The best back to school inspiration

There’s something exciting about the start of a new school year. Freshly sharpened pencils, shiny new shoes, and a bag packed full of possibilities – it’s a moment full of promise for children and parents alike.

Whether your little ones are starting school for the very first time, moving up a year, or heading to a new school altogether, having the right kit can make those first days feel calmer, more organised, and even a little bit magical.

From clever lunchboxes and comfy school shoes to eco-friendly stationery and tech that helps with homework, our Back to School Product Guide is packed with ideas to make mornings smoother and school days brighter.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite finds that balance practicality with personality, helping children feel confident and ready for the year ahead.

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Tech to keep your kids on top of their schoolwork

1. NETGEAR Nighthawk M7 Pro Mobile Router – Reliable, high-speed WiFi anywhere

Whether your child is heading back to school, starting college, or embarking on their first year at university, staying connected has never been more important. The NETGEAR Nighthawk M7 Pro is a portable powerhouse, delivering the speed, security, and reliability of a premium home network wherever life takes you.

Perfect for remote study sessions, joining online lectures from a coffee shop, streaming course content, or keeping in touch with family and friends, this pocket-sized router supports WiFi 7 and 5G technology for lightning-fast downloads, low latency, and smooth performance across up to 64 devices. It offers global 5G roaming in 125+ countries, up to 13 hours of battery life, and even works as a home backup connection if your main internet goes down.

For students in shared accommodation, families travelling together, or anyone needing a safer alternative to public WiFi, the M7 Pro comes with advanced WPA3 encryption, VPN passthrough, and the ability to use any SIM whether local or international.

It’s also brilliant for streaming in 4K, gaming without lag, and uploading large projects or video content on the go.

With its sleek, travel-ready design and easy-to-use touchscreen controls, the Nighthawk M7 Pro is the ultimate way to keep learning, working, and relaxing online – without worrying about dodgy connections.

Price: £899.99 from NETGEAR.com and major retailers.

2. Kingston XS1000 External SSD – Compact, Reliable Storage On the Go

From essays and research projects to photos, videos, and music, students today need reliable storage that can keep up with their busy lives. The Kingston XS1000 external SSD is a brilliant solution – small enough to slip into a pocket or pencil case, yet powerful enough to store up to 2TB of data.

I really like how sleek and portable it is – it doesn’t weigh you down, and it feels like the kind of gadget you’d actually carry around rather than leaving at home. The transfer speeds of up to 1,050MB/s mean files move quickly, which is perfect for backing up essays or saving large multimedia projects without long waits. And with both USB-C and USB-A compatibility (with cable and adapter included), it’s versatile enough to work with laptops, desktops, and even older devices.

For me, the biggest win is peace of mind. So many important files – coursework, presentations, even precious photos – live on laptops and tablets that could be lost or damaged. Having a small, reliable backup like this means those memories and hard work are safe and always within reach.

Available in black or red, it’s a stylish little device that makes a big difference in keeping digital life organised.

Price: £135.79 from Kingston

3. Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS200 – Fast, Reliable Home WiFi for Study and Play

With more schoolwork, homework, and online learning than ever, a strong and reliable WiFi connection at home has become an absolute essential. The Nighthawk WiFi 7 Router RS200 is designed to deliver outstanding performance – with WiFi 7 speeds of up to 6.5Gbps and coverage across 2,000 sq. ft.

It’s built for the demands of modern family life, from streaming lessons, video conferencing, and online research, to the fun stuff like gaming, VR, and family movie nights. I really like how it feels like a future-proof investment – 2.4x faster than WiFi 6, with built-in Advanced Router Protection, automatic firmware updates, and NETGEAR Armor security (with VPN) to help keep everyone safe online.

Set-up is refreshingly straightforward with the Nighthawk app, so you don’t need to be tech-savvy to get it working. For families with multiple devices all fighting for bandwidth – from laptops and tablets to smartphones and consoles – this router makes sure everything runs smoothly without interruptions.

For me, the appeal here is peace of mind. Knowing the whole family can get online reliably, whether it’s for a child’s homework, a parent’s work call, or a teenager’s gaming session.
It takes the stress out of weak signals and buffering, which is priceless during a busy school term.

