Here is a sampling of some hip new items that will send fashion-forward students to the top of their class.

Carry it out

Bookbags are always changing to fit the times, and this season's models are no exception. Students can find bookbags to roll supplies to school, listen to music, or coordinate with their notebooks and folders.

	The SPLAT calculator from Staples. Click photo for larger image.

An unexpected source, Victoria's Secret, is making a big push into the back-to-school market with its Pink line, which includes funky backpacks priced at $48.50 apiece.

Dickies introduced several new messenger bags, bookbags and pouches in Staples' coordinating colors. Staples also sells notebooks and folders to match bookbags.

And L.L.Bean, which is known for its selection of heavy-duty bookbags designed for different ages, has introduced the Turbo Sling Bag, a "lifestyle bag" for the 15-and-up crowd. It's a little smaller than a typical bookbag, but it's the perfect size for personal and important items, said Pam Jones, senior product developer in the travel division of L.L.Bean. This hip bag, which comes in a plethora of colors, includes a water bottle pocket, MP3 cord port and lots of compartments.

Lands' End $19.50 mini lunch totes feature zippered tops and easy-to-wipe interiors. Click photo for larger image.

Ms. Jones said the company has experienced a growth in this "alternative style" category, which includes sling and messenger bags, especially among teenagers and young adults.

Items that have grown in popularity in the elementary and middle school division are packs with wheels. These bookbags include in-line skate wheels and a T-handle to wheel around hefty loads.

Tools of the trade

To make math more fun, Staples created the SPLAT calculator in bright colors. It's also magnetic, to store inside your locker.

Younger students can benefit from Crayola's new Total Tools, a line of supplies complete with soft, squishy grips for easy use and control. The line even includes a staple-less stapler, perfect for preschool and elementary students.

	A Hot Sox book cover. Click photo for larger image.

For book covers, forget wrapping paper or brown paper bags. Hot Sox book covers are made of durable elastic fabric that stretches over the book. The material is heat sensitive, allowing students to draw on the fabric with -- literally -- the touch of a finger.

Staples also has a new line of "green" products, which includes everything from 100 percent recycled writing pads and copy paper to No. 2 pencils made from recycled newspaper.

Getting organized

Even notebooks have gone high tech.

Staples has created the Better Binder, a durable binder with a ring system that opens with the touch of a button. It's designed to hold up the entire year.

Victoria's Secret is getting into the back-to-school scene with its Pink line backpacks, $48.50. Click photo for larger image.

An item like this is the "backbone for students and organization," said Amy Shanler, director of public relations for Staples.

The company also offers flash drives, notebooks, binders, planners, and even laptop skins in 20 exclusive designs and 19 colors.

For the music-savvy individual, Mead Five Star offers sound products. These binders and desk cases include built-in speakers that can be hooked to an MP3 player. Students can jam to their favorite tunes while staying studious and organized.

Lunch boxes

Throw out all those brown paper bags and upgrade to a fun, sturdy lunch box. Today they're coming in all shapes and sizes, materials and colors. GAP has designed matching lunch boxes that attach to the back of several styles of backpacks. Backpacks range from $19.50 to $26.50, with matching lunch box, $14.50.

Lands' End Kids introduced five lunch boxes this year, all complete with easy wipe-out interiors.

Among these are the mini lunch tote with zippered top ($19.50). The more deluxe ThermaCool ($35) separates hot foods from cold and comes with a removable shoulder strap and interior ID tag.