Back-to-school shopping can become overwhelming without a clear strategy. But here at Mulberry Park Silks, we're all about bringing the joy back into the everyday moments—and taking the drudgery out of your school shopping list with our back-to-school shopping guide! We've curated a collection of perfect picks that will make the transition from summer to school a breeze. From adorable preschool finds to silky and stylish must-haves for middle school, high school, and even college students. We've got something for everyone (snacks included).
Since 93% of parents expect to spend on back-to-school clothing, we made sure to share our favorite natural fiber picks. In fact, clothing accounts for 43% of back-to-school budgets, and we want to make sure we only share items we would buy ourselves.
No boring three-ring binders or extension cords on this list; we skipped the classroom supplies and went straight to the fun stuff.
If you're starting back-to-school shopping in mid-to-late summer, you've still got time. So take a deep breath, relax, and let Mulberry Park Silks help you rediscover the fun in back-to-school shopping. We're here to make this season as smooth, stylish, and enjoyable as possible.
Silk Hair Essentials for School, Dorm Life, and Beyond
Busy school mornings, late-night study sessions, sports, travel, and changing weather can all take a toll on hair, and even contribute to breakage for students who aren’t yet sleeping on a silk pillowcase designed to fight hair loss and breakage . Our 100% pure Grade 6A Mulberry silk hair accessories make it easier for high school and college students to protect their hair while staying polished and comfortable all school year.
Long-hair and short-hair silk bonnets help reduce overnight friction, frizz, tangles, and breakage, while pure mulberry silk head scarves offer a stylish way to manage hair between classes, at the gym, or while traveling. Scrunched silk headbands keep hair comfortably away from the face during skincare, studying, and everyday routines without the harsh pulling of traditional accessories. Our mulberry silk scrunchies provide a gentle, crease-reducing hold for ponytails, buns, and quick campus-ready styles that won't lead to split ends.
Compact, practical, and easy to keep in a backpack or dorm room, these silk essentials make thoughtful additions to any back-to-school routine.
Silk Pillowcases + Twin XL Sheets: Dorm Room Game-Changers
When it comes to setting up a dorm room, your bedding can make or break your comfort. Our 19 Momme Silk Pillowcases and 22 Momme Twin XL Fitted Sheets are here to make your college bed feel like a retreat—not a rough bunk.
Silk pillowcases aren’t just a luxury—they’re a secret weapon for clearer skin, shinier hair, and better sleep, especially when you choose silk pillowcases for beautiful, healthy hair and skin . Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, they help prevent acne flare-ups and reduce friction that leads to frizz or breakage, making Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcases a smart upgrade from traditional cotton or satin.
Pair it with our Twin XL Fitted Sheet, made to fit standard dorm beds and deliver the same antimicrobial, thermoregulating comfort from head to toe for anyone comparing silk vs cotton or satin bedding options .
A Softer, Cooler Naptime Essential
Give little ones a more comfortable place to rest with a Mulberry Park Silks Toddler Pillowcase. Made from 100% pure Grade 6A mulberry silk, this naturally hypoallergenic pillowcase is gentle on sensitive skin and helps minimize friction against delicate hair and cheeks. Silk’s breathable, temperature-regulating properties create a cool, soothing sleep surface—making it perfect for preschool naps, travel, and bedtime at home. Sized to fit a 13" x 18" toddler pillow and finished with a hidden zipper for a secure, polished fit.
A Cleaner, Cozier Car for School-Year Drives
Perfect for high school and college drivers, the Crunchy Mama Candles car freshener is designed to fit neatly into a vehicle’s cupholder, making it an easy way to keep cars feeling fresh between classes, commutes, practices, and weekend trips this upcoming school year.
Each freshener is hand-poured in small batches in Texas by Allie, the founder and “mama behind the candles.” She created Crunchy Mama Candles to help families enjoy a cozy, welcoming home without hidden ingredients or an oversized price tag.
Made with clean, non-toxic ingredients and without parabens, phthalates, or harsh synthetic additives, this thoughtfully crafted car freshener delivers a warm, inviting scent drivers can feel good about without breaking their budget. It is a practical and charming back-to-school gift for first-time drivers, commuting college students, and anyone who considers their car a second home during the busy school year.