Price: £199.99 Available from NETGEAR and major retailers.

Start-Rite College Black Leather Boys’ Slip-On School Shoes – Smart Style with All-Day Comfort

For senior school boys who want to look sharp while still having shoes that can keep up with busy school days, the Start-Rite College slip-on is a brilliant choice. Made from soft dyed-through leather that resists scuffs and keeps its colour, these shoes balance smart, grown-up style with comfort and durability.

I really like that the biomechanically engineered sole is designed with targeted flexibility for this age group – so while they look sleek, they’re still practical for a day full of lessons, walking between classes, and after-school activities.

The sculptured heel gives great support, while the soft, sock-like tongue helps keep feet secure without rubbing. And for mornings when every minute counts, the concealed elastic makes them quick and easy to slip on and off – no laces to fiddle with before the school bus arrives.

They’ve been stitched with super-strong nylon bonded thread for long-lasting wear, making them a solid investment for the school year.
A shoe that looks as good at the end of the term as it does on the first day is always a winner in my book.

Price: £65.00 from Start-Rite Shoes

 

Inspiring and educational reads for bright minds

1. Lonely Planet’s Epic Train Trips of the World – Inspiration for Future Adventures

Back to school isn’t just about uniforms and gadgets – it’s also the perfect time to spark big dreams and curiosity about the world. Lonely Planet’s Epic Train Trips of the World is a stunning hardback book packed with 200 incredible train journeys to capture the imagination.

I love how it blends practical travel inspiration with beautiful storytelling. There are 50 first-person accounts from seasoned train travellers, alongside 150 additional routes to explore – from everyday journeys to once-in-a-lifetime luxury rides.

Each entry comes with maps, gorgeous photography, and handy fact boxes that make it easy to plan or simply daydream about future trips.

Featured routes include iconic journeys like the Glacier Express in Switzerland, Japan’s high-speed trains, and Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer, as well as fascinating options in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and beyond. It’s a brilliant way to feed wanderlust during term time and keep the excitement of global travel alive at home.

For families like mine, I think it’s the kind of book you dip into again and again – whether to plan your next big trip, or to spark children’s interest in geography, history, and the joy of travel.

£29.99 – available from Amazon and major book retailers.

2. Lonely Planet’s Journey Series – Inspiring Road Trips and Hikes

For students, families, or anyone daydreaming of future adventures during the school year, Lonely Planet’s brand-new Journey Series is a wonderful source of inspiration.
These beautifully crafted guides go beyond maps and directions, offering a real sense of the culture, history, and landscapes you’ll discover along the way.

The first three titles cover iconic routes:

• The Camino de Santiago – life-affirming pilgrimage walks through Spain.
  
• The legendary Route 66 in the US – set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026.
  
• Scotland’s breathtaking North Coast 500, one of the UK’s most spectacular drives.
  

I love how these books combine expert insight, personal accounts, and practical planning tools – everything from detailed walking or driving notes and elevation charts to favourite experiences, gear tips, and city guides for where to eat, stay, and explore along the way.
The addition of a fold-out map and stunning photography makes them as beautiful to browse on a quiet evening as they are useful for real trip planning.

3. Lonely Planet KIDS: The World from Above

This brilliant new title from Lonely Planet Kids is perfect for curious young minds who love to see the world in a different way. The World from Above takes readers on an epic bird’s-eye journey across the globe, showing everything from the snowy peaks of Mount Everest to iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramid and the Statue of Liberty – all captured through breathtaking aerial photography, satellite imagery, and maps.

Divided into seven continent chapters, the book also zooms in on major cities such as London, Paris, New York, Cape Town, Shanghai and Sydney, giving children a fresh perspective on the architecture, design, and scale of the world’s greatest places. I love how it combines wow-factor photography with fascinating geography facts, making it not just inspiring but also a fun and educational adventure.

This is one of those books that children will want to keep dipping back into – whether for a school project, to plan future family travels, or simply to marvel at how incredible our planet looks from above.
It’s aimed at ages 9 to 12, but I think it’s one of those titles the whole family will enjoy flipping through together.

Price: £14.99 – available from major book retailers.

