As technology advances, so does learning.
From hands-on classroom science explorations and data coding to outdoor project-based experiences and real-world problem-solving, education is no longer capped at just textbooks and chalkboards. Teachers (and parents) are upping their game (literally) with trying to stay informed with the modernized approaches and resources to keep students engaged and equipped with skills not only for learning, but necessary in life.
We’ve curated a few products that may bring some joy to going back to school!
b.box Mini Lunchbox
Packs the best of a bigger box into a size that’s just right for little ones. Flexi whole fruit holder stretches for better storage. Two sealed compartments are leakproof, securing wet foods (no liquids). Rounded corners and removable silicone seal for easy, hygienic cleaning. Dishwasher safe.
$22.95, ages 12 months+, bbox.com
The Allowance Game
Wash the car and earn, but forget your helmet and lose a turn. In this fast-paced game, players race around the colorful board doing chores and collecting an allowance, then spend their earnings on the things they want.
$19.99, ages 5+, lakeshorelearning.com
Montessori Preschool Busy Book for Toddlers
A pre-assembled educational resource covering 14 core concepts like alphabets, numbers, colors, shapes, emotions, and more.
$28.87, ages 4+, momoandnashi.com
Grogo: Healthier Screen Time
Turns passive screen time into active learning with grade-appropriate microlearning breaks to the endless scroll. Includes 30,000+ questions and “screen smarts” tips woven into the “Did You Know?” facts.
$19.99/yr or $1.99/monthly for one child; $29.99/yr, $2.99/mo for all family access, ages 7-18, grogo.com
MAGNA-TILES microMAGS LEARN Letters 56-Piece Set
Bring literacy to life. Designed to make letter recognition, word building and phonics playful and tactile. Creates a clear visual distinction for beginners with color-coded tiles with vowels in orange and consonants in green.
$39.99, ages 3+, magnatiles.com
Skybrary by Reading Is Fundamental
An interactive reading App featuring curated books and engaging video field trips. Builds vocabulary, comprehension, imagination, and reading confidence in a safe, ad-free environment.
$6.99 a month or $49.99 annually, ages 3-9, skybrary.org
GraviTrax Junior My Planet Starter Set
Sparks the imagination of preschoolers as they tackle engineering challenges with marble layout play. With this interactive STEM experience, kids create their own world, complete with a jungle, desert, ocean, and more.
$129.99, ages 3+, ravensburger.us
Lovevery The Math Skill Set, Part 1
A hands-on learning program designed to build a foundation of strong math skills. The 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 and play tips to guide each activity — no teaching expertise required.
$160 per part, ages 3-6, lovevery.com
Some editorial courtesy of Elena Epstein, director of the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA). Prices are based on amounts listed at time of publishing and subject to change.