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Back-to-School Essentials for NYC Kids
16
items Everything my NYC kids need for a great school year! From the perfect backpack to school supplies and lunchboxes – tried, tested, and mom-approved.
Sections
4
Backpacks & Bags
School Supplies
Lunch & Snack Gear
Back-to-School Clothing
Backpacks & Bags
The best backpacks for NYC kids that survive the school year! Durable, comfortable, and big enough for books, snacks, and all the city adventures.
The iconic backpack that lasts YEARS! My kids have had JanSports since kindergarten. Tons of colors, fits everything, holds up on the NYC commute.
JanSport SuperBreak One Durable Lightweight Backpack
The CUTEST backpack for preschool and kindergarten! My little one picked the unicorn and refuses to use anything else. Perfect size for tiny kids.
Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Toddler Backpack, Dino
So worth the splurge! These last multiple school years and come in SO many prints. We've passed them down to the younger sibling. An NYC school staple.
Pottery Barn Kids MacKenzie Backpack
The coolest backpack in the NYC schoolyard, hands down! My older one loves the vintage look and it holds everything for a full school day.
Herschel Little America Backpack 30L
School Supplies
Everything on NYC school supply lists — from pencils and notebooks to glue sticks and art supplies. Stocked up and ready for day one!
My kids use these every single day for homework and art projects. 85 pieces means no fighting over crayons — a NYC mom win!
Crayola Ultimate Art Case With Easel, 85 Pc
The classic yellow pencil that every NYC teacher approves of. We buy a 30-pack at the start of every school year and never run out!
Dixon Ticonderoga Wood-Cased Pencils, 2-HB, Yellow, 30-Pack
My older one uses these for every subject in middle school. Durable, stays together all year, and comes in great colors. A back-to-school staple!
Mead Five Star Spiral Notebook, College Ruled, 100 Sheets
Every NYC school supply list includes glue sticks. This 30-pack lasts the whole year for both my kids. Washable formula saves my sanity!
Elmer's All Purpose School Glue Sticks, Washable, 30 Pack
Lunch & Snack Gear
Leak-proof lunchboxes, insulated water bottles, and reusable snack bags that make packing an NYC school lunch easy and stress-free every morning.
Worth every penny! Zero leaks, keeps food fresh until 3pm, and my kids can open it themselves. A NYC school mom's lunchbox dream.
PlanetBox Rover Stainless Steel Lunchbox for Kids
My kids have been using Hydro Flasks for 3 years and they still look new! Keeps water cold all day through recess, lunch, and after-school in NYC heat.
Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth Water Bottle, 12 oz, Straw Lid
Great for picky eaters who need food separated! 5 compartments means I can pack a whole balanced lunch without anything touching. NYC mom approved!
Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunchbox, 5 Compartments
We switched to reusable snack bags this year and never looked back! Stasher bags are leak-proof, dishwasher safe, and hold up through every NYC school day.
Stasher Silicone Reusable Snack Bag, Sandwich Size, 2-Pack
Back-to-School Clothing
School uniform essentials, durable sneakers, and cozy hoodies for NYC kids. Tried-and-true pieces that survive the school day, subway commute, and playground.
So many NYC schools require polo shirts and Lands' End quality is unbeatable. Holds up all year long through constant NYC subway commutes and playground action!
Lands' End Kids School Uniform Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
We do so much walking in NYC — these New Balance 574s handle the subway stairs, the playground, and everything in between. My kids love the classic look!
New Balance Kids 574 Lifestyle Sneaker, Back-to-School Shoes
Affordable, durable, and the built-in flex waist is a game changer for active NYC kids. We stock up on these at the beginning of every school year.
Old Navy Kids Uniform Straight Built-In Flex Khaki Pants
Perfect for cool NYC fall mornings on the school commute! Hanna Andersson hoodies are soft, wash beautifully, and my kids actually want to wear them.
Hanna Andersson Kids Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt, School Ready