Many kids say the best part of going back to school is shopping for new supplies. These kid-tested, parent-approved products will help kids have a functional and fashionable start to the school year.

Break Resistant Mechanical Pencil
$29.99; Bic.com
Improves the everyday writing experience for more time writing and less time clicking.  Features +75% stronger lead compared to the leading competitor and includes an easy-to-use twist-up jumbo-size eraser for clean corrections and easy editing.  Available in six fun and cool accent colors including gray, green, purple, pink, yellow, and blue 

Colors of Kindness Colored Pencils
$1.99; Crayola.com
Designed to encourage kids and adults to create with an extra “friendly sentiment.” Whether you are a crayon collector or just want to spread joy - Colors of Kindness provides a colorful way to find a happy place.

Wacom Intuos 
$99.95; Wacom.com
With the battery free pen that has more than 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, students have a natural drawing and writing experience. Students can easily capture digital ideas, create mind-maps, draw diagrams, and enhance photos or videos. It also works as a mouse replacement and can be used with PCs, Android devices, Mac and Chromebook plus most pen-enabled creative software, as well as most learning applications and platforms.

FriXion Light Pastel Erasable Highlighters
$6.97; PowerToThePen.com
In soft, soothing and sophisticated colors, these remarkable highlighters are designed to deliver subtle emphasis where you need it. If you need a do-over, have no fear – the highlighters erase cleanly, so you can revise until your notes are just right. 

Casio’s fx-9750GIII Calculator
$59.99; Casio.com
Boasts several new exam-friendly capabilities permitted for student use on all standardized tests. It leverages a natural display feature, which allows for 2D-templates for fractions, roots and other functions to appear on the screen as they are written in the textbook. Users can create, save, edit and run Python files, as well as import and export these files with streamlined computer connectivity.

We Are Colorful Skin Tone Crayon Set
From $11; Mudpuppy.com
Celebrate the wonderful range of skin tones. This crayon set includes 18 beautiful crayons in skin tones beyond just peach and brown, helping children feel represented.

OLIKA Ultra Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Back to School Collection
$12.99; OlikaLife.com
The perfect accessory to keep your skin hydrated. Featuring scents such as Bold, Brave, Strong and Unstoppable, and fragrances from fruity and floral to woodsy and clean, these hand sanis are designed for the young and young at heart.

Poke A Dot Organizer
$19.95; Pokeadotorganizer.com
Keep school supplies tidy and secure with this travel organizer, designed to move seamlessly between at-home and on-the-go use. Its flatter shape makes it easy to see and reach what you need, and modular dividers let you configure your ideal layout for pencils, scissors, glue and more. Lock the lid on when it’s time to hit the road.

Crayola Project Erasable Poster Markers 
$$; Crayola.com
These markers erase thoroughly from most poster board and heavy cardstock. Perfect for school projects, presentations and more. Each marker has an ergonomic grip that is comfortable to hold. They are also fitted with chisel tip nibs which offer the ability to make thick or thin lines. 

24 Gel Pen Multipak
$14.99; Brightstripes.co
Write, draw and color in smooth continuous lines with these premium-quality pens. Features rubber comfort grip, easy-flow nib and a long-lasting ink supply. Includes a sticker sheet with blank dialog bubbles, hearts stars and arrows to color in and write your own phrases. 

Tanoshi Scholar-Kids’ Laptop
$299.99; TanoshiKidsComputers.com
With greater durability, more educational content and with Zoom and Google Meet compatibility, the Scholar is ideal for distance learning. Features a 2-in-1 including a detachable ergonomic keyboard, pre-loaded apps for distance learning such as Google Docs & Sheets, learn to code apps, and the ability to use with or without Internet access. 

Essential Note Taking Supplies
$20; Fabercastell.com
The routine of taking notes and then rewriting that information into prettier, cohesive and artsy notes helps with memory, retention, and learning. Promote your learning and retention with these note taking supplies.

FriXion Erasable Colors Markers 
$17.27; Target.com
Practicing penmanship and creating artistic masterpieces — or simply coloring in the lines — is a whole lot easier thanks to these erasable bold point marker pens that feature Pilot’s unique thermo-sensitive ink that disappears with erasing friction. 

Tanoshi Safe Volume Kids Headphones
$29.99; TanoshiKidsComputers.com
These headphones allow your child to have fun learning from anywhere. At the same time, with each headphone’s volume limited to 85 decibels, parents have peace of mind. You can now relax knowing that your child's headphones cannot exceed a safe 85dB(A) listening level. 

Branded Weekly Calendar
$12.99; Tempaper.com
Take it one day at a time with these dry erase weekly calendar, a stylish addition to your refrigerator, wall or desk. This new peel and stick stationery will help you define goals and tasks while making command centers, office spaces, and bedrooms more stylish and organized. Easily wipe away last week’s to-do list and make room for the new tasks at hand.

Dry Erase Sticky Notes
$14.99 for 8; Tempaper.com
These dry erase sticky notes help you stay organized at home. Write inspiring affirmations, actionable goals and daily reminders on peel and stick notepads, available in a variety of eye-catching colors that bring sensible style to productive spaces.

Published: July 2022

Heading off to college? Here are some great products to send with your college student for dorm and apartment living.

BoxFull Hug in a Box
Starting at $44.95; Sendaboxfull.com
When you can’t be there, BoxFull and their Hug in a Box ensures your loved ones feel your love and warmth anywhere. In addition to the new fuzzy friend with arms outstretched upon opening - each box also comes with a special poem and a customized message. Perfect for parents supporting their stressed college student from across the country, these warm hugs are guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day. Send love and comfort with a box full of hugs.

