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Kids & Family Must Haves: School Essentials ✏️
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items back-to-school shopping can get expensive REAL quick! so i’m putting all the school basics in one place; backpacks, lunch gear, supplies, art supplies, headphones and even a little homework setup. basically the stuff i’d want checked off the list bef...
Sections
8
backpacks & lunch essentials
pencils, pens & writing essentials
art & coloring essentials
notebooks, folders & organization
tech accessories & essentials
school hygiene essentials
backpacks & lunch essentials
everything they need to pack it, carry it, drink it and actually keep up with it. from backpacks and lunch bags to water bottles, utensils, ice packs, snack containers and personalized labels, these are the little school-day essentials that make morn...
a backpack set is always a win because you get more than just the bag. perfect for carrying school supplies while keeping the little extras they need together.
Mommore Kids Backpack Set
keeping lunch at the right temperature while making it easy for kids to carry is the goal. this is a great lunch companion for school days, field trips and activities.
Bentgo Kids Double-Insulated Reusable Lunch Bag
for the kid who needs a solid everyday school backpack. this gives them room for their folders, notebooks, lunch and all the little things they somehow manage to bring home every day.
Asge Backpack for Kids
because sending a kid to school without a water bottle is basically asking them to come home saying “i was thirsty ALL day.” this is an easy everyday bottle for school, sports and activities.
Bentgo Kids Water Bottle
because lunch doesn’t always come with everything they need. this gives them their own reusable utensils to keep in their lunch bag and use for school meals.
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Utensil Set
these are perfect when you need to keep lunch cold without taking up half the lunch bag. slim enough to tuck alongside containers and easy to reuse every school day.
Fit + Fresh Slim Ice Packs
because snacks rolling around loose in a backpack is a whole mess. these keep little snacks contained and make packing lunches a lot easier.
SANEXC Snack Containers with Lids
a reusable alternative for packing snacks, sandwiches and little lunchbox extras. and being dishwasher safe makes cleanup way less annoying.
NIKUY Dishwasher Safe Reusable Bags
because kids’ cups have a way of becoming everybody’s cup. these personalized bands make it easier to tell whose drink belongs to who while adding a cute little touch.
InchBug Orbit Personalized Silicone Bands
perfect for little sandwiches, snacks and lunchbox portions without taking up a ton of space. these make packing smaller portions super easy.
Kitchen & Cabana Fun Size Sandwich Containers
because if your kid’s backpack looks like every other backpack in the classroom, you’re gonna want their name on it. personalized tags make it easier to identify and help keep their bag from getting mixed up.
Personalized Name Tag
pencils, pens & writing essentials
all the little things they need to write, erase, highlight, study and keep those pencils together. because somehow the smallest school supplies are always the first things they run out of.
no sharpening every five minutes? yes please. mechanical pencils are an easy pick for older kids who are constantly writing, doing homework and working through assignments.
Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils
because having pencils but no sharpener is the kind of problem you don’t discover until you’re already doing homework. this is a simple little essential to keep in the pencil case, desk or supply box.
Up & Up Pencil Sharpener
because apparently even sticky notes need to be cute for school. perfect for quick reminders, marking pages or leaving little notes without writing all over the actual assignment.
Post-it Super Sticky Notes
a school supply classic for a reason. these are the pencils i’d want stocked before school starts because you already know half of them are going to disappear.
Ticonderoga Pencils
because the pencil is still good… but the eraser is GONE! these little caps are an easy backup to keep in the pencil pouch so they always have an eraser when they need one.
Pen+Gear Pencil Cap Erasers
for the kids who go through pencils like crazy. this gives you the option to sharpen with batteries or electricity, which is especially handy for a homework station.
Deli Electric & Battery Pencil Sharpener
perfect for flashcards, vocabulary words, study notes and those random assignments that somehow always require index cards. definitely worth keeping a pack around.
Oxford Ruled Index Cards
for kids who need a little extra comfort while writing. these slip onto pencils and can make long homework sessions a little easier on their fingers.
Pen+Gear Silicone Pencil Grips
because highlighting the important stuff makes studying feel a little more organized. great for notes, textbooks, worksheets and finding the information that actually matters.
Sharpie Highlighters
a school-supply classic that deserves a spot in every pencil pouch. because mistakes are gonna happen; might as well have a good eraser ready.
Paper Mate Pencil Erasers
art & coloring essentials
for the little artists, classroom projects and those school assignments that suddenly require ALL the colors. from crayons and markers to paint, paper, glue and poster boards, this is where we’re keeping the creative supplies stocked.
the classic school-supply staple; having two packs means there’s a backup when the first box mysteriously loses half its crayons.
