Okay, so it’s not all about the new stuff. Ask a group of grade-school students and they’ll tell you connecting with friends after a long summer wins top spot as the main attraction of going back to school. Still, the right backpack, the perfect pencil case and a few kewl new clothes can help kids look forward to the big day. To make shopping easy, we’ve got the latest back to school ideas.

How much to buy: You want your kids to have everything they need to start school on the right foot. Get tips and advice from teachers on what your kids should have for the first day.

Clothing considerations: Kids want to look cool and be comfortable. From buying the right shoes to choosing the hottest styles, make sure your kids get what they need.

School supplies Remember the feeling of going to school on the first day with a new backpack full of fresh, fun supplies? Having the right gear can make learning more fun for your kids. Here’s how to make sure they have everything they need to perform their best.