Back-to-school shopping: 10 unique buys that might not have been on your supply list

• Students may need additional supplies beyond the standard back-to-school list.
• Small, often overlooked items like chargers, storage containers, and hand sanitizer can be essential.
• The article suggests several last-minute supplies available for purchase on Amazon.
• These items range from flash drives and planners to water bottles and umbrellas.

The back-to-school season is in full swing, with some states being back on campus for a month and others set to return in September. This late into BTS season, you've no doubt checked off the basics on your child's school supply list—but what are some of the smaller, atypical items they might also need to get through the school year?

Whether you're packing their lunch and realize you stocked up on their favorite chicken nuggets, but don't have anywhere to store BBQ sauce for dipping, or there's a mad dash for chargers as they all need to charge their school-issued devices—there are plenty of items that will help make your day-to-day just a little bit easier as the kids head back to the classroom.

Here are 10 last-minute school supplies your child might need that you forgot to buy:

Shop last-minute school supplies that you forgot to buy at Amazon

1. 64GB USB Flash Drives

64GB USB Flash Drives, Jump Drive, 3 Pack

Save important documents and assignments with a USB drive. $9.89 at Amazon (Save 10%)

2. Forvencer Academic Planner 2025-2026

Forvencer Academic Planner 2025-2026, Hardcover Weekly & Monthly Calendar

Help your student stay on top of all their school due dates, events and sports with a monthly planner. $15.99 at Amazon (Save 6%)

3. Purell 2in1 Moisturizing Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel

Purell 2in1 Moisturizing Advanced Hand Sanitizer Gel

Fight germs and keep them stocked with hand sanitizer, especially as we head into colder months when flu season hits hard. Save 25% at Amazon

4. Emergency Medical Information ID Card Pack of 5

Emergency Medical Information ID Card Pack of 5

Give yourself a little peace of mind by adding an emergency contact card to their backpack, just in case. $5.69 at Amazon

5. Charging Station for Multiple Devices

Charging Station for Multiple Devices

Charge up to five devices at once, including your kiddo's phones and school-issued tablets, with this charging station. Save 17% at Amazon

6. Simple Modern Water Bottle with Straw Lid

Simple Modern Water Bottle with Straw Lid

Help your kids stay hydrated with this water bottle and if you don't want to wash it everyday, grab two. Save 25% at Amazon

7. Cool Coolers by Fit & Fresh 4 Pack Slim Ice Packs

Cool Coolers by Fit & Fresh 4 Pack Slim Ice Packs

If you're packing your students a lunch, help keep it cool and fresh with reusable ice packs. $9.99 at Amazon

8. Salad Dressing Containers With Lids

Salad Dressing Containers With Lids

Another lunch saver! Whether you're packing chicken nuggets or carrot sticks, give them the sauces they love without having liquids spill everywhere. $9.98 at Amazon

9. Crep Protect Shoe Protector Spray

Crep Protect Shoe Protector Spray

Protect their shoes from rain and stains with this protector spray and hopefully they'll last more than a semester. $16 at Amazon

10. Strongest Windproof Travel Umbrella

Tumella Strongest Windproof Travel Umbrella

The rainy season will be here before you know it; get ahead with a compact umbrella that fits in their backpack and comes in 25 different colors and designs. Save 40% at Amazon