Essential Back-to-School Items from UK Retailers

Posted on 29/07/25

From tech tools to trendy stationery, durable backpacks to lunchtime lifesavers, UK retailers are overflowing with quality, stylish, and practical school gear. But what if you don’t live in the UK? With our UK parcel forwarding service, you can shop the best UK online stores and have everything shipped straight to your doorstep, anywhere in the world.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the ultimate back-to-school essentials from trusted UK retailers, tips on how to shop smart, and insider advice on how to get them shipped internationally with ease. Ready to give this school year your best start yet? Let’s dive in.

Backpacks to Carry the Load #


We all know that school backpacks can get heavy. That’s why an ergonomic design with padded straps and a supportive back panel is a true game-changer. Here are some standout options from UK Retailers:

Schoolbags.co.uk – Their Breenthwaite ProMax Backpack includes a padded laptop sleeve, reflective panels for safety, and multiple compartments.

WHSmith – Loved for its iconic designs, WHSmith’s new StaySafe Reflective Kids Backpack comes with built-in safety features and plenty of room for books and PE kit.

Tech Essentials for the Digital Classroom #


Tablets, headphones, portable chargers—this digital age demands reliable gadgets:

Argos UK – Their Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet (UK model) includes parental control settings and a 2-year guarantee.

Currys – The JBL JR310 Wireless Kids Headphones are perfect for remote learning, featuring volume-limiting design and fun colours.

Lunchboxes and Hydration #

School days are long—students need the fuel to last:

Marks & Spencer – Check out the M&S Stainless Steel Bento Box, complete with sandwich tray and ice pack compartment.

The Works – Grab a clever Boys’ Secrets Lunch Box with Built-In Cold Gel.

Stationery That Inspires Creativity #


Forget basic pens—amazing stationery can make a difference:

Ryman – Their Paperchase Rainbow Gel Pens Set and Pop ‘n’ Up Sticky

WHSmith– Their WHSmith Pro Study Planner, with monthly and weekly layouts, helps students stay organized.

Health & Wellbeing: Must-Have Back-to-School Items #


Focus on students’ wellbeing with these useful essentials:

Boots – Get the Johnson’s Kids Moisture Wash & Conditioner Duo, perfect for post-PE cleanliness.

Tesco – Stock up on Cadbury’s Smart Bars Variety Pack as an occasional healthy treat with emotional reward.

International Shipping: Get It All with Forwardvia #


Making your UK back-to-school shopping abroad? Here’s why Forwardvia is the ultimate game-changer:

  1. Consolidation – Order from multiple UK stores, ship in one parcel.

  2. UK Address – Access all retailers; ship internationally easily.

  3. Flexibility – Choose shipping speed, insurance, parcel splitting/image inspection.

  4. Global Reach – Forward to 200+ countries with seamless support.

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