Air Candy Mongolian Faux Fur Chair 
$59.99; Amazon.com
Relax on a cloud of soft ivory color fur. The inflatable chair is a fun, versatile chair that adds style and comfort to your home. 2-in-1 chair design includes a clear chair with an easy to attach faux fur cover. Whether you're working, playing, studying, or just relaxing, the AirCandy BloChair is a lightweight, easy-to-inflate, luxurious addition to any room. You can control the firmness by adjusting the air pressure to the perfect level.

Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
$59.95; HEYDEWY.com
Wireless and rechargeable, you can truly take this with you wherever you go - around the home, to your office, in your car, while you travel. Hydrate your skin throughout the day with 8-hour battery and water capacity.

JanSport Main Campus Pack 
$50; JanSport.com
Pack your goals into the main compartment and your gumption into the other. With a dedicated laptop compartment, front organizer compartment, zippered stash pocket, H2O pocket, and an organizer panel with key fob, there’s no stopping you or the Main Campus pack.

Packable Hammock from Coalatree
$59; Coalatree.com
Enjoy the outdoors wherever you go with this handy hammock. The lightweight, packable hammocks from Coalatree are perfect for anywhere you may venture, be it backpacking through the deep woods or a glamping trip with the gals. It packs into itself so you're always ready for adventure. Two ropes are included with carabiners making it easy to secure your hammock anywhere.

Body by Honeydew 
$149.99; honeydewsleep.com
One part hug and one part pillow, you’ll reap the benefits of deeper relaxation, sounder sleep, and proper body alignment while getting your cuddle on.

Flippi V6 
$24.99; Vornado.com
An innovative personal air circulator with chic style. The Vornado Flippi powerfully circulates the air and can easily fold down to conceal the grill. It uses a 2-speed control to provide the perfect breeze of air and the high-gloss, sleek finish will add sophistication to any home or office. It is available in an assortment of trendy colors.

Costa Farms Clean Air Three Pack 
$50; http://shop.costafarms.com
Enjoy beautiful houseplants highlighted in research from NASA to remove harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. They also add a touch of beauty to brightly lit desks and tabletops in your home or office. These plants are grown and shipped fresh from our farm direct to your front door.

HUBEE Beehive Ice Tray
$6.89; Lovehubee.com
No ice in the dorms? No problem! Keep your mini fridge stocked and ready to go with HuBee. You can even pop in some colorful fruit and water into the trays, and freeze for impressive fruity ice cubes. 

LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine + Bluetooth Speaker 
$34.95; SoundofSleep.com
Take this all-in-one sleep sound machine and portable Bluetooth speaker with you everywhere you go. Pair it with a smartphone for streaming audio and making calls with the built-in microphone, or select sleep sound mode and enjoy your choice of five digital fan sounds, four variations of white, pink and brown noise, and two ocean surf sounds. 

Pure Daily Care Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser
$40; PureDailyCare.com
Create a stress-free environment for studying with this luscious diffuser. It includes seven ambient light modes with two intensity settings for 14 different light combinations. It also includes four timer settings and a convenient auto shutoff feature for low water levels. Made of BPA free plastic with a beautiful printed wood grain design.

SideTrak Solo Touch Pro HD Monitor
$399.99; SideTrak.com
A 15.8” touchscreen monitor that allows you to add a second screen with ease. It’s a freestanding portable laptop monitor every student needs, perfect for improving productivity wherever you do your best work. 

Globber ULTIMUM
$159.99; Globber.com
The ULTIMUM features Globbers patented steering angle control system which modifies the turning radius of the front wheels. Simply push the button to put the 3-wheel scooter in trolley mode; simply click, fold and go. Features an extra wide deck to ensure safe and smooth rides and is a great scooter for those looking to practice their balance and fine motor skills. What makes the ULTIMUM special is that it has 6 height adjustments and supports up to 220 lbs., making it one of the only three wheel scooters available for kids and adults.

Wacom Intuos 
$99.95; Wacom.com
With the battery free pen that has more than 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, students have a natural drawing and writing experience. Students can easily capture digital ideas, create mind-maps, draw diagrams, and enhance photos or videos. It also works as a mouse replacement and can be used with PCs, Android devices, Mac and Chromebook plus most pen-enabled creative software, as well as most learning applications and platforms.

iLive Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds
$69.99; iLiveElectronics.com
The long-lasting headphones not only include a recharging case to protect and keep them fully charged, but have an active noise canceling feature, so music and movies aren’t interrupted by noise around them. They also have a waterproof/sweatproof design and a comfortable earpiece that can be worn for hours without discomfort.

Welcome to Wisconsin Towel
$45; KicksBySammy.com
Super-soft microfiber 100% poly fleece top that reverses to a plush 100% cotton terry loop backing. Perfect for the pool or beach or tanning on campus. Available in multiple college themes.

InPOWERED Lights 
$49.99+; InPoweredLights.com
These stylish, everyday lamps will switch on automatically when the power goes out. Plus you never have to worry about where to charge your dying devices because these lamps charge phones and tablets with no electricity. IPL donates a portion of all profits to programs committed to helping women entrepreneurs.

Oscillating Tower Fan 001 with Large LED Display
$85.99; Taotronics.com
Equipped with 3 powerful modes (Normal, Natural, Sleep) and 3 fan speeds (High, Medium, Low), offering 9 different air flow settings to meet your multiple cooling needs in sweltering summer. Perfect 65°oscillating cooling fan is your air conditioner’s BFF distributing air with a velocity of 20ft/s to increase air flow and circulation for quick cooling that saves energy. This quiet, real space saving standing fan can be placed anywhere with utmost ease.

