Back-to-school shopping can feel like a full-contact sport, but moms know the real MVPs are the things that survive the daily grind—back to school trends that are equal parts practical and cute. Forget what’s “cool” on TikTok (unless we’re talking about mom hauls, because those are gold). We’re talking backpacks that won’t rip by October, water bottles that don’t leak all over math homework, and lunch gear that doesn’t smell like “mystery yogurt” after week one.
We rounded up the back-to-school trends that parents actually swear by, because the real test isn’t if it looks good on a shelf, it’s whether it can survive a school bus floor and still come home at the end of the day.
The Back-to-School Trends TikTok Moms Are All About
Mom-Approved Backpacks
Backpacks have to survive sticky snacks, bus rides, and the occasional “oops, I sat on it” moment. These mom-approved picks are cute enough for your kid but tough enough to last the whole school year.
L.L.Bean Original Bookpack
@thejessiesimpson This fam loves @llbean and Hoovey thinks he’s so big when he’s carrying his new backpack! This is the small and I have both the backpack and lunchbox linked in my Shop.my
A “buy once, forget about it” backpack. It’s water-resistant, roomy, and practically indestructible (seriously, some parents claim these last through multiple kids).
L.L.Bean
L.L.Bean Junior Original Book Pack, 17L ($34.95)—Buy Here!
L.L.Bean Original Book Pack, 24L ($39.95)—Buy Here!
STATE Bags Kane Kids Backpack
@kaylaafisherrr as you can tell they last through the years!!
& I always get my backpacks this time of year to make sure I can secure the one she lovesss
@statebags #statebags #backpack #backtoschool #secondgrade #girlmom #backpacks #kidsbackpack #backtoschoolhaul #schoolbackpack
Modern, cool, and designed with parents in mind (hello, organized compartments!). Moms on TikTok love the sturdy construction and fun color combos that don’t feel too grown-up or too “babyish”.
STATE Bags
STATE Bags Kane Backpack ($125)—Buy Here!
Simple Modern Fletcher Kids Backpack
@valleycouponmom LIVING thru my 4 year old right now
This backpack is a nice size for her going into TK and the lunch bag fits a regular size lunch box. The thermos water bottle keeps water fresh and lasts a long time!! This the 3rd design ive bought for my kids
#backtoschool #backtoschoolshopping #kindergarten #simplemodern #simplemodernbackpack @Simple Modern
This TikTok favorite nails it all: lightweight, durable, and spacious without looking bulky. Moms love the modern prints and colorways that feel fun but not over the top.
Amazon
Simple Modern Fletcher Kids Backpack ($39.99)—Buy Here!
RELATED: 15 Cool Kids Backpacks That’ll Last All Year
Water Bottles Moms Swear By
Because nothing ruins a backpack faster than a “surprise leak.” These are the bottles moms rave about on TikTok; easy to clean, built to last, and cute enough to keep kids hydrated.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle
@sam_joness_ Just in time for back to school shopping too #OwalaFreeSip #OwalaBottle #StayHydrated #WaterBottleTok #HydrationGoals #SipOrChug #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt #CuteWaterBottle #EverydayHydration #FYP #backtoschool
TikTok moms are obsessed with Owala for a reason: it doesn’t leak, keeps water cold all day, and comes in colors that practically scream take me to recess. Plus, the FreeSip Sway’s bucket handle makes it easier for little hands to hold onto.
Owala FreeSip Water Bottle ($24.99+)—Buy Here!
Zak 14oz Harmony Water Bottle
@targetminis New leak-proof water bottles for your kiddos at Target! #target #targetfinds #newattarget #sonicthehedgehog #backtoschool #traveltiktok #kidstravel #bluey #toddlermom #toddlersoftiktok #kidsoftiktok
♬ Green Hill Zone Theme (From “Sonic the Hedgehog”) – Video Game Players
Lightweight but sturdy, this vacuum-insulated cutie keeps drinks cold and kids happy. And the designs? Very TikTok mom–approved. It’s been popping up in BTS hauls over and over.
