5 Back to School Essentials Kids Will Love

School bags and backpacks are some of the hardest-working accessories your kids will ever have, so you’ll want a bag that’s up for the task. Herschel offers a wide range of their beloved backpacks in kid-friendly sizes – perfect if they want one ‘just like yours’. Teens will love graphic Vans backpacks and bags by Santa Cruz and Tommy Hilfiger, while Penny Scallan offers adorable prints for preschool and kindy.

You’ve picked the perfect backpack, but what’s inside is just as important. Cool lunchboxes will make them excited for midday, with insulated designs to keep food fresh and Bento boxes to keep snacks separate. Fun drink bottles will encourage them to sip throughout the day – choose a bright Frank Green bottle they can use again and again.

The right pair of school shoes will keep up with everything from playground lunches to excursions and sports days. With options including slip-on, VELCRO, lace-up and Mary Janes, look to Ascent shoes for styles to suit kids of all ages. Meanwhile, Dr Martens’ offering of signature leather shoes or a pair of Nike Air Force 1s are bound to win major brownie points with the high school set.

Between PE, sports carnivals and after-school activities, kids are always on the move. Shop our lineup of sports brands to find everything they’ll need to stay fit and have fun: think swimming goggles from Speedo and Zoggs, drink bottles and gym bags, runners, caps and socks. Choose a pair of sports shoes from adidas, Nike or ASICS to keep them supported and comfortable during PE. The best part? These trainers can also do double-duty for weekend sports.

If there’s one thing that makes going back to school better, it’s the promise of new stationery. Fill their pencil case with a colourful selection of pens, highlighters and pencils, along with a few new notepads to jot everything down. Keep their tech protected with a laptop case or tablet sleeve, and they’re all set for the term ahead.