Courtesy of AmazonWe interviewed Michelle Buteau because we think you'll like her picks. Michelle is a paid spokesperson for Amazon. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.
As the back-to-school season rolls around, Michelle Buteau is bringing her signature humor and practical wisdom to help parents and students navigate the shopping frenzy. The comedian hilariously encourages parents to spend less on their kids in Amazon's latest campaign.
“With two little ones heading to school for the first time this year, I’ll take all the savings I can get!” Michelle says in an exclusive E! interview.
Michelle's Amazon recommendations blend efficiency with a touch of fun so you'll have everything you need to keep kids happy and parents stress-free throughout the school year.
Michelle Buteau's Back-to-School Essentials for Parents
Gain + Aroma Boost Laundry Detergent Liquid
"My number one most essential back-to-school item, honestly, is detergent! Where are they going in these clothes? It’s just a playground, you would think they’ve been fighting a battle somewhere."
Shoppers Agree: This laundry detergent has 86,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
E!: Is there an item in your list that some people might not typically consider to be a “back to school product,” but is an underrated must-have in your eyes?
MB: I love York Peppermint Patties. They’re not for the kids, they’re for me.
York Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patties
"I have a little one with my coffee and one with my wine, and that’s how mamma stays happy when the kids are going to school."
Shoppers Agree: Michelle's must-have snack has 14,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
E!: Is there an item that you recommend to help parents relax when school is back in session
MB: Amazon just has so many wonderful choices of air purifiers, so get yourself a little air purifier with scented oils in each room.
Aroeve Air Purifier With Aromatherapy Function
"It makes a big difference with your breathing and will help you feel relaxed. It will make your home feel like a spa without spending all that money."
Shoppers Agree: This air purifier has 6,700+ 5-star reviews. You can customize the experience with your favorite essential oil scents.
E!: Is there a product that wasn't available during your school days that you wish you could have used?
MB: I feel like pens just needed more erasers!
Paper Mate EraserMate Erasable Pen
"I didn’t like feeling like once I put an answer down, I was stuck. I feel like kids get to type now and they don’t have all the fun of erasers that actually erase."
More From Michelle: "Every marker I had just stayed with me. People thought I had tattoos for ten years… Nope, it was just the marker."
These erasable pens have 6,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
Michelle Buteau's Back-to-School Essentials for Kids
Amazon Basics Supertip 40 Colors Washable Markers, Pack of 40
"This pack of 40 markers is great because it comes in so many colors, and my kids don’t have to fight over their favorite colors, since there are so many to choose from!"
More From Michelle: "In all seriousness, though, my little ones love the fun colors of the headphones and, most importantly, they’re durable so they can survive in the hands of a five year old."
Shoppers Agree: These top-rated headphones have 6,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews. Choose from 8 colors.
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
"Every kid looks forward to buying their first JanSport backpack for school– you know my kids did!"
More From Michelle: "JanSport is just such an iconic brand! I love that Amazon has JanSport backpacks in so many different colors and styles to fit every kid’s personality, which is perfect for my twins."
Shoppers Agree: These backpacks have 26,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews. There are many colors to choose from.
Owala Kids Flip Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle with Straw
"This Owala kids water bottle is great since it has a leak-proof lid with a hide-away straw, so my kids don’t get their water bottles all gross and germy. This is critical for making sure they don’t get sick during their first school year!"
More From Michelle: "And it comes in such fun, kid-friendly colors."
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet
Michelle joked, "My favorite feature is probably the silence that they give me!"
More From Michelle: "In all seriousness, though, my little ones love the fun colors of the headphones and, most importantly, they’re durable so they can survive in the hands of a five year old."
Shoppers Agree: These top-rated headphones have 6,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews. Choose from 8 colors.
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet
"As a parent, I can relax knowing Amazon Kids offers easy-to-use parental controls to make sure they’re only accessing content that’s age-appropriate, and helps them learn while still having fun."
E!: Why is Amazon your go-to for back-to-school shopping?
MB: Amazon has been a game changer for back-to-school shopping as a mom of twins. Amazon’s Back to School Shopping Guide has a huge selection of everything my kids need, all in one place and at the right price – including school supplies and clothes that match their unique personalities.
Back to school is an important time of year for students and parents. What are some tips you have for parents as this time approaches?
MB: Well, my best tip is to get everything you need for back to school on Amazon!
If you want. todo more celebrity shopping, you'll love these back-to-school picks from Kathryn Hahn.
E!: How do you ensure that back-to-school shopping caters to both of your twins' interests in a way that feels equal while also reflecting their individual personalities and preferences?
MB: There is a system when you have twins with really big personalities and opinions, you know? I don't like buffets personally, there are too many decisions. Why do I have Beef Stroganoff and cottage cheese on my plate?! It’s confusing.
So, I like to have three to four options, and that’s how I deal with my twins. I’m like, “OK, what do you like?” Because we have four to five things we can look at, then we talk about what we like about them, what we don't like, how much money they are, and all the chores you’d have to do in order to get that money.
Then, we go shopping. They definitely have their own unique styles and twists and they also like to tell each other what they think the other person should have which is really cute because, wow, that's such a special relationship. Sometimes I’m just like, thank god I’m an only child, other times I’m like, this is really beautiful and magical and they are little walking angels on earth.
E!: Tell me about your Amazon campaign and encouraging parents to spend less money on back-to-school shopping.
MB: I love that Amazon has everyday low prices, a huge selection, top brands, PLUS fast delivery so I can get everything I need for my kids without the stress.
E!: Why is Amazon your go-to for back-to-school shopping?
MB: Amazon has been a game changer for back-to-school shopping as a mom of twins. Amazon’s Back to School Shopping Guide has a huge selection of everything my kids need, all in one place and at the right price – including school supplies and clothes that match their unique personalities.
Back to school is an important time of year for students and parents. What are some tips you have for parents as this time approaches?
MB: Well, my best tip is to get everything you need for back to school on Amazon!
If you want. todo more celebrity shopping, you'll love these back-to-school picks from Kathryn Hahn.