Summer may be in full swing, but back-to-school season always finds a way to sneak up on us. This year, we’re getting ahead of the curve by combing through Walmart essentials that will set you up for success before August flies by. To help settle you back into your routine, lifestyle and tech expert Mario Armstrong stopped by TODAY to share his top electronics, home and wellness finds.
If your laptop has seen better days, now’s the time to score one for under $200. Armstrong’s pick is lightweight enough to carry to work or class and long-lasting enough to power you through the day (up to 13 hours) on a single charge. While you’re at it, you might want to pair it with new Bluetooth earbuds for just 20 bucks! Busier schedules also make it a great time to start meal prepping, and we have two bestsellers to help you stay motivated. First, a freezable lunch box that keeps your food cold for hours. And second, a straw and chug water bottle that will keep you hydrated on the go. Wondering what Armstrong’s secret is to feeling refreshed even when he’s short on sleep? Two words: Eye masks — and these perk-up packs are infused with de-puffing green tea.
Keep scrolling to shop our expert-approved must-haves from Walmart that will help get you organized for the season ahead.
Back-to-school Walmart picks seen on TODAY
When it comes to earbuds, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for price — and Armstrong’s wireless pick is proof. These pair easily with devices via Bluetooth, making them great for working, commuting, exercising or taking calls on the go. According to the brand, you’ll get more than 32 hours of total battery life between the earbuds and charging case, and we love that the charging case is compact enough to slip easily into a pocket, purse or backpack! With impressive sound and a comfortable feel, the hardest decision will be choosing which playful color to pick.
This Chromebook is a smart buy for students or anyone in need of a reliable everyday laptop. With a large 15.6-inch HD display, fast WiFi connectivity and a long battery life, it’s perfect for schoolwork, remote work, streaming shows and more. Armstrong is especially impressed with how it’s lightweight enough to toss in a backpack, yet durable enough to keep up with daily life. Plus, with up to 13 hours of use at a time, per the brand, you can power through the day without constantly searching for an outlet.
Everyone knows how important it is to stay hydrated throughout the day, and the right bottle can help you keep up with your water intake. Not only is this insulated water bottle designed to keep drinks ice cold for up to 16 hours, but the leak-proof design helps prevent spills inside of backpacks and purses. It also lets you sip two ways: through the built-in straw or through the chug opening. And if you usually dread cleaning this everyday essential, the wide opening solves that problem. With multiple designs to choose from, Armstrong suggests picking out a different bottle for each member of your family to prevent them from getting mixed up.
Packing food just got easier for busy families with this innovative pick that lets you skip the separate ice pack altogether. With a built-in freezable gel, you can simply fold the lunch box flat, pop it in the freezer overnight and fill it up in the morning to keep everything cold for hours. There’s plenty of room for meals, snacks and drinks (plus a front pocket for utensils), and Armstrong loves that the upright design helps prevent any containers from leaking.
Whether you’re heading back to school or work, add these eye patches to your morning routine for a quick way to look and feel more refreshed. The brand says that in as little as 10 minutes, they are designed to help reduce the look of puffiness while hydrating the delicate under-eye area. With ingredients like green tea, white mulberry and pine leaf extract, they also help brighten the skin — and Armstrong recommends keeping a pack in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. At just $8 for a pack of four, they’re an affordable little self-care treat or a fun addition to a college care package.
More back-to-school Walmart picks
Keep organized all school year long with the Papier To Go desk pad. With a dedicated space to map out classes, assignments, appointments and to-dos, it’s an easy away to keep busy schedules on track. The fun design also adds a stylish touch to any classroom, office, study space or dorm room.
Head back to school with all your tech necessities in place using this organizer. It has multiple pockets to neatly store charging cables, earbuds, adapters and other accessories. This eliminates tangles, backpack clutter and keeps everything easy to grab.
Stay hydrated from your first class to your last with this water bottle. Its insulated stainless steel design keeps drinks chilled, making it a perfect for busy days. Plus, the durable, leak-proof design is easy to toss into a backpack and take on the go.
Looking for a back-to-school essential you’ll wear on repeat? These socks by Champion feature moisture-wicking material, a low-cut fit and stretchy fabric. They’re great for long days of classes and after-school activities.
Back-to-school lunches are easy with this compact bento box. Divided compartments keep sandwiches, snacks, fruits and veggies neatly separated, while the stackable design saves space in backpacks and lunch bags. It’s a practical pick for packing organized, grab-and-go meals all school year long.
Send them off to school with a warm, homemade lunch thanks to this Thermos jar. Vacuum insulation helps keep foods like soups, pasta, oatmeal and fruit hot or cold for hours, while the foldable spoon makes packing lunch more convenient.
More Thermos picks:
- Thermos Vaccum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar with Spoon, 16oz, $29.99
- Thermos Stainless Steel Insulated Food Jar with Spoon, 24oz, $32.99
A reliable basic can make getting dressed for school that much easier. This crewneck tee offers a timeless look that’s versatile enough for everyday wear all semester long.
Keep your essentials powered up throughout the school year with this wireless charger. Designed to charge compatible phones, earbuds and other everyday devices, it helps cut down on cable clutter while keeping your desk or nightstand organized.
Create a comfortable study or work setup anywhere with this cozy lap desk. Its spacious surface provides plenty of room for a laptop, notebooks and other school essentials, while the cushioned base offers support during long study sessions.
Whether you’re taking notes in class or tackling homework after school, this Chromebook is built to keep up with your daily routine. Its large display, lightweight design and long battery life make it a reliable companion for studying, streaming and staying productive all semester long.
How we chose Walmart back-to-school essentials
We consulted lifestyle and tech expert Mario Armstrong, as well as the Shop TODAY editorial team, for items that are editor-approved based on theme, style and seasonality. To round out the list, we also considered items with high customer ratings.
For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Walmart). The retailer does not review or approve the content. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Mario Armstrong.
- Mario Armstrong is a lifestyle and tech expert, podcaster and NBC contributor.
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