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Back-to-School Essentials for Kids ⭐
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items Back-to-school season in our house is all about staying organized and keeping mornings running smooth. My older two wear uniforms, so I focus on school supplies, lunch gear, backpacks, and routines. My youngest is in daycare, so I’ve also included ev...
Sections
6
✏️ School Supplies
🎒 Backpacks & Lunch Gear
🚌 Before & After School
🍎 Lunch & Snack Essentials
📚 Homework & Study Space
🧼 Organization
✏️ School Supplies
The notebooks, pencils, folders, and classroom essentials we reach for every school year.
The classic 24 pack. You really cannot go wrong here, every kid needs a fresh box each year.
Crayola Crayons, 24 Count, Coloring Supplies for Kids, Classroom Must Haves for Teachers, Classic Colors, 3+
Broad line markers hold up better with little hands than the fine tip ones. Good all around pick.
Crayola Broad Line Markers, 10 Ct, Back to School Supplies for Kids, Teacher Supplies, Beginner Child
The purple goes on so kids can see where they already glued, then dries clear. A small thing that actually helps.
Elmer's Disappearing Purple Washable School Glue Sticks, 6 Gram, 12 Count
Blunt tip so it is safe for little ones, and they actually cut well, which not all kid scissors manage.
Fiskars 5" Blunt-tip Kids Scissor Ages 4-7, Blue
The teacher favorite for a reason. Sharpens well and does not snap like the cheaper ones.
Ticonderoga Wood Pencils, Unsharpened, #2 HB .3 mm Lead, Yellow, 24 Count
Simple clear box that fits pencils, erasers, and a glue stick without falling apart by October.
Sterilite Small Pencil Box, Plastic Case with Hinged Lid and Snap Latch, Portable Storage for Back to School Supplies, Clear
Expo markers are a must for classroom supply lists, and this pack has enough colors to share.
EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 12 Count
These slide right over worksheets so kids can practice writing over and over without wasting paper.
C-Line Reusable Dry Erase Pockets, Primary Colors, 9" x 12", Pack of 5
Two folders means one can live in the backpack and one at home, so nothing gets lost in between.
Five Star 4-Pocket Paper Folders, Pacific Blue, 2 Pack
Wide ruled is the way to go for elementary kids, and this one resists ink bleed through, huge for double sided worksheets.
Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, Wide Ruled, Amethyst
🎒 Backpacks & Lunch Gear
Durable backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, and food containers that make school days easier.
The classic L.L. Bean backpack! I remember everyone having one growing up and they are still a great choice for kids! They hold up so well, hoping my kids will choose one of these this year since they last so long!
L.L.Bean Original Book Pack®, 24L
Another classic, long lasting back pack! This one is perfect for the littles just getting started with school! Looking to get one for my soon to be Kindergartner!
Junior Original Book Pack, 17L
Top Pick!! I love the hard interior that makes it easy to clean!
Bean's Deluxe Lunch Box, Print
My top pick!! I love the ice pack insert! Makes it so easy to keep the kids lunch cold without taking up more space in their lunchbox!
Bentgo Chill Kids Lunch Box
The classic Bentgo Kids box. Leak proof, dishwasher safe, and comes in a bunch of colors so siblings can tell theirs apart.
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
A soft sided option if you want something that packs flat and has a little insulation, plus fun prints for kids who like a pattern.
Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Bag
The classic 5 compartment Bentgo in Bluey print, for the kiddo who wants character gear but still needs the full bento layout.
Bentgo + Bluey Kids Prints Lunch Box
Family favorite!! My kids each have one with their favorite character! It makes it easy to know who's is who's. They love to carry them around and they hold up well through all the dropping and use they get!
Summit Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid
🚌 Before & After School
Items that help mornings run smoother and keep kids organized before and after school.
Backpacks used to land on the floor, the counter, wherever. Now there is one spot and everyone actually uses it, including me.
Wall-Mounted Wood Hook Rack for Backpacks | Target
This ended so much of the morning nagging. They check the board, they know what is next, I am not repeating myself five times before we are out the door.
Reusable Dry-Erase Daily Routine Chore Chart for Kids | Target
🍎 Lunch & Snack Essentials
Lunch containers, reusable bags, snack storage, ice packs, and other lunchtime favorites.
Perfect size for ranch, ketchup, or a little fruit dip. My kids will not touch a soggy sandwich but they will dip anything.
Sistema To Go Round Mini Bites 3-Pack (Colors May Vary)
These wipe clean and hold up way better than plastic baggies for crackers or a sandwich half.
Joie Rainbow Reusable Snack Bags, Leak-Proof, Assorted Pack of 6
Slim enough it does not take up the whole lunch box and keeps things cold all the way to lunchtime.
Igloo MaxCold Small Ice Freeze Block, Blue
This is what keeps mac and cheese or soup actually warm by lunchtime, and the built in spoon means one less thing to pack.
Thermos 10 oz Kid's Funtainer Insulated Stainless Food Jar, Cars
A great second jar option if you want one for soup and one for oatmeal on different mornings.
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Insulated Food Jar, Purple
📚 Homework & Study Space
Desk supplies, organizers, lighting, and learning tools to create a productive homework routine.
Everything homework needs lives in this one caddy now. No more digging through drawers looking for a working pencil at 6pm.
Desk Organizer Caddy for Kids School Supplies | Target
Once it gets dark earlier this is what actually gets homework done without the overhead light making everyone sleepy. Bends exactly where you need it.
Kids Adjustable LED Desk Lamp
🧼 Organization
Labels, calendars, storage solutions, and planners to keep school supplies and schedules organized.
One board, everything on it. Practice schedules, early dismissal days, whose turn it is for what. If it is not on here it does not exist in our house.
Dry-Erase Family Command Center Wall Calendar | Target
Backpacks, lunchboxes, folders, all of it labeled so things actually make it home. Cheap fix for the “this is not my kid's water bottle” problem.
Label Makers | Wireless, Handheld, & Bluetooth Printers
If you want to go digital this is the one I keep hearing about from other moms. Syncs everyone's schedules on one screen so nothing gets missed.
Skylight Calendar & Photo Frame - Touchscreen Smart ...