Back to School for Middle Schoolers (2024): Backpacks, Laptops, Hygiene

Remember starting middle school? Your first locker. Your first time navigating halls between classes. Your first stress breakout. Middle school can be a little intimidating, but while you can’t hold your kid’s hand as they try to find their algebra class, you can get them prepared with a backpack that won’t break and a laptop that won’t crash. We’ve polled and pestered our adolescent loved ones and rounded up the best WIRED-approved back to school gear that they’ll actually like.

Don’t see anything you like? Be sure to check out our other back-to-school guides, including the Best Laptops, Best Tablets, Best Laptop Bags, Best Student Email Discounts, and Best Dorm and College Gear.

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