10 smart back-to-school buys that make life easier for students of all ages — and parents, too
Whether you've got a kindergartener heading off to their first day or a high schooler gearing up for another jam-packed semester, now's the time to stock up on the essentials they'll need to nail a successful year. Back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming, but having the right gear — from upgraded lunchboxes to ultra-organized backpacks and even discreet heat patches for managing cramps — can make a big difference in starting the school year off right.
This year's crop of smart, stylish picks includes something for every student: a polished quarter-zip that holds up all year (and next year, too), allergy-friendly bread even picky eaters love, and a snack box that keeps food fresh all day. We've even included a few under-the-radar finds for after-school snacks, creative expression, and better organization all around.
Here are the best back-to-school essentials to shop now.
: This article was produced in partnership with PressHook, which provided financial support to assist with research on some of the products included in this piece.
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Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Chilipad Review: So Cooling, I Turned Down The AC In Triple-Digit Heat
From testing cooling mattresses and bedding to cranking the AC to truly frigid temperatures, I've tried countless ways to escape overheating while I sleep. (I think my husband especially appreciates my method of morphing into a human torpedo and kicking all the blankets off in the night.) So when I started testing the Chilipad by Sleepme, an active cooling system you add to your bed, I was excited—and dare I say, hopeful—to add it to my repertoire of reprieves. In this Chilipad review, I share how it performed after using it for more than two months during the peak of summer. I tested the Chilipad Dock Pro for over two months in the summer heat to see how effective it is. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer I live in the South, where we've hit triple digits these past few weeks. Add in a healthy dose of humidity and you have the perfect testing environment for a cooling product. Chilipad offers multiple cooling systems; my husband and I tested the Chilipad Dock Pro Bed, which lets you independently customize temperature and scheduling for each side of the bed. Ahead, learn more about how it works, its standout features and its potential drawbacks. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Cooling type: Active | Cooling method: Water | Trial: 30 nights | Warranty: 1 year What you'll love: Available in half or whole sizes for one or more sleepers Each partner can control their side of the bed Temperature control ranges from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit No membership fees Keep in mind: It requires distilled water and cleaner for maintenance (not included) Only queen, king and California king sizes are available You can choose a 'me' or 'we' model of the Chilipad Dock Pro, meaning a half size created for just one person that goes on one side of the mattress or a whole size for two people who share a bed. Both options are available for queen, king and California king mattresses. My husband and I ordered the 'we' to see how customizable it truly is for couples. When it arrives, you may feel like there's a lot going on with the different docks, hoses and wires, but it comes together rather simply. You secure the pad on your mattress like you would a protector and weave the hoses through your bed frame. The hoses connect to the dock(s), which then plugs into the wall. You can power the device on and control the temperature using the buttons on the dock, but it's best (and easiest) to download the Sleepme app and control it from your phone. The "we" Chilipad Dock Pro fits like a mattress protector, but with hoses at the bottom. bridget chapman for forbes Along with adjusting the temperature from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, you can set up a regular schedule for it to automatically turn on and adjust throughout the night or morning if you prefer. Something I also especially appreciate about the Chilipad: It does not require an ongoing paid membership or fees like some other cooling products do. If you're like me and enjoy a clutter-free zone, I'd measure the space beneath your bed frame to make sure it can slide under. At 6.25 inches tall, the docks just barely slide under ours. (It would bother me if I had to keep them out in plain sight, but that may be a personal preference—I don't fully love being able to see them under the bed either, to be honest.) The Chilipad's dock slid snugly under my bed, keeping it out of immediate sight. bridget chapman for forbes The cooling system works by circulating distilled water through microtubes in the pad, and the water's temperature changes to keep you comfortable. You do need to buy the distilled water separately; I found it requires a refill every few weeks, so it's best to keep a jug nearby. With my husband and I using two docks every night, we probably replace the jug itself on a monthly basis. Rapid And Effective Cooling (Or Heating) Relief One lesson I've learned after moving many times over the years is no two thermostats seem to share the same temperature truth. What I mean by that is 66 degrees for one may feel like 70 degrees for another, and hot sleepers know how much each one of those degrees count in the middle of a sweltering night. Because of this, I first set my Chilipad to 64 degrees—and I froze. I found my sweet spot to be 68 to 70 degrees for most