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The time to get into back-to-school mode has begun for many families. While the race to find school essentials before the first day of class can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.
For most students, from elementary school to college, the academic year kicks off in August. Most stores with school supplies will be packed and the Amazon package deliveries will be flowing.
With that said, most of the time, families miss some items that would make the entire school year much easier, and even more fun. From snacks to stylish apparel, Hello Gurl has compiled a shopping list of 5 products that will be fabulous and affordable for all the gurlies.
1. PlanetBox Launch Stainless Steel Lunchbox
The PlanetBox Launch Stainless Steel Lunch Box quickly became one of our favorite products for school lunches because of the sleek style, quality and environmental benefits.
Whether it’s for kids or adults, heading back to school for another semester full of tasty lunches and snacks is always a great idea. The PlanetBox Launch Lunch Box has several compartments, is extremely durable and dishwasher safe. Plus, you can decorate it with colorful magnets!
Ditching the plastic containers is also a win-win for the environment and our overall health because there are no microplastics in these lunch boxes and they’re made with recycled stainless steel.
“Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long, which can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life,” the National Ocean Service reports. They can also get into human cells, impacting the immune systems of children at higher rates.
The PlanetBox Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes cost around $60 at planetbox.com but typically go on sale right in time for back-to-school season. Plus, they have other great options like the Adventurer Insulated Lunch Bag. They even have a build your own Back To School Ultimate Lunch Bundle for the some epic customization.
2. Archer Original Beef Mini Sticks
We find that one of the best options for anyone looking for the energy to make it through the long school day is some hardy protein. So, we really appreciate Archer’s Original Mini Beef Sticks, which are packed with energy-boosting flavor.
We can’t think of a gurlie of any age or grade level that won’t love these bite-sized snacks that can fit seamlessly in a lunch box or backpack. Plus, they also come in a beef and cheese flavor!
16 count packages can be purchased for around $17 at Kroger, Walmart and other retailers while 28 counts are available at Costco.
3. Labubu Dolls
Here at Hello Gurl, we believe in starting the first day of school in style, and that means sporting some of the latest trends. These viral ugly-cute monster dolls named Labubu have been trending all over the world.
Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, people can buy Labubu dolls in blind boxes either at a physical PopMart store or online. While Labubu is a plushy, its popularity resonates for both adults and children.
Blind boxes are a type of packaging that conceals its contents until opened, meaning buyers won’t know what kind of Labubu they’ll get until they open the box.
Labubu dolls generally cost around $28 each but the prices go up for rare or limited edition ones. They make perfect school accessories because they are designed to easily clip to a backpack. People even enjoy dressing them up and buying them accessories.
4. Adidas Shoes
There’s nothing like quality shoes for prices that won’t break the bank. Adidas has a can’t-miss back-to-school sale that includes shoes for up to 40% off. You know Hello Gurl loves a good sale!
We previously tested their Duramo SL 2 Running Shoes (on our own dime!), which cost around $56 ($70 without the sale) and can attest to durability and style for adults. We also found that the Adidas Breakbase shoes for kids, which cost around $35 ($50 without the sale) are solid and stylish.
They also have clothing on sale for those looking for a complete Adidas fit.
5. Loungefly Backpacks
The pop culture apparel brand Loungefly, known for its coveted merchandise, goes above and beyond in attention to detail and fan-favorite offerings.
We think their full-size backpacks with Disney, DC’s Superman, and One Piece themed designs are perfect ways for kids and adults to show off the titles that they love all school year long.
Loungefly full-size backpacks, which offer moderate storage for typical student needs, cost around $50. We especially love the “One Piece” themed backpack, a fab fit for all the anime-loving gurlies.
