Back-to-school shopping has evolved far beyond checklists of notebooks, pencils and calculators you pick up on your way into Target. Today's tweens and teens approach the new school year with carefully curated wish lists that are less practical and more packed with trending products that will make them the talk of the hallways this year — think cool water bottles, the hottest collectible bag charms and backpacks and shoes that are as fashion-forward as their back-to-school outfits.
As much as it can be hard to wrap your head around, these are the items that help kids navigate the complex social landscape of middle and high school. A trending water bottle becomes a conversation starter, the right backpack signals belonging to certain groups and having the latest viral collectible can elevate social status in ways that would have seemed impossible to previous generations. While it may seem silly and trivial to those of us who are older, understanding these dynamics can help kids feel confident and connected as they start a new school year.
In this article: Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, POP MART The Monsters Classic Series-Sparkly Blind Box and Sprayground THE HERO DLXR BACKPACK
Today's trends show a shift toward sustainability and self-care, but also individual expression. And while these items aren't necessarily easy on the wallet, some of them promote healthy habits and help kids manage school stress. Below, learn about the trends tweens and teens are most excited about as the new school year begins.
Single-use plastic water bottles could never. But Stanley's social media reign appears to be coming to an end — Owala has taken the top spot thanks to clever designs and a lot of viral marketing. With fun colors, innovative dual-drinking mechanisms and a more approachable vibe that resonates with younger users, Owala is the water bottle that tweens and teens definitely have their eye on.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw
The FreeSip has a 24-ounce capacity that's perfect for the school day, and dual-drinking technology that allows students to sip hands-free from a straw or use the wide mouth for faster drinking or easy cleaning and refilling. This bottle also comes in tons of fun colors that allow teens to express themselves.
Move over, Squishmallows — Labubu and other blind box collectibles have captured the hearts and allowances of kids everywhere. These mysterious little creatures from POP MART have created a trading economy, similar to Beanie Babies and Pokemon cards. Some rare collectibles sell for hundreds of dollars on resale platforms.
POP MART The Monsters Classic Series-Sparkly Blind Box
These keychains from POP MART feature Labubu faces and come in blind boxes, and at just $20 each, they're much more affordable than actual Labubus, which are hard to find and pricey right now.
POP MART The Monsters Big into Energy Series
The Big Into Energy series features seven Labubu monsters to collect, all in different colors that represent different energies. Each one comes in a blind box, so you don't know which one you'll receive until you open it.
Sprayground THE HERO DLXR BACKPACK
This backpack is both durable and practical and has a fun streetwear style that gives Sprayground its status among trendy tweens and teens.
THE NORTH FACE Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack
North Face's commuter backpack has practical features like a huge main compartment and a laptop sleeve, but tweens and teens love it for its sleek style that goes with any outfit.
Crocs Unisex Adult Classic Clog
Crocs have made a huge comeback among kids and teens, who appreciate their comfort and ironic style. You can't go wrong with the Classic Clog, which comes in tons of colors and can be customized with Jibbitz charms.
Birkenstock Women's Arizona Sandal
Birkenstocks are another classic shoe that's seeing a comeback among trendy teens, who all wear them with socks (of course, they do). Teens love them for being comfortable, practical and durable.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Sneakers
These classic high-top sneakers maintain their status as a shoe that appeals to pretty much every demographic. Chuck Taylors aren't making a comeback because they've pretty much never gone out of style.
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Spray, TROPICAL Trio Set
This set of three travel-size sanitizers in mango passion, beach coco and watermelon scents makes hand sanitizer less of a chore and more enjoyable thanks to its even coverage spray and appealing fragrances.
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm: Sheer Tinted Lip Moisturizer with Shea Butter
This sheer tinted lip moisturizer with shea butter provides hydrating shine that appeals to teens seeking low-maintenance beauty products with skin care benefits.
Sol de Janeiro Hair & Body Perfume Mist
This Brazilian Crush fragrance mist has become the signature scent of choice for teens seeking a sophisticated yet playful fragrance for daily wear. Plus, being able to use it on both hair and body boosts its value for teens.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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