Twinkly LED Smart Lights 
$99 & up; Twinkly.com
Smartphone controllable and come in strings, festoons, icicles and clusters. They are year round lights featuring more than 16 million colors to select for indoor or outdoor use. Combines colorful RGB LED lights with an impressive variety of levels for brightness, speed, intensity, and color palettes; fully controlled though the Twinkly app on a smartphone.

Portable Lock Box
$49.99; Kensington.com 
Made with lightweight yet durable high-impact ABS plastic, the splash-resistant box is perfect for a mobile phone, passport, keys, wallet, money, and more. The dual locking mechanism lets you use the traditional keyed lock or the convenient resettable three-dial combination lock. Easy to take with you to keep valuables safe. A strong, adjustable security strap allows you to tether the lock box to a stationary object, and can also be used as a convenient carry handle.

Updated: April 2023

These kid-tested, parent-approved educational games and products will help kids start the school year off strong.

Double-Sided Magnetic Letter Tiles
$59.99; LakeshoreLearning.com
Develops skills in identifying upper- and lowercase letters, using letters to form words, understanding letter-sound correspondence and sequencing the alphabet. The translucent tiles feature an uppercase letter on one side and the corresponding lowercase letter on the other, so kids can connect them to sequence the alphabet, build simple words and so much more. 

Write & Wipe Alphabet Practice Cards
$29.99; LakeshoreLearning.com
Each card has a familiar image that begins with a different letter, plus ruled baselines and dotted starter lines for printing upper- and lowercase letters. There’s even a word at the bottom to reinforce letter sounds.

Sphero indi Student Kit
$125; Sphero.com
Designed to introduce early learners to the fundamentals of computational thinking, STEAM, and computer science principles while encouraging open-ended, imaginative play-based learning with real-life scenarios as kids build custom mazes and solve puzzles. indi is driven by color and offers an unplugged, screenless programming experience with its on-board color sensor and included color tiles.

Explore & Write Activity Desk
$64.99; VTechKids.com
This interactive desk features five activity pages filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more. The fold-down writing pad and light-up display encourage kids to practice writing by tracing letters, numbers and shapes with a stylus. The desk transforms into an easel and chalkboard with plenty of storage space for art supplies. Kids can also play with the touchscreen toy phone or listen to more than 20 melodies on the music player.

LeapFrog LeapReader Reading System
$57.99; LeapFrog.com
Ten special books help children progress at a reading pace that feels just right to them. Touch the stylus to the book icon in the included books to hear the story read aloud. Explore each word in the story by touching it with the stylus. In Say It mode, you’ll hear each word spoken. Switch to Sound It mode to hear words sounded out to build word-blending skills. Select Spell It mode to hear and see the spelling of words and reinforce letter recognition. 

SmartLab Ultimate Squishy Human Body
$99.99; Amazon.com
Anatomy kit featuring a 16-inch-tall human anatomy model with realistic removable squishy organs, articulated joints, and an electronic sound module. Scan removable SmartParts to learn fun facts, take a quiz, and hear funny sounds. The ultimate learning toy featuring 25 removable body parts, interactive electronic scanning platform with lights and sounds, Organ-izer chart and 48-page illustrated anatomy book.

School Bus Wagon
$31.99; GreenToys.com
This oversized toy is sturdy and durable, features a 100% cotton rope handle that easily tucks inside for convenient, safe storage, and has an awesome open-roof design to make loading up passengers a breeze. With chunky tires and a low-set bed, it is the perfect size for little ones to haul around their most prized possessions, both indoors and outside. 

Is or Isn't: A Game of Synonyms and Antonyms
$34; SimplyFun.com
Play along with the adorable creatures that live in this game’s thesaurus. They will help you learn synonyms and antonyms. Players take turns moving their character pawn around the gameboard, landing on word cards or challenge spaces. When you identify the synonyms or antonyms on your bingo board, cover the squares with a token. Be the first player to complete a line of four tokens horizontally, vertically or diagonally and win the game.

Hot Dots
$27.99; EducationalInsights.com
The Hot Dots workbooks make the perfect activity to get ready for school! They’ll keep kids engaged, entertained, and building confidence as they work through 50 pages of educational activities covering a variety of skills. Use the included, interactive Hot Dots pen to receive positive feedback or gentle redirection—lights and sounds indicate right and wrong answers, enabling kids to learn and practice critical learning skills independently, at their own pace, at home, in the classroom, or on the go! 

Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game
$17.99; LearningResources.com
Swat, Learn, and Win!: Kids grab a swatter, add or subtract, and swat their way to new kindergarten math skills every time they play these fast-paced math games for kids! Multiple Ways to Play: Designed for 1-4 players, these smart games for kids come with many ways to play and learn—compete head-to-head, or boost with solo play! Great for Home or Classroom: Made from durable, wipe-clean plastic and sturdy cardboard, this set’s components are ready for years of number learning for kids at home or in the classroom! Ages and Stages: Specially designed with little ones in mind, the Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game helps kids as young as 5 build early math and social skills! 

Color-Changing Abacus
$27.99; hand2mind.com
Children learn to visualize numbers and count with this one-of-a-kind Color-Changing Abacus. Multicolored beads change to white as children slide them across each rod, helping them practice counting and patterning as well as basic addition and subtraction. Includes Abacus and Getting Started Guide with 6 teacher-developed activities. Grade PreK- 2.

Updated: August 2022

Back to School Snacks!  Healthy, fun snack ideas to throw in kids' lunch bags!

