Note: This back-to-school gift guide was originally published on August 8, 2025 and updated with additional products on August 28, 2025.
Sure, the summer isn’t over yet, and we’re all thanking our lucky stars for that. But the back-to-school season seems to start earlier and earlier every year, often before the end of July. Whether kids are heading back to grade or high school or moving away for college or university, they’ll need to keep up with the latest tech. It’s not just about being “cool,” it’s about giving them the tools they need to get the most out of their education.
This year, there’s tons of great gear you can upgrade them to, from new computers with AI to a snazzy new smartphone (also with AI), smart speakers, note-taking devices, accessories and peripherals, backpacks, and more. Here’s a list to help you get started.
Roku Select Series TVs
The perfect TV for a student in a dorm or shared housing while attending college or university, Roku’s Select Series TVs start at 32 inches and offer QLED 4K technology to offer a premium viewing experience without the premium price. Of course, you also get Roku’s much revered smart TV OS, popular for its intuitive layout, seamless set-up, and access to all your favourite streaming services as well as exclusive The Roku Channel content. You can use the included remote or the Roku app to control playback. Using Roku Smart Picture, the TV automatically optimizes settings based on the type of content you’re watching. There’s also Bluetooth Headphone support so you can enjoy private listening, perfect for a dorm or shared home with roommates. Exclusively available at Best Buy, pricing starts at $200 for the 32” model, ideal for a dorm, or $420 for the 50” QLED 4K model, perfect for a larger apartment.
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station
Useful for any home, when it comes to a household with students who can’t afford to lose connectivity and power to their devices while trying to meet important deadlines, the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station will help avoid disruptions due to unexpected power outages. HyperFlash technology delivers a full recharge in just 49 minutes via a standard wall outlet when UltraFast Charge Mode is enabled in the app. With a 2000W output, it can power everything from laptops to refrigerators, including the mini fridge in a dorm for a starving student who can’t afford to see their inventory of frozen pizzas and oat milk go bad because of a loss of power. The 3000W peak output serves sudden power demands. Its advanced LFP (LiFePO4) battery chemistry supports over 4,000 charging cycles. Lightweight and portable, its low-noise operation and clean energy output make it suitable for quiet settings, like a dorm. You can control the power station from the Anker app, and access remote monitoring and firmware updates. It’s available starting September 8 for $799.
Google Pixel Watch 4 Smartwatch
Looking for an affordable smartwatch for a student? The Google Pixel Watch 4 has a new look and plenty of new features compared to previous generation models, making it an ideal upgrade for someone who already has one, or a great switch for those using another brand, or just getting into the smartwatch game. Equipped with domed Actua 360 display that’s physical curved to provide a larger active area and edgeless experience, the screen is also easier to see in direct sunlight since it’s 50% brighter than the predecessor at 3,000 nits peak brightness. The watch supports standalone Satellite Communication and incorporates direct access to Gemini. All you have to do is raise your wrist to speak a command or question. It can last for up to 30 hours per charge for the 41mm version and 40 hours for the 45mm, both with Battery Saver mode that can extend the life to up to three days. It’s durable, water-resistant up to 50 metres, and, for the first time, serviceable with a replaceable battery and display. Parents will love that Pixel Watch 4 LTE is the first smartwatch with standalone emergency satellite communications. Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, it can connect you to emergency services through a series of geo-stationary satellites, dispatching help to your location, even when you’re off the grid. From tracking sleep to temperature, sending notifications, and more, it will officially launch starting October 9 for $480 for the 41mm version ($600 for the 41 mm LTE) and $550 for the 45mm ($680 for the 45mm LTE).
Whoosh! Screen Shine Screen Cleaner
Help kids keep their costly electronics clean with the Whoosh! Screen Shine screen cleaner, which comes in various sets and sizes. I tried out a set that includes a 3.4 oz. bottle of cleaning solution alongside a small orange microfibre cloth to use for wiping surfaces down. Make sure they turn off the device, let it cool down, spray the solution on the cloth then gently wipe the surface to remove dirt, debris, fingerprints, and gunk. Ideal for a laptop screen, gaming device like the Nintendo Switch, smartphone, tablet, even a small computer monitor or TV, it’s a non-toxic formula that is free from ammonia and alcohol while the cloth is soft and non-abrasive. You can even use it on items like appliances. Kids will thank you for this thoughtful gift, which will only set you back about $20 (different package and size options are available). Plus, the company is making every bottle recyclable going forward, while wipes will be made biodegradable.
