Within the next month or two, most teens across the United States will be heading back-to-school. The format may be uncertain due to COVID-19, but learning will go on. This year, we’ve pulled together a list of clothing, shoes, accessories, and backpacks as usual. As a bonus this year, we are also including great educational resources and school supplies that will work for on-campus settings, virtual learning, and/or homeschooling.
Bookworms will love wearing their favorite books on their sleeves - literally! Peruse the collection at Out of Print, where you will find t-shirts, sweatshirts, ball caps, and tote bags featuring classic and modern stories - Anne of Green Gables, Matilda, Pride & Prejudice, etc - alongside apparel & accessories that will showcase your love of all things literary.
For teens with a preppy inclination, consider the timeless pieces from US Polo Assn. You'll find adorable button-up dresses, starched oxford shirts, and classy dress pants - which are suitable for most dress codes and/or school uniform requirements.
Casual canvas sneakers are my high-schooler's go-to for the school year - and Lucky Brand has a great collection of US and European brands to browse.
The stylish cream and blush sneakers (pictured above) are the Gola Tennis Mark Cox Canvas in White/Blossom. These are darling shoes for everyday wear at school with shorts, skirts, or uniforms!
When you're considering where to shop for teens for the back-to-school season, consider Eddie Bauer. Known for their sturdy, rugged, and stylish pieces, Eddie Bauer holds appeal for both outdoorsy and preppy teens.
Pictured Above: Departure High Rise Shorts (Dark Thyme), Haller Leather Slip-On (Light Khaki,), and Fireside Plush (Pink).
Every high school girl would love to own a pair of simple, elegant ballet flats for special occasions.
Ballerina flats are regal and pretty, while still offering comfort. In other words, your daughter will be able to dance, play an impromptu game of volleyball, or walk awhile without getting blisters. Minnetonka's Anna flats can be paired with jeans, a flouncy skirt, or a fancier dress for a sweet and put-together look for almost any party, event, or get-together.
Sold in a three-pack at Costco, the adult masks by 32 Degrees are soft, stretchable, and breathable. The ear loops are among the most comfortable we have tried, gentle and smooth without tugging. Of all four brands we tried, these form-fitting masks would likely be our top pick for student athletes due to their cool, thin material and superior breathability.
The adult masks by Honest Company has easy adjustable elastic around the ears and pretty designs. There is also a bendable metal nosepiece to help fit the mask to your face. The material is soft, but warm and thick - not ideal for warmer climates or sports.
Mamask masks feature adjustable elastic ear loops, adjustable nose pieces, and adorable patterns. Each mask comes with a pocket and optional added filters for extra protection.
Made by an activewear/fitness company in California, Onzie's Mindful Masks are soft and stretchable due to the fact that they are made from upcycled activewear materials. Plus, 99% of the sewing, cutting and dyeing happens in Los Angeles in the USA! We especially love the floral and tie-dye designs.
Newly released in 2020, "Make the Most of It: A Guide to Loving Your College Years" offers solid advice for any rising college student. Although the author is the President of Biola University, the pages contain wisdom that is widely applicable for any college student (whether attending a public or private university).
I would gift this book to any graduating high school senior in a heartbeat (it's a small, elegant, and sturdy hardcover - which is perfect for gift-giving).
Save yourself time, money, and printer ink this school year by using page protectors! We use them frequently for syllabi, poetry, passages to memorize, and anything that needs to be referred to again and again throughout the year.
You can find EnvyPak’s page protectors on Amazon and they are extra fun because you can color-coordinate inside of your binder with bold or pastel colors.
Is your teen is a to-do list maker and setter of goals? Take a look at the lovely notebooks/planners from Erin Condren. The designs are beautiful and the format is simple – a space for journaling and a space for corresponding lists with boxes to check off completed tasks.
Samsill sells affordable, solid color binders on Amazon. Choose 1", 1.5", or 2" - in packs of four, six, or twelve. These 3-ring binders have clear view covers and interior pockets. In addition to back-to-school basics, Samsill also designs speciality office products like leather binders, padfolios, subject organizers, pocket organizers, soft cover journals, etc.
If advanced math courses are on your teen's schedule for 2020-2021, you'll want to invest in a calculator that can work for Algebra, Geometry, Trig, PreCalc, Calculus, Chemistry, and beyond.
The TI-84 Plus CE is a super-slim graphing calculator that can take students from middle school math and science classes all the way through graduate school. As a bonus, it's stylish too - and available in a number of different colors (pictured: rose gold).
Searching for adorable accessories for the back-to-school season? Browse the U Brands website. You'll get lost down a rabbit trail of practical and pretty products to help your teen get organized for the upcoming school year - whether her classroom is remote or on-campus.
If you want to see U Brands products in-person, you can find them at Target, OfficeMax, Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, and many other retailers.
What are your favorite products for back-to-school 2020?
Where will you be purchasing clothes, shoes, and gear for your high school students?