Zak 14oz Harmony Water Bottle ($13.99)—Buy Here!
Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth Water Bottle
@tara_sunflowerr Just a little haul #hydroflask #jansport #target #schoolsupplies
The GOAT of stainless steel. Durable, easy to clean, and sized just right for smaller hands. Available in 12oz and 18oz for kids.
Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth Water Bottle ($27.99+)—Buy Here!
School Lunch Gear That’s Worth It
Packing lunch shouldn’t feel like a second job. These picks keep food fresh, spills contained, and TikTok moms happy.
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bags & Snack Bags
@mollymcshane13 Packing up our freezable @PackItCool lunchbox for a day out with my toddler
I love that I can skip the ice packs and just throw this right in the freezer — keeps everything cold for hours
Perfect for snacks, lunches, and all the toddler munchies we can’t leave home without
Linked in my storefront under on-the-go toddler faves! #toddleressentials #packitlunchbox #momapproved #toddlerlife #momtok #snackmom #momhack
Freeze the whole thing overnight, toss in lunch in the morning, and boom. Cold food without a single ice pack. Moms swear this one’s a sanity saver. PackIt has a ton of options available, from snack bags to lunch boxes.
Amazon
PackIt Freezable Snack Bags & Lunch Boxes ($17.99+)—Buy Here!
Skip Hop Kids Bento Box
@mama.and.her.gumnuts Hey, guess what? Little Kailee will be starting preschool next term!
She’ll be joining her big brother who’s already in primary school next door.
You know how crazy it can get packing lunches for multiple kids, right?
Well, I found the perfect solution – @Skip Hop Lunch Bag and Bento Box.
Let’s get packing and make sure our little ones are fueled up for a day of learning and fun!
. . . . #Iunchboxideasforkids #skiphoplunchboxideas #SkipHopbento #skiphopau #lunchbag #bento
A solid pick for younger kids with divided compartments, a secure lid (see ya, spills), and easy dishwasher-safe cleaning. Plus, a secure latch that’s still simple for little hands to open all on their own.
Amazon
Skip Hop Kids Bento Box ($16)—Buy Here!
School Supplies Kids & Moms Totally Agree On
Even moms admit TikTok makes them want to buy aesthetic pens. These picks are fun for kids but practical enough to avoid the dreaded mid-semester meltdown.
RELATED: The Best Back-to-School Supplies on Amazon (So You Don’t Have to Guess)
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers
@haleyarcher.art Swatching our family’s fav go-to markers!! We looooove @Crayola Super Tips! Best part is they come in a pack of 100 (
all different colors!!!!), so it takes a while for them all to dry out. Haha. Seriously my fav markers for kids. And honestly I love them, too. Ha #artwithkids #crayola #kidsart
TikTok moms love these for their endless color options and no-mess washable ink. Bonus: they last longer than the usual dried-out markers.
Amazon
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers ($15.97)—Buy Here!
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens
@sadie_silver @Papermate pens! Papermate InkJoy Gel Pens have been calling my name recently! Pretty colors & a fun theme! I’m a sucker for sets like these! #gelpens #pens #papermateinkjoy #bestpens #fyp #stationery #stationeryaddict
Because nothing says “smooth homework session” like pens that glide. Parents, teachers, and even Mrs. Silver, the school librarian on TikTok!) swear by these for homework and projects.
Amazon
Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens Ultimate Pack ($28.99)—Buy Here!
Five Star Spiral Notebooks
@globertshlobert
The one notebook brand that doesn’t disintegrate by week three. Moms love the sturdy covers and extra storage pockets.
Amazon
Five Star Spiral Notebooks, 6pk ($23.99)—Buy Here!
Personalized Name Stamp
@byjamiemichelle Moms of daycare or school-age kids—this stamp is a game changer.
Waterproof + fade-resistant (survives both washer and dryer!)
Because if one more sweatshirt goes missing, you’re gonna scream. This viral name stamp is a TikTok mom favorite for labeling clothes, backpacks, lunch bags, basically anything that leaves the house and might not make it back.
Personalized Name Stamp ($8.98)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
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