It’s easy to save money on back-to-school basics like pencils and notebooks, but some purchases are worth spending a little more on. A backpack that lasts for years, a TI-84 graphing calculator students can use from high school through college and AirPods for less than $100 can all pay off over time. We rounded up 13 back-to-school buys worth the investment, organized by age group.
Little ones can be hard on their gear, but these picks will grow with them and actually last.
Kipling’s signature crinkled nylon backpack is designed to stand up to everyday wear, while the padded shoulder straps help distribute the weight of heavy school supplies. Choose from a variety of kid-friendly colors and prints, then complete the set with a matching lunch bag and pencil case.
The Fire HD 10 Kids tablet comes with a durable bumper case and a two-year worry-free guarantee, so Amazon will replace it if it breaks during normal use. Parents can manage screen time and age-appropriate content with built-in controls. It also comes with a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription.
Pack hot and cold foods in the same lunch container with the OmieBox. The built-in insulated thermos keeps warm foods separate from cold snacks, while the leakproof design helps prevent spills. The removable parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
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This Kipling monkey clip makes a kindergartner’s bag instantly identifiable in a pile of identical backpacks while doubling as a fun, collectible toy they’ll get attached to.
High school is where the workload gets real, and these supplies can stand up to longer study sessions.
Original price: $129
It’s rare that Apple products go on sale before the school year, but the AirPods 4 are now on sale for under $100. They pair instantly to an iPhone, iPad and Mac, and have up to 30 hours of battery life to last through several full school days.
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Original price: $44.99
This Owala bottle is easy to carry and has a versatile lid that lets you drink from the spout or sip through the straw without tilting your head back. It keeps water cold all day, and the locking lid prevents spills in backpacks.
Original price: $105.99
This Honeywell lamp provides bright, adjustable lighting for homework with customizable brightness and color temperature settings. Students can switch to a warmer lighting setting later in the evening, while the flicker-free LED helps reduce eye strain.
While less expensive calculators are available, many math teachers build lessons around the exact keystrokes used on graphing calculators like the TI-84 Plus CE. It’s approved for the SAT, ACT and AP exams and can last students from Algebra II through college.
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Shop everything from laptops to bedsheets that students will use throughout all four years of college.
Apple designed the MacBook Neo as an ideal first laptop for students. The chip handles note-taking, research, spreadsheets and streaming, while up to 16 hours of battery life lasts through a full day of classes. At just 2.7 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around campus all day.
While the price may seem a bit high for a planner, the RocketBook Fusion si worth the investment since it digitizes everything you write down on its reusable paper. You can then scan and upload lists and notes directly to cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote and more. For students who prefer planning on paper instead of their phone, it’s an investment they’ll actually use.
Backing up important files is one of the easiest ways to avoid losing schoolwork. This rugged, pocket-size SanDisk SSD offers 1TB of storage and backs up files in minutes, giving students plenty of space for notes, assignments and projects throughout college.
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Dorm-issued desk chairs often leave a lot to be desired. This ergonomic Branch chair has adjustable lumbar support, armrests and seat height, while the breathable mesh back helps keep students comfortable through hours of studying.
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A quality sheet set can make a dorm room feel more like home. This Brooklinen set is crafted from long-staple cotton with a sateen weave for a soft feel that’s built to withstand years of use and washing.
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