Ready. Set. Food! Organic Oat & Fruit Bars 
https://readysetfood.com/collections/oat-fruit-bars
Early allergen maintenance just got easier. These bars have the right allergens already inside every bite to help prepare toddlers for a future of food freedom and promote diet diversity. Made from whole grain oats and real fruit with eight top food allergens inside - Peanut, Egg, Milk, Cashew, Almond, Walnut, Sesame & Soy.  Follows USDA Guidelines for allergen introduction. Inspired by kids. Developed by allergists. Loved by parents.

Old Trapper Beef Snack Sticks
www.OldTrapper.com 
Packed with flavor and plenty of protein, Old Trapper’s beef snack sticks are the perfect addition to a lunch box or after school snack. Each serving contains only 2 grams of total carbohydrates with 9 grams of protein. Available in Original, Teriyaki, and Jalapeno for a kick of spice. 

Dairy-Free Smoothies
https://myserenitykids.com 
Each Dairy-Free Smoothie variety is loaded with protein-rich collagen, four grams or less of total sugar from the natural ingredients, no added sugar, five or more grams of brain boosting fat, and five grams of protein. Available in four flavor varieties including Berry Butternut, Pumpkin Spice, Sweet Potato Spice and Beet & Carrot. 

Snack Mates Chicken & Maple Jerkey
www.thenewprimal.com
This perfectly portioned snack contains all-natural chicken and just a hint of our favorite pancake topper. It’s so delicious, that you’ll want one at every meal or snack time. With 3 grams of protein and only 1 gram of natural sugar per stick, you can feel good about what's in their lunch box. Each pack contains 15 individually wrapped sticks - perfect for every day of the school week.

Grain Free Puffs 
https://myserenitykids.com/products/pumpkin-cinnamon-grain-free-baby-puffs
Free from grains, gluten, nuts, rice, & added sugars. Made with healthy fats. Farm-to-high-chair organic veggies. Fun, savory recipes perfect for the flavor window.

Dole Wiggles Fruit Juice Gels
https://dolesunshine.com/us/en/products/wiggles/
A wholesome take on the classic treat, crafted with 100% fruit juice to bring a new level of fun to meal or snack time throughout the day – because only the fun fruit wiggles. The new snacks come in three bright, fruit-forward flavors: strawberry, orange, and cherry. They’re not only good for you — they’re also convenient for busy families on the go. Each cup delivers an excellent source of Vitamin C with no added sugar and no artificial flavors. Dole Wiggles cups contain no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial preservatives, and are non-GMO and gluten-free.

Wiley Wallaby Licorice
www.wileywallaby.com
Packed so full of fresh fruit flavor, there is less room for the things you can do without. Less sugar, fat free and absolutely no dairy or high fructose corn syrup. Wiley Wallaby Licorice is thick, chunky and super-soft. Choose from delightful flavors such as Blasted Berry, Watermelon and Blueberry Pomegranate. Organic Bites are also available. 

Sweet Chaos Drizzles
www.sweetchaos.com
Sweet Chaos Drizzles are Gluten Free, made with Non-GMO popcorn, and have NO artificial colors or flavors. Handmade kettle corn made by real people. Non-GMO popcorn is popped in Coconut Oil, with just the right amount of Cane Sugar and Sea Salt, and then sprinkled with delectable drizzles.

The Fabulous Five Tamalitoz Snack Pack
$17.95; Tamalitoz.com
The Fabulous Five Pack includes the newest additions to the Tamalitoz line. Cherry It’s a Fire, Gorgeous Green Apple, Bite me Blood Orange, Cranberry Fantasy, Peach Slapped.

Pamela's Gluten-Free Whenever Bars
PamelasProducts.com
The bars are gluten-free, non-GMO and contain no high fructose corn syrup. Each bar has 8-10g of whole grains and comes in four delicious flavors: Chocolate Chip Coconut, Raisin Walnut Spice, Blueberry Lemon & Cranberry Almond.

Kate's Real Food Variety Pack
12-pack/$29.88; https://katesrealfood.com/
Get a taste of six of our most popular bars. Including both peanut butter and almond butter-based bars. These bars are made with whole food ingredients like protein-packed nuts, fiber-filled seeds, and nutrient-dense fruits. They’re lightly sweetened with honey to create a nourishing, lower-sugar snack or meal replacement. These energizing bars pack in 3 to 4 grams of protein per serving to help fuel your outdoor adventures or busy day. All of Kate’s Real Food products are made with certified gluten-free oats, making them a good choice for those with gluten allergies or intolerances.

Updated: April 2023

Home Office and Virtual Classroom Essentials. With the majority of families working from home and kids taking classes online, here are some great products to make your home office or virtual classroom more friendly and efficient.

Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergoniomic Office Chair
$369.99; Nouhaus.com
For a chair that goes beyond ergonomics, one that conforms to your body and your life, take a seat with the Ergo3D. The 4D-Orbital Armrests glide and tilt to a perfect and precise position, while the unique ‘Just-For-Me’ Lumbar Support System adjusts and hugs your back into perfect alignment to reduce compression and pain. The Ergo3D is so comfy, you’ll forget you’re even working.

Quartet Glass Portable Dry-Erase Pad
$45; Quartet.com
The perfect dry-erase board that is compact to fit on any work surface or in your desk drawer. It will keep your notes safe while not in use due to the highly durable black poly protective cover and the greenguard tempered glass that is resistant to scratches and stains. 

Quartet ReWritables Mini Magnetic Dry-Erase Marker
$25; Quartet.com
These markers have vivid eye catching colors that are easy to read and allows you to create precise lines for distinct handwriting and detailed drawing. The convenient magnetic eraser cap allows you to store your marker directly on the magnetic whiteboard for future use. These markers are also great for small offices and classroom use due to the non-toxic low odor ink. 

