space to keep track of all your projects."


The Children's Place Uniform Cardigan Sweater

LIGHTWEIGHT CARDIGAN

USERS SAID: "Great little sweater, perfect to go with my daughter's school uniform and half the price of the sweater from the uniform store! She loves it and wanted to wear it right out of the bag before washing."

BEST FOR: Keeping warm in cold classrooms and into the chillier transitional months


The North Face Recon Backpack

DURABLE BACKPACK

LOVED FOR: Comfortable straps, back support, and it's ability to withstand up to wear and tear

USERS SAID: "Great backpack! Very strong and sturdy with lots of pockets and compartments to help keep everything organized. Not an inch of wasted space in the design. Well built and should last a very long time."


City Threads Leggings

EVERYDAY LEGGINGS

AS SEEN ON: The children of celebrities like Ashlee Simpson Wentz, Christina Aguilera, and Liev Schrieber

USERS SAID: “We LOVE this brand and these leggings! My daughter is very sensitive and picky about the way clothes feel and fit[...] The material that these are made from is very soft and stretchy, and she loves all the colors that they come in.”


Adidas Superstar Shoes

SNEAKERS

USERS SAID: "These shoes are absolutely perfect! These shoes fit perfectly with space to let my feet grow a bit (without making the shoes fit too large). These shoes are 100% authentic. I would definitely and have recommended this shoe to family and friends."

BEST FOR: A comfortable everyday shoe that goes with any look


Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag

REUSABLE PLASTIC BAGS

BEST FOR: Storing school snacks in a functional way while helping the environment

USERS SAID: "I've tried a LOT of reusable bags as there are a lot of options out there all using a variety of materials. This one is the most simple and easy to use. No separate pieces to lose. Can withstand any temperature/microwave/dishwasher/whatever. And if they get gunky they are very easy to clean and I trust that they aren't hiding gross crumbs in any of the crevices."


Hydro Flask 40-Ounce Wide Mouth Cap Bottle

WATER BOTTLE

LOVED FOR: Its sleek design, ability to insulate water for hours, and durability

USERS SAID: "It’s amazing! Best water bottle I have ever owned. Keeps ice in it for days. My husband and kids always are sneaking drinks. I’ll be purchasing more of these."

View All Top 10 Lists
Arrow white

The Latest

Image credits: hannaandersson

Clothing

Top 10 Kids Swimwear Brands

The Best Kids Swimwear Brands For All Budgets And Style Preferences

View All Kids
arrow

From Our Partners

Image credits: janeiredale

Jane Iredale

Jane Iredale celebrates 30th Anniversary with Ready to Bloom 30th Anniversary Collection

Shop Now

Arrow white

Straight-to-the-point emails to make finding what you love even easier.