of the night with an automatic adjustment to 73 degrees come morning. Meanwhile, my husband likes his even cooler, at 65 degrees, so it takes some playing around with. Whatever your preferred temperature, this system was so effective at cooling my body that I ended up turning down our AC a few times in the middle of the night. I also tested its heating function, cranking it up to the full 115 degrees. The result was a soothing warmth, as if lying on a full-body heating pad or heated massage table. I think it could especially be relaxing and helpful for easing aches, pains or cramps. The second the system kicks on, it starts working, but it takes a few minutes to significantly change degrees. You can slightly feel the water when it initially fills the microtubes within the pad beneath you, and a cooling sensation forms as it drops in temperature, but it's very subtle in terms of the operational feel. I didn't notice the pad itself being there throughout the night and don't think it altered the feel or firmness of our mattress at all. The dock's display shows your bed's current temperature next to what it's working toward. bridget chapman for forbes I compare the sound the dock makes to a very gentle white noise. The brand refers to it as 'whisper-quiet,' a description I agree with. We also sleep with a white noise machine so it didn't impact us at all. Nevertheless, I think most people would be fine with it or would hardly notice it since I had to double-check whether it was still on or not some mornings—but if you need your room to be dead quiet while you sleep, it might be a dealbreaker depending on where you place the dock. Easy To Maintain With Water And Cleaner As mentioned above, you need distilled water to keep it running, but Sleepme suggests you also use the Chilipad cleaner on a monthly basis. Using the cleaner is really easy: You just pour it into the same area where the distilled water goes and you're done. However, you need to purchase the cleaner separately; you can buy it as a 3-, 6- or 12-pack (ranging from $24 to $96 before discounts). The brand also recommends doing a semiannual flush where you disconnect the pad, drain it, then wash it in a cold water on gentle cycle and dry with a medium-temperature setting. You add both the water and cleaner to this corner of the dock (after unlocking and removing the ... More lid). bridget chapman for forbes I always recommend using a mattress protector to keep your mattress safe from spills, dust mites and allergens, but I would especially recommend a waterproof one for extra security if using the Chilipad. (We haven't experienced any issues with leaking or condensation, but again, it never hurts to have one.) Optional AI-Powered Sleep Tracking You can also add a sleep tracker to the Chilipad Dock Pro, which is in the form of another thin but smaller pad that goes under the Chilipad cover where your chest lies. It uses AI to offer live temperature adjustments as well as daily analyses of your REM, deep sleep and light sleep stages. The non-wearable device also tracks your sleeping heart rate variability, resting heart rate, breathing patterns and more in an effort to help improve your sleep quality and knowledge. All the information is stored in the same app you use to operate the Chilipad. It does cost an additional $299 at full retail, though. We haven't tested this component yet and cannot speak to its precision (though no sleep tracker is 100% accurate). Final Thoughts The Chilipad Dock Pro Bed Cooling System has immensely transformed our sleep. Not only do we sleep deeper and better—and have nixed the 3 a.m. blanket-kicking routine—but my husband no longer feels like a human furnace sleeping next to me, and vice versa. It's easy to use, and I love that you can set daily, personalized schedules for each side of the bed. Though I do think there are a lot of mattresses and bedding products that are more 'cooling' than others, there's only so much they can do, since they don't use electronic tech to cool you down. Rather, their materials help regulate your temperature by being breathable, cool to the touch or a heat conductor. They definitely help in my experience and are adequate for many sleepers, but their capabilities are not extreme. The Chilipad, on the other hand, is an active bed system that can truly chill or toast you to your heart's content. There are also smart beds that contain this type of technology, like the Sleep Number ClimateCool, but these options are best if you're looking to commit to a more drastic (and expensive) sleep setup change. I appreciate that adding the Chilipad to your current mattress won't alter its feel or firmness. However, I know the Chilipad Dock Pro is a luxury purchase alone. It also may not be the right product for those looking to avoid having any dock(s) and hoses to store under or around their bed—or if you don't want the regular maintenance of adding distilled water and cleaner. In that case, a cooling blanket or cooling mattress topper may suffice. But for my hot-sleeping husband and me, the Chilipad is beyond worth it. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted sleep team consists of experienced editors and writers who've tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products to help others achieve the best sleep possible. Our extensive library of sleep content includes everything from the best cooling mattresses and the best cooling sheets to the best anti-snore devices and other shopping advice. Author of this article Bridget Chapman is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted. She's a certified sleep science coach who's tested hundreds of products. As a hot sleeper herself, she's tested many of our top picks for the best cooling mattresses and bedding products. Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, reviewed this article. She's worked in the media industry for over two decades, with the latter half of her career focused on product testing and research, covering everything from the best pillows to our favorite adjustable base. Is The Chilipad Worth It? We think the Chilipad is worth it if temperature is negatively impacting your sleep. It's an effective cooling (and heating) system that can adjust your bed's temperature from 55 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also easy to use and maintain. What Is The Difference Between Chilipad And Ooler? The Ooler was a cooling system from Sleepme that was discontinued in December 2023 and replaced with the Chilipad Dock Pro. The brand says the Dock Pro offers twice the cooling capacity that the Ooler did, while being quieter and more comfortable. Does Chilipad Require A Subscription? No, Sleepme does not require a subscription or ongoing fee for its Chilipad bed cooling systems.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
I'm eyeing these 32 best back-to-school shoe sales from Hoka, Crocs, Adidas and more
One routine I always looked forward to when returning to elementary school, high school or college was shoe shopping. Normally, I'd only pick out a stylish sneaker and a running shoe to replace the worn-out kicks I'd run down, but with today's back-to-school deals across brands like Hoka, Crocs, Nike and more, you may want to stray and snag multiple pairs. Coming from someone who covers sales and deals for a living, I curated the best back-to-school sales, so you can optimize your haul (and potentially spend leftover cash on clothing too). The German-founded brand synonymous with its three-stripe marked running shoes and sneakers is offering up to 40% off as part of its back-to-school sale. Adidas Women's Gazelle Bold Shoes Give your ensembles a bit more height with these rubber gum sole, platform street sneakers. Starting at $84, they come in vivid color combinations and neutral designs like this tan suede with maroon accents. Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes Striking a great balance of comfort and versatility, these cushy sneakers work for low-impact activities. They're discounted in men's and women's our review Adidas Women's VL Court 3.0 Shoes Closely resembling the popular Sambas, the VL Court 3.0 shoes tap into the same aesthetics but provide more cushion through the sole. My sister owns this blue pair, and I can't help but steal them from time to time. Adidas Men's Grand Court 2.0 Shoes If you prefer a more streamlined, classic shoe, it doesn't get more so than the Grand Court 2.0. They're emblazoned with the brand's iconic stripes, and they pair well with anything from jeans to shorts. In prep for the busy school season ahead, the major footwear retailer kicked off its Big-Deal Brands, offering up to 25% off New Balance, Crocs, Reebok, Hey Dude and more. Plus, if you're stocking up on multiple pairs, unlock free shipping on orders $75 and up with code FREESHIP. Reebok Women's Club C 85 Sneakers Leaning into retro aesthetics, the popular Club Cs make a great go-to white sneaker. Style them with a pair of baggy jeans to let their low profile peek out underneath. A bonus: They're marked down by $20 at DSW. Crocs Women's Dylan Clogs These platform clogs may be a little out there, but they became fast favorites among our editors. They adopt a faux leather texture that make them look more expensive than their under-$50 sale price. New Balance Men's CT300 v3 Court Sneakers While New Balance is known for their on-trend Dad sneakers, they also offer more streamlined Court sneakers that add a fun touch to 'fits. Take this discounted pair for example. Hey Dude Men's Welsh Grip Boat Shoes We've been seeing Hey Dudes crop up more and more. So if you're heading to a college with warmer temps year-round, these boat shoes suit those subtropical regions well. From Dad sneakers to shoes for girls and boys, New Balance can outfit your entire family for the back-to-school season. A few select styles and colors are on sale, so I've done the vetting for you, allowing you to check off your supply list next. New Balance 1906R Sneakers Available in half sizes for men and women, these sneakers are a crowd pleaser. I appreciate its chrome accents and intertwining lines, which lend it a retro feel. New Balance 2002R Shoes From purple palettes to moss green pairs like this one, the 2002Rs are on sale in a variety of options. They make a good go-to sneaker to throw on as you trek across campus. New Balance 471 Shoes Make your mark on the first day of school with these statement-making shoes. They feature a colorful fuzz with suede overlays that help them standout. New Balance Kid's FuelCell Play Bungee Shoes Tons of kid's styles are 25% off with code NBLEARN. That includes these sneakers with an easy bungee-cord lace and velcro strap. Save up to 50% during Nike's back-to-school sale when you use code SPORT, which stacks an extra 20% off select on-sale styles like Nike Air Force 1s and Nike Dunks. Nike Women's Air Max Excee Shoes Inspired by the bestselling Nike Air Max 90, the Excees reinvents the classic shoe adds an elongate toe and contrasting lines on the upper. For those who may be in between sizes can choose from half sizes. Nike Women's V2K Run Shoes My sister owns these Nike sneakers, so I've gotten to see the silver accent details in person. I love that the added chromed elevates an otherwise plain chunky sneaker. They're ideal for running errands