Crayola Crayons (Pack of 2)
because school projects are not happening without glue. washable is definitely the feature i want when kids are involved.
Elmer's Washable School Glue
these are a fun option for coloring and school projects without needing a sharpener every time the point gets dull. just twist and keep creating.
Crayola Twistables Colored Pencils
every school supply list eventually says “scissors”. these are a kid-friendly option for classroom crafts, projects and cutting activities.
Fiskars Pointed Kids Scissors
for bold, colorful projects that need to stand out. these are great for posters, crafts, presentations and all those assignments where regular pencils just aren’t gonna do it.
Crayola Broad Line Markers
the purple color makes it easier to see where the glue actually went, then it dries clear. basically a little visual help for kids who somehow glue everything EXCEPT the paper.
Elmer's Washable School Glue Sticks
100 colors?! this is for the little artist who wants every possible shade. perfect for art projects, coloring and adding details to school assignments.
Crayola Colored Pencils Set
for the kid who wants ALL the colors; 96 crayons gives them plenty of options for coloring, projects and all those creative assignments.
Crayola Crayons Jumbo Pack
because school projects somehow always need construction paper. this variety pack gives them plenty of colors for crafts, posters, collages and all those “we need this tomorrow” projects.
Crayola Construction Paper
50 colors + washable = mama approved. perfect for creative projects when you want lots of color options without panicking over every little marker accident.
Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers
for science projects, presentations, book reports and whatever big assignment requires a board. keeping a few at home can save you from that last-minute store run.
Up & Up Poster Boards
for projects where regular liquid glue is doing WAY too much. these little adhesive dots make it easy to attach things without the mess and can be removed when needed.
Glue Dots Removable Clear Dot Roll
a little watercolor set can turn a regular homework table into an art studio. 16 colors gives kids plenty to work with, and washable is definitely a parent-friendly bonus.
Crayola Washable Watercolor Paint
for the bigger craft projects where regular school glue just isn’t cutting it. this is a handy one to have around when kids need to put together something a little more serious.
Elmer's Craft Bond Glue
notebooks, folders & organization
for keeping the papers, books and school supplies from taking over the whole house. these are the organization finds that help keep everything together, easy to find and ready for the next school day.
this is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you’re digging through a backpack looking for one tiny pencil. it helps give the backpack some structure and creates extra organization inside.
Vercord Backpack Insert Liner
you can never have too many notebooks when school starts. this is perfect for keeping notes, assignments and classwork organized by subject.
Pen+Gear College Ruled 1-Subject Notebook
this keeps all those little school supplies contained instead of scattered throughout the backpack. perfect for crayons, pencils, markers, scissors and other small essentials.
Sterilite Flat Top Crayon & Pencil Box
simple, inexpensive and actually useful. perfect for separating papers that need to go home, stay at school or get turned in.
Pen+Gear 2-Pocket Folder
because pencils, erasers and everything else somehow end up loose at the bottom of the backpack; give all those little supplies one place to live.
SUNEE Pencil Case
a binder is basically the headquarters for loose papers. keep worksheets, notes and important assignments together instead of letting them get crumpled at the bottom of the backpack.
Pen+Gear 3-Ring Binder
because textbooks and workbooks somehow get beat up within the first two weeks. these help keep books protected while making it easier to tell whose book is whose.
KICNIC Jumbo Book Covers
perfect for keeping those little supplies that don’t belong loose in the backpack. pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters and other extras can all have their own spot.
Pen+Gear Binder Pouch
okayyy this is for the serious school-supply organizer. the rolling design makes it easy to move supplies around while the separate bins help keep everything sorted by type or subject.
Simply Tidy Rolling Cart
because school papers multiply when you’re not looking. this gives worksheets, permission slips, homework and important papers their own sections instead of letting everything become one giant pile.
Cesil Accordian Paper Organizer
tech accessories & essentials
because school isn’t just pencils and paper anymore. these are the tech finds that can make computer work, digital assignments, studying and staying connected a little easier; from headphones and flash drives to tablet accessories and kids’ smartwatc...
because sometimes schoolwork requires headphones and sharing isn’t always ideal. these are a good option for classroom activities, computer work and educational apps.
JLab JBuddies Studio Wired Headphones
okayyy a flash drive that doesn’t look boring. perfect for storing school projects, documents, presentations and other files they need to take between home and school.
Sandisk Crayola USB-C Flash Drives
a reliable wired headset for virtual lessons, computer work, educational games and anything else that requires audio. plug it in and they’re ready to go.
Logitech USB Wired Headset
because laptops and tablets do NOT need to be bouncing around loose in a backpack. this gives their device its own protective spot while making it easier to carry.
