Peter’s Top Ten Back to School Picks

All over Australia, kids are just about to head back to school, and parents are either steeling themselves for a teary goodbye at the school gates or shopping for these to celebrate.

If you’ve been enjoying your holidays too much to head to the shops for backpacks, lunchboxes and more, you’re in luck, because we’ve selected ten of our favourite Back to School Picks! Here they are, in no particular order. As usual, just click on any of the images or headings below to take a closer look…

Kumon Books

For clever primary school-aged kids who just can’t get enough homework, or their younger siblings who are already looking forward to starting school, Kumon’s range of books make a great gift. They’ll have hours of fun and learn heaps at the same time. They’re a win for everyone. 

Suck UK Lunch Bot

We adore this cute robot-shaped lunch box! It’s made from food-safe tin, and not only will your child’s lunch fit inside – it’ll be the envy of the whole schoolyard. That fancy BB-8’s got nothing on this retro robot… 

Moleskine Limited Edition Lego Notebook

This Moleskine notebook not only features pages made from top quality paper, it also has a Lego slab on a section of the front cover, so when you’re feeling short on inspiration, you can stick Lego pieces onto your notebook! Wait. Did we say “you”? We meant “your child” – but really, these clever notebooks are fun for parents and kids alike. Get one for yourself, too!

Lego Friends Lunch Set

While on the subject of Lego, meet Stephanie, Olivia, Mia, Emma and Andrea. They’re the Lego Friends, and they’re the stars of their very own range of Lego! This matching drink bottle and lunch box set is destined to spark schoolyard conversations…and maybe even friendships?

Kreafunk Bluetooth Headphones

Kreafunk’s Bluetooth Headphones look great and produce the kind of sound quality that has to be heard to be believed. They’re perfect for older kids to listen to their favourite songs on the bus to school.

Bobble Art Ballerina Swimming Bag

Remember swimming lessons down at the local pool when you were in primary school? Now it’s time for your child to lean how to swim…and this adorable Ballerina Swimming Bag from Bobble Art is ideal! It’s waterproof and so pretty – and it can be used for other things, too, like dance classes! It also makes a great library bag.

Kidorable Pirate Umbrella

With this arrrrrr-dorable umbrella, rainy school days will no longer get your child down. Our favourite thing about Kidorable’s Pirate Umbrella would have to be the way the handle looks just like the handle of a sword. Perfect for swashbuckling back to school adventures!

Built NY Big Apple Buddies Dog Lunch Bag

Designed in New York and loved all over the globe, Built NY’s Big Apple Buddies range is absolutely perfect for kids’ school lunches. It’s lined to keep your child’s food and drink cold for hours and there’s a nametag on the back, just in case this puppy gets lost. Cute and clever in the one irresistible package.

MadPax Quack Spiketus Rex Backpack

MadPax backpacks are just a little bit mad…but there’s definitely method to this madness! Comfortable to wear, not to mention completely unique with its 3D spikes, this backpack stands out from the crowd with a load of clever features, including a padded laptop compartment.

Roger Hargreaves Little Miss Giggles Drink Bottle

We grew up with Roger Hargreaves Little Miss and Mr Men books…now it’s our kids’ turn! These cute, colourful drink bottles, lunch boxes and more is designed in England, and it’s just the thing to brighten the day of your Little Miss Giggles, or your Mr Strong. Click here to see the whole range – there’s something for everyone!

So, are you looking forward to dropping your kids off at school or dreading it? Do you wish you’d had a Lego notebook or bluetooth headphones in your school days? Seriously though – those pens with ten colours we had back in the 80s were just as cool, right? What kind of stationery did you have when you were in school? A magnetic pencil case like this one or a Punky Brewster lunch box? Let us know in the comments below!