The Ultimate Back-to-School Shopping Guide: 13 Must-Haves for the New Term

As summer winds down, the familiar rush to get the kids kitted out for the new school year begins. From playground-proof outerwear to brain-boosting games for the school run, finding the right gear can make all the difference for a smooth transition back to the classroom. Here is a curated list of 10 fantastic back-to-school essentials that promise to bring comfort, durability, and a bit of fun to the upcoming term.

1. PO.P School Backpack

Crafted from recycled waterproof shell material, this practical and flexible backpack is built to withstand the daily school run. It features sturdy, soft padded shoulder straps, a soft mesh back panel, and an adjustable chest strap to help distribute weight evenly. For added safety, it includes a safety-release buckle in case it gets caught. Perfectly sized for A4 notebooks, it comes packed with smart pockets, reflective details for visibility, and even a fitted seat pad for outdoor breaks.

2. PO.P Puddlesuit

Perfect on the way to and from school to keep little ones warm and dry, these new puddlesuits offer full top to toe protection against all weather and are an absolute must for puddle jumping. Made from 100% leftover materials from previous collections, these reclaimed suits are fully windproof and waterproof. They also feature fully taped seams and elasticated cuffs to prevent any cool draughts from chilling your little explorer.

3. PO.P Waterproof Kids School Coat

A returning favourite, this classic school coat is back in a variety of new colours and a classic floral print. Designed specifically for active play, it is warm, windproof, and highly durable, yet remains lightweight and breathable. With an adjustable hood, drawcord hem, and adjustable cuffs, this high-quality staple washes beautifully and is built to last the whole school year and beyond.

4. PO.P Teddy Bear Backpack

Little ones will absolutely love carrying this super-cute bear backpack full of all their back to school essentials. Soft, plush, and complete with adorable 3D ears, this perfect pal will keep your child company on their very first school day and beyond, making the transition to the classroom feel like a breeze.

5. CuddleDry Bamboo Fun Towels

Perfect for school swimming lessons, these cheeky character towels are designed for children aged 1 to 6 years. Available in a bunny design with floppy ears, a dinosaur style, or a penguin theme, they bring a whole new level of excitement to post-pool drying. Crafted from sustainably grown cotton and bamboo, they are incredibly gentle on delicate skin and retain their signature softness wash after wash.

6. Recent Toys Mini Meffert’s Deluxe Keychains

Turn the daily commute into a pocket-sized puzzle adventure. Ideal for players aged 7 and up, these innovative single-player keychain brain teasers can be popped onto school bags or keys for instant entertainment. The collection includes the molecular Molecube, the spinning Gear Ball, the twisting Ghost Cube, and the mental challenge of the Skewb Ultimate.

7. Smart Games Apple Puzzler

This delightfully appealing 3D apple puzzle challenges children to flex their cognitive skills. Players select from up to 80 different challenges and must fit three vibrant, flexible worms inside the three-sliced apple. It is a charming but clever puzzle that stimulates concentration, logic, problem-solving, and spatial insight.

8. IQ Mini

A pocket-friendly puzzle perfect for playground brain teasers. To play, kids create their own unique challenges by moving the blockers and filling the rest of the board with the remaining puzzle pieces. It is an easy-to-carry, colourful game that lets kids challenge their friends and classmates during breaks.

9. Hape Monster Math Scale

Make maths fun ahead of the new term with this interactive monster scale. Designed for children aged 3 and over, it helps little ones explore basic arithmetic, weights, and balance by placing monster weights on the scale. Featuring three difficulty levels, it grows with your child's abilities, developing logical thinking, concentration, and fine motor skills. It also includes a handy storage bag to keep all the pieces organised.

10. Hape Solar System Puzzle

Encourage a love for science with this educational 100-piece puzzle. Children can discover exciting facts about the celestial neighbourhood using the solid-wood planet pieces, a glowing LED sun, and an informative wall poster. Adding an exciting 3D element, the wooden planets actually spin once they are placed into the puzzle board.

11. Hape Giant Human Body Puzzle

Get a head start on biology lessons with this fascinating 60-piece giant puzzle set. It explores the complexities of the human body using 10 additional wooden body parts representing bones, muscles, and key organs. The set comes packaged in a robust storage case and includes a fact-filled poster to help young scientists understand how the human form works.

12. Hape Field Microscope

For older, curious minds aged 8 and up, this field microscope is perfect for outdoor learning and backyard exploration. It magnifies up to 120x in crystal-clear detail and features an adjustable LED light for use in all environments. Highlighting eco-friendly design, it is crafted from sustainable bamboo and plant-based plastic, making it a durable science tool that can be used well into adulthood.

13. Hape Explorers Bug Jar

An outdoor essential for budding entomologists aged 4 and up, this clever bug jar encourages a hands-on love for nature. It features a 4x magnifying lid, a built-in LED light, and a handy measuring grid, allowing children to examine insects and tiny creatures gently and up close. Portable, educational, and crafted from eco-friendly materials like renewable bamboo and plant plastic, it easily clips onto backpacks or belts for effortless outdoor exploration on the move.

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