Heyday Kids Tablet & Laptop Sleeve
perfect for homework, reading, watching instructional videos or using a tablet while keeping their hands free. and the adjustable angles make it easier to find a comfortable viewing position.
Sttargxing Universal Multi-Angle Tablet Stand
for parents who want an easy way to stay connected while their kid is at school or out and about. a kids’ smartwatch can be a convenient addition for communication and keeping tabs on their day.
TickTalk5 Kids Smart Watch
a little mouse can make computer work SO much easier than trying to do everything with a trackpad. this compact wireless option is easy to use with either hand and convenient for a homework setup.
TECKNET Compact Ambidextrous Wireless Mouse
another simple school-tech essential for saving and transferring files. perfect to keep in their backpack or homework area for those projects they don’t want living only on the computer.
ONN USB Flash Drive
school hygiene essentials
because school days come with runny noses, sticky hands, dry lips and ALL kinds of little messes. these are the hygiene and cleanup essentials i’d keep stocked in their backpack, classroom supplies and at-home homework area.
because kids touch EVERYTHING! keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their backpack makes it easy to clean their hands before lunch, after recess or whenever they need it.
Purell Hand Sanitizer Soothing Gel Pump Bottle
a little pack of tissues is one of those things you don’t think about until you need one. perfect for keeping in a backpack, pencil pouch or lunch bag.
Kleenex On-the-Go 3-Ply Tissue
another easy backpack essential for keeping hands clean throughout the school day. the flip-cap bottle makes it simple for kids to grab a little when they need it.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Flip Cap Bottle
because the tissue box at home is going to disappear FAST once school starts. keep one at the homework station or somewhere the kids can easily grab it.
Kleenex Ultra Soft Tissue
for those sticky fingers, messy surfaces and little school-day situations. these are convenient to keep in a backpack or car for quick cleanups.
Clorox Fresh Scent Disinfecting To-Go Wipes
these are SO handy for anything that gets wet or messy. clothes, swimsuits, accident-prone lunch items or whatever else comes home needing to be separated from the clean stuff.
ALVA Reusable & Waterproof Wet Dry Bags
because somehow kids always need chapstick the second they don’t have it. a variety pack means you can keep one in their backpack, bathroom, car or wherever else they might need one.
Chapstick Classic Lip Balm Variety Pack
homework & study setup essentials
creating a little homework station can make such a difference. these are the finds for making their study space more organized, comfortable and easier to actually sit down and get work done.
a designated homework spot can make a BIG difference. having a little workspace gives kids somewhere to focus, organize their supplies and knock out those assignments without taking over the kitchen table.
4NM No Tool Assembly Homework Desk
because “you have 20 minutes to finish your homework” somehow means nothing until there’s a timer. the visual countdown makes it easier for kids to see how much time they have left without constantly asking.
LIORQUE Visual Timer for Kids
a dedicated chair can make their homework space feel like an actual little study area instead of wherever they happen to sit that day. a simple option for pairing with their homework desk.
Giantex Kids Armless Desk Chair
perfect for putting homework, activities, appointments and school reminders all in one place. because if it’s written down, there’s a much better chance everybody remembers it.
ABERLLS Weekly Calendar Whiteboard
good lighting makes a homework space feel SO much better; especially for reading, writing and working on assignments after the sun goes down.
AXX Desk Lamp
because loose pencils, markers and supplies somehow end up EVERYWHERE. this keeps their most-used desk supplies within reach while adding a fun pop of color.
GAMENOTE Rainbow Wooden Desk Organizer
math essentials
for the rulers, flashcards, geometry tools and hands-on supplies that make math practice a little easier. these are the classroom essentials worth having ready before the teacher says, “you’ll need this for tomorrow.”
a basic school supply that somehow gets needed for a million different assignments. perfect for measuring, drawing straight lines and keeping in the pencil box.
Pen+Gear Plastic Ruler
perfect for homework and math assignments where kids need a calculator handy. compact enough to keep in a backpack or homework area.
Mr. Pen Mechanical Switch Calculator
these make math a little more hands-on. perfect for counting, patterns, addition, subtraction and other activities where kids can physically see what they’re learning.
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes
21 colors?! these are perfect for whiteboards, math practice, studying and color-coding work. having multiple colors can make practice feel a lot less boring.
Expo Dry Erase Markers
perfect for practicing math problems, spelling, working out homework or making quick notes without wasting paper. the magnetic design makes it easy to keep on a magnetic surface.
Pen+Gear Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard
for those geometry assignments that suddenly require every math tool known to man. this set keeps the basics together so you’re not searching for a protractor at 9 pm.
Up & Up Compass and Protractor Set
a good way to sneak in extra practice without making it feel like another worksheet. perfect for quick review, math practice and little study sessions.
Carson Dellosa Math Flashcards Set