OnePlus 10T Phone
From $649; OnePlus.com
A day's power in 10 minutes and double the battery lifespan. The fastest Snapdragon mobile platform delivers ultimate performance at your fingertips through 10% higher CPU and x4 Faster AI Speed. With up to 120Hz adaptive frame rate plus always-on HDR10+ and 10-bit colour for superior brightness and colour accuracy. Run up to 30 apps smoothly in the background. Plus HyperBoost Gaming Engine with GPA Frame Stabilizer and GLC (GPU Load Control) for the most compelling gaming experience. 

Branded Weekly Calendar
$12.99; Tempaper.com
Take it one day at a time with these dry erase weekly calendar, a stylish addition to your refrigerator, wall or desk. This new peel and stick stationery will help you define goals and tasks while making command centers, office spaces, and bedrooms more stylish and organized. Easily wipe away last week’s to-do list and make room for the new tasks at hand.

Solare Headset
$219.99; BlueTigerHeadsets.com
Perfect for hands-free driving and home or office use, the powerful headset harvests light from any source, including indoor or outdoor, for continuous use and a virtually unlimited battery life. 

VFAN Jr. Vintage Air Circulator
$69.99; Vornado.com
Its metal construction and authentic styling recreates our classic design for look and function to blend perfectly in smaller rooms and delivers unparalleled whole room air circulation with their signature Vortex Action.  Features include 2 speed settings, a full action pivot head for multi-directional airflow. Style. Class. Performance. 

HappyLight Duo 2-in-1 Light Therapy & Task Desk Lamp
$79.99; Verilux.com
This 2-in-1 desk lamp is a great addition to any home by safely bringing daylight indoors by emitting a bright white light that mimics sunlight. This customizable lighting solution is perfect for readers, artists, hobbyists, crafters, and anyone seeking a powerful lamp with adjustable light. This lamp offers true color rendering to illuminate the details and easy-to-use controls that allow you to change both color temperature and light intensity.

FlexiSpot’s E7 Pro Plus Standing Desk
$549.99; FlexiSpot.com
This desk is durable and designed to keep hard-core workaholics on their toes. With its enhanced stability and lifting speed, this scratch and stain resistant ergonomic desk frame is a must-have for the most conscientious student. Available in a variety of desktop options, including bamboo, FlexiSpot’s high quality E7 Pro Series has an energy-efficient LED display with an advanced keypad featuring three memory height presets and a programmable sit/stand reminder system.

Dry Erase Sticky Notes
$14.99 for 8; Tempaper.com
These dry erase sticky notes help you stay organized at home. Write inspiring affirmations, actionable goals and daily reminders on peel and stick notepads, available in a variety of eye-catching colors that bring sensible style to productive spaces.

iLive Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds
$69.99; iLiveElectronics.com
The long-lasting headphones not only include a recharging case to protect and keep them fully charged, but have an active noise canceling feature, so music and movies aren’t interrupted by noise around them. They also have a waterproof/sweatproof design and a comfortable earpiece that can be worn for hours without discomfort.

Tanoshi Scholar-Kids’ Laptop
$299.99; TanoshiKidsComputers.com
With greater durability, more educational content and with Zoom and Google Meet compatibility, the Scholar is ideal for distance learning. Features a 2-in-1 including a detachable ergonomic keyboard, pre-loaded apps for distance learning such as Google Docs & Sheets, learn to code apps, and the ability to use with or without Internet access. 

CA Essential Zoom Certified Webcam 
$44.99; Amazon.com
The perfect webcam for online learning or staying connected to family when you head to college. This plug-and-play webcam features a 2.0MP camera, full HD 1080p, and autofocus and light correction, and the Zoom certification ensures it has passed rigorous testing for image quality. In addition, an omnidirectional microphone ensures your voice sounds natural. The built-in rotating privacy shutter ensures you are only seen when you want to be and the universal monitor mount is perfect for attaching to any screen. 

Essential Oil Diffuser
$38.95; EverlastingComfort.net
Treat your working environment to a great oil diffuser to help you focus on a full day's work. Each diffuser provides over 13 hours of diffusion before needing any refills and offers seven different LED lights to set the mood of your office space. It can also be set by the hour to regulate the aroma. 

Cyber Acoustics USB Speaker Bar 
$24.99; Amazon.com
The perfect one-piece speaker for all your audio needs. The speaker conveniently clips to the bottom of most any monitor, creating a clutter free work and learning space. Plug-and-play, simple controls, and surprisingly great sound make this the perfect companion to any desktop. 

SideTrak – Solo Touch Pro HD 15.8”
$479.99; SideTrak.com
A portable laptop monitor for every scholar, perfect for improving productivity wherever you do your best work. The Solo is a 15.8” freestanding portable monitor with a cover that has a sleek design and detailed HD picture. Adding a second screen increases productivity by 20 to 30 percent, saving you more than eight hours each week.

AverMedia Professional Connections DualCam Webcam
$139.99; Amazon.com
A full HD 1080p 30fps webcam to capture both the user and any document or object during video calls. Dual omnidirectional microphones to capture audio naturally and clearly, up to 3 m/9.8 ft. in all directions. AI noise reduction features to help amplify the speaker’s natural voice and remove ambient noises. CamEngine4 Software that delivers features like PIP(picture-in-picture), built-in rotation, focus mode adjustment, Keystone Correction, zoom and other features so you can always look your best.

Solos Blue Light Blocking Smart Glasses
$299; SolosGlasses.com
Experience the all-in-one convenience of having your audio, connectivity and fitness goals built right into your glasses. With music, phone, and voice assistance built right in, simply grab one device and you’re ready to go. Also available: Smart Sunglasses.