All the Basics
Terra Americana All-Purpose Cleaner — The Ultimate Back-to-School Essential
Handcrafted in Massachusetts, in stock and shipped nationwide, this all-purpose cleaner from Terra Americana is the back-to-school must-have you didn't know you needed. Made with castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, distilled white vinegar, and essential oils, it's tough on germs and gentle on your family — free of synthetic fragrances, ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals that have no place in a home with kids (or dorm rooms, for that matter).
We tried it ourselves and were genuinely impressed — it cleans beautifully and smells even better. Choose from five gorgeous scents, including Cinnamon & Orange, Fresh Squeezed Lemon, and the original Lavender & Mint blend. It doubles as a room spray, so one bottle tackles counters, tile, and stale locker-room smells alike.
Perfect for tidying up a classroom, a dorm room, or a busy family kitchen as the new school year kicks off. Alongside hand sanitizer, it is a must-have for decimating back to school germs.
Farm-to-Skin Care from One Blessed Acre
One Blessed Acre’s Fig Ginger Goat Milk Lotion and Lip Balm bring a little farm-fresh comfort to busy back-to-school routines. Easy to tuck into a backpack, desk, dorm room, or car, this nourishing duo helps keep hands and lips feeling soft through changing weather, frequent handwashing, long commutes, and packed school days.
Every One Blessed Acre product begins on the family’s farm in Humboldt County, California, just outside the historic Victorian village of Ferndale. Surrounded by coastal mist, green pastures, towering redwoods, and the clean air of Northern California, the farm is home to the goats at the heart of the brand’s thoughtful farm-to-skin approach.
Using fresh goat milk from their own herd, One Blessed Acre handcrafts skincare in small batches with carefully selected natural ingredients. Goat milk is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals and has a skin-friendly pH, while plant-based oils and natural fats help leave skin feeling smooth, supple, and comfortably moisturized.
The formulas are made without parabens or phthalates, offering a gentler approach to everyday body care. Warm, cozy, and practical, the Fig Ginger Lotion and Lip Balm make a thoughtful gift for high school students, college students, teachers, parents, and anyone who could use a little extra self-care during the school year.
From their farm to your skin, every product reflects the same care this family gives its animals, its land, and the products used in their own home.
Elementary School Essentials
Teach Them Early that Kindness Rocks
The first day of school is the perfect time to share a message that every classroom can use: kindness matters .
Kindness Rocks by Megan Murphy, founder of The Kindness Rocks Project, is a heartwarming picture book that shows how one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect that touches countless lives. Through beautiful illustrations and an uplifting story, children discover that a simple encouraging message—even one written on a painted rock—can brighten someone's day and inspire them to pass that kindness on to others.
This is the book Ryder chose to share with his classmates because it reminds us that every child has the power to make someone feel seen, valued, and included. It's a wonderful conversation starter for teachers and students alike, encouraging empathy, compassion, and the confidence to spread kindness throughout the school year.
A thoughtful read for children of all ages, Kindness Rocks is more than just a story—it's an invitation to make the world a little brighter, one act of kindness at a time.
Read to Me Recordable Book Buddy
Mightylicious Gluten-Free Treats
Mightylicious makes back-to-school snacking and baking easier with gluten-free treats that are every bit as satisfying as their traditional counterparts. The brand was founded by Carolyn after she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2012 and struggled to find cookies that delivered the flavor, texture, and quality she loved. Determined to create something better, she developed the first Mightylicious cookie—and what began with three flavors has since grown into a collection of seven, including delicious vegan options.
For lunchboxes, dorm rooms, after-school treats, or care packages, Mightylicious’ best-selling vegan cookie is a standout. Based on a family recipe with more than 100 years of history, this soft and chewy cookie offers a comforting balance of sweetness and tropical flavor. It is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and kosher, making it a thoughtful choice for households and classrooms with a range of dietary needs.
For students who love to bake, the Mightylicious Vegan Brownie Mix makes rich, fudgy brownies with minimal effort. Made with Dutch cocoa powder, the mix is gluten-free and plant-based, with no dairy, eggs, or artificial preservatives. Simply combine it with plant-based yogurt, water, and oil, then customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or favorite mix-ins.
