As much as we don’t like admitting that summer is drawing to a close, there’s something nice about back-to-school time as parents, isn’t there? Of course, we don’t mean the shopping. But Mom’s Choice Awards® is here to help you with that part! We put together a list of some really fun back-to-school items for kids and some really useful ones for parents. We figured you didn’t need our help buying notebooks and pencils (it really isn’t rocket science!), so we thought we’d share these more unique products with you.

We’ve included some items (like cool backpacks and patches) to make back-to-school more fun for your little ones, and others (like the family planner app) to keep you organized throughout the school year.

The Zipit Beast Box comes in 6 different varieties, each with its own pattern and googly eyes. The outside is covered in designer fabrics and the inside is soft velvet. These fun boxes are big enough to carry most supplies that your children will need throughout the school day. They also make great desk organizers. Each box can fit 50-60 pens. Learn more here.

Deck out your child’s backpack with Easy Peasy Patches! These patches are super easy for kids to use because they don’t require any ironing or sewing. Just stick them on! Whether you want a patch with your favorite sport, animal, or emoji, Easy Peasy likely has it! Or if they don’t, you can design a custom patch! Learn more here.

Bumkins Everyday Bag 3 Pack provides a stylish and convenient way to keep all the little items in your child’s lunch box or backpack. The bags come in different sizes for optimum organization. Fill them with school supplies, snacks, or eating utensils. You can also use them in your purse or at home for toiletries, small toys, teethers, pacifiers, and more! Learn more here.

The fact that the PaddlePak backpack is water proof makes it great not only for trips to the beach and pool, but also for school field trips and even normal days in the classroom! It’s great for ages 2+, and just look how stylish it is! Learn more here.

Speaking of fun backpacks, the Dinosaur Backpack Buddie opens up into an awesome play mat with a unique pop-up cave inside. This backpack was created by teachers to encourage imaginative play, enhance social development through cooperative play, develop small motor skills, and develop independence. Learn more here.

The Squeasy Snacker is one  of the most versatile reusable food pouches on the market. It was designed by parents for parents to provide easy feeding on-the-go. It features a no-spill insert which makes it great for sending with your kids’ school lunches. Plus, it’s easy to fill, easy to use, and easy to clean. Simply fill with delicious blends of freshly pureed food or add ready-made favorites like applesauce and yogurt. It also works great with water, milk and juice unlike other food pouches. Learn more here.

This book will make a great purchase for parents during the school year! Do you want to be able to have short educational conversations with your kids at home? But maybe you can’t quite remember all the info or historical details? Year of Little Lesson Plans will give your mouth actual words to say to entertain and educate your little ones ages 3-8 one lesson at a time. The book is written from a Christian perspective. Open, read and enjoy as your children wonder out-loud just how you came to know a little bit about everything! Learn more here.

Those of you with big families and lots of kids don’t need us to explain why name labels come in handy! This Name Bubbles Daycare Labels Pack comes with 118 or 124 labels depending on style. They are waterproof, dishwasher and laundry safe. Learn more here.

This Easy Daysies Everyday Starter Kit is a mom/teacher-created product helps kids become more cooperative, responsible, and independent. It’s wonderful for helping kids of any age, in particular special needs children, with event transition. Use this to help your child plan out his/her days throughout the school year. Learn more here.

Finally, the Cozi Family Organizer is very nearly a life-saver for parents. We love this app. You can see the whole family’s schedule in one place. It makes weekday planning so much easier. The basic app is free, so there’s no reason not to give it a try! Learn more here.