Eight-year-old reveals ultimate back to school shopping list for 2025

Back-to-school season is here, and Drake Circus has teamed up with its very own Chief Fun Officer, eight-year-old Ellie, to reveal what children really want in their school bags this September and help make parents’ back-to-school shopping trips that much easier.

Tasked with testing trends and giving her official stamp of approval, Ellie has rounded up the coolest must-haves for the new term. From glow-up stationery to Stitch bag charms, her edit of back-to-school buys is packed with personality – and available now at Drake Circus from stores including Smiggle, Claire’s, Mooch, Flying Tiger, Primark, M&S and Waterstones.

Here are Ellie’s top five trending back-to-school picks:

Bag charms featuring Stitch, Hello Kitty and fluffy pom-poms – for making your bag stand out on your school peg.
Pastel water bottles and cool designs – functional, fun and TikTok-approved.
Cute and compartmentalised lunchboxes – the more sections the better for different snacks.
Scented highlighters and squishy pencil cases – stationery is a style statement this year.
Fresh uniform staples and comfy shoes – perfect for all-day comfort and classroom confidence.

Ellie said: “I had so much fun shopping for all my stuff for back to school. I found bracelets and scrunchies, the coolest pencil case, and loads more at Drake Circus – it had everything!

“I loved choosing it all, and we had such a great day – now I can’t wait for the new term to start so I can use it all!”

Greg Lumley, Centre Director at Drake Circus, said: “We know back-to-school shopping can feel like a big task, so we’ve made it easy, enjoyable and all in one place. With Ellie’s help, we’ve captured the trends kids are genuinely excited about, turning the trip into something families can enjoy together.”

Families can make a full day of back-to-school shopping, with a whole host of entertainment, dining and exclusive discounts across Drake Circus and The Barcode. Kids eat for less at favourites like Zizzi, Franco Manca, Cosy Club and Las Iguanas, while Cineworld, Boom Battle Bar and Paradise Island Adventure Golf offer the perfect post-shop treat. Shoppers can also take advantage of student savings, Click & Collect and loyalty offers at stores including Marks & Spencer, H&M and Waterstones.

To find out more about Ellie’s back-to-school essentials, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/DMplNIat43V/

To plan your visit to the centre, head to www.drakecircus.com