Apple MacBook Air with M4 Laptop
Ideal for a student heading off to college who’s due for an upgrade from the laptop they have been using all through high school, an Apple MacBook Air M4 will meet their needs and then some. Plus, Apple has discounts for students through the Apple Education Store. The laptop boasts ironclad security for use at school along with Apple Intelligence features to help them with assignments and research. You get a durable aluminum unibody enclosure that’s less than half an inch thin so it’s both light enough to carry about and durable enough to withstand the rigors of everyday student use. Of course, these computers are also blazing fast and last for the entire school day with a rated up to 18 hours battery life per charge. Students can use the 12MP Center Stage camera for video classes and online collaborative work while iPhone Mirroring helps prevent distractions from the phone. It comes in 13- or 15-inch models and four colours, Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight. With a starting price of $1,249, special student promotions are in play through September 30, 2025 so you can shave some bucks off the final price.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Console
Students need to enjoy downtime, too. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the first major update to the console since the original Switch, so it’s prime time to surprise them with a new one. At $630, it’s a big investment, but it will make a great elementary or high school grad gift. It comes with redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers that snap to the system magnetically, more powerful processor, and bigger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD. Play most old games as well as new ones, storing everything in the ample 256GB space plus you can use additional microSD Express cards. With the GameChat feature, they can play online with buddies from the comfort of home. The Nintendo Switch Online membership is free through March 2026. Just be prepared that they’ll be asking you to continue the membership beyond the trial period.
HyperX Cloud Mini Headset
Speaking of gamer students, the HyperX Cloud Mini headset is the perfect companion for playing online with friends while they communicate hands-free. Available for $70 (on sale at the time of this writing for $50), it has features parents will love, including limiting volume to below 85dB, the level safe for kids’ ears. But there are features kids will appreciate, too, including the all-day battery life, tuck-away microphone with flip-to-mute, rotating earcups, and the lightweight design for longer gaming sessions (when extended screen time is allowed, of course). They can connect both wirelessly via Bluetooth and through 3.5mm cord. The headset is also designed for fast pairing with Chromebook and is Works with Chromebook certified so kids can use them at school or while doing homework as well, connected to their computer.
Epson EcoTank ET-4950 Wireless All-in-One Colour Supertank Printer
I reviewed the previous generation Epson EcoTank ET-4850 and named it among my favourite tech products of 2024. The more recently launched EcoTank ET-4950 ups the ante with a more modern design, faster print speeds, and a larger touchscreen. Like its predecessor, it also offers auto duplex printing, copying and scanning functionality, and of course wireless connectivity. At MSRP $600, it sounds expensive, but factor in that you get a three-year supply of ink in the box and don’t have to worry about costly and frequent ink cartridges. It’s the perfect option for students who are printing reports and study notes, photos, drafts, and more. For younger students still living at home, the entire family will get plenty of use out of this printer, too.
OnePlus Pad 3 Tablet
I reviewed the OnePlus Pad 3 tablet earlier this summer and it’s the perfect companion for a college-aged student, especially with all the accessories. It has a massive 13.2-inch screen, big enough that it can be used as a portable TV in the dorm room (or outside of it, for that matter), affording access to all your favourite streaming services. Add the Stylo 2 stylus and a folio case and it becomes a lightweight note-taking devices for classes, lectures, and study groups, even for working out complex math problems instead of using lined paper. Connect the Smart Keyboard and you now have a portable workstation for accessing cloud-based documents when you want to leave your laptop at home. The incredible battery life and ultra-fast charging make it ideal for busy students as well. At $1,000 for the tablet, $250 for the Smart Keyboard, $150 for the Stylo 2, and $65 for the Folio Case, it’s a pretty affordable set-up for both schoolwork and entertainment.
