The new school year is just around the corner. Whether your little one is heading to nursery for the first time or levelling up to a new grade, having the right gear makes all the difference. At My Little Thieves, we've curated the best back to school essentials for kids in the UAE: from stylish backpacks and insulated water bottles to fun stationery that makes studying feel like play.
Why the Right School Supplies Matter
Starting the school year well-equipped sets kids up for confidence and success. The right backpack supports growing spines, a good water bottle keeps kids hydrated through long school days, and fun stationery makes learning feel exciting. Here's our top picks for the 2026 back to school season in the UAE.
- Comfort and ergonomics: padded straps and lightweight designs protect little backs
- Hydration: insulated bottles keep drinks cold through the UAE heat
- Organisation: the right bag and lunch box means less morning chaos
- Fun factor: kids who love their supplies are more excited about school
School Backpacks
1. Skip Hop Zoo Big Backpack for Kids
The school-year hero. The Skip Hop Zoo Big Backpack is perfectly sized for school with adorable animal designs kids will actually want to wear. Spacious enough for books, a lunchbox, and all the essentials, with easy-grip zippers little hands can manage independently. AED 181
2. Skip Hop Spark Style Backpack for Kids
For the older kids who want something a little cooler, the Skip Hop Spark Style Backpack delivers on both style and function. Bold designs, padded back panel, and multiple compartments make this the go-to bag for big kid adventures. AED 181
3. Done By Deer Kids Backpack - Ozzo Design
Scandinavian design meets school-day practicality. The Done By Deer Kids Backpack in Ozzo Design is lightweight, roomy, and features the beloved Ozzo character that preschoolers adore. Perfect for nursery and KG years. AED 221
4. Childhome My First Bag Kids Backpack
A milestone moment deserves a milestone bag. The Childhome My First Bag is thoughtfully designed for toddlers heading to school for the very first time. The right size, the right weight, and the right amount of adorable. AED 241
5. A Little Lovely Company Little Backpack
Compact, cute, and incredibly practical. The A Little Lovely Company Little Backpack is ideal for nursery-age kids who need just enough space for their daily essentials. Available in charming designs that little ones will love. AED 129
6. Trixie Kids Drawstring Bag
The perfect PE bag, swim bag, or after-school activity bag. The Trixie Kids Drawstring Bag is water-repellent, lightweight, and features Trixie's signature animal designs. A must-have second bag for busy school schedules. AED 119
Water Bottles for School
7. Trixie Insulated Water Bottle 350ml
Staying hydrated in the UAE heat is non-negotiable. The Trixie Insulated Water Bottle 350ml keeps drinks cold for hours, is eco-friendly, and comes in Trixie's beautiful animal designs. Leak-proof and easy for kids to use independently. AED 139
8. Skip Hop Kids Stainless Steel Straw Water Bottle
Fun meets function with the Skip Hop Kids Stainless Steel Straw Water Bottle. The Zoo character design makes kids excited to drink water, while the stainless steel construction keeps drinks cold all day. The straw lid is easy to open and spill-resistant. AED 171
9. My Little Thieves Personalized Water Bottle
No more lost bottles! The My Little Thieves Personalized Water Bottle can be customized with your child's name, making it uniquely theirs and impossible to mix up at school. A thoughtful, practical gift that kids will treasure all year. AED 40
10. Melii Spikey Kids Water Bottle
A water bottle with a sensory twist! The Melii Spikey Kids Water Bottle features a tactile spikey sleeve that doubles as a fidget tool, brilliant for sensory-seeking kids. Straw lid, easy grip, and great for school. AED 39
Lunch Boxes
11. Skip Hop Zoo Kids Bento Box
Lunchtime just got more fun. The Skip Hop Zoo Kids Bento Box features divided compartments to keep foods separate, perfect for picky eaters, with adorable animal-themed designs that make kids excited to open their lunchbox. AED 161
12. A Little Lovely Company Kids 3 Compartment Bento Lunch Box
Three compartments, zero lunchtime drama. The A Little Lovely Company 3 Compartment Bento Lunch Box keeps snacks, mains, and sides neatly separated in a compact, easy-to-open design kids can manage on their own. AED 79
Stationery and Art Supplies
13. Ooly Oh My Glitter! Gel Pens Set of 12
Make note-taking sparkle! The Ooly Oh My Glitter! Gel Pens Set of 12 are smooth-writing, glitter-infused gel pens that make journaling, note-taking, and creative projects genuinely exciting. A set of 12 vibrant colours to keep kids inspired all year. AED 79
14. Ooly Oh My Glitter! Highlighters Set of 6
Studying has never looked this good. The Ooly Oh My Glitter! Highlighters Set of 6 bring a touch of magic to revision and note-taking. Six glittery shades that make important information impossible to miss and impossible not to love. AED 55
15. Ooly Double Ended Highlighters
Two tips, double the fun. The Ooly Double Ended Highlighters feature a broad tip for highlighting and a fine tip for underlining, perfect for organised, colour-coded study notes. Vibrant colours that won't bleed through pages. AED 49
16. Ooly Scented & Glitter Gel Pens
Scented AND glittery? Yes please. The Ooly Scented & Glitter Gel Pens are a sensory delight that makes writing and drawing an experience kids look forward to. A brilliant stationery gift for school-age children. AED 39
Back to School Shopping Tips for UAE Parents
- Shop early: popular items like Skip Hop backpacks and Trixie bottles sell out fast before the school season
- Involve your child: letting kids choose their bag or water bottle increases their excitement about going to school
- Prioritise insulation: in the UAE heat, an insulated water bottle isn't a luxury, it's a necessity
- Check school requirements: some schools have specific bag size or lunchbox requirements, so confirm before buying
- Label everything: consider our personalized water bottle to avoid the lost property pile-up
Looking for personalized gifts, bundle ideas, and viral picks for back to school? Read our guide: Back to School 2026: More Than Just a Bag
Shop Back to School Essentials in UAE at My Little Thieves
From the first day of nursery to the big school years, My Little Thieves has everything your child needs to start the school year right. We stock the best kids' brands in the UAE: Skip Hop, Trixie, Done By Deer, Ooly, Childhome, A Little Lovely Company, and more, all in one place.
Browse our full school essentials collection and get ready for the best school year yet. Free delivery available across Dubai and the UAE.
