Where did the summer go? LAUSD’s first day of school is Aug. 12. Other SoCal school districts are close behind: Burbank and Alhambra Unified School Districts begin Aug. 13, Pasadena Unified School District begins Aug. 17 and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District begins Aug. 20.
As we get ready for a new school year, here are a few back-to-school essentials we know you’ll love as much as we do.
Stickerbox
Your kids can create unique stickers with this voice-activated, AI-powered creative tool that instantly transforms any idea into a real sticker you can color, share and collect. Blends arts & crafts with technology to turn imagination into reality with the click of a button. $129.99, ages 5+, stickerbox.com
Purposeful Play Kindergarten Prep Box
Build essential early learning skills in just 15 minutes a day. Each box includes 55+ hands-on, play-based activities that strengthen early literacy, language, math, motor skills, social–emotional development and independence. $169, ages 3-6 years, purposeful-play.com
MAGNA-TILES microMAGS LEARN Letters 56-Piece Set
Bring literacy to life with these smaller tiles designed to make letter recognition, word building and phonics playful and tactile. Featuring color-coded tiles to create a clear visual distinction for beginners. $39.99, ages 3+, magnatiles.com
Lovevery The Math Skill Set, Part 1
This screen-free program incorporates playful games, stories and practical, real-life activities. A Play Guide and free access to expert content through The Lovevery App, provides parents with background knowledge, play tips and confidence to guide each activity. $160 per set, ages 3-6, lovevery.com
b.box mini lunchbox
Healthy school snacks just got easier with the flexi whole fruit holder that stretches for easier storage. Two sealed compartments are leakproof, securing wet foods (no liquids). Dishwasher safe. $22.95, ages 12 months+, bbox.com
The Landmark Kids
Bring learning home with this monthly geography mystery subscription box that transforms kids into secret agents solving mysteries in a new country. Includes puzzles, maps, a buildable landmark model, collectible country pin, recipe and souvenirs. $37, ages 7-12, thelandmarkkids.com
Zingo!
Encourages pre-readers and early readers alike to match the pictures and words on their challenge cards with the tiles revealed. Two levels of play and several game variations keep the zaniness going for hours.$22.99, ages 4+, ravensburger.us
Kids to Go
Make after school conversations more meaningful with these 40 open-ended questions that inspire both kids and grown-ups to share ideas, thoughts and interests. $9, ages 4+, tabletopics.com
The Great American Story: 250 Years of America in 250 Words
Make our 250-year history come alive with this interactive digital guide. Features 250 thoughtfully selected words grouped into categories such as Science & Discovery, American Art and more. Free for families until Labor Day 2026, $50 after Labor Day, ages 7-12, mrswordsmith.com
Ballucci Floating Shelves
Get organized for school with extra storage and style. Set includes three black wood floating shelves that use a hidden metal bracket system supporting up to 17 lbs. per shelf while keeping the mounting hardware completely out of sight. No assembly required and everything you need is in the box. $33.49, ballucci.com
NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 36 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com