or getting you from class to class. Nike Women's Dunk Low Retro Shoes These eye-catching Dunks will certainly turn heads on campus. The titular street sneakers comes in men's and women's sizes as well as an array of color-blocked options for $100. Nike Men's Air Max 270 Shoes Whether you're hitting the campus gym, nailing the Pacer test or taking part in recreational sports, these shoes with a sock upper are designed to feel lightweight and airy on your feet. A new school year means new deals. You'll find discounts sitewide at Nordstrom Rack, bringing fresh savings on popular name brands. That spans comfy sneakers from Adidas and Vans to running shoes from Hoka and Brooks. Hoka Women's Challenger 7 Running Shoes Hoka running shoes have won over our expert testers time and time again. If you're looking to invest in a pair of athletic shoes, look no further than these Challenger 7s on sale at Nordstrom Rack. Birkenstock Women's Boston Cord Clogs My Boston Clogs have served me well. I slide them on whenever I'm taking out the trash, checking the mail or doing laundry. Nordstrom Rack has this cute red corduroy pair for $100. Vans Men's Asher Sneakers Skaters and students alike can reach for this pair of discounted Vans. They adopt a brown checkered pattern that brings more visual interest than the typical white and black options we see. Brooks Men's Revel 7 Hybrid Running Shoes I'm an owner of two Brooks running shoes, and I much prefer them over other brands out there. Like the pairs I own, these feature a thick, bouncy sole and mesh upper to keep your steps altogether breathable and comfy. Calling all teachers or aspiring professionals: Rothy's Final Few Sale is filled with Mary Janes, loafers, ballet flats and more. Be ready to take on interviews and presentations while looking polished and feeling confident with the brand's comfortable footwear. Rothy's The Double Buckle Mary Janes You can't go wrong with a Mary Jane. These feature a pair of secure buckles and a square toebox, toeing the line of sophisticated and comfortable. Rothy's The Loafer in Ecru These no-frills loafers pair well with just about anything in its on-sale tan color. It's made with a flexible upper that won't hinder your steps throughout the day. Rothy's The Double Bit Drivers Incorporating a horsebit detail, these drivers exude luxurious. Choose from four on-sale options, like refined checkered patterns and versatile plain colors. Rothy's The Point II Flats Bring a bit more fun to 'fits with these signature ballet flats that come in discounted flower patterns and pastel colors. Their pointed toe peeps out from under long hems. One of our favorite outdoor apparel retailers is hosting its slate of footwear deals, timed perfectly for the busy shopping season. On top of hiking boots and trail shoes, running shoes, sandals and more are also marked down at REI. Keen Women's Newport H2 Sandals If you prefer wearing comfortable sandals to and fro, these activewear shoes keep feet on lock and your tread slip-free. Score four different colors for under $100. Teva Men's Universal Trail Sandals A classic men's sandal for any water adventures, these Tevas will come in handy whenever you have downtime and are attending school on the coast. Merrell Women's Speed Eco Hiking Shoes Hit the trails in between study sessions or during long weekends with one of the most stylish hiking shoes I've come across. Even better, they just dropped below $85 at REI. Merrell Men's Moab Edge 3 Hiking Shoes Go sport mode with these adventure-ready hiking shoes from Merrell. They boast a shock-absorbing lug sole and a breathable mesh liner. Tick off your back-to-school footwear checklist while sandals, sneakers, ballet flats and more are discounted at the shoe destination. Zappos is also exclusively knocking down prices on Crocs and Converse. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top Sneakers When I think of the back-to-school shoe, it's Converse. These classic high-tops never go out of style. Available in a variety of on-sale options, you can pick a fun pop of color to liven up your closet. Crocs Classic Clogs Hitting the dorm showers? Rule number one is to bring a good pair of shower shoes. These Crocs hold up to water and rinse easily. Their bouncy EVA construction and heel strap also helps deliver better stability. On Running Women's Cloudeclipse Shoes Those who have goals to up their step or running count may appreciate these On Running shoes. They tout a design made for interval training on hard, pavement surfaces. New Balance Classics 574 Shoes If you like the vintage look, these New Balance 574s for their pointed silhouette, rubber details and mixed textures. It's discounted in over 10 colors so you can really take your pick based on what suits your wardrobe. One of the best times to snag new footwear is during the back-to-school season. Retailers know that parents and kids alike will be flocking to different apparel brands to revamp their wardrobes for the season ahead. In kind, many destinations, specifically large retailers like DSW, Nordstrom Rack and Zappos, reliably knock down prices on a selection of shoes, typically fashionable sneakers and running shoes. You'll find that most of the affordable picks above fall under $100. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted pieces from Lululemon to the best picks from Target's back-to-school sale, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure we're finding the best buys for our readers.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
What Happens When Two Social Media Favorite Brands Collab? Pure Magic