Wrist Pillow Mouse Wrist Rest 
$12.25; Kensington.com
Soft support for mousing comfort. Secondary support layer of mouse pad helps provide all-day comfort. Pillow with super-soft, thick fabric cover conforms to your wrist without restricting motion. Large surface eliminates pressure points and makes mousing easier. Universal size works with all mice. Non-skid base keeps mouse pad firmly in place.

Updated: January 2023

Kitchen Produts. Here are some of our favorite reader-tested kitchen products to help make mealtime easier.

Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water and Soda Maker 
$119.99; Amazon.com
OmniFizz is the first home carbonation beverage maker that carbonates any beverage quickly and easily without diluting it. OmniFizz carbonates anything from juice, tea, coffee, energy drinks, wine, cocktails, and more. 

Mickey Mouse Homestead Tidbit Plate Set
$49.99; ShopDisney.com
Meal times are always more enjoyable in the company of Mickey so serve up a smile every time with this set of tidbit plates. Each of the four ceramic plates features a different design with a distinctly folk art style incorporating Mickey icons.

Towel Pop
Starting at $19.99; TowelPop.com
Towel Pop are the colorful, peel and stick solution to all your organizational woes. It only takes seconds to install and can be used for anything you’d hang on a hook. Make it fun and easy for everyone in the family to keep the house clean.

Winnie the Pooh Ceramic Bread Bin
$49.99; ShopDisney.com
Bees buzz all around the outside of this ceramic bread bin, but the wooden lid featuring Winnie the Pooh will keep them out and the contents safe and fresh.

Left Coast Custom Charcuterie and Wine/Cocktail Boards
$48.50; LeftCoastOriginal.com
These custom charcuterie and wine/cocktail boards are original designs. Serve your guests with style and panache, or give these boards as a gift. Each engraving is burned deep into the board for a quality look and feel. 

The Uber Appliance Sorbet & Ice Cream Maker
$69.99; UberAppliance.com
Whether you’re shopping for kids, teenagers, adults, or grandparents, this sorbet and ice cream maker will bring healthy fun to everyone. It works by feeding frozen fruit or other tasty treats into the chute which quickly blends it into a delicious dessert without all the extra calories. Healthy has never been so delicious. Recipe book and popsicle mold included. 

Tea Towel-California Poppies
Starting at $20; HoneyandHank.com
Each piece features hidden, hand-drawn designs that tastefully infuse culture and nostalgia into home accessories like pillows, napkins and tea towels. Every pattern delivers a fun “ah-ha!” moment, when you realize the prints are actually made up of the state shape or icon. 

Hello Kitty Automatic Rice Cooker & Warmer
$203; Zojirushi.com
The 5.5 cup cooker has easy one-touch operation, automatic keep warm when cooking is done, a detachable and washable inner lid, detachable power cord, hinged lock tight lid with push button release, and an easy-to-clean nonstick inner cooking pan. Accessories include a measuring cup, spatula and spatula holder. Features gold Hello Kitty graphics on a white machine.

7-Piece Nesting Bowls
$70; BamboozleHome.com 
Versatile, compact and perfect for both entertaining or everyday use. With a variety of sizes to suit any of your needs, use larger bowls for baking or family style meals, and smaller bowls for salads or your favorite snacks. The set is made of biodegradable, dishwasher safe, and durable bamboo fiber, and is available in pastel, thistle, and gray color schemes. 

Colori Paring Knife
$10; Kuhnrikonshop.com 
A must-have tool for any chef, novice or professional. The Japanese stainless-steel blade is great for peeling, trimming or slicing fruits and vegetables. Fun colors like bubble gum, dragonfruit, and unicorn are perfect for teens who are interested in cooking. Food releases easily from the nonstick blade. Safely transport to picnics and campsites with matching sheath. 

LUX LCD Multi-Cooker
$159.95; ZavorAmerica.com
LUX LCD functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker and so much more. It is designed with an interactive and easy to use digital LCD screen that features 10 cooking functions including Dessert, Eggs and Grains and more than 30 programmable settings for an amazing one-pot cooking experience. 

Updated: August 2022

The Hottest Apps, Computer and Video Games! We've got the scoop on the latest and greatest video games, apps and products.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway
https://nickkartracers.com
Rebuilt and re-imagined from the ground up, Nickelodeon Kart Racers returns - bigger and better than ever. Featuring a fully voice acted cast of over 40 iconic characters, drift, slide and boost your way to the finish line on tracks inspired by legendary Nickelodeon shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avatar: The Last Airbender and more. Available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Cobra Kai 2: Dojos Rising
playcobrakai.com
Choose from Eagle Fang, Cpbra Kai or Miyagi-do, and alongside your sensei, start training, recruiting and gighting to prove who’s the most powerful dojo and seal your destiny as the Grand Champion of the All Valley Tournament. Available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Little League World Series Baseball 2022
https://llwsgame.com
Pitch, slide, slam and rally your way to Williamsport-glory as you compete to become the World Series Champion of Little League. Available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Miraculous: Rise of the Sphinx
Amazon.com
Immerse yourself in an original story as you take control of everyone’s favorite heroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir. Available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

NHRA: Speed For All
nhravideogame.com 
The planning. The power. And the intense speed. Featuring a physics-based engine and intricate career management mode, NHRA gives the player a sense of what it’s like to drive drag racing beasts - without the frustration of a 100% simulation and with all the fun of the NHRA. Available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

RiotPWR Mobile Gaming Controller
$69.99; RiotPWR.com
Transform any smartphone into a handheld Xbox. Using the phone as the screen, players use the controller to play over 1000 games. It’s the perfect, budget-friendly way to give kids a gaming console without spending a fortune.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
$59.99; E-10+
WarnerBros.com
Play through all nine Star Wars saga films. For the first time ever in a Lego video game, explore the galaxy your way as you fly to some of the saga’s most legendary locales. You can start your journey with Star Wars: The Phantom Menace for some pod racing on Tatooine. Or choose to launch right into Rey’s adventures in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Players have the freedom to seamlessly travel to any planet, in any order, at any time. With hundreds of characters and vehicles, players can dive into their favorite Star Wars moments in an all-new way, complete with the hilarious Lego brand of fun that’s sure to delight players of all ages.

