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35 face masks that are perfect for the new school year

These fun designs might make wearing a mask a little less daunting.
Image of Small children with face mask in school
Halfpoint Images / Getty Images

As you begin your back-to-school shopping for this year, don't forget to add face masks to the list (again).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new recommendations this week for students from kindergarten through 12th grade to wear masks while in the classroom, even if they are fully vaccinated.

While previous CDC guidance allowed fully vaccinated people to curb masks and social distancing, the rising presence of the virus' delta variant has called for masks once more.

Students aren't the only ones that have to break out the masks again. Part of the new CDC guidance also includes recommendations for fully vaccinated people to wear masks indoors in areas with high transmission rates.

"For any child who is hesitant to wear a mask, making them child-friendly could be quite attractive. It also makes masks seem less threatening to a child if they have a child motif to them," Dr. Tovah Klein, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development and author of "How Toddlers Thrive," previously told Shop TODAY.

With this in mind, we've rounded up 37 different kid-friendly non-medical face masks you can order online to make the return to mask-wearing an easier task.

Face masks for kids

1. Kid Dangerous Tie-Dyed Face Mask

This fun design offered by Kid Dangerous features self-tie straps meant to provide them with the most comfortable fit possible.

2. Just Play Disposable Kids Face Masks

These disposable face masks are made with three-layer protection: a protective fabric layer, a filter layer and a soft inner layer. It also has a contouring nose strip so the fit is custom to their face. These masks fit most children aged 2 to 7.

3. Aqua Reversible Tie-Dyed Face Mask

This Bloomingdale's exclusive has a two-layered design and adjustable elasticized straps for the most comfortable fit. It features a tie-dyed print on one side and a solid color on the other.

4. L.O.L Surprise! Clear Panel Masks

These clear panel masks allow kids to wear proper face protection and still read lips, instead of struggling to understand muffled voices. These masks are especially helpful when talking to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

5. Cat & Jack Two-Pack Masks

Choose from eight different color combinations and fun patterns for these 100% cotton masks.

6. Rafi Noxa x emoji Kids SuperFit Mask

These fun masks can let little ones express their emotions with a fun range of designs. With a nose wire and three fabric layers they are breathable and functional for those who wear glasses.

7. Honest Kids Cotton Face Masks

These reusable masks are made with two layers of 100% cotton and come with five optional filters that can be inserted into the mask for extra protection from airborne particles. They're not only machine-washable, but they are also dryer-safe for easy care.

8. InexGear The Better Mask for Kids

InexGear's face masks offer a snug fit and are crafted with the brand's filtration technology to help block particles. With a wire nose bridge, chin cup and adjustable ear loops, you'll be able to mold the mask to fit your little one's face.

9. Food52 Bamboozle Kids' Animal Cloth Face Masks

Bamboozle's cotton masks are designed for children in preschool through elementary school. Each pack includes a mix of adorable animal faces that make mask-wearing fun and protective thanks to two layers of cotton in each mask.

10. Shop Vida Organic Cotton Mask

Vida's vibrant tie-dye mask is a part of the brand's artist collection and can fit children ages 5 and up. Each mask comes with three replaceable filters and each purchase supports the artist who designed it.

11. Lissie Lees Children's Coloring-In Face Mask

Whether they want to let their artistic abilities shine or haven't liked any of the masks you've already picked out for them, kids will have a blast getting to color a mask of their own. It's perfect for ages 5 to 10 years old and features elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose wire.

12. evolvetogether Kids White Face Masks

If you prefer disposable masks, these masks from evolvetogether are a step-up from the typical blue masks you'll come across in the store. They're breathable and come with optional decals for kids ages 3 to 10 years old to put on for a custom creation. With three layers of protection, they offer a bacteria filtration efficiency of 95% and a particle filtration efficacy of 90%.

13. Grove Collaborative Kids Face Masks

Grove Collaborative's face masks are made with three layers of organic cotton — including an inner layer with an antimicrobial coating that lasts up to 40 washes. They're designed for kids ages 7 to 12 and are machine-washable.

14. Ottotto Threads Toddler Face Mask

These bestselling masks from Etsy seller Ottotto Threads feature two layers of lightweight cotton and a built-in pocket for an optional filter. They're available in three different categories — adult, child and toddler — with different sizes within each of the three. All child and adult masks come with a metal nose wire and elastic stoppers, while these extras can be added to toddler masks at an additional price.

