The Ultimate Back to School Guide 2026
Ultimate Back to School Guide: It may feel like the summer holidays have only just kicked off, but September always seems to come around so fast.
Between finding new shoes and backpacks, buying lunchbox treats and figuring out which after-school clubs, not to mention setting up a homework space kids’ will actually want to work in, there’s a lot to remember when preparing for the back to school rush.
Our Back to School Guide 2026 is filled with useful buys, brilliant tech, tasty lunchbox snacks, and a few fun bits and pieces too, all designed to make getting back into a routine a little less stressful.
So whether you’re sending off a tiny person to nursery, a child embarking on a brand new school year or a teenager who could use an upgrade on their study area, here are some of our favourite September 2026 must-haves.
JoJo Maman Bébé Pink Fairy Backpack with Reins
For little ones heading to nursery or preschool, a backpack needs to be fun enough that they actually want to carry it and practical enough to survive everyday adventures. JoJo Maman Bébé’s Pink Fairy Backpack features whimsical fairy wings and a floral design alongside adjustable straps, a chest strap and a detachable parental rein. It’s suitable from age three and has room for the little essentials they insist on taking everywhere.
Axkid Child Car Seats
The school run begins before you even reach the school gates, which makes a safe, comfortable car seat one of the most important back-to-school essentials for younger children. Axkid specialises in child car seats, including extended rear-facing options designed to support families through several stages of childhood. If your child has had a summer growth spurt, September is also a useful reminder to check that their current seat is still appropriate for their height and weight.
Boursin Garlic & Herbs Soft French Cream Cheese
Packed lunches don’t have to mean the same sandwich every day. Boursin Garlic & Herbs Soft French Cream Cheese has a creamy texture and distinctive garlic-and-herb flavour that works brilliantly spread into wraps, bagels or sandwiches, or served alongside crackers and chopped vegetables for older children. It’s suitable for vegetarians and offers an easy way to make weekday lunches feel a little more interesting.
Mini Babybel Original Cheese Snacks
There’s a reason Mini Babybel has been a lunchbox favourite for generations. Each little cheese comes individually wrapped, making it easy to pop into packed lunches or have waiting in the fridge for an after-school snack. Made from 100% real cheese, each portion is naturally a source of protein and calcium, with no added colours, flavours or preservatives.
GoGo SqueeZ Apple & Strawberry Fruit Smoothie Snacks
For those mornings when you’re assembling lunchboxes at record speed, GoGo SqueeZ Apple & Strawberry Fruit Smoothie Snacks are wonderfully easy to throw in. Made from 100% fruit with no added sugar, each 90g pouch counts as one of your five-a-day and comes with a resealable spout. They’re just as handy for lunchboxes as they are for the inevitable hunger that strikes immediately after school or sports club.
Port Salut
For cheese-loving children and teens, Port Salut is a mild and creamy option that can instantly upgrade the usual packed lunch. Slice it into sandwiches and wraps, add cubes to a snack box with crackers and fruit, or keep it in the fridge for a quick after-school bite. Its gentle flavour makes it an approachable alternative when you want to introduce a little more variety beyond standard lunchbox cheeses.
Solar Buddies School Bundle
Sun protection doesn’t stop when the summer holidays finish. The Solar Buddies School Bundle has been put together specifically with school days in mind and includes a refillable Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator, NIVEA Kids SPF50+ spray, backpack clip, reusable water bottle, cool bag and hand sanitiser. It’s a particularly clever option for encouraging children to become more independent with their everyday sun-care routine.
Spotlight Oral Care Cici Children’s Toothbrush
Back-to-school routines are about more than bags, shoes and lunchboxes, and September is a good time to get morning and bedtime habits back on track too. The Spotlight Oral Care Cici Children’s Toothbrush is designed especially for younger mouths, making brushing feel a little more child-friendly while helping encourage a consistent oral-care routine before school and at bedtime.