Gaming Mouse Pad 
$22.95; EverlastingComfort.net
Create ample space for your keyboard and mouse. Made with memory foam wrist support for added comfort during intense games with a USB-powered, light-up mouse pad with a brightness adjustment. It is waterproof and the breathable micro-texture cloth is easy to clean. Complete with a non-slip rubber bottom that stays put, even during hard mouse and keyboard use in those intensive plays on gaming platforms. 

Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
$39.99; E for Everyone 
Amazon.com 
Upon creating a character an untamed wilderness awaits players with the freedom to customize their farm down to the very tile and the nearby port town holds the promise of friends and romance.

Knockout Home Fitness for Nintendo Switch
$39.99; E for Everyone
http://www.knockout-homefitness.com
This fitness exergame is based on martial arts moves. It helps players get back in shape after long periods of inactivity, with scalable workout plans that can provide a daily workout in about 15 minutes.

It Takes Two
$39.99; T for Teen
Amazon.com
Players work together across a huge variety of gleefully disruptive gameplay challenges. With connected character abilities in every new level, an abundance of unexpected obstacles and hilariously heartfelt moments, players will work their way through a uniquely metaphorical gameplay experience. Availbale on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, Microsoft Windows.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
$59.99; T for Teen
Amazon.com
Fire up Star-Lord’s jet boots for a wild ride across the cosmos in this third-person action-adventure game. With the unpredictable Guardians at your side, blast your way from one explosive situation to another, with original and iconic Marvel characters caught in a struggle for the fate of the universe. Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, GeForce NOW, Nintendo Switch.

Balan Wonderworld
Square-enix.com
A wondrous action-platformer game themed around a mysterious musical theatre, available now. The stars of the show will use special abilities from a multitude of characterful costumes as they adventure in the bizarre and imaginary land of Wonderworld.

KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory
$59.99; Rated E10+
Players will experience the magic of musical exploration on their own or with friends by traversing through beautiful worlds and embarking on rhythm-fueled battles to more than 140 songs, including favorites like “Destiny Islands,” “Hand in Hand,” “Working Together” and more from the game’s legendary composer Yoko Shimomura. 

Updated: November 2022

Summer is the season of fun, especially for kids!
We’ve compiled the hottest parent-approved and kid-tested toys of the summer! These toys are sure to provide hours of enjoyment and entertainment for your kids..

Click the link here to view the Summer Toys pdf file

File is large. It may take a moment to appear.

Updated: June 2022

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Children's Charities: Toy Donation Request Form 

Valentine's Day!  Check out these adorable Valentine's Day books and gift ideas for that special person in your life.

LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
$8.99; Amazon.com
Ring in Valentine's Day—and love—with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This charming, sweet title is the perfect gift for that special someone on Valentine's Day—or any day of the year.

Heart to Heart Stacking Crayons
$3.50; Ooly.com
The amazing stackable crayon set all in one crayon. Each heart has a single colored crayon and is totally interchangeable from the rest. Mix and match the 12 color hearts so you can make your own unique Heart to Heart crayon. And each crayon comes with a fine point so you can make all sorts of detailed coloring projects. 

Snuffles
$25; Gund.com 
Snuffles spreads love and gives countless hugs as one of our most beloved bears. His unique crescent-shaped design lets him look into your eyes with every hug and feels like snuggling a cloud. Available in 10” in rose pink and white.

NeeDoh Squeeze Hearts
$4.99; https://schylling.com/brand/needoh/
Complete with printed sayings and 4 different color ways. Express your love with the Squeeze Hearts line up! Each is complete with “To: and From:” packaging, ready for gifting, loving and SQUEEZING!

Sweethearts Pack
$20; ProspectorPopcorn.org
Our expert popcorn chefs combine our fresh popcorn with high-end ingredients like Belgian Chocolate, Cheddar, Caramel, Local Maple Syrup, Pretzels, or Toffee. You’ll love our original gourmet popcorn recipes including Buffalo Ranch, Sweet and Spicy, Maple Walnut Ice Cream, Buffalo Cheddar, or Cheddar and Caramel. At Prospector Popcorn we are proud to use non-GMO popcorn kernels grown in the US. 

Pokémon Pikachu Plush with Poké Puff and Red Flower
$14.99; Amazon.com
Spark up your Valentine’s Day with Pikachu. These 8-inch plush are made to snug and ready to hug. Holding a Poké Puff, this super soft plush makes for a great Valentine’s Day gift. 

Men's Organic Cotton Long Sleeve Pocket Tee PJ Set - Penguin Love 
$82; NestDesigns.com
Whether you're enjoying your first coffee of the day in bed, having a casual morning in the kitchen nook, or staying cozy for football Sunday, our men's organic cotton PJs will be right there with you. Made with our 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, these PJs are extra soft, moisture wicking, and resistant to wear and tear. 

Hello Mello Cotton Candy Puff Slippers
$25; HelloMello.com 
Walk on cotton candy clouds with Hello Mello’s super fluffy slipper sandals featuring padded soles, warm vegan fur and an open toe design to keep feet cozy without getting too hot. Available in Berry, Cloud and Grape colors ranging in sizes.

