A customer shows a new Labubu doll to media in July during the opening of Germany’s first shop for Labubu plush dolls. It will be one of the more sought-after items for kids as they head back to school. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Kids at bus stops across the Lewiston/Auburn area and Franklin and Oxford counties will likely be seen wearing some interesting styles and items as the new school year begins.

What styles and toys are popular among youth changes frequently, so it can be hard to predict what piques this group’s interest and how long it will last. Some of the most popular styles and items this year include socks and sandals, Chinese plush toys, expensive mugs and tote bags.

Generation Alpha, the term for those just younger than Gen Z, has started to make their mark in the consumer market, even if their parents and guardians do not understand the appeal of some trends.

Here are some of the most popular items among youth this school year.

SOCKS AND SANDALS

Probably the most noticeable trend among teens and ‘tweens is their affection for wearing socks with sandals.

Gen Alpha has taken this “ugly chic” trend, once considered taboo and a fashion “don’t,” and popularized it with the commonly seen combination of Nike socks and Birkenstock sandals.

STANLEY AND OWALA CUPS

Another trend that has boomed in recent years is the rise of popularity of Stanley cups and other mugs specializing in keeping drinks cold or hot for long periods of time. At an average of $45 for a 40-ounce tumbler, they can also serve as a status symbol.

Many students this year will be seen with Stanley or Owala cups in hand, filled with water or their beverage of choice with perhaps some dangly accessories hanging off the side.

Owala water bottles are pictured in this undated photo. (Whipsaw via AP)

LABUBU

Popularity for the next item has skyrocketed in the past year or so. Billed as collectible elf toys, Labubus are small plushy dolls that are starting to flood shelves in gift shops and other stores outside the big-box stores such as Walmart. The small toys can be clipped to backpacks and bags.

Probably the biggest stress for parents regarding these items is how they are going to prevent their kids from losing them or having them stolen while they are at school.

BACKPACK OR TOTE BAG

Students are also sporting several different types of backpacks this school year, including those from L.L.Bean, JanSport, The North Face and Eastport.

However, there is a group of students opting for tote bags, such as those sold by L.L.Bean, instead of the traditional backpack.