Back to school time is here! I love my kids but I am excited for them to get back to school. And I am sure most parents, and maybe some kids, feel the same way. I put together some things that just might make your life easier when the time comes. These will help your kids get ready to be back at school, and parents too. This guide includes affiliate links.

LEGO Classic Bricks and Gears Kit
Children can get ready to head back to the classroom while they build, learn, and fuel their imagination with this LEGO® Classic 10712 Bricks and Gears set. Features bright and colorful LEGO® pieces that allow for open-ended creative play. My daughters could spend all day using their minds and coming up with all sorts of creations with LEGOs. In fact, I have let them do just that several times.

Drynk Beverage Containers
Not all beverage tumblers are created equal. Only Drynk comes with two different lids to suit kids’ drinking styles. The Sipper’s magnet keeps the hinged lid open while drinking so it doesn’t bump noses. The Gulper’s wide mouth is great for sports drinks, or for sharing drinks with the pair of accompanying cups. Which also helps cut down on spreading colds and germs. Of course, each Drynk keeps hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold ones cold for up to 18 hours. The coolest part? A built-in coaster prevents spills. Drynks come in a range of fun colors and two sizes for all ages.

Botley
Children as young as 5 can learn to code with Botley, the next-generation coding robot. Botley teaches kids coding fundamentals through tactile play but with his advanced features he’ll grow with them for many fun years to come. Botley is ready to use right out of the box, 100% screen free and is the only robot that includes a 77-piece activity set!

Pendulonium STEM Challenge
Physics fundamentals become fun through this hands-on activity set. Challenges kids to send the included launch balls flying toward goal cups and targets with the help of a three-piece adjustable pendulum. What seems like a collection of simple tasks will actually challenge each child’s engineering, problem solving, and critical thinking skills as they play around with early physics concepts such as force and momentum in search of the ideal solution. In addition to using their brains, kids will also have to make careful use of their muscles—the pendulum in the Pendulonium STEM Challenge is completely kid-powered, and helps build hand-eye coordination and muscle control without the need for extra batteries, springs, or rubber bands.

Wacky Wheels STEM Challenge
Kids get a fast and friendly introduction to speed, angles, and distances with the hands-on learning challenges of the Wacky Wheels STEM Challenge set. This compelling physics-inspired activity set gives kids a seemingly simple goal—send the included launch balls rolling up ramps, over obstacles, through a target hoop, and into the goal cup. Once they begin, kids use trial-and-error play as they tweak the course setups, launch speeds, and other variables in search of a successful result.

Fenrici Backpacks
Send your children back-to-school with a durable, top-quality backpack that supports children with rare diseases! Comfortable, roomy, and sturdy, Fenrici Backpacks offer schoolchildren an ideal backpack for carrying all of their necessities with ease. The best part? Kids know that they have made a difference in another child’s life. Designed with deep mesh side pockets with strong elastic opening to keep a water bottle in place, and a well-padded back panel, wide mesh shoulder straps, and adjustable sternum strap to help reduce strain and keep your kid comfortable. Plus, reflector strips are strategically placed on the front and back so your child is visible in the dark. 5% of net proceeds is donated to non-profit Global Genes to fund the research and education for childhood rare diseases. Fenrici Backpacks can be purchased online at www.fenrici.com and www.amazon.com.

BugBand DEET-Free Towelettes
Keep mosquitoes away this Fall when playing sports outdoors with BugBand Towelettes! The BugBand Towelette is a very handy, easy-to use method of applying Geraniol DEET-FREE insect repellent for heavy duty insect protection. Easy to tuck in a backpack or sports bag, the towelettes are lightweight and take up very little space! Safe and effective, the towelettes allow for exact application of Geraniol lotion on exposed skin. They’re ideal for using around your face or neck without over-applying. The towelettes can be folded and stored in the foil container for future use. Safe for the entire family, even pets!
Do you have any back to school tips or items to share?

Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.
