Back-to-school season is on, which means it’s time to gear up with all the must-haves—and earn Cash Back while you’re at it. Whether you’ve been counting down the days or clinging to the last moments of summer, we’ve got you covered with the best school supplies, fashion picks and accessories. From tech items and backpacks to quirky Labubu bag charms, here are 10 back-to-school essentials you won’t want to miss.
Comfort Carry Laptop Pack – L.L. Bean (4.04% Cash Back)
At 36 liters, this practical yet sleek backpack from L.L. Bean is perfect for high school and college students (or even middle schoolers who want a more grown-up look), with built-in storage for laptops of up to 15 inches and plenty of space to fit school supplies, including multiple zippered pockets.
It’s designed with ergonomic features like extra padding and breathable mesh straps for maximum comfort too, just like L.L. Bean’s hiking backpacks.
L.L. Bean Original Book Pack – L.L. Bean (4.04% Cash Back)
Sturdy and durable, this 24-liter pack is built with waterproof fabric and reflective material for high visibility. Elementary school students can show off their style with prints that feature dinosaurs, flowers, tie dye patterns and more.
Paper Mate Flair Scented Pens – Target (2% Cash Back)
Keep your organizer and notebook looking pretty with this colorful, lightly-scented pen set that features fragrances like Honeysuckle, Blue Jasmine and Lavender. The pens are smudge-resistent and don’t bleed through paper, so things will stay nice and tidy. Plus, its point guard at the tip helps prevent fraying.
The Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler – Stanley (2% Cash Back)
It wouldn’t be an official back-to-school list without a Stanley tumbler thrown into the mix. The new edition has a leakproof flip straw that snaps shut for easy transport around campus. Made with double-wall vacuum insulation, your drink will stay cold for up to nine hours. It’s also available in a variety of colors, including pistachio, cherry blossom and azure.
Rocketbook Core Smart Spiral Notebook – Walmart (up to 8% Cash Back)
Help reduce paper waste with this reusable 32-page notebook, which comes with one Pilot FriXion pen and one microfiber cloth. You can scan your work using the Rocketbook app, which features AI technology to create smart titles and tags to organize your notes. Plus, it lets you upload your work to platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox and One Note for safe keeping.
If your child isn’t going straight home after school you can keep tabs on their whereabouts with this JrTrack 4 Kids Smart Watch from Cosmo.
It features GPS tracking with family-safe talk, text and data as well as photos, videos and kid-friendly music from Spotify. Not to mention that you can put it in School Mode so there will be no distractions. It comes with a pre-installed SIM card that will be activated when you join the Cosmo Mobile family-safe plan.
Retro shoe styles are all the rage right now, and the adidas Samba OG sneakers have just the right amount of classic meets modern. Available in men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes, it’s a versatile shoe that can be worn to class, the playground, during bike rides and more.
Long Sleeve Tee + Overalls Bundle – Monica + Andy (2.02% Cash Back)
Your little one will be all set for fall classroom activities (and look absolutely adorable) in this long-sleeve tee and corduroy overalls set. Made of organic cotton and free of materials that contain toxic chemicals, it’s sustainable, hypoallergenic and comfy too. The overalls feature adjustable straps and lots of pocket room, perfect for towing those little snack packs.
Pop Mart The Monsters Labubu Big into Energy Pendant – KICKS CREW (5.05% Cash Back)
The kids can’t get enough of Labubu bag charms. And we’re not just talking about children—college students are equally as obsessed. As far as accessories go, this is the “IT” one to have clipped to their backpack. Find Labubu dolls, bag charms and more at KICKS CREW and enjoy Cash Back on your Pop Mart purchase.
Clara Clark Cut Plush Striped Reading Pillow – Bed Bath & Beyond (1% Cash Back)
For college students who prefer studying from the comfort of their dorm room, this plush reading pillow will provide a cozy nook for hitting the books, watching TV and nap sessions in between classes. Equipped with a carrying handle for convenient transport, this reading pillow features an ergonomic design for extra support and includes a machine washable cover.
by Michelle Harris
Michelle Harris is a copywriter at TopCashback. When she’s not writing about money-saving tips, she enjoys hiking, cooking and spoiling her chunky cat.