Essential Gear for Back to School in 2020

Our surroundings affect our mood. Foster a sense of wonder and creativity in your kids and keep them engaged whether they’re going back to school or learning from home with these games, supplies and decor you can pick up locally.

Cucu’s PlayHouse, Eco-crayon Sticks, $9

These stick crayons are made with 100% pure beeswax, carnauba wax, soy wax and natural mineral pigments. Hand-made by a family business in the USA, they have various angled edges to enhance coloring creativity.

EO, Resealable Hand Sanitizer Wipes, $24

Keep hands clean and fresh with these natural lavender hand sanitizer wipes which are 99.9% effective against most common germs thanks to the 62% alcohol content. This resealable pack is perfect for on-the-go. 

Five Little Monkeys, Glow in the Dark Science Lab, $20

Use this kit to conduct fun and illuminating experiments with glowing substances and neon pigments. Mix up a glowing solution to make glow sticks or observe your creations under a UV flashlight, all while learning about light and phosphorescence.

Gamescape North, Color This Book: San Francisco, $10

Featuring more than 25 illustrations by artist and comedian Abbi Jacobsen, this coloring book captures the beauty and personality of San Francisco — from architectural landmarks and cultural attractions to must-see neighborhoods and everyday street scenes. 

Gamescape North, Color This Book: San Francisco

Pottery Barn Teen, No Kid Hungry Rainbow Tie Dye Face Masks, $20

These No Kid Hungry face masks boast stylish designs and are crafted of quality fabric for a comfy fit. Plus, while supplies last, 30 percent of the retail price goes towards No Kid Hungry — a national campaign working to end childhood hunger. 

Serena & Lily, Felted Wool Wall Giraffe, $168

From its ombré spots to the super soft, organic lambswool, this felted giraffe brings well-crafted whimsy to the room. Lightweight and easy to mount on the wall, it’s a cheery addition to any space.

Good Earth, Stasher Reusable Silicone Sandwich Bag, $12

A total crowd pleaser, some say the Stasher fam starts with this essential — whether you’re meal prepping and packing your lunch, or just trying to keep your tinted moisturizer from exploding into your gym bag. Fun fact: this bag can also hold 10 energy bars or a laptop charger.

Target, Trans by JanSport Supermax Backpack, $36

This pack has a fully padded back panel, softly padded shoulder straps and a water bottle pocket on the side. With an internal 15’’ laptop sleeve, two main compartments and a front zip pocket that has an organizer to keep essentials handy, it can hold everything you need. 


How to help:

Consider supporting one of these local nonprofits that urgently need support during the pandemic.


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Kasia Pawlowska

Kasia Pawlowska loves words. A native of Poland, Kasia moved to the States when she was seven. The San Francisco State University creative writing graduate went on to write for publications like the San Francisco Bay Guardian and KQED Arts among others prior to joining the Marin Magazine staff. Topics Kasia has covered include travel, trends, mushroom hunting, an award-winning series on social media addiction and loads of other random things. When she’s not busy blogging or researching and writing articles, she’s either at home writing postcards and reading or going to shows. Recently, Kasia has been trying to branch out and diversify, ie: use different emojis. Her quest for the perfect chip is never-ending.