Sam’s Famous Salsa
$15; Amazon
Sam’s Famous Salsa delivers mouth smacking flavors via fresh produce and a state-of-the-art cold pasteurization process called HPP which allows for a natural 4-month shelf life. There is no vinegar, xantham gum, or stabilizers added and the low sodium content is beneficial to all. Non-GMO and Gluten-free certified, Sam’s Famous Salsa is natural, hearty, crisp and down right addictive. 

How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco
$17.99; LBYR.com
Artie loves giving hugs. But she can't give a hug to her Grandma who lives so far away. Instead, she shows us how to send hugs using the magic of handwritten letters in this timeless story about connecting to loved ones when you can't always do so in person.

Mermaid Cup
$30; MermaidCup.com
This 22-oz. cup is made from the highest stainless steel. Double wall insulated to keep your drink cold for up to 24 hours. Durable, chip free PVD coloring guarantees to stay beautiful use after use.

Strawberry Mint Lip Care Set
$10; keshajanaan.com
Get soft supple lips with this set that exfoliates and moisturizes. Sugar gently exfoliates lips and leaves them soft and moisturized to help keep the sensitive skin  from getting chapped and peeling.This highly nourishing lip balm goes on clear and provides long-lasting moisture any time of the day.

Men’s Organic PJ Set
$85.99; CityThreads.com
The same soft pajamas you love for kids, now in adult sizes for men. Great for lounging or layering. Super-soft and durable and 100% organic cotton.

Love Is A Story by Todd Tarpley
$18.99; www.unionsquareandco.com/9781454944188/
Follow parents, grandparents, and a wide array of kids throughout all the seasons as they learn about the meaning of love. Love can be the way your smile starts to curve when a giggle is about to begin, a puddle with you in the middle, a story read with a flashlight, or a morning that bursts into color. 

NeeDoh Heart Strings
$4.99; https://schylling.com/brand/needoh/
Show your heart's true colors with these four neon noodles Heart String NeeDohs. You’ll be able to stretch your love, the NeeDoh way because each is complete with “To: and From:” packaging, ready for gifting, loving stretching and SQUEEZING! 

Some-Bunny Loves You: Vanilla the Bunny
$35; DylansCandyBar.com
Soft, cuddly and ready to squeeze, this white plush bunny comes holding a Double the Love Marshmallow pop to help show someone special that there’s no bunny like them.

Hogs & Kisses Pajama Set
$45.99; LazyOne.com
This set will get you lots of hugs & kisses. Made from breathable 100% combed cotton for a soft blend of warmth and comfort, each tee features raw-edged trim around the neck and sleeve, while pants have a contrasting front pocket and drawstring waist. 

Cookies n’ Cream Cheesecake
$89; lilacandcreme.com
For anyone who loves cookies and creme, this cheesecake takes the flavor to the next level. This is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth at every level you can imagine. From the appetizing exterior to the sinful interior, this is one cheesecake you’re not going to want to miss out on. At just seven inches, this cake is a brilliant size for just a few people. 

Love Nursery Rhymes
$25; www.calisbooks.com
This interactive book features a sound button on each of its six pages, where little ones can press and hear fifteen seconds of a song about friendship, sharing, kindness and love. With vibrant illustrations and sweet lyrics, this book is sure to become a favorite. Parents will love the educational benefits, like teaching your child about the power of friendship and the importance of kindness. 

ManiGlovz
$18; ManiGlovz.com
Made using UV 50+ Protective Compression Tricot (some with hydrating aloe vera microcapsules). Can be used for sun protection, driving and even post laser or cosmetic treatment protection. ManiGlovz are also water-resistant making them perfect for outdoor activities and are the perfect extra layer of protection from germs as well as protecting your skin from the irritation of excessive use of sanitizer.

The Bokksu Ramen Box
$49.99; Bokksu.com
There's something about slurping up a bowl of noodle soup that is so comforting and instantly mentally transports us to a ramen-ya in Japan. Now, it's even easier to enjoy your favorite ramen. This box contains a Bokksu Signature bowl, chopsticks, and spoon, plus a package of pork tonkotsu dashi ramen for you to enjoy.

Pretty In Pink Large Bear
$25; DylansCandyBar.com
Treat them to a bear-y special Valentine. This large reusable gummy bear is filled with sour, fruity and chocolate treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. 

i heart art Erasable Crayons
$13.99; Ooly.com
Start the love for art with the inspirational heart shaped crayons. Brightly colored and shaped into heart-shapes with 2 coordinating colors in each one. These easy to hold crayons can be twisted into an oval shape as well. Plus the heart crayons are erasable too.

Out of the Woods Boxy Tote
$37; OutoftheWoods.com
The tote designed with durability in mind, the Boxy Tote has a structured and flat base that provides order for anything from books to canned goods.Made for the library or the market, it's an every day essential. When not in use, fold flat for easy storage.

Cocomii Chic Square Phone Cases
$15; Cocomii.com
It's a chic smartphone square-edged phone case that comes in tons of different colors and patterns. Their fashion forward designs are created with square corners to cushion and protect your phone from accidental drops or bumps and are available in every style from solid colors to animal print to iridescent glitter.

Stickiville Rainbow Hearts Stickers
$1.99; Ooly.com
Rainbows and hearts unite with these holographic sticker sheets of rainbow heart stickers. Adorn your notebook or bring some personality to your backpack and lunch box. There’s no limit to the whimsy these rainbow heart stickers can bring to accessories like school supplies, journals, and diaries.

Published: January 2023