Individually, Lindsey Carter and Chelsea Parke are two powerhouses leading their own iconic clothing brands SET Active and Parke, respectively. So what would happen if the two of them were to combine forces for an iconic co-branded collaboration? Ahead of their second co-branded SET x Parke collection, 'Low Tide', which launched today, I reached out to both founders to get their insights on how brands can work together, the lessons learned from the first collaboration launch, and what's next for each of these brands. Foundations In Friendship The idea for a SET x Parke collaboration came about not as two business owners plotting ways to optimize sales, but as two friends turning a clever idea into a reality. 'Lindsey and I connected instantly a few years ago,' Parke founder Chelsea Parke explained; 'we just get each other, and it naturally evolved into our brands collaborating.' 'Coming up with SET x Parke was basically just having a moment with a friend where one of you throws out a wild idea and you get excited thinking about the possibilities,' shared SET Active Founder and CEO Lindsey Carter, 'except we're the kind of people who actually make it happen.' And make it happen, they did! The first SET x Parke collection was a major hit with fans of both brands, selling out within 10 minutes of the drop. The collaboration's success speaks well to their ability to collaborate and trust one another on design decisions that will resonate with both customer bases. 'We talk about everything, from color palettes and silhouettes to the vibe, storytelling, and how we want people to feel in the pieces,' Chelsea described of the design process, noting that both teams were sharing mood boards, samples, graphics, and other materials to make sure all parties aligned. Lindsey elaborated that the partnership works because they let each team do what they do best. 'It's all about amplifying what makes each brand unique while finding that sweet spot where our worlds overlap.' That means taking SET's incredible activewear and Parke's popular mockneck sweatshirts and denim and bringing them all together to make something truly special for their fans. Bigger And Better Since this isn't the first go-around for the collaboration, Lindsey and Chelsea were able to apply a lot of learnings to this second collection. 'We totally underestimated demand,' Lindsey admitted, 'so this time around, we've significantly increased our inventory.' This way, more fans of SET and Parke will be able to get their hands on this coveted collection. Chelsea also shared that they dove deeper into the collection from a design perspective to make 'sure every piece could mix and match across both collections to feel intentional, wearable, and versatile.' As with all of their collections, both founders take the feedback from their highly-engaged community to heart, using customer responses to guide design choices, inventory purchasing, and more. 'We love to surprise our community, but also give them more of what they love,' Lindsey said, describing the end result of this second collection as feeling 'more elevated, more intentional, and honestly, more us.' Connecting With Community One of the biggest reasons why both SET and Parke have cemented themselves as must-have brands is their dedication to fostering their communities. Both SET and Parke utilize social media not only to market their new collections but to interact with fans, bring them along in the design process, and make them feel like they are truly part of the brand themselves. 'We absolutely love sharing the behind-the-scenes of what we're building,' Chelsea shared of Parke's social media strategy. Lindsey echoed the power of that strategy, advising aspiring brand founders to 'share the BTS, the mess-ups, the wins, the figuring-it-out moments [because] that's what people connect with.' Chelsea also encouraged brand founders to 'show up in different ways across different platforms [because] you never know which moment or post will be the one that really resonates.' They both also stressed the value of approachability in their content, with Lindsey describing her approach as like talking to a friend. They've both made the personal an integral part of their business success, allowing their customers to connect with the brand and its creators on a deeper level. Highlights From The Collection This second collaboration is titled 'Low Tide' and looks like a dreamy, misty morning on the shore come to life. With nautical elements and naturalistic blues, pinks, and greens, it's a great collection for that transitional period between summer and fall that we find ourselves in at the moment. With SET's popular leggings and sports bras, Parke's famous mockneck sweatshirts, and new designs that blend the idiosyncrasies of the two brands, there's something for everyone. Of course, I had to ask Chelsea and Lindsey about their personal favorite pieces in the collection, along with how they'd recommend styling them: "The mockneck is always my ride or die; it's the perfect finishing touch to any look. But this drop's stirrup leggings and the rest of the active pieces are truly a dream. I love styling sets with a trench or oversized denim jacket, sneakers or ballet flats, and fun jewelry for an easy everyday uniform that still feels polished." 'I'm obsessed with the Rhubarb Denim SET. I'd style it with a white tank, the matching jacket, and either ballet flats or cute sneakers that have a pop of color.' I think Chelsea really summed up the collection perfectly with the following: 'I'm always in Parke, and when I'm not in Parke, I'm in Set, so this collection really is the perfect blend of my everyday uniform.' You can shop the new SET x Parke collection now.
