Are you or your kid headed back to school and eager to find some gadgets to help lock-in after those last lazy summer days? These tech finds can help.
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Back-to-school means new adventures for students and their parents. And for many, those new adventures come with a shopping list. Every school year brings a new learning curve, no matter how long you’ve been in the game. Everyone’s juggling unfamiliar commitments and the never-ending demand of homework and extracurriculars. The right technology anchors it all and can help you (and your kiddos) feel more centered and focused.
These 13 back-to-school tech finds help make your life easier, even if it’s just in a small way. From the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning to managing evening sports and getting ready for bedtime, a well-thought-out solution can ease the stress of new routines and help everyone in the family build better habits. And maybe, just maybe, look forward to the new school year. Here are some of the top tech for parents and students to add to your back-to-school shopping list.Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
A new backpack ranks as one of the most quintessential items on any back-to-school list, no matter the age or grade. Backpacks have come a long way over the years, evolving from a collection of storage pockets with zippers to include tactical features, like laptop padding and built-in charging cables. This waterproof laptop backpack from Bange is a classic example of tech-forward design. It’s stylish enough to carry every day without standing out too much while offering convenience and purpose that ordinary backpacks can’t match.
Designed for carrying laptops (among other things), this backpack includes multiple side pockets for smaller items and a divided pocket for papers, folders, and other things you need at a moment’s notice. The multipurpose strap comes in handy to hang sunglasses, keys, or other items you need quick access to. A USB charging port on the side lets you connect your own power bank to charge your small devices on the go (think headphones, cell phones, and tablets). It’s a thoughtfully designed setup that helps you stay organized and prepared, and makes a great travel companion outside of school. You can find this one on Amazon for $65.99.Yoto Player
The average child spends a good chunk of their day on screens, both inside and outside the classroom. Classwork is increasingly being done on computers and Chromebooks, with TV and video games to follow after the final bell. Parents wanting their kids to spend more time off screens might have an easier time with tools like the Yoto Player.
Yoto is a screen-free audio device that grows with your child’s interests. It’s a music player, storyteller, toothbrush timer, night light, clock, and audio gaming device in one. The okay-to-wake timer shows your younger kids whether it’s time to get up in the morning or try to go back to sleep. Kids can insert book and game cards into the machine to keep them learning and entertained, all without a screen in sight. Yoto also has an educational podcast just for kids, as well as radio stations, timers, sleep sounds, and even an app where you can sync your phone to their device and customize it to your preferences. Yoto’s VIP club options help you build your Yoto card library and give you access to original content. The player sells for $99, with memberships starting at $4.99 per month.Mini Keyboard Vacuum Cleaner
A mini vacuum cleaner for your keyboard is the unsung hero of back-to-school tools. Students of all ages use computers in some capacity, and the screen tends to dominate schoolwork for middle schoolers and up. When students are banging out papers or studying for tests, their brain-fuel snacks can end up in unwanted places, like the crevices in between their keyboard keys. Eventually, the space bar starts crunching back.
A mini keyboard vacuum cleaner keeps crumbs away from the workspace. Solutions like the Hayousui handheld computer vacuum are designed to reach tough places. This one includes a brush attachment and an elongated narrow nozzle to sweep and suck small debris away. It’s small enough to toss in a backpack or laptop bag for on-the-go cleaning, and powerful enough to handle pet hair, food crumbs, paper scraps, dust, and ash. Bonus tip: it also makes a great handheld car vacuum for cleaning up those after-school snacks. You can get the Hayousui handheld computer vacuum on Amazon for $29.99.TravlFi JourneyGo Mobile Hot Spot
For busy students (and their parents), connectivity is everything. Maybe your kids need to do their homework on their way to soccer practice or on the sidelines while siblings are living out their sports dreams. Maybe the signal isn’t great on campus, the libraries are full, or your home Wi-Fi network crashes. Whatever the need, having a portable Wi-Fi hotspot keeps you connected no matter where you are.
Companies like TravlFi make portable Wi-Fi hotspots for travelers (think digital nomads, RVers, and so on), but they work well for anyone who’s on the go and needs a reliable connection. Buy the device once, then activate your hotspot data whenever you need it. There’s no long-term contract, and you can pay as you go and choose how much data you need. The device is small enough to fit in a backpack or purse or stay permanently in your vehicle, so you’ll always have it when you need it.