Spotlight Oral Care Monty Children’s Toothbrush
For children who need a little encouragement to brush properly before racing out of the door, the Spotlight Oral Care Monty Children’s Toothbrush is a practical addition to the new-term routine. Created with children in mind, it helps make twice-daily brushing feel more approachable while supporting healthy oral-care habits throughout the school year.
Spotlight Oral Care Cici Children’s Toothpaste
A child-friendly toothpaste can make those busy school mornings considerably easier. Spotlight Oral Care Cici Children’s Toothpaste has been developed specifically for children’s teeth, making it an easy partner to their everyday toothbrush and a useful way to establish a simple routine they can gradually take more responsibility for themselves.
Spotlight Oral Care Floss Picks for Children
Flossing is one of those habits that’s much easier to introduce when children have products designed for them. Spotlight Oral Care Floss Picks for Children offer a simple way to add interdental cleaning to the family routine, making them a handy addition to the bathroom cupboard as everyone settles back into their regular school-week schedule.
Pen Heaven Legami Dino Stationery Gift Set
A fresh stationery set can make the return to school feel a lot more exciting, especially for children who love anything dinosaur-themed. The Legami Dino Stationery Gift Set brings together a selection of fun, practical school essentials in one coordinated set, making it a brilliant option for pencil cases, homework desks or as a little first-day-back treat.
Paladone SquishyGlo Rechargeable Light
A cosy light can make homework time, reading and bedtime routines feel much more inviting. The Paladone SquishyGlo Rechargeable Light combines a soft, playful design with adjustable brightness, making it a fun addition to a child’s bedroom, desk or reading corner. Being rechargeable also means it can be moved around easily without needing to stay next to a plug.
Paladone Projection Light
For children who like a bit of personality in their study space, the Paladone Projection Light adds a fun decorative touch to bedrooms and homework areas. Its projection-style lighting helps create a more playful atmosphere after school, whether they’re reading, winding down or tackling that evening homework.
Pen Heaven Legami Unicorn Stationery Gift Set
For children who prefer their school supplies with a little more sparkle, the Legami Unicorn Stationery Gift Set is a colourful way to refresh their pencil case for September. Packed with useful stationery in Legami’s playful unicorn design, it’s perfect for classroom use, homework and creative projects at home.
Monsoon Taylor Bow Hooded Puffer Coat
A warm school coat is one of those September purchases that quickly becomes indispensable. Monsoon’s Taylor Bow Hooded Puffer Coat comes in classic black, making it easy to pair with school uniform, while the bow detailing adds a prettier finish than your average practical puffer. Part of Monsoon’s 2026 back-to-school collection, it’s currently priced from £58.
Monsoon Charm Patent Loafer School Shoes
School shoes can be practical without being boring. Monsoon’s Charm Patent Loafer School Shoes combine a smart black patent finish with a classic loafer silhouette, making them an easy match for dresses, skirts and trousers throughout the school year. They’re part of Monsoon’s dedicated back-to-school range and are currently available from £28.
SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen Set
For creative children who love making, building and drawing, the SCRIB3D P1 turns doodles into three-dimensional creations. A brilliant rainy-day activity and a fun way to combine art with STEM-inspired thinking, it’s the sort of gadget that can easily become part of homework projects as well as weekend crafting.
Baked By Steph Personalised School Backpack Letterbox Iced Cookie
Starting school, moving into a new class or surviving that first week back deserves celebrating. Baked By Steph’s personalised school-themed iced cookies make a sweet surprise waiting at home after the first day. They’re also a lovely idea for marking a child’s first-ever day at nursery or reception and turning those inevitable first-day photographs into a bit more of an occasion.
Holland & Barrett Kids & Family Essentials Bundle
Once term begins, family life tends to shift straight back into full-speed mode. Holland & Barrett’s Kids & Family Essentials Bundle is an easy way to stock up on family wellness products in one go and makes a handy addition to the September reset alongside new uniforms, earlier bedtimes and getting everyone back into a routine.
