5 Back-To-School Essentials for 2023

Note: Content has been updated to reflect product availability and trends in June 2023

School is out for summer! And that only means one thing — it’s almost time to go back to school again! As the school year approaches, it’s not too early to think about what to supply your backpack with. Besides the traditional assortment of notebooks, pens, and pencils, you want to be able to look through your backpack knowing you’re covered for the day! Whether it’s a lunch bag to store all your fav snacks, a Hydro Flask to stay hydrated, or cozy sweater for your walks to class, being prepared can soothe those first-day jitters and make your first day back a breeze. Here are 5 must-haves to include in your ear for the new school year.

1) Backpacks

A must-have essential for going back to school – a great backpack. Not only do they hold your study materials, books and stationery, but they also need to carry your everyday essentials like your snacks, headphones and laptop. A great school backpack can look cool and be practical, so you can carry your must-haves while also rocking a statement look! Take a look at backpacks from popular brands like JanSport and Herschel for amazing quality and unique designs!

JANSPORT SuperBreak Plus Backpack – Black

O’NEILL Shoreline Backpack – Slate Blue

DICKIES Signature Backpack – Brown

FJALLRAVEN Kanken Backpack – Orange

2) Lunch Bags

Keep your lunch and snacks cooler for longer and ditch the boring brown paper bags this semester with a stylish and reusable lunch bag. Try something new and colorful with these selections for the school season ahead! They all feature specially insulated compartments, which allow food to be kept warm or cold for hours.

JANSPORT Lunch Break Lunch Bag – Space Dust

FJALLRAVEN Kånken Mini Cooler – Green

Hydro Flask Kids Insulated Lunch Box – Wisteria

Matching Lunch Bag Sets

3) Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is a must when studying and socializing at school. Being able to take water around campus with you will help to keep you refreshed all day long. Having a handy and reusable water bottle is an easy way to stay hydrated at school, and it’s even better when your water bottle has a cool design! Choosing a water bottle from Hydro Flask that has vacuum insulation and a durable exterior will keep your water chilled and hot drinks warm…and prevent awkward spills and leaks! Just like your backpack, a water bottle is an important component to bring to school everyday. Here are a few of our favorites!

HYDRO FLASK 40 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle – Limited Edition – COTTON CANDY

HYDRO FLASK 32 oz Wide Mouth Water Bottle – Limited Edition – Mellow

HYDRO FLASK 24oz Standard Mouth With Straw Lid – DEW

Alien 17oz. Face Water Bottle – Metal

4) Sweaters and Hoodies

MARVEL Vintage Logo Unisex Hoodie – Heather Gray

HENNA Lotus Unisex Crewneck Sweatshirt – Charcoal

Going back to school doesn’t just mean the beginning of a new semester, it also usually means the start of colder weather! Having a statement but practical hoodie or cute sweater with you in your backpack or locker will mean you can stay warm and cozy on campus as the fall weather starts. Here are a few of our favorite sweaters that will keep you comfy and confident at school.

5) Lanyards and Keychains

LSMOKO Tayto Mootato Plush Keychain – black and white

HUF Recon Mens Lanyard Pouch – black

SQUISHABLE Micro Comfort Food Ramen Plush Keychain

Going back to school usually means new locker keys, library cards and campus ID cards. Keep your keys and campus ID cards secured and easy to grab with a unique lanyard or funky keychain. Keeping all of your keys and passes together on one keychain or lanyard will make getting out in the morning so much easier without the stress of wondering where your keys are! Take it from us…it’s a hassle you don’t want right before class starts! Take a look at some of our favorite lanyards and keychains.

Discover a range of trending and unique back-to-school essentials from Tillys. We have everything you need to make a statement on your first day back to school or campus, from eye-catching hair accessories to desk supplies to help keep you focused, you’ll find the ideal finishing touches to your new semester look.

For more back-to-school clothes and outfit inspiration, take a look at our new arrivals for men and women!

Note: Content has been edited to reflect the latest back-to-school products and product availability. Updated: June, 2023