4. Lonely Planet’s Epic Runs of the World – Inspiring Adventures on Foot

For older students, parents, and anyone keen to keep active during the school year, Lonely Planet’s Epic Runs of the World is a brilliant source of motivation. It showcases 200 running routes across all seven continents, from easy city loops and park runs to famous marathons and extreme ultras.

I really like how it’s not just about running for fitness, but also about exploring the world on foot.
The book includes 50 personal stories from runners who’ve taken on extraordinary routes, plus 150 more recommendations graded from easy to epic. With maps, expert tips, photography, and practical advice on gear, distances, and travel, it’s the kind of guide that makes you want to lace up your trainers and head out for an adventure.

Destinations range from Edinburgh to Rome, Seoul to Sydney, making it both global in scope and relatable with routes close to home. For me, it feels like a great way to inspire a love of running and travel together – something that can spark a lifelong hobby or even plant the seed for future adventures abroad.

Price: £18.99 – available from Amazon and major bookshops.

Tasty treats and nourishment for bright minds

1. Fearne & Rosie Mango Jam & Fruity Favourites

We love discovering jams that taste every bit as good as they look, and the brand-new Fearne & Rosie Mango Jam is a delicious addition to the range. Crafted with a whopping 70% fruit, this reduced sugar preserve is packed with sweet, juicy Alphonso mangoes for a taste of sunshine in every spoonful. It’s vegan, contains no added concentrate, and is perfect for breakfast on toast, spooned onto yoghurt, or spread into a lunchtime sandwich for something a little different.

Alongside mango, the Fearne & Rosie jam family also includes classic flavours like Strawberry, Raspberry, and Blackcurrant – all made with 70% fruit and 40% less sugar than standard jams. With no concentrates and only natural ingredients, these jams are a healthier and tastier choice for kids’ lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even a weekend treat on pancakes.

We love that Fearne & Rosie is making family-friendly jams that don’t compromise on flavour, while also being that bit kinder on sugar. A sweet upgrade to your kitchen cupboard that the whole family can enjoy!

Explore the full Fearne & Rosie range here.

2. Nourished Skin+ Nutrient Stacks – Gummies for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Late nights, busy schedules, and changing routines can all take their toll on your skin – whether you’re heading back to school, starting college, or moving into your first uni halls.
The Nourished Skin+ range offers a clever, tasty way to support skin health from the inside, with freshly made-to-order gummies that are vegan, sugar-free, and packed with scientifically backed ingredients.
Each stack is 3D-printed in Great Britain for up to 99.5% nutrient efficacy, meaning you get maximum benefit from every bite.

These portable, on-the-go supplements fit easily into a school bag or handbag – no water required – and they’re free from GMOs, preservatives, and common allergens.

Here’s the full range:

• Skin+ Protect – with Riboflavin, Selenium, and CoQ10 to help combat oxidative stress, enhance collagen production, and protect skin from environmental stressors.
  £13.39 – Holland & Barrett
  
• Skin+ Glow – with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Vitamin A to promote radiant skin, boost elasticity, and protect from oxidative damage.
  £13.39 – Holland & Barrett
  
• Skin+ Hydrate – with Vitamin D3, Biotin, and Vitamin C to replenish moisture, support collagen formation, and maintain skin vitality.
  £13.39 – Holland & Barrett
  
• Skin+ Clear – with HydroCurc™, Black Pepper Extract, and Zinc to nourish, soothe, and promote clearer skin from within.
  £13.39 – Holland & Barrett

I think these are a brilliant option for students who want an easy, fuss-free way to support their skin while balancing a busy academic and social life. They taste good, take seconds to eat, and feel like a treat – but with serious science behind them.

3. Squeaky Bean Plant-Based Range

If you’re looking for quick, tasty, and fuss-free options to pop into school lunchboxes or to fuel hungry kids after school, the new plant-based range from Squeaky Bean is spot on.

The entirely vegan line-up is designed to show that plant-based food doesn’t need to be bland or boring. You’ll find everything from ready-to-eat Chicken Style Pieces (perfect for wraps, salads or nibbling straight from the pack) and Chargrilled Mini Fillets (smoky, juicy, and ideal for quick sandwiches) to flavour-packed Tuna Style Flakes, which are great for topping jacket potatoes or mixing into pasta. The sandwich slices are especially handy for lunchboxes – with flavours like Ham style and the brand’s famous NYC Deli Pastrami, they’re a brilliant way to add variety to school sandwiches.

