14 Home Gadgets You Need For Back To School Season

Aug 24, 2023

We have to be honest, we love a good home gadget. If it can make our lives easier, we’re game — especially when it comes to back to school season. Whether your kids are already back in the classroom or you’re still prepping for their upcoming return, your house needs to be in tip-top shape in order for an organized, stress-free return to the school year. From smart composters that turn your waste to dust, to home security the whole fam can use, these products may *literally* change your life. Let's check 'em out!

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Cloud RO Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System ($550, was $750)

Say goodbye to grimy Brita pitchers forever. This water filtration system will make your home feel like a luxury resort, with clean, filtered water delivered straight from the tap. It comes with an app to easily monitor water consumption and filtration levels, and you can choose from four gorgeous faucet finishes. Oh, and it’s super easy to install, too.

Image via Mill

Mill Kitchen Bin ($33-$45/month)

As Mill says, “Food isn’t trash. Mill lets you shrink it, de-stink it, and send it back to farms as a resource.” With the click of a button, this food recycling bin turns kitchen scraps into farm friendly resource overnight, without the weird smells, drippy bags, and wasted food that you get with traditional composting. Even better, Mill provides you with pre-labelled boxes to mail off your shrunken scraps so they can be turned into food for chickens and sent to farms.

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Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer REVO830 ($700)

Don’t be turned off by the price tag. Create homemade juices, smoothies and sorbet with this easy-to-clean, multifaceted appliance. Believe us, this will be a staple in your kitchen in no time.

Image via Google

Google Nest Doorbell ($180)

It seems like everyone has a video doorbell these days, but it’s for great reasons. Keep your family safe and secure with Google’s video doorbell. You can connect via app to talk and listen to any visitors, day or night, and go back in time with pre-saved video history. Pretty cool, right?!

Image via simplehuman

simplehuman voice + motion rectangular sensor can ($250)

Take your smart home to the next level with a voice-activated and motion sensor trash can. Someone tell the kid in “Back to the Future” about this.

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Lomi Smart Composter ($500)

We’re making food scraps cool again, one Lomi cycle at a time. This handy countertop appliance seamlessly turns food waste into nutrient-rich plant food, so your home garden can thrive (or at least so you can feel good about your household’s waste).

Image via Google

Google Nest Cam ($180)

Pair your new Google Nest Doorbell with this camera for the ultimate home security starter kit. The camera can be placed inside or outdoors and can (literally) tell you the difference between a human, animal and vehicle. How cool!

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Halo Bolt 58830 ($100)

This isn’t *technically* an in-home gadget, but it can help you get home. Equipped with a portable power source, jump starter, AC outlet and car charger, you may never need to call AAA again.

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Canopy Humidifier ($150)

Give your family (or just yourself) the gift of healthy, nourished skin with this completely reimagined humidifier. Oh, and it also alleviates symptoms of cold and flu — which is perfect for BTS.

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quip Rechargeable Cordless Water Flosser ($60)

Make sure your kids stay on top of their hygiene with this portable water flosser. Whether they choose to pair it with traditional flossing or not, any oral care is better than no oral care.

Image via Pura

Pura 4 ($50)

Say goodbye to stinky sports gear and preteen B.O. with this scent diffuser. You can control up to two scents at once, ensuring happy nostrils throughout even the sweatiest of seasons. And if you’re the designated carpool parent, Pura’s got you covered with their portable car diffuser. You can thank us later.

Image via Amazon

BLUEAIR Air Purifier For Large Rooms ($320)

Keep stale air moving with an air purifier. With the click of one button, you can remove allergens, mold, dust, pet hair and more from your home, making it the simplest way to clean. (At least in our opinions)

Image via Canopy

Canopy Filtered Showerhead ($125)

This easy-to-install filtered shower head reduces dissolved minerals, added chlorine and other contaminants in your household water, providing clean water that supports healthy skin and hair. Just what the doctor ordered.

