PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Parents, the time is upon us. If you haven’t gotten a start on your back-to-school shopping list yet, now is the time. Most students return to the classroom well before Labor Day this year, with Pittsburgh-area kiddos typically heading back by Aug. 22. 

Now, while it’s wisest to wait for your child’s teacher to release a supply list before going crazy buying pens, notebooks and folders, we’ve rounded up some of the other essentials — aka the trendy back-to-school items that your student is going to want for the first day of class.  

As for why you should take this aging millennial’s advice on what’s cool for school? Just know that all products were pre-approved by my own students, who are entering third and fifth grade this year.

Back to Back 

Pottery Barn Kids Backpack 

I started buying my daughters Pottery Barn Kids backpacks back when they were in kindergarten — and those things are absolute beasts. While my younger daughter has cast off her still perfectly serviceable PB bag in favor of a trendy North Face backpack as she heads to middle school, my younger daughter has been carrying the same durable Pottery Barn backpack for years, with little sign of wear and tear. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, the backpacks also have a plethora of sizing that ranges from “Mini” to “X-Large.” There’s also an adaptive option for those in wheelchairs. Often on sale, the bags are crafted with water-resistant polyester that’s made from recycled plastic bottles and are equipped with comfy, adjustable and padded shoulder straps.

Price: $39 to $47, depending on size

Just Chill 

Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box

For students who prefer to pack instead of eating the school lunch, the Bentgo® Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box is a great option, especially for younger kids who tend to get messy. Made from eco-friendly, BPA-free material, the lightweight lunchbox, which is divided into segments, comes with a removable ice pack. Rubber-coated edges also prevent the dishwasher-safe trays from leaking. 

Price: $29.99

Bottle It Up 

Stanley IceFlow Tumbler

For tweens, there is no greater accessory than the reusable, stainless-steel Stanley water bottle. I’m not immune to the charms of a trendy Stanley myself (it does a great job keeping my drinks cold), but for my girls, I eschewed the traditional Quencher-style tumbler with a straw, which has tendency to spill when it gets knocked over, in favor of the brand’s flip straw IceFlow tumbler, which, thanks to its foldable straw, is leakproof and easily fits into a backpack or car cup holder. I especially love Stanley’s retro Varsity collection, which screams back-to-school cool.    

Price: $35 

Perfect Pouch 

Standing Pencil Case 

My boba-loving 10-year-old went gaga for this adorable milk tea-inspired pencil pouch for her various pens, highlighters and other accessories. Made from sturdy canvas material, the standing pouch, which zips to open and close, will easily fit into a desk or backpack.

Price: $8.37

Head to Head

JLab JBuddies Headphones 

Headphones are a necessity for today’s students, who are often learning and working on their computers at school. I just got these foldable JLab JBuddies Studio over-the-ear headphones for my girls, who prefer the comfy, cushioned ear pieces over ear buds. Although wireless versions are available, my 8- and 10-year-old  favor the old-fashioned cord instead of messing around with Bluetooth while in class. The JBuddies also offer safe-volume control, with built-in volume regulators to ensure kids never rock out past 85db.

Price: $14.88

The Write Stuff 

Yoobi Composition Notebook

Composition notebooks also often are a classroom requirement as students head into middle school, but they don’t have to be boring. My incoming fifth-grader fell in love with these fun Yoobi notebooks, which come in a set of three. Each notebook contains 100 college-ruled white sheets for schoolwork or journaling. For each product purchased, Yoobi will also donate a school item to students in need thanks to its partnership with the Kids In Need Foundation.

Price: $13.49