Back-to-school tech your grade school student will love
In these modern times, preparing your child to go back to school means purchasing more than pencils and notebooks. It means supplying them with technology that will help them have a productive year and preparing them for the unexpected with technology that makes online learning easy.
The use of technology and online learning is here to stay. And with so much new technology to adapt to, it can be hard to know what the best back-to-school tech for grade schoolers is.
Best laptops for grade schoolers
Our world is full of tech — so much so that even grade schoolers need laptops to do homework, check grades online and communicate with students and teachers. There are many tech brands, all with different styles and price ranges, and choosing which is best for your child can feel overwhelming. From Chromebooks to MacBooks and everything in between, here are some great laptop options for your grade schooler.
Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M5 chip
The MacBook Air is one of the most versatile and lightweight laptops in Apple’s lineup. Your grade schooler will have access to cutting-edge technology that has top-of-the-line features with a sleek design. The 2026 MacBook Air includes Apple’s new M5 chip and runs up to 9.5 times faster than the M1 chip, guaranteeing that your child will never complain about a slow computer. The processor is efficient, and the battery will last for up to 18 hours.
MacBook laptops are durable, but just like any expensive device, you will want to protect it with a good laptop case, especially if a grade schooler takes it to and from school.
ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 Convertible Laptop
If you are looking for something a little more affordable and versatile, then this Chromebook might be what you have been hoping to find for your child. This laptop has a 360-degree hinge that will take it from a laptop to a tablet. The 14-inch touch screen is high definition and has a battery life that could last up to 11 hours. If your child is interested in both a laptop and a tablet, this is a great two-in-one option that is affordable and will give your kid the best of both worlds.
While it only comes in one color, it does have built-in USB ports and an Intel Celeron N4500 central processor. Since everything on a Chromebook is stored online, you and your child will never have to worry about projects or photos disappearing. Any stored information can be recovered if the laptop is ever stolen or lost.
If you are struggling to justify buying a laptop for a child, then the price of this Chromebook may help you make the decision. At only $249, this laptop is affordable enough that you won’t mind handing it over to your child, making it a great beginner’s option. You will be able to see if your child can handle the responsibility of having a laptop without much risk. It has up to 10 hours of battery life, has a large screen and operates at a decent speed.
Best tablet for grade schoolers
If you are looking to get your child some back-to-school tech but want something that is oriented more toward kids, then this Fire HD tablet is what you need. This kid-friendly tablet is affordable and sturdy and includes thousands of apps — including educational content — created for kids. It is a full-featured tablet with parental control options that allow you to view usage history and block inappropriate sites.
Best digital notebook for grade schoolers
Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook
Elementary school is all about learning the basics of reading, writing and math, and while online learning is becoming the new norm, taking notes by hand is still a great way to help with retention. This digital notebook contains 36 pages, and your child can reuse every page by simply wiping it clean with a damp cloth. If they want to save the notes, it’s no problem: All they have to do is scan the page with the app. Save paper, save money and make taking notes by hand more fun with the convenience of a digital notebook.
Best smartwatch for grade schoolers
You are probably wondering why a kid in elementary school would need a smartwatch, but a smartwatch can really help your child form healthy habits, just like it can for adults. Designed especially for kids, this VTech smartwatch includes watch basics like an alarm, timer and stopwatch, but it also features several interactive games. The motion-sensor games will get your child moving, but don’t worry: This feature can be turned off during school hours. It’s best for students aged 4 to 9 years old.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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