Squeaky Bean make it easy to keep the fridge stocked with plant-based options that everyone will enjoy. Everything is 100% vegan, high in flavour, and ready to eat – so there’s no extra prep needed during those busy mornings before the school run.

I think these are brilliant for busy family routines – they’re quick to prepare, taste great, and make it easy to get more plant-based meals into everyday life without any compromise on flavour.

Squeaky Bean products are widely available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Asda, making them super convenient to pick up on your next shop.

Find out more here.

Outdoor activities and creative resources for busy school days

1. Hyper Dash Game

£24.99 – available on Amazon.

Back to school often means finding fun ways to keep children active, entertained, and away from screens after a long day in the classroom — and Hyper Dash is just the ticket. This clever electronic game combines energy-burning action with brain-teasing fun, making it perfect for after-school play, weekend get-togethers, or even rainy days when everyone needs to let off a little steam indoors.

The game is easy to set up, and part of the joy is how quickly the whole family can get involved. Simply scatter the five colourful targets around your chosen space — whether that’s the living room, the garden, or even a hallway — grab the electronic tagger, and listen for the voice prompts and flashing lights that tell you which target to dash for next. It’s a brilliant mix of speed test, memory challenge, and reaction game, which means children are not just moving but also sharpening their concentration and quick thinking.

There are three main game modes to keep the excitement fresh and replayable. In Dash Mode, players race through a sequence of targets, aiming to improve their best time across ten different difficulty levels. Fast Dash is a thrilling timed challenge where players try to tag as many targets as possible within 30, 60 or 90 seconds. And for family play or playdates, Team Dash offers a fantastic relay-style competition for up to four teams — perfect for burning off energy after school or livening up a birthday party.

The best thing about Hyper Dash is its flexibility. Whether it’s a solo challenge for one child, a head-to-head sibling contest, or a larger group game with friends, it adapts effortlessly. Compact and portable, it can easily come along on holidays, weekend trips, or visits to the grandparents’ house. With Hyper Dash in your back-to-school kit, you’ll have a reliable way to combine fun, fitness, and family time — all without needing to switch on a screen.

2. Brighten Up Your Creativity with Ohuhu Direct-Ink Acrylic Markers

£21.00 – available from Ohuhu

Back to school isn’t just about books and uniform shopping — it’s also a time to stock up on the tools that spark creativity, imagination, and self-expression. The Ohuhu Direct-Ink Acrylic Markers – 24 Colours (Nahuku) set is the perfect choice for kids and teens who love art, craft projects, and colourful doodling, as well as parents and teachers looking to encourage creativity both at home and in the classroom.

Beautifully packaged and brilliantly versatile, these markers are easy and fun to use for artists of all ages and abilities. Each pen features a clever direct liquid ink structure with a precision regulator, meaning the colours flow smoothly and evenly without any need for pumping or pressing. Simply give the marker a shake, take off the lid, and start creating — no fuss, no mess, just vibrant colour.

The set includes 24 bold shades with fantastic opacity, even on dark surfaces, making them perfect for everything from sketchbooks and homework projects to decorating school supplies, lunchboxes, and pencil cases. The 1.5mm brush tips are ideal for filling larger areas but also fine enough to add neat detailing and finishing touches.

Made with water-based ink that’s non-toxic, odourless, waterproof, and lightfast, these markers are designed to last and can be used on an incredible range of surfaces — from paper and card to wood, fabric, ceramics, glass, and even rocks. That means the creative possibilities are endless, whether it’s designing posters for school, adding a personal touch to a craft project, or creating art to brighten up their room.

Perfect as a back-to-school stationery essential or a gift to inspire artistic flair, the Ohuhu Direct-Ink Acrylic Markers are a fantastic investment for creative kids, crafty teens, or arty grown-ups who want to keep their imagination flowing long after the school bell rings.

3. Smart Ball Kick Tracker – Keepie Uppie Counter

£14.99 – available on Amazon.