The Modern Milkman Salmon & Eggs Bundle
Good school mornings start with breakfast, and having easy protein-rich options in the fridge can make those rushed weekday starts far more manageable. The Modern Milkman’s Salmon & Eggs Bundle is a handy choice for family breakfasts, weekend brunches or simple after-school meals when nobody has the energy for anything complicated.
The Head Plan Kids Journal
Going back to school can bring excitement, nerves and plenty of big emotions. The Head Plan Kids Journal gives children a dedicated space to reflect, organise their thoughts and develop positive habits. It can make a lovely part of an evening wind-down routine too, particularly for children who need a bit of help switching off after a busy school day.
STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Highlighters
A back-to-school stationery haul isn’t complete without a good set of highlighters. The STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Highlighters are a classroom classic, ideal for revision notes, homework, planners and colour-coding everything from timetables to exam prep. The assorted colours make it easy for older children and students to organise information visually and bring a bit of colour to otherwise very serious schoolwork.
EASTHILL Large Capacity Pencil Case
For children who somehow need to carry half the stationery cupboard around with them, the EASTHILL Large Capacity Pencil Case is a brilliant school-bag organiser. Its roomy design gives plenty of space for pens, pencils, highlighters, rulers and other classroom essentials, helping keep everything together rather than scattered across the bottom of a backpack.
Japanese Retractable Gel Pen Set
There’s something about a really nice pen that makes writing notes infinitely more satisfying. This Japanese Retractable Gel Pen Set is ideal for older pupils, students, journalling and homework, with a sleek design that makes everyday writing feel a little more special. A great addition to a new pencil case for September.
STAEDTLER Noris Colour Colouring Pencils
From classroom art projects to homework posters and rainy afternoon creativity, a dependable set of colouring pencils always comes in useful. The STAEDTLER Noris Colour Pencils are a practical addition to any school stationery kit, with a broad range of colours for drawing, colouring and creative projects both at school and at home.
STAEDTLER Eraser and Sharpener
The smallest school supplies are often the ones children need most. This STAEDTLER Eraser and Sharpener set covers two everyday pencil-case essentials in one handy purchase, making it ideal for handwriting practice, maths lessons, drawing and general classroom use. It’s also worth keeping a spare set at home for homework — because sharpeners have a mysterious habit of disappearing during term time.
The Head Plan Focus Timer
Homework battles are nobody’s favourite part of term time. The Head Plan Focus Timer is a simple way to divide homework, revision or reading into manageable chunks, helping children see how long they have left rather than repeatedly asking whether they’re finished yet. It’s particularly useful for creating short periods of focused work followed by a proper break.
Monchhichi Cherry Blossom Pink
Sometimes the smallest accessories cause the biggest excitement. This pink Cherry Blossom Monchhichi makes a cute addition to a backpack, pencil case or bedroom and brings a little personality to otherwise very sensible school essentials. It also taps into the nostalgic appeal of Monchhichi while feeling perfectly at home among today’s collectible bag charms.
My 1st Years Personalised Pink Bumblebee Cord Mini Backpack
There is something particularly lovely about a child’s first personalised school or nursery bag. This pink cord mini backpack from My 1st Years features an adorable bumblebee design and can be personalised, helping little ones recognise their own bag while giving parents an extremely cute first-day-photo opportunity.
MAGNA-TILES Learn Numbers
Learning through play remains one of the easiest ways to keep younger children engaged. The MAGNA-TILES Learn Numbers set brings number recognition and early maths concepts into the brand’s much-loved magnetic building play, making it a great option for supporting classroom learning at home without it feeling remotely like homework.
BHS Glow Rocket Table Lamp
A dedicated homework area doesn’t need to look boring. BHS’s Glow Rocket Table Lamp adds plenty of character to a child’s bedroom or study corner while providing a useful pool of light for reading, drawing and homework. The playful rocket design makes it an especially fun choice for young space fans.
