Looking for the hottest new gear for the back-to-school season? Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo was a guest on Little Things’ The Daily Glow to talk about the swag your kids need to head back to school in style. For more on the products featured in this segment, including links to purchase, check out the notes below!
Simply Better Bottles (50 Strong)
- Keep kids hydrated throughout the school year!
- Simply Better Bottles from 50 Strong, is an innovative and stylish hydration line, proudly made in the U.S.
- Available in assorted bright, fashion-forward hues and patterns, the bottles feature mix ’n match parts, including interchangeable tops for every drinking preference (sip, gulp, straw, etc.) and soft and flexible lanyards for easy carrying.
- Made of BPA-free, durable Tritan plastic, the bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe, cup holder-friendly and affordably priced.
- Insulated Bottles (24 oz) features patent-pending graphics technology and double-walled insulation to keep drinks cold. Fresh designs including an American Flag and inspirational messages such as “Be Happy” and “Think Positive.”
- Mix it Up (24 oz) combines a cold-proof, no slip comfort sleeve and a uniquely shaped patent-pending Tornado Mixer (can be placed inside any Simply Better Bottle) which produces a cyclonic mixing action to break up clumps for smoother, better blends.
- 10% of profits to the 50 Strong Foundation, which awards scholarships to people pursuing careers in manufacturing.
- MSRP: $11.99-$12.99
- Available: Be50Strong.com, Walmart
Slither.io Bendable Blind Box Backpack Clips (Bonkers Toys)
- One of the hottest new mobile games kids are going crazy for is slither.io
- Now kids can show their fandom with fun backpack keychains.
- Kids can slither back-to-school with these super awesome backpack clips attached to their gear.
- Available in blind boxes, fans will find one of 15 featured slithers in each.
- Age: 3+
- MSRP $4.99 – $5.99
- Available: In store at Toys “R” Us
Pikmi Pops (Moose Toys)
- Pikmi Pops are collectible mini plush living inside a lollipop, waiting to be discovered. Each character has its own unique pattern, personality, and dessert-inspired scent.
- The Surprise Pack include 2 adorable scented Pikmi plush, 3 mystery items, 2 secret messages, and a collector’s guide…it’s totally blind so you never know what you’re going to get!
- Display your Pikmi plushie inside the lollipop or use the dangler string to hang your favorite Pikmi on your favorite bag, keys, phone, spiral note book, pencil case and more.
- There are over 45+ mini Pikmi plushies to collect in 12 scents.
- Age: 5+
- MSRP: Single: $4.99, Surprise Pack: $10.99, Jumbo pack: $19.99 (TRU exclusive)
- Available: Sept. 1 on Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
90’s Nickelodeon Backpacks (Nickelodeon)
- Happy #flashbackfriday!
- The Nickelodeon Slime Pile Up backpack from Sprayground features a front zipper pocket, side zipper pockets, and a separate sunglass compartment. The collage of iconic Nickelodeon 90’s characters covered in bright green “slime.”
- The Reptar Backpack comes as a collage of the favorite dinosaur from “Rugrats.” There are two pockets with adjustable straps, covered in the bright green of Reptar.
- Celebrate your ‘90s fandom with these retro backpacks.
- MSRP: $70 for Sprayground, $29 for Reptar
- Available: Bloomingdales, Target
- With the roomy, rugged Lunch Box Buddy, kids’ food will stay cool and their sandwiches will be safe from getting smushed.
- Easy to assemble/reassemble, easy to clean, few parts and no weak points like zippers or hinges. The box is big enough to accommodate a variety of reusable containers, individually wrapped snacks and drink containers.
- An adjustable ice pack offers three ways to organize, which allows for more flexibility in packing. All while keeping contents at the right temperature.
- Easy to open lid flips into a plate for the school lunchroom keeping food away from germy or allergen-contaminated surfaces. When lunch is over, the lid snaps back into place!
- The Lunch Box Buddy goes from dirty to squeaky clean in no time flat. Run through the dishwasher (top rack) or hand wash. No more scrubbing yogurt or apple bits out of fabric seams!
- MSRP: $24.99
- Available: Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Target
Science Academy: Bath Bomb Lab (Mindware)
- Discover the relaxing side of science with the Science Academy: Bath Bomb Lab kit. By using a little understanding of chemistry, kids will be able to make cool bath bombs for an aromatic and fizzy bath.
- This kit offers multiple recipe options to experiment with, giving you options for different sizes, colors and scents, and even the ability to create a super bath bomb for ultimate fizzy fun.
- This kit makes learning about unique chemical reactions occurring within the creation and use bath bombs easy, safe and exciting. If you’re looking for an educational lesson in chemistry that also creates a lush after-product, this bath bomb lab is exactly what you want to soak up.
- Age: 8+
- MSRP: $24.95
- Available: Amazon
7 Ate 9 - Games provide easy ways to get kids to learn!
- 7 ATE 9 challenges players to quickly add or subtract. It’s a race to get rid of your cards!
- Players add or subtract 1, 2, or 3 to the number on card pile to see if they have a card that can be played next. Sounds easy, but with everyone racing and playing cards, the numbers are always changing! The first to get rid of their cards wins.
- For 1 to 4 players.
- Age: 8+
- MSRP: $11.99
- Available: Amazon
Crayola Silly Scents Assortment (Crayola)
- Don’t forget all your favorite classic Crayola supplies!
- Crayola Silly Scents are essential creative tools for school projects and detailed artwork. The line includes Twistable Colored Pencils, Mini Twistables Crayons, and Markers.
- Each pack contains a range of bright, vibrant colors and juicy scents to inspire children’s self-expression and imagination, at an incredible value.
- Age: 5+
- MSRP: $4.99-$7.99
- Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart
VEX Robotics BattleBots (Hexbug)
- From the hit TV series BattleBots comes Tombstone, the grave maker!
- Kids can construct their very own version of this champion robot with the VEX Robotics BattleBots Tombstone.
- Use STEM-based problem solving skills in part with easy snap-together pieces to bring this bot to life. Tombstone comes complete with realistic detail and fully functional spinning blade!
- Gearbox features a mechanical rectifier that allows the “blade” to spin in the same direction regardless of the direction of the wheels.
- Age: 8+
- MSRP: $49.99
- Available: Amazon, Target
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Smart Cycle (Mattel)
- The Smart Cycle creates a physical play experience on a tablet or a TV, putting kids in control of racing and learning games full of kindergarten-readiness curriculum. The more they pedal, the more they can learn.
- Adjustable tablet holder for various-sized tablets.
- Multi-position handlebars with input controls, LEDs & joystick.
- Adjustable seat makes play comfortable for kids of different sizes.
- Bluetooth technology allows for play on tablet or TV for an even more immersive experience.
- The free Smart Cycle Mission to Tech City app is available for download and features 15 different levels of play.
- Additional apps are available for purchase, featuring characters from some of your child’s favorite Nickelodeon shows focusing on different subjects, like math, STEM, natural science, and more.
- Age: 3-6
- MSRP: $149.99
- Available: Amazon
Power Core E100 - Kids need a super cool way to get to school, or even the bus stop!
- Level up your ride with the Power Core E100 and its innovative, in-wheel hub motor.
- Lighter and more efficient, the maintenance free Power Core E100 technology delivers up to 60 minutes of continuous use.
- Kick to start, twist the throttle to feel the maxed-up power of the high-torque hub motor and see what adventure awaits.
- Cruise up to 11 mph!
- This is a super fun scooter kids and adults alike will love.
- Keep kids healthy and active.
- Ages: 8+
- MSRP: $149.99
- Available: Walmart, Amazon, Toys “R” Us