As the school term kicks back in, finding ways for children to stay active and burn off energy after a day in the classroom is always a win — and the Smart Ball Kick Tracker makes that easy, fun, and full of challenge. This clever gadget takes the traditional game of keepie uppie and transforms it into a brilliant piece of tech-fuelled play that encourages kids to get moving, improve coordination, and have a blast while they’re at it.

The Smart Ball Kick Tracker straps neatly onto your foot and counts every successful touch with the ball, all the way up to an impressive 999. It’s a fantastic motivator for children who love football and a great way to build ball control skills without it ever feeling like practice. Instead, it’s all about trying to beat your personal best, challenge siblings, or even set up a friendly competition between friends or family members. Who can clock up the most keepie uppies before homework time?

Lightweight and easy to use, the tracker is suitable for both indoor and outdoor play, so it works just as well in the living room as it does in the garden or the park. It’s recommended for ages 6+, making it a brilliant way for younger children to get into football while also appealing to older kids who already live and breathe the game. For parents, it’s a reliable way to encourage physical activity that’s screen-free, simple, and endlessly replayable.

Whether you’re on the lookout for a back-to-school treat, a birthday gift, or just something new to inspire fresh after-school fun, the Smart Ball Kick Tracker ticks all the boxes. Affordable, portable, and guaranteed to get kids moving, it’s one of those rare finds that combines active play, skill-building, and family-friendly fun all in one.

4. Unleash Your Creativity with the LAMY joy AL Calligraphy Pen Set

For students, teens, or anyone heading back to school with a love of writing, the LAMY joy AL Calligraphy Pen Set is a brilliant way to elevate handwriting and explore the art of calligraphy. Whether you’re a beginner eager to try something new or a seasoned calligrapher looking to refine your technique, this set gives you everything you need to create beautiful lettering with ease and precision.

The pen itself features a matt black plastic barrel complemented by a sleek silver aluminium cap, giving it a modern, stylish look that feels professional and contemporary. An ergonomic grip ensures comfort during long writing sessions, helping you maintain the perfect finger placement for smooth, controlled strokes every time.

This set comes with three easy-change italic nibs in varying widths — 1.1mm, 1.5mm, and 1.9mm — so you can experiment with different lettering styles, from bold and dramatic to fine and delicate. It also includes a pack of 5 blue ink cartridges, and for those who prefer, it can be fitted with an ink converter for use with bottled ink, offering full versatility for all your calligraphy projects.

Packaged in a smart aluminium box and presented in a stylish LAMY gift box, this calligraphy pen set makes a perfect gift for anyone passionate about writing, journaling, or creative lettering. It’s an elegant and practical addition to any student’s stationery collection and an inspiring way to start the school year with style and creativity.

Price: £47.50. Shop now at Pen Heaven.

5. The Roma Large Refillable Leather Journal – A Stylish Back-to-School Essential

Heading back to school often means fresh notebooks and new stationery, and the Roma Large Refillable Leather Journal is a truly special upgrade from the ordinary. Whether your child loves writing stories, sketching ideas, or simply keeping their notes beautifully organised, this elegant journal is both practical and inspiring.

Handmade in Italy from supple, genuine leather, it feels luxurious to the touch and has a timeless quality that sets it apart from everyday school supplies. The sleek design is finished with a contrasting black and stone elastic strap that keeps it neatly closed, making it both stylish and durable for daily use. Inside, it holds 128 pages of acid-free lined paper, providing plenty of space for jotting down class notes, homework, to-do lists, or even creative doodles between lessons.

One of the best features of the Roma Journal is its refillable design. Instead of replacing the whole notebook when it’s full, you can simply pop in a new refill — available in both plain and lined options. This makes it not only sustainable but also long-lasting, adapting as your needs change over the school year.

The journal also comes presented in a smart gift box, so whether you’re buying it as a thoughtful back-to-school treat for your own child or as a present for someone heading off to university, it feels extra special. It’s the kind of stationery that grows with them, turning into a treasured companion for school, studies, or even personal journaling at home.

Available here.

 
If you’re looking for more inspiration check the links below:

50 things to do in London with kids before they grow up

Kidzania London – a review