Whether packed in a school lunch, sent in a college care package, or baked for a study session, Mightylicious offers inclusive treats that make gluten-free living feel a little more delicious.
Personalized Back-to-School Water Bottles & Lunch Bags from Callie
There's something extra special about sending kids off to school with items made just for them. We love Callie's personalized back-to-school collection, where practical everyday essentials become keepsakes kids are excited to use.
This year, Ryder and Willow each picked out personalized favorites—Ryder chose the Monster Truck stainless steel water bottle, while Willow fell in love with a colorful princess lunch bag. Having their names printed right on them makes it easy to avoid mix-ups at school while adding a fun, personal touch they'll be proud to carry.
The insulated stainless steel water bottle is designed to keep drinks cold throughout the school day and features a built-in straw and easy-grip handle that's perfect for little hands. Paired with a personalized insulated lunch bag, it's an adorable and practical back-to-school combination. Made from durable, waterproof nylon with an insulated interior, the lunch bag helps keep lunches fresh whether kids are headed to school, daycare, field trips, or after-school activities.
Back-to-school shopping is always more fun when kids get to choose something that reflects their personality. Watching Ryder and Willow light up when they saw their names on their new water bottle and lunch bag reminded us that sometimes the little details make the biggest memories.
Raddish Kids Cooking Subscription
Turn time in the kitchen into a fun, hands-on learning experience with Raddish Kids. Each themed cooking kit features easy-to-follow illustrated recipes, culinary skill lessons, a quality kitchen tool, and engaging activities that help children build confidence and discover new flavors. Our Associate Brand Manager Zoe’s kids tried the Brazilian Bites box and found the recipes fun, approachable, and easy to follow. It’s a wonderful screen-free activity for after school, weekends, or family time—and a creative gift that keeps kids learning long after they head back to the classroom.
Clothing & Shoes
Stylish, Kid-Approved Shoes from Just Shoes for Kids
This is the third year we are thrilled to include Just Shoes for Kids in our Back-to-School Gift Guide. Their high-quality children’s shoes have become a favorite with our own families, combining thoughtful design, lasting comfort, and styles kids genuinely love to wear.
Just Shoes for Kids was founded by a mother of two who understood how stressful in-store shoe shopping could be. After one particularly difficult outing, she set out to create a more convenient way for parents to find properly fitting, stylish children’s shoes from home. The result is a website known for responsive customer service, detailed fit information and a variety of different sizes, free shipping, and a carefully selected collection of quality footwear from European designers.
This year, Kendra’s son is heading into Kindergarten and is modeling the Old Soles Boy’s WOS Runner Sneakers in Denim, Gris, and Snow. Crafted from rich dark blue leather, these sporty sneakers feature contrasting stripes, a star accent, faux elastic laces, and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. They offer the polished look of a premium sneaker with the easy, secure fit active children need for busy school days.
Zoe’s daughter, preparing for a new school year in third grade, is wearing the Old Soles Girl’s Posie Sneakers in Snow and Gold. The crisp white leather is accented with delicate gold floral details and a coordinating gold heel tab for just the right touch of sparkle. Elastic no-tie laces and a hook-and-loop closure make them easy for children to put on independently, while the comfortable construction keeps them ready for the classroom, playground, and everything in between. Quality items like backpacks and shoes can last multiple school years, making it a great investment to choose something comfortable that is built to last.
Beyond offering beautiful, well-made shoes, Just Shoes for Kids donates 1% of its net profits to the ELIJA Foundation to support community outreach for Autism. It is a meaningful mission rooted in the founder’s own experience as the mother of two Autistic boys, making every purchase an opportunity to support children and families while starting the school year on the right foot.
Handcrafted Leather Accessories for Back-to-School Style
For parents, teachers, college students, and anyone refreshing their everyday carry, Moss Bags offers beautifully handcrafted leather accessories designed to become even better with time. Founded by Julie Simon in 2013, this family-run business creates each piece by hand in Bellingham, Washington, using full-grain leather, quality hardware, and thoughtfully saved leather offcuts.
