What’s in Your Backpack?

As students in both Needham and across the world head back to school, backpacks are once again filling up with the usual supplies: notebooks, folders, and at least 20 pencils, most of which will mysteriously vanish by the end of September. But this year, some students are thinking outside the regular supply list and packing a few unexpected and unusual items in their daily collection. From power banks to protein bars, here’s what local students are packing that might make the school day just a little bit easier. 

The number one most useful item, year after year, is a portable phone and computer charger. A dead battery halfway through the day not only disconnects you from messages and calls, but can completely derail learning and organization. Without a reliable power source, you risk missing valuable notes, deadlines, or access to critical study materials. As digital testing and completely paperless classrooms become more common, portable chargers have proven to be a must-have item, right alongside calculators and pens. 

Although some classes don’t allow them, small snacks are gaining popularity for back to school season as students realize the value of staying fueled throughout the day. Between early mornings, short lunch breaks, and long afternoons, having a quick bite on hand can improve one’s mood and concentration. Especially for those staying late after school, a well-timed break for food can prevent emergencies and improve attitude for the rest of the day. A fueling snack can boost both focus and energy, which are necessary to get through what can be a long school day. 

On the topic of food, gift cards for your favorite stores and restaurants are becoming more and more useful for students. For those who can venture off campus, a gift card to Dunkin’ or Subway might be useful in a pinch. At the very least, it offers a small treat to lift your spirits. Beyond snacks, gift cards can be used for fast purchases, such as more school supplies. Gift cards can both be a useful essential for students who need quick access to necessities throughout the day and a great gift for friends’ and family’s celebrations.

Finally, one of the most common non-traditional items showing up in backpacks is a mini first-aid kit. These kits are often compact and ready-to-use, carrying supplies that you won’t know you need until you do, such as band-aids and antiseptic wipes. These items are always readily available around school, in classrooms and the nurse’s office, but if you need a quick, on the go fix, a portable first-aid kit is perfect. With a full schedule of extracurricular activities and crowded hallways, small injuries are bound to happen. With the right supplies on hand, they can be quickly and easily taken care of without a trip to the nurse or going home.

So while notebooks and pencils will always have a place in the backpack, don’t be surprised to find a few power cords and snacks nestled beside them. Being prepared for school means not only completing homework, but also packing smart for what the day might bring.