Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about stocking up on notebooks and pencils anymore. Parents are also looking for products that save time, help kids stay organized and make everyday routines easier, whether that means packing lunch, getting out the door in the morning or settling into a college dorm. From no-tie shoelaces for younger students to rolling totes built for college move-in day, brands are introducing new and practical products for every stage. Here are some standout back-to-school finds for 2026: Hulken Move-in day just got a lot easier. Hulken’s cult-favorite rolling totes are now available in exclusive Target colorways, including a Large Rolling Tote in Forest Green with Midnight Blue handles ($125) and a Medium Rolling Tote in Midnight Blue with Forest Green handles ($110). The fold-flat bags are designed to haul everything from laundry and groceries to dorm essentials, making them a practical companion throughout the school year. The Lad Collective Anyone who has wrestled with dorm bedding knows how quickly fitted sheets can pop off a Twin XL mattress. The Lad Collective aims to solve that problem with its One-Minute Bed collection. The bedding features labeled corner straps for easy setup, deep pockets and heavy-duty elastic to keep sheets in place, plus a JoeyPouch that stores the entire bedding set inside itself. Each bundle also includes matching pillowcases, an eye mask and a seven-week supply of laundry sheets. Twin XL sets start at $160. Mustard Made Looking for a stylish way to corral backpacks, lunch boxes and sports gear? Mustard Made’s Twinny locker doubles as a mudroom organizer or home drop zone. The $599 locker includes adjustable shelves, hanging rails, hooks, locks and magnetic doors, providing plenty of space to keep school essentials neatly organized all year long. Naturepedic A good night’s sleep can make all the difference during the school year. Naturepedic’s Adagio 2-inch Organic Latex Mattress Topper adds extra comfort to dorm mattresses while using organic latex instead of conventional foam. The topper starts at $399 and is designed for students looking to upgrade their sleep setup. PlanetBox Families looking to reduce single-use plastics may want to check out PlanetBox’s recycled stainless steel lunch box. The bento-style container features compartments to help keep lunches organized, is dishwasher safe and fits neatly inside most lunch bags and backpacks. Staples Staples is helping families save throughout back-to-school season with a series of weekly freebies available through Sept. 12, while supplies last. Customers can score a free item with a qualifying purchase both in stores and online, alongside school supplies starting at 25 cents, technology deals and exclusive teacher savings. Here’s the freebie schedule: July 12-18: Free Astrobright Solar Spark colored paper (100 sheets) July 19-25: Free Sharpie S-Gel pens (2-pack) July 26-Aug. 1: Free Post-it Pop-up Notes Dispenser Aug. 2-8: Free Eccolo Password Journal Aug. 9-15: Free Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens (2-pack) Aug. 23 (Sunday only): Free NeeDoh Groovy Glob with a qualifying purchase of $50 or more in stores or $100 or more online. The squishy sensory toy has become one of the hottest toys of the year, making this one-day giveaway one parents and kids won’t want to miss. Sept. 6-12: Free Staples Tote Bag TickTalk Courtesy: TickTalk Parents who aren’t quite ready to hand over a smartphone may find a middle ground with the TickTalk 5 smartwatch. Priced at $159.99, the wearable lets children make approved calls and send messages while giving parents GPS tracking and safety controls. The smartwatch is available through TickTalk, Amazon and Walmart, with the next-generation TickTalk 6 expected to launch this fall. uLace Kiddos No-Tie Shoelaces Teachers may appreciate one less shoelace to tie during the school day. uLace Kiddos No-Tie Shoelaces transform traditional sneakers into slip-ons using stretchable elastic laces that stay securely in place. Designed for children but suitable for adults as well, the $15.99 accessory makes getting out the door a little faster while giving kids more independence. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less