BHS Glow Butterfly Table Lamp
For a softer take on children’s study lighting, the pink Glow Butterfly Table Lamp from BHS brings a playful decorative touch to desks and bedside tables. It is a simple way to create a cosy reading nook or brighten a homework station ahead of darker autumn evenings.
Learn With The Colour Monster Activities
The Colour Monster has become a familiar way of helping younger children explore feelings, and an activity set centred around emotional understanding is particularly relevant as they return to school. It can provide a gentle way to talk about worries, friendships, excitement and those difficult-to-name feelings that often come with a new term.
Thinking Gifts Flexilight Pals
Reading before bed is a brilliant way to settle back into a school-night routine. Flexilight Pals combine a flexible reading light with a characterful design, making them handy for bedtime stories, independent reading and even keeping in a school bag for trips away.
Muddy Puddles EcoSplash Waterproof Fleece Lined Jacket
September weather is spectacularly unreliable, so a genuinely waterproof school coat earns its place on the essentials list. Muddy Puddles’ EcoSplash jacket is waterproof to 10,000mm, breathable, fleece-lined and made using recycled fabric. Reflective details are another welcome feature as mornings and evenings become darker later in the term.
Cotton Candy Seedless Grapes Snack Pot
Lunchbox fruit tends to have a better chance of being eaten when it feels like a treat. Tesco’s Cotton Candy Seedless Grapes come in a handy 125g snack pot, making them an easy grab-and-go addition to packed lunches or an after-school snack. For younger children, remember that whole grapes should be cut appropriately because they can present a choking hazard.
Canyon Kitty Edition Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
A homework set-up becomes significantly more appealing when it looks this good. Canyon’s Kitty Edition wireless keyboard and mouse set in violet adds a playful splash of colour to a child’s desk while giving older children a practical set-up for homework, research and creative projects.
Legami Kawaii Monster 2-in-1 Soft Silicone Pencil Case
Stationery is one of the genuinely fun parts of going back to school, and Legami has mastered the art of making everyday supplies irresistible. The Kawaii Monster 2-in-1 silicone pencil case brings plenty of personality to the classroom and gives children somewhere distinctive to keep pens, pencils and all those mysterious rubbers that seem to disappear by week two.
Young Soles Brando Kids Shoe Black
School shoes need to deal with playgrounds, assemblies, PE-day chaos and countless trips across the playground. Young Soles’ Brando Kids Shoe offers a smart black option that works perfectly with school uniform while retaining the brand’s signature vintage-inspired styling.
Young Soles Brando Brogue Kids Shoe
For children who prefer a more traditional school shoe, the Brando Brogue brings classic brogue detailing to an everyday black leather style. It’s smart enough for uniform while still having considerably more personality than the average school shoe.
GEAR AID HEROCLIP
School bags have a remarkable ability to end up on wet floors. The HEROCLIP combines a carabiner-style clip with a hook, giving older children and teens a clever way to hang backpacks, sports bags or kit rather than leaving them on the ground. It’s one of those small accessories that quickly becomes surprisingly useful.
Red Equipment Adventure Waterproof Backpack 12L
For school journeys, outdoor clubs and wet-weather adventures, a waterproof backpack can be worth its weight in gold. Red Equipment’s 12L Adventure Waterproof Backpack is compact enough for everyday essentials while offering a more adventure-ready alternative to a conventional school bag.
Under Armour UA Tech Youth Trainers
From PE lessons to after-school sports, a reliable pair of trainers is an essential part of the September kit list. These Under Armour UA Tech youth trainers offer a versatile black option that’s easy to coordinate with sportswear and practical enough for busy school weeks.
Polarn O. Pyret Padded Lightweight Jacket
September often calls for a coat that’s warmer than a rain jacket without immediately reaching for full winter padding. Polarn O. Pyret’s lightweight padded jacket makes a versatile school-run layer and works particularly well for chilly mornings, playground time and the unpredictable transition into autumn.
Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Shell Jacket
For children who don’t consider rain a reason to come indoors, a waterproof shell is a back-to-school wardrobe hero. This hazy pink shell jacket from Polarn O. Pyret makes a practical outer layer for wet playgrounds, walking to school and autumn adventures, and can be layered as temperatures drop.
Vitawell Kids Multivitamin Gummies
Once school is back, so are early mornings, busy clubs and seemingly endless children’s parties. Vitawell Kids Multivitamin Gummies offer parents an easy-format children’s supplement to incorporate into the family routine. As with any supplement, check the label carefully for age guidance and dosage and remember that supplements aren’t a replacement for a balanced diet.
Klean Kanteen Rise Food Box Family Set
Reusable lunch containers are one of those purchases that quickly earn their keep once packed-lunch season begins. The Klean Kanteen Rise Food Box Family Set offers a coordinated way to pack sandwiches, snacks and meals while cutting down on disposable packaging.
BrüMate Leap 12oz Kids Leakproof Straw Tumbler
A drink bottle that doesn’t leak over reading books and PE kits is something every parent can appreciate. The BrüMate Leap is a 12oz children’s straw tumbler designed with leak resistance in mind, making it a smart option for school bags, clubs and days out.
BrüMate Era 40oz Leakproof Straw Tumbler
Back-to-school shopping isn’t only for the children. For parents juggling drop-offs, work, errands and after-school clubs, the generously sized BrüMate Era 40oz tumbler makes keeping a drink to hand considerably easier. The handle also makes it practical for carrying between the car, office and school gates.
Peperami Original 5 x 20g
When the after-school hunger hits, having something quick and easy to grab can be a lifesaver. Peperami Original comes in individually portioned 20g sticks, with each one providing a source of protein and 99 calories. They don’t require refrigeration, making them particularly handy for older children’s school bags, packed lunches, sports kits or those frantic journeys between school and after-school clubs.
Doulton Water Bottle with Filter
For older pupils, students and parents who want filtered water while they’re out and about, Doulton’s Water Bottle with Filter combines hydration with an integrated filtration solution. It’s a handy reusable choice for longer school days, commuting, sports clubs and university.
Styletech MK520 Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
Creating a proper homework station can make the transition from summer freedom to schoolwork a little less painful. The Styletech MK520 wireless mouse and keyboard comes in a pastel-blue finish and provides a clutter-free desktop set-up for homework, creative projects and home learning.
Trust Multi-Device Mouse with Hyperwheel
Older students switching between laptops, tablets and other devices will appreciate a mouse designed around flexible working. This Trust multi-device model adds horizontal scrolling and a hyperwheel, making it useful for everything from homework documents to spreadsheets and creative projects.
Trust RGB Illuminated Soundbar
A desk set-up doesn’t have to be entirely serious. Trust’s RGB illuminated soundbar adds upgraded audio and colourful lighting to a study or gaming space, making it a fun choice for teens who use the same desk for homework, music and downtime.
Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro ANC Earbuds
For sixth-formers, university students and older teens, a good pair of earbuds can be invaluable for commuting, online study sessions and concentrating in busy environments. Soundcore’s Liberty 5 Pro earbuds combine active noise cancellation with a wireless design that works just as well for study playlists as it does for the journey home.
Holy Moly Kids Simply Avocado
Packed lunches don’t have to revolve around the same rotation of sandwiches. Holy Moly’s child-friendly Simply Avocado portions make an easy addition to lunchboxes and snack plates, providing a convenient way to serve avocado without chopping, mashing and discovering the remaining half has turned brown by teatime.
From nursery school drop-offs to university cramming sessions, a little advance planning can make September feel a whole lot less overwhelming. The aim of the game isn’t to overstock, rather to invest in items that will truly make everyday life smoother, a coat that can withstand the unpredictable weather, a lunchbox that makes it home again, school shoes to withstand rigorous playtime.
Of course, we couldn’t resist adding one or two more bits of fun that will make the start of term a joyous event! We are here to the for fresh stationery and the start of new beginnings, and hope that you manage to get everyone out the door before the bell tolls.