PNY Duo Link V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and Type-A Flash Drives
While students store a lot in the cloud, especially if they use Chromebooks, as well as locally on hard drives, flash drives are a cost-effective and convenient secondary back-up option to ensure that report they’ve been working on for months doesn’t get lost due a computer malfunction or internet issue. The PNY Duo Link V3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and Type-A flash drives feature ultra-fast read and write speeds with metal housings and a matte black swivel design. Enjoy up to 1,000MB/s read and up to 800MB/s write speeds, 265 times faster than standard USB 2.0 flash drives. With these speeds, you can transfer many and/or large files quickly and efficiently. Students will also appreciate the key loop for securing it to your keys, backpack, or bag. The swivel design houses both Type-A and Type-C connectors so they can connect to a variety of devices, including legacy laptops that might not have a Type-C port. Pricing ranges from US$35 for a 256GB drive up to US$160 for a whopping 2TB drive.
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Earning a WiFi HiFi Editor’s Choice Award, the JBL Flip 7 portable Bluetooth speaker is a small but mighty speaker they can use for listening to tunes in their room, outside with friends, or wherever they desire. It comes in five solid colours plus camouflage. Get up to 16 hours of playtime per charge, an additional two hours with Playtime Boost. Thanks to Auracast, you can easily pair two Flip 7s or multiple JBL speakers, including different models, to cover an even larger area with more immersive audio. Enjoy lossless audio by connecting it to your laptop or other source device via USB-C (with a compatible lossless audio source from a supported app or service). It’s IP68 rated to withstand both dust and water. Submerge it in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. It’s even drop-proof down to a metre on even concrete floor. Thanks to the PushLock system, you can use interchangeable accessories, including the wrist strap or carabiner, both of which are included in the box. Control playback using the JBL Portable app to customize the sound. At $190, I found in my review of the JBL Flip 7 that it’s more than worth every cent with fantastic audio, killer bass, and a lightweight and convenient design. It’s available in Canada through Erikson Consumer.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Smartphone
Is their current smartphone just about to become outdated, losing software or security support? Maybe it’s a younger tween or teen who is mature enough now for their first device. As the latest in the Galaxy S25 smartphone series, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is lighter and more compact, yet it still boasts impressive specs and a sizable 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Made with a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Armor, it’s loaded with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor along with Galaxy AI and Gemini built in. With these tools, students can translate in real time, summarize notes, get help composing e-mails, plan trips, and more without the need to download separate apps. It comes with a 200MP pro-grade camera with pro-level zoom and a periscope lens with up to 10x optical zoom. They’ll love this when they’re at a concert with their friends. Available in Titanium Black, and Titanium Silver, it starts at $1,679 for the 256GB version.
Herschel Heritage Youth Scavenger Hunt Bricks Backpack
Part of a collaboration between Herschel and Lego, the Herschel Heritage Youth Scavenger backpack sports a cool Lego bricks pattern, perfect for fans of the popular building toys. Designed for ids aged 8-12, it measures 17.5 x 13 x 6 inches in size and comes with a zippered main compartment, laptop/tablet sleeve, and mesh bottle pocket. The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry while a removable sternum strap adds further support. It’s available for $85.
Sonos Ace Bluetooth Headphones
My favourite feature of the Sonos Ace Bluetooth headphones, as noted in my review, is TV Audio Swap, which allows you to seamlessly switch audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar to the headphones with the simple flick of a switch on the side. This is ideal for kids who share a room with siblings or college-aged students in dorms with a roommate. You can go from room-filling to private sound easily to avoid disturbing others. The sound through the headphones is still just as immersive, complete with head tracking. Through a recent software update, two listeners can now enjoy the same audio through separate pairs of headphones. Think the kids being able to play video games together while mom and dad enjoy quiet in the living room, or two roommates listening to a lecture online without disturbing the other who has an early morning class. Get a pair for $599.
GameSir T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller for Xbox
For their gaming downtime, you can get them the GameSir T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller for Xbox, which has a floral-patterned matte shell, semi-transparent design, and vibrant dynamic RGB lighting. It’s compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and Steam, offering ultra-smooth, low-latency gameplay across platforms. The controller features GameSir Anti-Drift Hall Effect sticks, leveraging non-contact magnetic technology that’s rated for up to five million cycles. Combined with Hall Effect analog triggers and two-stage trigger stops, players can toggle between precision linear input and rapid-fire responsiveness, depending on the gaming scenario. There are also four vibration motors, one in each grip and trigger. The asymmetric actuators in the grips simulate realistic tactile feedback. For enhanced control, two remappable back buttons offer expanded input flexibility, while laser-engraved textured grips ensure ergonomic comfort and a secure hold during extended sessions. At $70, it’s an affordable gift.
