The beginning of the new school year is fast approaching (if not already here, for many districts). If you’re still in the market for a few key school supplies to get your kids off and running, take a peek below at these highly rated picks by the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA), an organization that for more than 30 years has helped take the guesswork out of product buying for parents.
And in case you’re wondering, NAPPA is not a “pay-to-play” program. With participation from expert judges, parent/child testers and product reviewers, the NAPPA tests and evaluates products—everything from toys, games, books and baby products to DVDs and software—all to help parents find the highest quality and most age-appropriate products for their newborns through adolescents. Here’s what they’ve selected as their favorite products for back to school.
Product reviews written by Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
Hot Dots Let’s Learn Reading & Math Sets
The perfect way to practice critical math and reading skills at home and on the go. Let your kids learn on their own at their own pace and build confidence with this set. $24.99, ages 3 years and older, amazon.com
Coding Charms
Combines arts and crafts with exposure to hands-on, advanced coding concepts for all-around STEAM-powered fun. Get creative and experiment with 18 different designs, including an emoji charm, rocket, dinosaur and more. $21.99, ages 8 years and older, amazon.com
Munchkin Personalized Miracle® Stainless Steel 360° Cup
Light-weight stainless steel is strong and durable and easy to clean. Perfect for daycare, preschool or on-the-go. $25, ages 12 months and older, munchkin.com
Funkins Lunch Bags for Kids
Neoprene lunch bags, insulated to keep food fresh, come printed in fun and colorful patterns that kids love. The bags are machine washable for easy care. $22.95, ages 2 years and older. myfunkins.ca
Lunch™ Bento Box with Utensils
The 5 compartments assure that foods won’t touch and designed to fit small portions for small hands. $20, ages 18 months and older, munchkin.com
RELATED: School Lunch Ideas Kids Will Love (Beyond PB&J)
Discovery: Rocks and Gems
From sparkling gemstones to molten lava, this introduction to the world of rocks and gems is a must-have for any future geologist. Includes six rock and gem samples, plus a slide-out tray printed with rock names and a poster for young collectors to categorize their finds. $17.99, ages 6 and older, silverdolphinbooks.com
Ultimate Back-to-School Combo
Includes all the durable, waterproof labels needed to keep your kid’s things out of the lost and found. Perfect for backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, water bottles, pencil cases and more. Waterproof, dishwasher safe, microwave safe and laundry safe. $41.50, ages 3 and older, mabelslabels.ca
For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.
