Top Finds Canada

From backpack buddies to character water bottles, here’s what kindergarteners through Grade 3 are really excited about this year

The Playground Intel Report

Every parent knows the drill: one day your little one comes home asking for something completely random that suddenly “everyone at school has.” But what if you could get ahead of these trends before they explode? After talking to Canadian parents, teachers, and observing playground dynamics from Coast to Coast, we’ve identified the up-and-coming trends that are just starting to gain momentum in 2025.

Unlike the obvious must-haves everyone already knows about, these are the trends smart Canadian parents are discovering early—before they become playground essential and impossible to find.

1. Backpack Buddies: The Keychain Obsession Taking Over

What’s happening: “Is your kid going nuts for keychains all of a sudden? Mine too!” From Jellycat to Labubus and Legos, little humans just love backpack buddies and accessories.

The trend breakdown:

• Jellycat keychains: Tiny versions of the beloved stuffed animals
• Labubu figures: Trendy collectible characters gaining momentum
• LEGO keychains: Miniature builds that attach to backpacks
• Character clips: Everything from Pokémon to Minecraft

Why kids love them:

• Shows personality and interests
• Easy way to customize their backpack
• Something fun to fidget with during quiet time
• Trading potential with friends

Canadian parent tip: Start with 1-2 and let your child earn more. These can quickly get expensive if you buy everything at once.

Where to find: Amazon.ca, local toy stores, and character-specific retailers

2. Minecraft Everything: The Gaming Trend That’s School-Appropriate

The buzz: There will be a renewed surge of Minecraft products taking over the schoolyard this year. Backpacks, water bottles, t-shirts, backpack buddies, notebooks, and more are getting the Minecraft treatment.

Why it’s perfect for little kids:

• Appeals to both boys and girls
• Educational elements (building, problem-solving)
• School-appropriate gaming content
• Wide range of products available

The standout item: The Adidas x Minecraft backpack that combines sporty style with gaming cool.

Canadian availability: Amazon.ca has extensive Minecraft merchandise, often with better selection than physical stores.

For parents: This isn’t just a trend—Minecraft teaches spatial reasoning and creativity, making it an educational choice too.

3. Character Water Bottles with Built-in Fun

What’s different: Moving beyond plain water bottles to ones with interactive elements or beloved characters that make hydration exciting.

Trending features:

• Character-themed bottles with 3D elements
• Color-changing bottles that react to cold water
• Bottles with built-in snack compartments
• Personalized options with your child’s name

Why they work for Canadian schools:

• Encourages hydration during long indoor winter days
• Easy to identify in the lost-and-found
• Makes water more appealing than juice boxes
• Durable enough for little hands

Smart shopping: Look for bottles that are both dishwasher-safe and have leak-proof guarantees.

4. Personalized Everything: The Monogram Moment

The trend: Personalized backpacks with custom patches and monograms are staying strong and expanding to little kids.

What’s getting personalized:

• Backpacks and lunch boxes
• Water bottles
• Pencil cases
• Notebooks and folders

Why it’s perfect for little kids:

• Helps prevent lost items
• Makes them feel special and grown-up
• Teaches responsibility for their belongings
• Reduces mix-ups in classroom cubbies

Canadian options:

• Many Canadian retailers offer in-store monogramming
• Amazon.ca has personalization services for select items
• Local embroidery shops often offer back-to-school specials

5. Character Lunch Box Sets: The Complete Experience

What’s trending: Moving away from plain lunch boxes to complete character-themed sets that include everything needed for lunch.

The complete sets include:

• Insulated lunch box
• Matching water bottle
• Food containers
• Utensils
• Sometimes even a placemat

Popular themes for 2025:

• Disney classics: Mickey, Minnie, and Disney Princesses
• Pokémon: Still going strong with Canadian kids
• Super Mario: Perfect for the gaming-interested crowd
• Naruto: Gaining momentum with elementary kids

Canadian parent advantage: These sets often cost less than buying items separately and everything coordinates perfectly.

6. Mini Adult Accessories: The “Big Kid” Appeal

The psychology: Little kids want to feel grown-up, and having “adult-style” accessories makes them feel mature and responsible.

What’s trending:

• Small crossbody bags for carrying special items
• Watch-style fitness trackers (kid versions)
• Mini versions of teen trends (smaller vertical pencil cases, kid-sized cardigans)
• “Professional” looking notebooks with clean designs

Why it works:

• Builds independence and responsibility
• Makes them excited about school supplies
• Helps transition to more mature organizational systems
• Appeals to their desire to be “big kids”

Canadian practicality: These items often have better build quality than obviously “kid” products.

The Canadian Little Kid Shopping Reality

Budget considerations for Canadian families:

• Most back-to-school budgets are in the $100-$300 range
• Little kids grow fast—prioritize items that will last the full school year
• Canadian schools often have specific supply lists—check before buying extras

Smart shopping strategies:

1. Character items: Choose characters with staying power (Disney, Pokémon vs. flash-in-the-pan trends)
2. Practical personalization: Monogram items that are likely to get lost
3. Quality basics: Invest in backpacks and lunch boxes that can handle Canadian weather
4. Seasonal planning: Consider items that work for both fall and winter terms

What Canadian Teachers Actually Notice

According to kindergarten and primary teachers:

• Kids are more excited about school when they have supplies they love
• Personalized items drastically reduce lost-and-found drama
• Character items help shy kids make conversation and friends
• Well-organized supplies (like character sets) help with classroom management

The Development Benefits Hidden in These Trends

Backpack buddies: Help with emotional regulation and self-soothing Personalized items: Build ownership and responsibility Character themes: Provide comfort and familiarity in new environments Mini adult accessories: Support growing independence and maturity

Canadian Climate Considerations

Winter-specific needs:

• Backpacks need to handle snow and slush
• Lunch boxes should maintain temperature in cold weather
• Water bottles need to be freeze-resistant
• Indoor shoes may be required (check school policy)

Getting Ahead of the Trends

For Canadian parents:

• Start shopping in late July/early August for best selection
• Consider ordering online to avoid sold-out situations
• Ask your child’s teacher about classroom organization systems
• Think about items that will work for the full Canadian school year

For kids:

• Let them choose one “special” item to get excited about
• Involve them in organizing their new supplies
• Create a “first day of school” tradition around their new gear

The Bottom Line

These trends aren’t just about having the coolest stuff—they’re about helping little kids feel confident, organized, and excited about learning. Whether it’s a Minecraft backpack that makes them feel brave on the first day or personalized supplies that help them keep track of their belongings, the right back-to-school items can genuinely improve their school experience.

The Canadian advantage: Shopping for these trends early, before they hit peak popularity, means better selection, better prices, and a child who feels ahead of the curve instead of trying to catch up.

Ready to make this the best school year yet? Start with one or two of these up-and-coming trends and watch your little one’s excitement about school grow.