Get ready for back to school

Your IndyBest weekend shopping guide [View in browser]( [IndyBest]( [Emma Henderson]( Emma Henderson [IndyBest Editor]( August 27, 2021 Believe it or not, it's that time of year again. September is just around the corner, and that means back to school – whether that's nursery, secondary school or uni, the new term is imminent. And with that comes all the nice bits – new [school bags](and [lunch boxes](. While there are less fun bits, too – the [uniform](. We've rounded up plenty of places to look for what you need, from M&S to Aldi. And to get them off on the right foot, we've put these [kids school shoes]( through their paces for you as well. If they're able to ride to school, they might be ready for an upgrade after a summer growth spurt, so read our [guide to the best bikes]( to find a new set of wheels for the job. But for those who are making the first big leap to school it can be overwhelming. And after spending so much time at home, a full day at school can seem a long time away from all things familiar. Ressaure them with these [books about starting school](that will make it seem much less scary. Don't forget to enter our competition either, where you can win a bundle of goodies for your doggo, worth £645. To enter the prize draw for our Orvis dog bed bundle, simply email the correct answer to this question to competitions@independent.co.uk Good luck! Q: What type of foam is the Orvis bolster dog bed made from? Entrants must be 18 or over, a UK resident (no shipping of prizes overseas) and only one entry per person is permitted. Answers must be received by 23.59pm 3 September 2021. The winner will be contacted via email by 10 September 2021 and the winner will be the first valid entry picked at random. No cash alternative. Usual terms apply see: independent.co.uk/rules Turn it up If you're an Android user and have been waiting for an AirPods alternative – it's now here. According to our tech writer, Alex Lee, the Google Pixel A-series are an affordable pair of buds that give Apple a run for its money. [Google Pixel buds A-series]( The third iteration of the Pixel earbuds have been a long time coming too, as these little popcorn shaped buds were announced way back when in June, but only went on sale this week. Alex says: "Think of them as the cheaper equivalent of the Pixel 4a to the Pixel 4, or the AirPods to the AirPods pro". But how to do they compare to the others? [Read our full review to find out](. [Read more]( Get a helping hand If you hate vacuuming, there is hope for you, which comes in the form of [robot vacuums](. Once a very expensive gadget (and a little prone to bumping into things), there's now plenty of affordable models that have really turned things up a notch, and are no longer an expensive hinderance. [Best pillows]( Before you buy, consider what it is you need; one that also mops (prayers answered), voice control, something that's low maintenance, or is power the real priority for you? We've put these robot vacs through their paces [to find one that suits you](, and saves you an arduous job. [Read more]( Second skin Just as we say adieu to the summer, we're due one last warm spell. If you're lucky enough to have secured yourself a staycation for the final hurrah, well done to you. But whether that's in Cornwall or Scotland our British waters are still far from balmy, and that calls for one thing: a [wetsuit](. [Men and women's wetsuits]( For those brave enough to dip more than a toe in, [get prepared with one of our tried and tested wetsuits]( and you'll have hours more fun making waves, regardless of if you're paddleboarding, surfing or swimming. You'll thank us later. [Read more]( [F&M Christmas advent calendars]( Deck the halls Yes, we know, we know – it's only August. But Christmas advent calendars are serious business, and we're helping you to find which one you actually want to gift (or buy yourself). [Fortnum & Mason]( is one of the stalwarts in luxury calendars, and recently released its offering. Famed for its fabulous decorated window displays, food hall and tea, this year there's an impressive nine to choose from, and we've got [the full lowdown on them](. The range includes a cute 3D paper calendar (for under £18) all the way up to the glorious feasting calendar at £200, and of course, the mother of all calendars, the beauty calendar at £225. There quite literally is something for everyone, so get saving – or dropping hints. [Read more]( Deals of the week The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our newsletter, we may earn commission. [Emma pillow deal]( The Emma original pillow has a whopping [45% off in its bank holiday sale]( [Get deal]( [Gul stand up paddle board]( [Save £100]( on this stand up paddleboard, which we've also [reviewed here]( [Get deal]( Don't miss a thing Keep up to date with all the latest IndyBest news over on social... [Twitter]( [Instagram]( Thank you for reading. P.S. If you can spare two minutes we'd love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email. You are currently registered to receive The Independent's IndyBest email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's IndyBest email, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Indy_Best_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. 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