Image via Amazon

Tineco Floor ONE S3 Cordless Hardwood Floors Cleaner ($400)

With kids of any age comes messes. And lots of them. A wet-dry vacuum is the answer to all your prayers, and this cordless one perfectly blends efficiency with practicality.

Do you have a go-to home gadget? Let us know in the comments below!

Lead image via Pura

30 Easy Snacks To Make For Kids, With 5 Ingredients Or Less

Kids love snacks – at school, on the road, and at home all day long. We've got you covered with these easy snacksfor kids that only require a few ingredients!

From a batch of granola barsthat last all week, to a deliciously warm Nutella quesadilla, or even frozen fruittreats, these easy snacks to make for all of life's moments will battle those school-time hunger pangs so you can get the evening started off right. Now, all that's left to do is decide what's for dinner!

Vegan Fluffernutter Sammies

Marshmallow-loving kiddos will delight in this healthier version of the traditional peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow sandwich – no need to worry, though: this sammie tastes the exact same as the OG. (via Brit + Co)

Watermelon Jerky

If you’ve never had watermelon jerky before, think of it more like dried mango in terms of flavor and texture. To make these easy snacks yourself, thinly slice some watermelon, spritz it with a little lemon or lime juice to prevent oxidation, and dehydrate it slowly in the oven until it turns into fruit leather. Serve with homemade whipped cream for a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser! (via Brit + Co)

Almond Butter Fruit Stacks

Upgrade your kid's afternoon snack with almond butter, strawberries + bananas, and chocolate chips! This way, they get. little bit of everything in a single bite. (via Brit + Co)

Apricot Bites

Five ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to make enough of these bite-sized easy snacks to last a whole week! They taste just like candy, we swear. (via Brit + Co)

Turkey Tortilla Roll-Ups

Mini turkey rolls are way more delicious and kid-friendly than your average turkey sando. We love easy snacks that are also finger foods! (via Brit + Co)

Guacamole For One

You don’t even have to do the dishes with this clever guac hack! The kids will love eating it right out of the avocado and you’ll love the literal zero amount of work this easy snack takes. (via Brit + Co)

Freezer-Pack Smoothies

These fun smoothie packs are perfect for a juicy, easy snack or simple on-the-go breakfast. They’re healthy, delicious, and super easy to whip up! Pre-make a few to enjoy for the week! This recipe proves easy snacks don't have to be unhealthy. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Pretty food is so much more fun to eat, don’t you think?! Make these easy snacks with whatever fruit your kids are loving at the moment, and add some special treats like marshmallows or cheese for extra flavor. (via Center Cut Cook)

Chocolate-Dipped Frozen Banana Bites

When they’re craving something sweet (but you don’t want to give them more popsicles), these frozen bites are the answer to easy snacks. Just chop up a banana into small slices, dip ’em in chocolate, then coat in coconut and peanut butter and toss in the freezer. (via The Kitchn)

Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix

Combine one packet of dry ranch dip seasoning mix with a bowl of popcorn, pretzels, nuts and anything else the kids are currently snacking on. Beware: this easy snack will disappear fast! (via Averie Cooks)

Apple Cinnamon Chips Quick Snacks

Instead of just cutting up an apple, make a whole batch of these crisp apple chips at the beginning of the week for an easy snack that will last all week long. If they’re feeling super hungry, have your little ones dip the apple chips in yogurt for some extra protein. (via Simply Sisson)

Pita Bread Pizza

When the kids are begging for pizza, but you want a healthy and fast option for easy snacks to make, make them these little pita pizzas! They’ll love being able to make them themselves and top with all their favorite fixings. (via Food)

Quinoa Granola Bars

Instead of high fructose corn syrup, these granola bars are sweetened with figs which are rich in fiber to keep you and the kids fuller for longer. They are also high in potassium, which makes them a great workout snack, too. (via Simply Quinoa)

Easy Homemade Protein Bars

Instead of letting the kids fill up on those super sugary store-bought granola bars, make these healthy protein bars that will definitely last them until dinner time. These are very easy snacks to make. (via Chew Out Loud)

