Products & Services

The 10 Hottest Back-To-School Items for 2014

Every school year, there are certain items that kids are just DYING for – the must-haves of the back-to-school season. I polled my family, my mom friends and anyone else that would return my emails to find out what is hot right now. Take a look and also – tell us what your kids are loving this season. (We already covered back-to-school essentials and best retailers)

1. It rhymes with The Chosen. Yes, anything Frozen.

The younger set (like the preschool kids) can’t get enough of Anna, Elsa and that hilarious snowman Olaf. I bought my 4-year-old an Elsa backpack and she wanted to know if there was an Elsa barbie doll inside? There wasn’t. But it was sweet of her to ask. Think of any school supply and there is a good chance you can find one with the Frozen theme. Except maybe Frozen glue sticks. I’m sure they are in production.

2. Flash Temporary Tattoos

Hey, at least Flash Tattoos aren’t real tattoos and these are pretty gorgeous. Like you might steal them from your kids. They last 4 to 6 days and will definitely add some sparkle to all that homework.

3. Nike Elite Socks

Who knew boys could care so much about their socks? Apparently so because Nike Elite Socks are still the rage. Don’t get what all the fuss is about? Ask a middle school boy.

4. Printed Socks

The socks mania continues with these insanely adorable printed socks. Baseballs, cookies and many other bright prints will make any boring school day a little bit more fun. Plus, this is the first time you will look at your socks and actually want to eat them. (The socks pictured are no longer available. However, you can search for fun printed socks here.)

5. Neon Colors

A lot of kids are into the bright neon colors (hello 1986, good to see you again.) Neon backpacks, neon cleats, a neon fuzzy pencil case and you can even buy what every kid needs… a neon dream catcher. This is all making me miss my rubber neon bracelets that I wore to my first Madonna concert.

6. Locker Decor

You just know someone out there has hired a decorator for their kids locker. Because it’s all about the disco ball, the chandelier, the carpet, the wallpaper…. hey, I wonder if anyone has put in a hot tub? Now my old high school locker seems so lame. Some parents even secretly decorate their child’s locker at back-to-school night. Man, I wish I was that mom.

7. Slap Bracelet Rulers

I know what you are thinking! Didn’t we already do this slap bracelet thing? Yes, but now it’s new and improved! Because these slap bracelets double as rulers. Available online.

8. Justice Backpacks, Lunch Boxes and Water Bottles

Not social justice. But rather the clothing cult of Justice. I don’t know what it is about this store but all my friends with tween girls go nuts over this place. Something about the sparkles and crazy patterns. Lots of fun back-to-school bags, lunch boxes and water bottles. This backpack is just the cutest with a little hoodie zippered to the back. Check out more backpacks from Justice here.

9: Sneakers and Indoor Soccer Shoes

When it comes to sneakers, a lot of boys are dying for Nike LeBron or Nike KD sneakers. And indoor soccer shoes are super popular too (playing soccer is not required to wear these cool kicks).

10. Yoobi School Supplies

Not only are these school supplies bright and fun, the company has a mission to help stock classrooms in desperate need of supplies. Available at Target.

And finally, if you are looking for something for yourself, I just fell in love with these Pop Art Dry Erase Boards from The Container Store. What a great way to stay organized during the school year.

What products are your kids asking for this back-to-school season? We’re very curious.

Find Back-to-School Ideas from Alpha Mom:

Note: We have affiliate revenue relationships with Amazon, and with other retailers that are handled by third parties. If you see a link to a retailer, please assume that it is an affiliate link at no cost to you. However, rest assured that our affiliate relationships do not guide our product recommendations, at all.