School Backpack Essentials for Kids of All Ages

It’s THE super-cute must-have accessory for kids of all ages. It’s also packed with everything under the sun, so make sure your crew is toting all the right stuff.

Start with the basics like a colorful water bottle that’ll encourage sips throughout the day and a kid-approved lunchbox. The more they’re involved in selecting essential school supplies, the better. And for the little ones, be sure to include emergency contact info somewhere visible.

From colorful, patterned pencil pouches and makeup bags to sassy, petite plastic cases, there are endless ways to help keep all her odds and ends organized and protected. Stock them with a hairbrush, colorful hair ties, bobby pins, hand sanitizer and lip balms.

For teens, packing cubes or small Dopp kits are also a smart way to keep all those personal care items like a toothbrush, deodorant and body wipes from exploding out of his backpack every time he opens it. And if he’s tough on his gear, opt for rugged plastic cases to hold calculators, pens and wireless earbuds.