Get ready to gear up your children or grandchildren for a successful school year with the latest tech essentials. This smart and practical gear is like a trusty sidekick for them, helping them keep track of their lunch box and backpack so they never lose them again. For 2023, our focus is on innovative gadgets that seamlessly integrate into your child’s learning, as well as tech designed to keep them safe as they head back-to-school.
Back-to-school tech essentials
Storypod screen-free storytelling audio player
Give young ones an edge on education. Storypod is a screen-free audio player for kids ages 0-6, and its educational content grows with your child, so it’s great for families of different ages of kids. Recordable Stickers: Let me show you one of my favorite features: the Recordable Stickers. They let you create cherished moments with your child. These innovative stickers allow parents, grandparents, and loved ones to record their own stories, messages, or affirmations for their little ones. Simply attach a sticker to any object, scan it with the Storypod, and save it in your Storypod App. Get Storypod online at storypod.com and here on Amazon for $99.99. At the time of publishing, this product had over 170 global ratings, with 75% giving the product 5 stars.
Get Storypod screen-free storytelling audio player
Back-to-school essential: Antivirus software
You can not count on Uncle Sam or Big Tech companies to protect your privacy and security. In fact, 1 in 3 homes with computers are infected with malicious software, according to CISA. The government agency that tracks crime also reports that 47% of American adults have had their personal information exposed by cybercriminals.
Every student of any grade level or college level should have antivirus protection on their computer, tablet, and smartphone. In addition to keeping all technology updated with the latest operating systems, strong antivirus protection is essential.
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- our easy-to-follow guide making it easy to know how to install antivirus protection.
- Does my iPhone need antivirus protection
- How to run a virus scan on your computer
- Free Antivirus Software: Should you use it?
Bark Phone for Kids
The Bark Phone is a fully customizable Samsung Android smartphone that monitors texts, apps, social media, web searches, has GPS location tracking, removes app downloads, allows you to set screen time limits, manage calls, and remotely lock – parents/caregivers receive alerts for dangers or concerning behaviors on a separate dashboard.
Bark Phone comes with unlimited talk and text starting at $49/month – with no contract required. And it also comes with a subscription to the Bark app for the entire family which is great for kids who don’t have phones yet, or to monitor other devices in your home.
ChargeCard portable charger gives your phone a recharge on the go
The ChargeCard” by AquaVault portable charger is perfect for taking on the go in your wallet to give your iPhone or Android smartphone another recharge without the need for plugging in. You’ve seen these guys on Shark Tank, and I take the ChargeCard everywhere in my wallet for a charge on the go. Exclusive 2-for-1 deal with promo code “FOX.” Add two ChargeCards to your shopping cart at theaquavault.com, enter the code FOX at checkout, and receive 50% off. The regular price is $59.95 each. Get ChargeCard here.
Please be sure to enter 2 chargecards into your cart. Once you do, on the final check out page, enter promo code FOX. The system will then only charge you for one.
Apple AirTag helps track precious possessions
We all know what an Apple AirTag will do to keep track of your possessions in life, and for kids heading back to school, it’s invaluable. For example, you could attack an AirTag on your child’s backpack or lunchbox, so if they misplace it, you can easily locate it using the Find My app on your iPhone. What parents want to do is get smart about how Apple AirTag is used with their kids so that AirTags are not discarded or removed. Get the Apple AirTag individual for $28.99. At the time of publishing, this product had over 131,000 global ratings, with 84% giving the product 5 stars. Or get the AirTag 4 pack for $84.99 At the time of publishing, this product had over 74,000 global ratings, with 86% giving the product 5 stars.
Backpack AirTag holder
AirTag accessories help secure the AirTag to keep it in place. A complete kit to secure an AirTag onto a strap of a backpack or bag makes it difficult for a thief to remove. Get the Backpack AirTag holder for $19.95. At the time of publishing, this product had over 350 global ratings, with 85% giving the product 5 stars.
Credit Card AirTag Waller holder
AirTag snaps into the firm credit card-sized holder and slips into your wallet. Get the Credit Card AirTag wallet holder for $10.99. At the time of publishing, this product had over 1,800 global ratings, with 77% giving the product 5 stars.
TagVault fabric mount
TagVault adhesive sticks to fabric material inside of a backpack or bag. Get the TapVault for $19.95. At the time of publishing, this product had over 150 global ratings, with 83% giving the product 5 stars.
MacBook Air 15-inch laptop perfect for back-to-school
We reviewed Apple’s new 15-inch MacBook Air, which weighs just 3.3 pounds, is super thin at 11.5mm, has a powerful M2 processor, and has a battery life of up to 18 hours. Education pricing on Apple.com is not only discounted but, for a limited time, comes with a $150 gift card. When purchasing in the Apple store, you may be asked to show your student id. Shop educational pricing at Apple.com, and also find Apple MacBook Air 15 here on Amazon.
Great back-to-school apps
Here Comes the Bus App
A large number of students depend on the school bus for their daily commute, leading parents to be concerned about their safety and location during the journey. The ‘Bus Arrival Alert’ app alleviates these concerns, offering parents real-time tracking of the bus’s location. By partnering with participating school districts, the app is available for free download, enabling parents to view the bus’s live location on a map and receive timely notifications, such as when their child reaches school or returns home.”
MyHomework App
MyHomework offers complimentary apps, enabling students to seamlessly access their planners on the go. Since 2009, this tool has empowered millions to elevate their academic performance. Students, don’t miss out
Works on iOS, iPadOS, Android, Mac, Windows & Kindle. Free with ads or $4.99 without adds
Kurt’s key takeaways
Gear up your kids for a successful school year with the latest tech essentials! From the innovative Storypod audio player to the trusty Apple AirTag, these gadgets will seamlessly integrate into their learning and keep them safe. Don’t forget to protect their devices with antivirus software like TotalAV, ensuring their privacy and security. Happy back-to-school shopping.
What back-to-school tech essentials are you most excited to try for your children or grandchildren? Have you used any of these gadgets before, and if so, what was your experience like? Let us know by commenting below.
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