Peanut Butter Energy Bites

These little snack bites are almost dessert-like and are somewhere between a granola bar and cookie dough! You and the kids can personalize them with dried fruit, coconut or other treats, though we highlight recommend dark chocolate chips. (via Chef Savvy)

Chocolate Banana Quesadilla

Quesadillas are a classic go-to easy snack, but if you’re looking to mix things up a bit, you should definitely try this sweet, healthy treat. Quick and simple, this fast recipe is loaded with protein and fiber to fill you up and leave your sweet tooth satisfied. (via The Creative Bite)

Zesty Frozen Blueberries

Let the kids help you dip blueberries — or any other of their favorite fruits — in chocolate or yogurt and stick them in the freezer for week-long snacking. (via Pretty Plain Janes)

Almond Joy Snack Mix

An easy snack option that’s ready in mere minutes, this trail mix is healthy and is sure to get a thumbs up from the kiddos. With loads of chocolate, almonds and coconut, it’s the ultimate combination of sweet and salty that’ll satisfy any craving! (via The Seasoned Mom)

Granola Parfait for Easy Snacks

Obviously the homemade granola part of this easy snack is optional, but the pretty layers of yogurt, fresh fruit and granola are a terrific snack option that the kids will love to help put together. (via Yummy Healthy Easy)

Vegan Ice Cream Snickers

Even though summer is a ways away, it doesn’t mean the craving for ice cream is gone! Pick up some vegan ice cream to whip up these easy-to-make bars. (via Minimalist Baker)

Salted Lime Popcorn

Making your own popcorn on the stove is so much fun, and your kids will get a huge kick out of it if they're never done it before. Try fun flavors like salt and lime, or let them try adding their own flavor combinations for an afternoon of entertainment. (via My Sequined Life)

Frozen Banana Granola Pops

Why is food on a stick so much more fun to eat?! Adding granola gives these frozen treats a good crunch and extra heartiness. You can always leave the chocolate and sprinkles off if you want to keep these easy snacks a bit healthier. (via Hello, Wonderful)

Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Truffles

Your kids will think they’ve died and gone to heaven when you pull out a plate of these for them to snack on! But it’s okay, because they’re vegan. So that means they’re healthy, right? Right?! (via Minimalist Baker)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Mixing chocolate and peanut butter together is the most delicious crime, and we think this recipe is so worth the trouble. We're sorry in advance if your kids try to eat the whole batch! (via This Wife Cooks)

Puff Pastry Jam Tarts

You don't have to save this sweet treat for the holidays. Serve your children puff pastry jam tarts as part of breakfast or an easy afternoon snack. They'll appreciate the blend of the flaky crust and yummy taste of the tarts. (via Cozy Cravings)

2-Ingredient Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

This no-churn vegan ice cream treat is so easy you'll wonder why you never thought about making it before. Plus, your kids will melt over the delicious strawberry flavor while being shocked that it's a healthier option. (via Salt & Lavender)

Japanese Fruit Sandwich

If you have adventurous kids who love for their easy snacks to look like art, try making them a Japanese fruit sandwich. Beware: they may start preferring this more than they ask for grilled cheese sandwiches. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Easy Graham Cracker Toffee

This kid-approved graham cracker toffee treat will make your kids want to get in on the baking process of these easy snacks, thanks to their chocolatey taste and low-maintenance prep! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Vegan Mocha Shake

Milkshakes are hard to, well, shake. So why not choose a vegan option that works in healthy ways for the whole family? This easy snack recipe is a great dessert alternative for your kids if they have a dairy allergy. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Oreo Rice Krispie Treats

Making homemade Rice Krispie Treats continues to be a fun pastime for kids. In just 45 minutes, this no-bake easy snack will be ready for your kids to take a gooey bite out of! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy snacks to make!

This post has been updated from a previous post.

Lead image via Kathryn's Kitchen.

Nicole Kidman Is Officially Back For "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!