10 essential back-to-school supplies for the new year
Must-have items for busy parents to prepare their kids for the new academic year
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.
Set your alarms because it’s time for the kids to return to school. The start of the academic year can get pretty hectic for families –with new schedules, classes and for some, new schools. And it gets especially tough as everyone is still getting over their holiday blues.
Which is why we’ve compiled a list of 10 helpful products to help the family make a smooth transition back to school life. From time-saving gadgets to study-friendly tools and evergreen student essentials, these picks should help the kids settle into the busy year ahead.
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack (S$55.50)
Millennial parents might remember carrying a JanSport backpack, perhaps even in this classic design. JanSport’s enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability. This iconic and durable backpack features spacious compartments to organise your child’s schooling needs. Available in five designs with varying prices.
EASTHILL Pencil Case (S$11.88)
Never lose another lucky pen during a test with this nifty pencil case. It has a main zipper and one that opens on its side to reveal a compartment for frequently used stationery. It’s also large, which means it can also store bigger items like scissors and tape.
Add a splash of colour to revision notes with these stylish highlighters and pens. Set in pastel colours, they stand out from the conventional gaudy neon highlighters that most other students would use. Let your child exercise some of their creativity with these earthy shades that make their note-taking and revision process more engaging.
THEIMPRINT Hanzu Thermal Stainless Steel Water Bottle (S$34.80)
Singapore’s warming up twice as fast as other nations and staying hydrated has never been more important. This 500ml water bottle can preserve cold liquids for up to 24 hours, making it a great option for your child to beat the heat on a hot day. For an additional S$4.90, you can customise the bottle with your child’s initials. The leak-proof, condensation-free bottle can be safely placed in backpacks. Available in six colours.
TASK TRACKERS
PAPERAGE 2024 Hardcover Planner (S$19.96; usual price: S$22.26)
It can be hard to stay on top of a packed schedule consisting of remedial classes, co-curricular activities, tuition and enrichment classes. But not if you have this PAPERAGE 2024 planner. With both monthly and weekly page spreads, it helps busy students track examination dates and important deadlines. This slim vegan leather planner also includes sticker labels to help students personalise their planners. Available in 14 colours, with varying prices.
The Paper Bunny’s Checklist Notepad (S$10.00; usual price: S$14.50)
If a planner is too much, try this checklist notepad as an alternative. It’s a simple and fuss-free way to keep all your child’s to-dos – homework, chores and errands – in sight. If this design doesn’t call out to you, there are 13 other notepads to choose from. Prices vary with design.
SMART STUDY GADGETS
ACER Aspire 5 (S$477.68)
Equipped with the 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual Core processor, the Acer Aspire 5 delivers speed, intelligence and productivity affordably. When the screen is open, its hinge raises the keyboard slightly to improve airflow for cooling and offers a more comfortable typing position. Featuring 8GB of DDR4 memory a 128GB NVMe solid-state drive and a 15.6-inch full HD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS display, this affordable laptop will help junior power through school assignments and research.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones (S$149; usual price: S$249)
For many students, it’s “world out, music in” once they’re deep in study mode. Especially useful when perusing audiovisual material for learning, this pair of noise-cancelling headphones from Sony features Dual Noise Sensor technology and the Integrated Processor V1 from the brand’s award-winning WH-1000XM5. When fully charged, these headphones have a battery life of up to 35 hours, making them a great choice for long stretches of focused work.
COMFORTABLE STUDY
UMD Ergonomic Office Chair (S$199)
Maintaining a solid posture is vital in your child’s growing years, especially as they’re prone to hunching over their desks for a prolonged period of time. This ergonomic office chair with a contoured mesh backrest – perfect for cooling down in the heat - supports the back, neck and head.
GreenForest Folding Desk (S$99.00; usual price: S$149)
This foldable desk makes for an excellent addition to your home. It serves as a dedicated study space for your child and comes with a small shelf to place a desk calendar, stationery, and the books they’ll need to do their work. A bonus is that there’s no assembly required for this desk. Just open it up when you need it and fold it back to save space. Comes in four colours, prices vary with colour.
With these helpful tools, your child can better plan their time wisely, study in comfort and complete their assignments. While you’re getting over that holiday slump, these back-to-school supplies can help ensure a smooth transition for both you and your kid in the new school year.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.
Prices are accurate as of the time of publication. Discount codes for some products are available for eligible Prime members.
Not a Prime member yet? Join Prime or start a 30-day free trial at Amazon.sg/prime. Prime members enjoy free one-day domestic delivery and free international delivery on eligible items.