Lego Nike-inspired Sets
For younger kids or older sneakerheads who still love Lego, the new Nike-inspired Lego sets will delight. The Lego Nike Dunk set is the first set to become available. It has 1,180 pieces and is designed for fans aged 10 and up. It features a Nike Dunk, rotatable brick basketball toy, and iconic “Dunk” slogan that sports fans can build, rebuild, and display. Hidden within the Nike Dunk model are stash compartments to safely store championship rings or other essentials, as well as extra laces for custom colour swap-outs. Inspired by the iconic sneaker that was first brought to market 40 years ago, this set is a celebration of sneaker culture and Lego creativity. The set also comes with a unique basketball minifigure – B’Ball Head. It will be available in Canada for $130. Additional Lego sets will go on sale in September, with more information to be released this summer.
Amazfit Bip 6 Smartwatch
A great starter smartwatch at just $120, the Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch will help a student keep on top of vitals, sleep, activities like school sports, and important calendar reminders. It has a 1.97-inch AMOLED display, advanced health and heart rate monitoring, AI-powered fitness programs, offline navigation, and sleep tracking. The screen boasts up to 2,000 nits brightness so it is readable in any lighting condition. You get precise heart rate and sleep tracking thanks to BioTracker technology 6.0 with PPG biometric dual-light 5PD heart rate sensor. They can choose from more than 140 workout modes, including popular sports. It also displays notifications for calls, texts, social media updates, calendar reminders, and more. Make and answer calls, reply to text messages using voice-to-text and the touch keyboard, and even control an iPhone camera and music. The best part is that they’ll get up to two weeks of battery life per charge along with a 5ATM rating for water resistance. It comes in Black, Charcoal, Stone, or Red for a fraction of the price of more premium models but features that are just as impressive.
Hyper HyperShield MacBook Pro Cable Lock
Older college students, maybe even those in high school, will appreciate the HyperShield MacBook Pro cable lock, a tool-less cable lock designed exclusively for 14” and 16” MacBook Pro models. It is simple to install by attaching directly to the MacBook Pro’s air vent without any tools, adhesives, or screws needed. It enables MacBook Pro users to protect their devices in shared spaces or on the go. It keeps all USB-C ports unobstructed, allowing you to charge the computer and other devices and connect peripherals effortlessly. The 6.5-foot cut-resistant cable ensures reliable protection and secures the MacBook Pro to a variety of anchor points. It’s compact enough to fit in a bag, making it ideal for students. Each lock comes with two keys, and it’s compatible with all M1, M2, M3, and M4 14” and 16” MacBook Pro models. Get it for US$60.
Urbanista Valencia Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you’re looking for a solid, affordable pair of headphones for a student, you can’t go wrong with the Urbanista Valencia noise cancelling headphones, which sell for the head-scratching price of just $109. I say head-scratching because, as John Thomson noted in his review of these headphones, they sound way better than the price might suggest. Earning a WiFi HiFi Editor’s Choice awards, the headphones, which are available in Canada through Erikson Consumer, come in four cool colours and offer up to 25dB active noise cancelling, 50 hours playtime per charge, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and a comfortable fit. The foldable design makes them easy to shove into a backpack and wear for the commute home or while relaxing in study hall.
Marshall Kilburn III Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Music-loving kids will be excited for the Marshall Kilburn III portable Bluetooth speaker, which affords upwards of 50 hours of playtime per charge and offers 360° True Stereophonic sound. The tactile control knobs give it a retro look along with the carrying strap lined with velvet that can be easily removed and reattached with guitar strap buttons. Use the controls to power the speaker on and off, play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust bass and treble. There’s also the signature M button for accessing presets. Kilburn III can be easily picked up and moved around, even taken with you thanks to the IP54 dust and water resistance rating. It’s both a Bluetooth speaker and can work as a charging bank to power up your connected devices. Get it in Black, Brass, or Cream through Erikson Consumer in Canada for $480.
