8 must-haves for the new year
Back-to-school season: it brings about that much-anticipated shopping list, as well as a few extra essentials that your kids can’t do without. School shopping has changed since we were kids, with more and more students relying on evolving technologies for both work and play. But of course, kids still require non-tech items as well, so we’re bringing you the best of both worlds for the new school year!
 

 

1. A laptop for both work and play, the Toshiba Satellite U840W Ultrabook is an ally like no other! Its ultrawide screen is the ideal companion for Windows’ snap function, allowing you to view as much text as possible on your two open windows. And the screen’s 21:9 cinematic display is perfect for a post-homework movie. $1,099.99 at Future Shop.
 

2. When the noise gets too disruptive at the library or even at home, your kids want to tune out to their favourite music while focusing on that term paper. These Panasonic DJ Style Headphones have a stylish look to them, offer great sound, and fold-up easily for when they’re on-the-go! $69.99. Visit panasonic.ca to find a retailer nearest you.
 

3. Printers are an essential in any household, for both kids and parents. The new HP Photosmart 7510 e-All-in-One is a student’s BFF, allowing them to print that homework assignment straight from their smartphone or tablet. It also boasts dozens of print apps on the touchscreen, such as a Facebook app, and even an app for the popular music site, Last.fm. $199.99 at hpshopping.ca.

4. Whether they need to keep in touch with friends or send you a quick text to let you know that they’ll be home late from the library, a smartphone has become an essential to any older child’s lifestyle. The new MOTOROLA ATRIX^TM HD LTE Smartphone (available in September) is quite the gadget for your plugged-in offspring: scratch-resistant glass display, a splash-guard, and gorgeous colour display… need we go on? $49.95 (three-year contract), exclusively at Bell Mobility.
 

 

 

5. The backpack: it’s an essential that hasn’t changed for centuries, save for when it comes to functionality and style. This gorgeous blue-and-purple checkered Foxy Jeans Backpack has several compartments, adjustable and padded shoulder straps (for extra comfort when carrying those heavy textbooks!), and various pockets for your child’s cell phone and music player. $40. Visit holiday.ca for a list of retailers.
 

6. While some students take extensive notes on their laptops or tablets, most still use the trusty ol’ pen-and-paper method. We say have a stack of go-to notebooks in abundance… and a stylish model, at that! These get Coil Fashion Notebooks are über-pretty and affordable, so don’t refrain from getting them in various styles! $3.99 (80 sheets) at Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix.

7. A new pair of kicks, whether in gym class or simply getting to-and-from class, is something most students look forward to come September. We adore the retro look of these New Balance 574 Backpack Sneakers, made for the late-teen set. We love the nylon material (that of old-school backpacks!) and the gorgeous brown suede logo. And we’re sure the kids won’t mind if the ‘rents picked up a similar pair, too. Mother-daughter shoes: that’s a thing, right? $99.95 at New Balance stores.
 

8. To keep the kiddies’ lunch cool, an insulated lunch bag is a must. The Safety Stripe Soft Lunch Bag from trusted brand THERMOS not only does its job in the school cafeteria, but also on the streets: the bag features a reflective stripe, keeping your child visible to drivers during the walk home on those darkened fall and winter evenings. $8.99 at Walmart.