What we’re loving: 10 must-have items for the new school year

Here are the top 10 must-haves for the new academic year – from luxury backpacks to secret diaries.

Step up

Scandinavian brand Ecco’s 2015 collection of shoes for boys and girls are crafted in soft and durable leather. We love the classic brogues and high-performance trainers. Pumps for girls in black leather start from around Dh400 and slip-on shoes for boys cost approximately Dh450.

• Visit www.ae.ecco.com. and www.shoemartgulf.com

Sound idea

Philips has rolled out a colourful range of headphones priced at Dh76. Designed especially for little ones aged 3 years and upwards – the volume is capped at 85 decibels – and are available in blue and pink. Also check out the portable PD7006 DVD player, ideal for road trips and even the school run. It is durable, resistant to spills, and the easy-to-use interface is especially designed for children; Dh279.

• Both gadgets are available at leading UAE electronic retailers and at www.mea.philips.com

Wheels smart

It’s where most mums love to do their back-to-school shopping – Splash at Centrepoint has a vast selection of Hello Kitty, Batman, Ferrari and Barbie-themed socks, shoes, notepads, mugs and lunch boxes. A smart addition to the store’s range this season are backpacks on wheels by JanSport. Each comes with a waterbottle pocket and the all-important tablet sleeve. Available in small, medium and large sizes. Basic backpacks start at Dh135.

• Visit www.landmarkshops.com/splash

Cut above

This September, the Jazz Lounge Spa in Dubai is offering two haircuts for the price of one. Book a cut and blow-dry at the male-only salon costing Dh75, and you’ll receive a junior haircut and blow-dry for free. The offer is available for boys aged 13 years and under.

• For appointments and your nearest branch, visit www.jazzloungespa.com

Art attack

Little Things boutique in The Dubai Mall has film-themed stationery sets for school-starters this term: Dh99 will get you a Disney Frozen Ultimate Fun Pack containing gel pens, colouring pencils, a pencil case, colouring book and secret diary. It also comes with a free shoulder bag, eraser, pencil sharpener and ruler. For little artists, there’s a Frozen watercolour set containing a palette of six colours, soft brushes and stencils for just Dh89. For Michelangelos-in-the-making, adjustable travel easels can be found in-store for Dh99 too. The kit includes an easy-to-mount easel, felt-tip pens, wax crayons, pastels and a sponge.

• Little Things is in The Dubai Mall, call 04 330 8717

Get ahead

Ideal for the walk home from school is New Era’s latest range of 9 FIFTY caps. The limited-edition Dubai Cap fuses New Era’s distinctive silhouette with cityscape graphics. The official on-field cap for Major League Baseball and the National Football League, New Era has a loyal following of celebrity fans who clamour for its accessories and apparel lines. The range of Dubai caps is available for Dh185 at www.namshi.com, Sun Sand & Sport, and Go Sport.

• For more information go to www.neweracap.com

Bubble trouble

For a soothing bath before nursery or kindergarten the next day, Kiehl's has developed a collection especially for tiny tots. There's a Gentle Foaming Hair & Body Wash which is safe for sensitive skins, paraben free and paediatrician-tested, for Dh90. There's also a Nurturing Baby Cream for Face & Body, containing shea butter and a unique blend of oils including rice bran, apricot and olive fruit. Fragrance-free and suitable for newborns too, the product costs Dh151 and can be found at Kiehl's stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• Visit www.en.kiehls-me.com

Flash back

For discerning girls and boys looking for a luxury backpack to show off in the schoolyard, Tommy Hilfiger's autumn/winter collection is all about highly individual backpacks in lambskin, gold-studded patent leather and heavyweight yarns. There also are sportswear and accessories such as extra-long scholar scarves, wedge-heel football boots and sequinned Mary Janes. Prices upon application.

• Tommy Hilfiger is in The Dubai Mall, call 04 143 3980

Designer downtime

School uniforms aside, there’s plenty of party and play wear on offer for children this season. Versace’s autumn/winter 2015/16 line has just hit the UAE and it’s full of fun. There’s manga-inspired graphics and vibrant graffiti for boys and kaleidoscopic prints and florals for girls. The range includes dresses, skirts, capes and fleeces for girls, while young men can choose from a selection of jeans, T-shirts, bomber jackets and single-breasted tuxedos. There are also hoodies and tracksuit combos, for both, in jewel tones of sapphire blue and emerald green.

• Go to www.versace.com for more information

Fun in the sun

Poupette à la Plage boutique in Dubai has cool sun-safe essentials for the kids – soft fabric hats with printed car designs for boys cost Dh295, while pretty printed headscarves for girls in sorbet shades start from Dh180.

• See the full range at www.poupettealaplage.com. The brand is also running a competition on its Instagram account until September 5. To enter and stand the chance of winning a Dh400 voucher, follow @poupettealaplage and upload a picture of your "happy" kids. Call 04 342 7720 for more details