Kanto ORA4 Powered Speaker
Perfect for the desk, the Kanto ORA4 powered speaker, available in Canada through Gemsen Distribution, has a 4” aluminum concave cone woofer paired with ¾” silk dome tweeters affording 140 watts of peak power through an integrated Class-D amplifier. They can enjoy it as a bookshelf or computer speaker and connect source devices via a multitude of analog and digital connections. There are three new colours, including Matte Purple, Matte Red, and Matte Grey joining the traditional White and Black. They sell for $500 per pair.
Magic Chef Retro Fridge
Perfect for the dorm, the Magic Chef Retro Fridge is convenient for college and university-aged kids to store take-out leftovers to maximize their dollars. You can also hope that they’ll keep healthy snacks like vegetables and dip and items like milk or protein shakes in there as well. Why not pop in a few frozen pizzas and dinners in the separate freezer compartment for quick fuel while studying for an early morning exam? It comes in Black or Fiery Red from Erikson Consumer with a spacious 3.2 cubic feet of storage inside. The shelves are adjustable and it’s Energy Star qualified. Get them one for $400 and check in to make sure they’re keeping it stocked with healthy eats.
Kensington Simply Portable SP25 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack
A simple yet handy backpack for students, the Kensington Simply Portable SP25 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack can accommodate a laptop up to 15.6 inches in size along with all the other essentials a student might need. It has a padded interior pouch for the laptop along with zippered compartments. The padded shoulder straps will be a dream for students carrying around a heavy load all day. There’s also a quick-access expandable water bottle side pocket so they can keep hydrated. The reinforced textured bottom will help protect it as well as they toss the backpack to the ground on the seat next to them while eating lunch, or at the front door after a long day.
Asus Zenbook 14 Laptop
Upgrade them to a new Copilot+ PC like the Asus Zenbook 14. At $1,499 to start, it’s relatively affordable but designed to keep up with the busy school day. Along with the latest AI capabilities, they’ll get extended battery life and a premium design. It also comes powered by the new Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) featuring integrated AI acceleration, next-gen Intel Arc graphics, and an upgraded core architecture. Thin and light weight, it has a 14-inch 16:10 Asus Lumina OLED touchscreen and super-linear speakers. Later this year, an AMD-powered variant will join the lineup, featuring the new AI-enabled AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with a 50 TOPS NPU for accelerated AI performance.
Planet Buddies Pippin the Panda 3-in-1 Night Lamp Speaker
Don’t forget about the younger kids! With all the stress of heading back to school and the requirement to get up early again versus being able to sleep in through the summer, it’s a lot. The Planet Buddies 3-in-1 night lamp speaker is a great surprise night table companion to get them excited about getting up in the morning again. They can go to bed listening to audiobooks then wake up to a favourite playlist or station. It can run for up to 10 hours a has a 60-day standby time. They can also use it as a speakerphone when chatting with friends after school. There’s also projection and four different light modes so it serves as a night light should your little one be afraid of the dark. It’s available in Canada through Erikson Consumer for $80.
Victrola Automatic Turntable
The new generation has a fascination with vinyl, and if your student loves to kick back with a record during downtime, or play tunes while studying, the Victrola Automatic Turntable is a perfect starter option. It’s just $290, available in Canada through Erikson Consumer. Gen-Zers will love it because it’s a Bluetooth turntable that provides the best of both worlds: spinning records and streaming tunes. It offers one-touch operation, auto-stop, and full-side repeat functionality. It even comes in three cool colours.
Segway E3 Electric Scooter
Does the student need a better way to get around, whether that’s on campus or to and from school? The Segway E3 electric scooter is an affordable, entry-level option at just $700 that is perfect for beginners. It’s lightweight and compact, able to fold for taking on public transportation, up a flight of stairs, or in an elevator. The 800-Watt motor allows it to reach the regulated speed of up to 25 km/hr. and it can go as far as up to 45 kilometers on a single charge thanks to SegRange range optimization. It also has Apple Find My capability, SegRide stability enhancement, and traction control. There’s a 4-Watt headlight, turn signals, and 256 RGB ambient lighting for safety in low-light conditions as well. It has 10-inch self-sealing jelly tires and is IPX5 water-resistant. Get it at Best Buy or from the online Segway store in Canada.