🏫🎒 Back to School 2025 – 20 Must-Have Essentials for UK Parents

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Ready, set, school! Here's a complete checklist of budget-friendly back-to-school essentials you can find on Amazon UK – with our favourite picks included.



Let’s face it – the school year creeps up fast. Whether your child is starting Reception or tackling GCSEs, having the right gear makes mornings easier and kids more confident. This list covers practical, affordable, and parent-approved items – all shoppable on Amazon UK.


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1. Ergonomic School Backpack

Supportive, lightweight, and spacious enough for books, lunch, and PE kit.
Why buy it? Reduces strain on growing backs and keeps everything in place.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/3IWC4MY]


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2. Personalised Water Bottle (Leakproof & BPA-Free)

A reusable water bottle that won’t get lost in the classroom.
Why buy it? Keeps kids hydrated, especially during active days.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4kMA1Zi]


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3. Lunch Box or Bento Snack Box Set

Keeps food fresh and organised, ideal for picky eaters or long days.
Why buy it? Better nutrition, less packaging, and portion control.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4eW8h32]


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4. Insulated Lunch Bag

Helps keep meals cool and fresh until lunchtime.
Why buy it? Easy to wipe down and fits neatly in most schoolbags.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4lHPJpY]


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5. Stationery Set (Pencils, Pens, Ruler, Rubber)

All the tools your child needs, in one neat package.
Why buy it? Stops you having to buy items one by one later.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4lDtUYq]

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6. Whiteboard and Marker Set for Home Use

Perfect for spelling tests, maths practice, or home learning games.
Why buy it? Reusable and turns homework into something fun.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4lDtUYq]


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7. Homework Diary or Weekly Planner

Helps older students stay on top of deadlines.
Why buy it? Builds independence and time-management skills.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4f0jSyd]


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8. Drawstring PE Kit Bag

Ideal for gym kits or after-school clubs.
Why buy it? Lightweight, easy to wash, and fits easily in lockers.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/3GAeRjd]


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9. Stick-On or Iron-On Name Labels

Label absolutely everything to avoid the lost property bin.
Why buy it? Saves money and stress in the long run.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/44FXqH1]


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10. Durable Black School Shoes

Smart, comfy, and ready to withstand the playground.
Why buy it? Scuff-resistant and ideal for long school days.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4f4EWUe]


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11. Waterproof Raincoat or Mac

Perfect for unpredictable British weather.
Why buy it? Foldable styles fit right into schoolbags.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/459PZYR]


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12. Tights or Sock Multipack (School Colours)

Spares are always needed – trust us.
Why buy it? Affordable, school-friendly, and saves laundry panics.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/452J1Ut]


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13. Affordable Kids’ Tablet or Learning Device

Helpful for homework, reading, and learning apps.
Why buy it? Amazon Kids Fire Tablets often come with parental controls.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/3IBA7p9]


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14. Blue Light Filtering Glasses for Kids

Protects their eyes during screen-heavy homework.
Why buy it? Reduces eye strain and helps with sleep too.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4lB0QAN]


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15. Hand Sanitiser (Travel-Sized, Multipack)

Still handy in classrooms and public spaces.
Why buy it? Keeps kids clean without taking up bag space.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/3UoYQQ8]


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16. Reusable Face Cloths or Pocket Tissues

Eco-friendlier than disposables and gentler on little noses.
Why buy it? Reusable and perfect for colds or sniffles.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4kNQnAY]


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17. Basic Scientific Calculator

Often needed from Year 5 and up.
Why buy it? Approved by most schools and exam boards.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4o5c42q]


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18. Flat Book Bag (Ideal for Primaries)

Simple, waterproof and easy to carry.
Why buy it? Schools often require flat bags for reading books and folders.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/44QxloZ]


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19. Clip-On Reading Light

Encourages nighttime reading or helps with late homework.
Why buy it? Portable and easy on the eyes.
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/45ePLja]


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20. Reward Chart or Sticker Pack

Great for younger kids who need a little encouragement.
Why buy it? Affordable motivation for early risers and tidy bags!
⭐ Our Pick: [https://amzn.to/4l8dMgN]


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🎯 Final Tip:

Try to order your essentials before mid-August when prices start to rise. Most of these are available on Amazon Prime, so next-day delivery is easy.


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📢 Want the full clickable shopping list?

Comment “Send me the list!” and I’ll DM you all the links in one go.

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📌 Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. It helps support the creation of useful guides like this, so thank you!

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