15. City Threads Cotton Protective Mask

Machine-washable and 100% cotton, this face mask is easy to clean after each wear. Plus, it's available in seven different colors so your little one can snag a mask in their favorite color.

16. Gap Kids' Unisex Face Mask

With comfortable over-the-ear straps, triple-layer cotton and an adjustable nose piece, your child will feel comfortable wearing these cute masks for long periods of time. Each set includes mixed prints so your little can pick a different look each day.

17. Cubcoats Kids Face Masks Two-Pack

These adorable masks are sure to put a smile on their face. Each design is made with two layers of cotton and has a pocket for an optional filter. The above set features Pimm the Puppy and Tomo the Tiger, though you can also pick up a two-pack featuring Kali the Kitty and Bori the Bear.

18. Crayola Kids Face Masks

This five-pack of masks will give them a new color to wear every day of the week! The kit even comes with a mesh laundry bag so you can safely throw them in the washing machine.

19. NXTSTOP Traveleisure Child Face Mask

With its wrinkle-resistant fabric and adjustable ear straps, this face mask was designed with travel in mind. You can choose between cotton or bamboo designs, both of which feature an adjustable nose wire.

20. Bloch Kids Contour Mask

Each mask in this pack of three is made from a blend of cotton, zinc-infused polyester and spandex. These stretch face masks are not only designed for comfort, but also claim to offer 25% more UV protection than standard fabric.

21. CleverlyReckless Double-Layered Face Masks

This Etsy seller offers 44 designs in both kids' and adults' sizes. Regardless of the style you choose, each reusable mask is crafted with a double-layer design and a filter pocket.

22. Seesan General Goods Animal Face Masks

Each of these handmade masks features a triple-layer design and designated filter pocket. They also come with two replaceable filters for extra protection.

23. CloiCreative Toddler Masks

These masks are designed for younger children and are available in five different designs. Crafted from 100% cotton, they feature adjustable ear loops, an adjustable nose wire and even a filter pocket for comfortable coverage.

24. Gap Kids' Face Masks

Gap is selling three-packs of face masks in a variety of different patterns. The triple-layer accordion design is breathable but still provides coverage. Suitable for ages 3 and up, these masks also have an adjustable nose wire that conforms to the face.

25. Snapfish Kids' Custom Face Masks

Snapfish has over a dozen designs available that can be customized with names, initials or even embellishments. Each mask is made with an inner layer of cotton and an outer layer made from polyester. There is also a built-in pocket for optional use of a filter.

26. Disney Mickey Mouse Face Masks

Disney's masks are made from two layers of a breathable polyester fabric. To date, Shop Disney has donated $1 million in profits and one million face masks to MedShare to support the medical community and those affected by the pandemic.

27. Caraa Five Masks Kids Pack

Caraa's kid-friendly masks come with adjustable ear straps for extra comfort and a secure fit. The masks will arrive in a five-pack of assorted colors.

28. Shein Toddler Girls Cartoon Graphic Face Mask

If you're looking for a brightly colored option for kids over 2 years old, this face mask has over 4,000 reviews and an average 4.8-star rating.

29. Vistaprint Kids' Animals Mask

These colorful masks come with adjustable ear straps and a 100% cotton anti-allergenic interior layer. You'll also receive a removable filter with each mask, which the brand says can be used for up to 12 hours. Vistaprint will also donate 10% of mask sales to small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

30. Uncommon Goods Children's Rainbow Face Coverings

Uncommon Goods commissioned its employees' kids to design these colorful face coverings that feature rainbow artwork. Available in adult sizes too, 100% of the proceeds go to Americares' response efforts across the country.

31. Onzie Mindful Masks For Kids

Onzie uses upcycled material from its yoga clothing to make these multi-layer masks. The designs are made in Los Angeles, and proceeds will be donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

32. Sanctuary Kids Fashion Masks Five-Pack

Each five-pack of masks comes with a variety of prints designed for kids ages 2 through 10. Sanctuary also offers a family pack with a mix of adult and kid sizes.

33. Avocado Organic Cotton Face Mask

The brand behind the popular mattress offers face masks featuring two layers of organic cotton canvas. They're designed with simple tie straps for an adjustable fit.

34. The Sis Kiss Color Me Kids Face Mask

This unique design lets kids use fabric markers to color in the fun design. It's made with 100% cotton and features adjustable ear straps.

35. Los Angeles Apparel Kids Cotton Face Masks Three-Pack

These simple Los Angeles-made masks feature two sets of tie straps for an adjustable fit as well as an adjustable nose bridge.

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This article was originally published on May 18, 2020.