Summer won’t last forever, but just because kids will soon head back to school doesn’t mean they can’t head back in style. Toy Insider Senior Editor Marissa DiBartolo stopped by Better Family on Better Western Massachusetts to show off the coolest new gear for the start of the school year. For more on the products featured in this segment, check out the notes below, and for more on the hottest new toys of the season be sure to view our Spring and Summer Toy Guide.


Marvel Water Bottle Collection (Nalgene)

  • Stay hydrated all summer long with help from your favorite heroes.
  • Nalgene Outdoor’s 32-ounce wide mouth bottles and more compact 20-ounce Kids On-The-Fly bottles now feature Marvel superheroes.
  • The Avengers collection features Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Widow, Spider-Man, and Hulk.
  • The Guardians of the Galaxy collection has Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot.
  • Ages: All
  • MSRP: $11.99-$14.99
  • Available: Nalgene.com, Amazon

Lunch Box Buddy (Nalgene)

  • 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!
  • Comes in three different color combinations
  • MSRP: $24.99
  • Available: Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Target

Crayola Silly Scents Assortment (Crayola)

  • 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.
  • Ages: 5+
  • MSRP: $4.99-$7.99
  • Available: Amazon, Target, Toys “R” Us, Walmart

90’s Nickelodeon Backpacks (Nickelodeon)

  • The Nickelodeon Slime Pile Up backpack from Sprayground features 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.
  • MSRP: $70 for Sprayground, $20 for Reptar
  • Available: Box Lunch, Bloomingdales

On-The-Go Slime Keychains (WeCool Toys)

  • Take your favorite slimy compound wherever you go! This keychain comes with 1 oz (28g) of compound
  • It is ready made – so no glue required
  • Good for a fidget toy for kids to attach to their backpacks.
  • Colors: Yellow, Blue, Green, Pink
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $1.99
  • Available: Michaels

Whiffer Sniffers Series 5, Part 1 Backpack Clips (Whiffer Sniffers)

  • Whiffer Sniffers debuts Series 5, Part I in July with 5 new scentsational characters.
  • With their expressive eyes and impish grins it’s no wonder kids will be adding Whiffer Sniffers to their back-to-school shopping list!
  • Whiffer Sniffers are perfect to clip onto your backpack, book bag, lunch box, purse, sports bag, hang in your locker or leave in the car. No matter the spot, the whiff will be welcomed by anyone passing by!
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $6.99
  • Available: Amazon, Specialty stores

Digiloom (WowWee)

  • When Tech meets DIY, the result is instant fashion and endless creativity! Digiloom is a unique app-controlled weaving machine that lets creative tweens turn fashion bands into custom bracelets, anklets, headbands, bookmarks and more.
  • Using the Digiloom App, drag and drop letters, emojis and icons to create your own unique fashion statements. Next, weave your creations with the help of the Digiloom Machine – it’s fast, fashion fun!
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $49.99
  • Available: August 4 at Michaels

Just My Style Glitter Messenger Bag (Horizon Group USA)

  • Kids can create a functional bag for any occasion!
  • The five colored markers and peel and stick sparkling stones open the door to create and design the bag in a way that is distinctive to you and your personality.
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $9.97
  • Available: Target, Walmart, Amazon

About the author

Bill Reese

Bill Reese

Bill Reese is Business Operations Manager at Adventure Media & Events, where he's worked since 2014. A former editor at Playbill and graduate of SUNY–Purchase, he spends most weekends rooting for the New York Red Bulls pro soccer team and making subway systems out of Brio trains with his little boy Jonah.

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