Back-to-School Shopping Trends for the School Year 2025-26

The new school year is almost here, and that means it’s time for back-to-school shopping. For the T-12 school year, parents are focusing on both style and function. The latest back-to-school shopping trends show that families are looking for items that help kids feel confident, stay organized, and express their personalities.

What’s Trending in the 2025-2026 School Year

This year, everything aesthetic reigns supreme: Backpacks with favorite characters, initials, matching pastel sets, and Minecraft-themed merch are flying off the shelves.

Tech gear like affordable smartwatches and wireless headphones are big, especially for middle and high schoolers. For younger kids, character lunchboxes, and tablets are in high demand. Parents are also buying clothes that can handle playground wear and tear while still looking cool in class. Matching sets, comfy sneakers, and clothes made from sustainable materials are all part of this year’s trends.

Another big focus? Mental wellness. More families are adding skincare, journals, fidget tools, and self-care items to their lists to support kids emotionally as they go back to class.

2025 Back to School Shopping Trend List

Tech & Gadgets

• Wireless headphones or earbuds

• Smartwatches (with step counters, alarms, and reminders)

• Stylus pens for tablets (great for digital note-taking or art)

• Cute phone holders and stands

• Tablet keyboards and foldable laptop sleeves

  

Trending Brands & Characters

• Sanrio (Hello Kitty, PomPomPurin, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll)

• Minecraft (everything—shirts, lunch bags, backpacks)

• PopMart Exclusives (Crybaby keychains, Labubu dolls)

• Skzoo plushies & merch (for K-pop fans)

  

• KPop Demon Hunter merch

• Lululemon & other athleisure wear brands

• Stanley cups and reusable Starbucks tumblers

• Crocs with customizable Jibbitz

• Sephora skincare starter kits (kid-safe and beginner-friendly)

  

Aesthetic & Vibe-Based Fashion

• 

  Pastel or Y2K-inspired clothes

• Oversized tees with vaporwave, spacecore, or retro graphics

• Sports jerseys and gear (especially with FIFA 2026 around the corner)

• Kawaii socks, arm warmers, and charm bracelets

  

• Sling bags decorated with enamel pins and plush keychains.

School Supplies with Personality

• Notebooks with holographic or plush covers

• Scented gel pens, pastel highlighters, and erasable markers

• “Aesthetic” supply kits (think matching colors and themes)

  

• Sticker books with Sanrio, Labubu, and other collectable characters

• Cute shaped pencil cases

Backpacks & Accessories

• Clear backpacks with insertable design panels

• Trendy “It Bags” from Lululemon and mini backpacks in bold colors

  

• Plush or LED keychains and dangly character charms

• Bento-style lunchboxes with themed compartments (Cinnamoroll, Gudetama, etc.)

• Custom name tags, iron-on patches, and character bag labels

Self-Care & Wellness

• Journals and mood trackers with aesthetic covers

  

• Beginner-friendly skincare like sheet masks and pimple patches

• Fidget tools in pastel or character designs (pop bracelets, squishies)

• Hydration reminders (water bottles that glow or beep)

• Sleep masks, essential oil rollers, and soft hair scrunchies

Shop with Purpose

As you check off your own shopping list, we invite you to make a difference for children in foster care. Many of these kids don’t get the chance to pick out new school supplies or clothes before the first day of class. That’s why Foster Love is collecting back to school items to help them start the T-12 school year with confidence.

While you’re shopping, consider picking up an extra backpack, a set of pencils, or even a fun lunchbox. Every item helps a child feel seen and supported.

Most-Needed Back to School Items for Kids in Foster Care:

• Backpacks (kid & teen styles)
• Notebooks & folders
• Pens, pencils, & highlighters
• Crayons, markers, & colored pencils
• Pencil pouches or boxes
• Glue sticks & safety scissors
• Lunchboxes & reusable water bottles
• Headphones or earbuds
• New socks & underwear (all sizes)
• Graphic tees & comfy basics (kids & teen sizes)
• Hygiene items (travel-size shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste)
• Gift cards for clothing stores or school supplies

How to Donate

It’s easy to join the movement! Drop off new items at the Foster Love HQ:

Foster Love
560 W Lambert Rd
Brea, CA 92821

Or shop from our Amazon Wishlist and have supplies shipped directly to us. 

Together, we can turn Back to School Shopping Trends into something more: hope for kids who need it most.