Adults can add an effortless finishing touch to a favorite scarf or bandana with Moss Bags’ handmade Leather Bandana Slides. These simple, timeless accessories hold a bandana securely without the bulk of a traditional knot. Available with brass or silver hardware, they are an easy way to elevate everyday outfits, campus looks, western-inspired styling, or a Mulberry Park Silks head scarf.
For younger students, the Moss Dogs Leather Keychains make backpacks, lunch bags, and school keys a little more fun. Each playful dog is handcrafted from three separate pieces of hair-on leather, allowing it to gently wiggle as its owner walks—just like a happy pup. Natural variations in color and texture make every golden, cream, dark, or spotted dog completely one-of-a-kind.
Part of the meaningful Moss Dog Collection, these charming keychains are made from beautiful leather remnants that might otherwise go unused, and each purchase helps support organizations that serve guide and service dogs. They are small, cheerful back-to-school accessories with a wonderfully big heart.
Young Eden: Thoughtfully Made Clothing for Kids
If you’re looking for clothing that’s as kind to little ones as it is to the planet, Young Eden is a brand worth discovering. Founded by moms with a passion for making organic and sustainable fashion more accessible, Young Eden carefully curates children’s clothing made with thoughtfully selected materials, helping families make safer, more planet-friendly choices.
Two of our favorite Young Eden finds are the Protect Elephants Sweatshirt, modeled by Kendra’s son, Ryder, and the cheerful Farmer’s Market Graphic T-Shirt, modeled by Zoe's daughter, Willow.
The cozy Protect Elephants Sweatshirt is made from 100% organic cotton and features an adorable embroidered elephant with a conservation-inspired message. A brushed interior provides extra softness, while aloe vera-lined slant pockets add another thoughtful touch. Its gender-neutral slim fit falls at the hip, and the fabric is pre-washed to help minimize shrinking.
Willow’s Farmer’s Market T-Shirt is a colorful choice for school days, weekend outings, and trips to the local market. The vintage-inspired ringer tee features green trim around the neckline and sleeves, along with playful illustrations of carrots, avocados, tomatoes, mushrooms, radishes, and fresh herbs. Made from 100% cotton, it is soft, breathable, and comfortable enough for all-day wear. Let's hope it translates into a lifelong love of veggies.
Whether they’re heading to the classroom, exploring the playground, or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these thoughtfully designed pieces make it easy for kids to stay comfortable while expressing their personalities.
We love supporting brands like Young Eden that make it easier for parents to find high-quality children’s clothing that is comfortable, thoughtfully made, and gentler on the planet.
Personalized Class of 2027 Senior Tote Bag
Celebrate the start of an unforgettable senior year with a personalized tote made especially for the Class of 2027. Featuring the student’s name, graduation year, and a colorful varsity-style floral design, this roomy canvas bag is a fun way for seniors to carry their school-day essentials while showing off their class pride.
Measuring approximately 21 inches wide by 14 inches high, the tote has plenty of room for books, notebooks, a planner, clothing, and other everyday necessities. A zippered top helps keep everything secure, while the interior zippered pocket provides a convenient place for a graphing calculator, pencil case, phone, or keys. Reinforced handles and a soft yet structured canvas construction make it practical for school, travel, sleepovers, and weekend outings.
Personalized and useful, this tote makes a thoughtful back-to-school surprise, senior-year keepsake, or early graduation gift she can enjoy throughout her final year of high school.
La Plume: Comfortable Sandals for Moms on the Go
Back-to-school season means plenty of errands, drop-offs, shopping trips, and long days on your feet. Kendra loves La Plume’s Stretch Weave Woven Elastic Slides for their easy slip-on design, flexible woven upper, and supportive comfort. Stylish enough to pair with dresses or jeans yet practical enough for a busy school-day schedule, these Italian-made sandals are a polished alternative to everyday flip-flops.
Founded by the Weitman family in 1984, La Plume has spent more than four decades combining comfort, quality, and fashion. The brand’s name comes from the French word for “feather,” perfectly capturing the lightweight feel that has inspired loyal customers to call La Plume the only shoes they can comfortably wear.
