Back-to-School Tech: 5 Gadgets That Make the Grade
Back-to-school season always sneaks up on me. This year feels especially big—my son is heading back, and my daughter is starting preschool. Between drop-offs, supply lists, and everything in between, I’m leaning on smart tech to keep us organized, safe, and (hopefully) a little less stressed. Students need gadgets that do more than just look cool on a desk. From laptops that last all day without a charger hunt, to glasses that protect their eyes and privacy, here’s the real back-to-school shopping list that actually makes student life easier. Whether you’re shopping for little learners, teens, or even college students, there’s something here for every age—and every budget, from $20 to $300.
1. Scanmarker Pro Digital Highlighter
The Scanmarker Pro is more than a digital highlighter—it’s a study assistant in your pocket and a lifesaver for college students drowning in textbooks and readings.. It can scan written and printed text and read it aloud in multiple languages, even when you’re offline, making it a lifesaver for students juggling heavy reading assignments. With support for over 100 languages, you can translate text instantly or even hold real-time, two-way translated conversations. It also doubles as a productivity tool with voice memo capability, Bluetooth earbuds, and a built-in dictionary that defines scanned words. In other words, it takes notes, translates, and talks back to you—something your study partner probably won’t.
Bonus: it records voice memos, comes with Bluetooth earbuds, and has a built-in dictionary. Basically, it’s like having a study buddy who never complains.
Price: $249
Link: https://scanmarker.com/products/scanmarker-pro
2. EyeQLenz™ with Zenni ID Guard™
If you’re staring at screens all day, these glasses are the equivalent of sunblock for your eyes. EyeQLenz with Zenni ID Guard is an all-in-one lens designed for broad-spectrum eye protection. It shields your eyes from UV rays, filters blue light to reduce digital eye strain, and even blocks near-infrared light with its advanced coating. The lenses are light-adaptive, so they stay clear indoors and darken outside—no need to switch pairs.
Here’s the cool part: the subtle pink sheen isn’t just a fashion detail—it’s proof the lenses are protecting you from infrared light and disrupting unwanted facial recognition tracking. The pink means it’s working. Available for both kids and adults, these are priced to be the most affordable option on the market, and you can only get them at Zenni.com.
Price: $54.95 (Labor Day Sale: Up to 50% off 300+ styles)
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3. SEENDA MOU-302 Ergonomic Rechargeable Wireless Mouse
Amazon Discounted Price: $19.59
If you’re working on papers, editing, or just navigating endless tabs, this mouse makes a big difference. The ergonomic shape helps prevent wrist strain, so it’s great for long study sessions. You can connect it to three different devices and switch between them with one click—super handy if you’re bouncing between a laptop and iPad. It’s customizable, too, with seven buttons and media controls, so you can adjust volume or pause music without reaching for your keyboard. The rechargeable battery lasts up to two months, making it low-maintenance and budget-friendly.
4. 13-inch MacBook Air with M4
If you’re going to splurge on one big-ticket item for college, the MacBook Air is it. It’s powerful enough to handle everything from research papers and presentations to heavier tasks like coding, photo editing, and video projects—so it grows with you through different majors or career paths. At just 2.7 pounds, it won’t weigh down your backpack, and the 18-hour battery life means you can make it from morning lectures to late-night study sessions without scrambling for an outlet.
The MacBook Air also shines in how it integrates with the rest of your Apple gear. You can start a project on your iPhone, pick it up on your laptop, and even use your phone as a webcam during group calls. With Apple Intelligence, it’s also getting smarter—helping you refine writing, summarize notes, and stay organized. At $899 with student pricing, plus a free accessory like AirPods or Apple Pencil Pro with the College Student Offer, it’s an investment that carries you through college and beyond.
11-inch iPad Air with M3
If the MacBook Air is the splurge, the iPad Air is the smarter, lighter companion that makes studying more flexible without breaking the bank. At just one pound, it’s ideal for taking to class, and when you pair it with the Apple Pencil Pro, it feels like a natural digital notebook—perfect for handwriting notes, sketching diagrams, or annotating slides. Add the Magic Keyboard, and suddenly you’ve got a lightweight laptop setup for writing essays or working on group projects.
The iPad Air also comes alive with creative work. With iPadOS 26’s new multitasking features, you can keep research on one side of the screen while writing on the other. Apple Intelligence tools like Image Wand and Image Playground bring sketches and ideas to life instantly, which is a game-changer for visual learners or creative majors. Starting at $549 with student pricing (plus the same free accessory deal as the MacBook Air), it’s the ultimate study tool for anyone who wants versatility on top of power.
6. Cubetto: Coding Without the Screen ($249)
Keeping kids engaged over the summer can be tricky, but Cubetto makes it easy. This wooden robot teaches children as young as three the basics of coding—without screens or apps. Kids use colorful blocks to create step-by-step instructions, sending Cubetto on adventures that feel more like a game than a lesson. It’s the perfect way to keep learning going (without it feeling like school) while building problem-solving and collaboration skills they’ll use for years to come.
I know my son is e’s learning problem-solving, sequencing, and collaboration. Plus, it’s so intuitive that even tech-shy parents (or teachers) can jump right in.
7. Chipped Press-On Microchip Nails: Business Cards, Reinvented ($20-$30)
High schoolers heading to internships? College students meeting recruiters? Parents networking at school events? Chipped microchip press-on nails make sharing your info effortless. Just tap your nail to someone’s phone, and your digital card pops up instantly. They’re stylish, customizable, and affordable—a clever upgrade for anyone who’s tired of carrying around paper cards. They’re affordable, customizable, and surprisingly durable—a small hack that makes networking effortless.
8. Skechers GO RUN Elevate 2.0™ - Find My Skechers ($53)
As a mom, nothing gives me peace of mind like knowing where my kids are—especially with one just starting preschool. These Skechers have a hidden compartment under the insole that’s compatible with Apple AirTag. Slip one in, and you can track your child’s location right from your phone. They’re also comfortable, easy for kids to put on themselves, and perfect for all-day wear. Safety meets practicality.
9. Aster Personal Safety App & Button ($9.99/month or $99.99/year)
High schoolers staying late for sports? College students walking home after dark? Even parents on early morning runs? Aster turns your phone into a personal safety hub. With a triple press of the included Bluetooth button, it instantly sends your GPS location to emergency services and chosen contacts—even if your phone is locked. It can also schedule check-ins through your calendar, so you never forget to let someone know you got home safely.
10. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 ($300 with trade-in deals)
For teens, college students, and, honestly, parents too, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is the best flip phone on the market. It’s compact enough to slip into a pocket but opens up to a full-size screen for multitasking, video calls, and snapping content. The hands-free Flex Mode is perfect for students recording projects—or for parents filming a quick TikTok while packing lunches.
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be chaotic. With the right tech—whether it’s keeping your kids safe, sparking their curiosity, or making your own life easier—you can actually enjoy the transition. These gadgets help me do just that, and I hope they do the same for you.