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Back to School: The Essentials for Elementary Schoolers

Purple Star emoji 19 items
Here is a list of tried and true items that stood up for more than one school year for my elementary schooler. Some I purchased at the start of TK and they are still going strong and others I bought with a learning curve. You are sure to be impressed... standards, and ease of use of these products or I will wear a sign on my back in the pickup line that says “I admit I was wrong!”
Sections
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At Scool

These are items they shuttle with them back and forth from home to school or school to baseball practice. They are quality items that won’t break after the second use. 

 
Jax Baxter profile picture
Classic and stylish this Vans backpack is the one that will last your child more than one grade. Getting something plain and then adding fun patches or buttons allows you to customize the backpack to your child’s preference while still having a great...
Old Skool H2O Check Backpack Black/White - Vans
 
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These silicone boxes were the perfect thing for my busy 1st grader. If they get dropped they don’t ding, dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe, yes you read that right, you can put them in the oven up to 500 degrees. The perfect size for lit...
Silicone Lunch Boxes by The Dearest Grey
 
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Kids are going to need a decent water bottle that will stand the test of time and that is definitely what you’ll get with these Gatorade kids bottles. They are dishwasher top rack safe and come with fun stickers to let your child customize. Name tag ...
Kids Water Bottles | Gatorade Official Site
 
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Crocs have been my absolute go to shoe for everyday wear at school. They are ergonomic and keep kids feet cool and protected. I can’t count how many hot days or water play days our school had and these crocs came in clutch for. They are all around so...
Kids' Shoes: Clogs, Sneakers, Sandals, & More
 
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The reason I love this lunch box is the hard shell interior design. It contains spills and keeps them from leaking all over the contents of kid’s backpacks. It also helps to keep their food from getting crushed or smashed in route to school. It has a...
Nike Hard Shell Insulated Lunch Box
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
I can’t tell you how many teachers thanked me for putting these in my kid’s backpack. You never know when you might get a spill in their backpack completely ruining artwork and homework. These organizing pouches help keep things separate and protecte...
Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags
 
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I made the mistake one time of sending my kid to school without a glasses case and he broke his favorite pair of sunglasses when he tossed them into his backpack. I’m all for separating smaller items with protected bags or cases and this portable cas...
Portable Glasses Case
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
Trust me, snack bags are one thing I never truly thought I would need but man was I wrong. Kids entering elementary school will usually have at least one, if not two, dedicated snack times and will need to access those snacks separate from their lunc...
Insulated Freezable Snack Bag
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
I don’t know if you can tell but I truly love the Vans brand. They really do make quality products that stand up to rough and tough play. I will usually only buy one or two packs of socks per year and they really last. It’s a no brainer.
Vans Kids Socks
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
Another thing I didn’t really think my son would need, but alas, I suppose I thought he could be a barbarian and eat everything with his hands. However, cutlery is pretty important, especially with how grubby their hands get by lunch time. It really ...
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Utensil Set

At Home

Everything they need for school at home from math class to art class. 

 
Jax Baxter profile picture
Now that they are in school they will need a proper desk that can grow with them. This desk has three height adjustments and lots of storage and drawers for keeping all the items you’ll need from art to homework in one spot. It has a modern and minim...
Wooden Study Desk with Bookshelf&Two Drawers
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
This one is another solid choice for a household that needs a smaller sized desk. It has storage compartments and feels sturdy without taking up the entire room.
Children’s Desk for Small Spaces
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
This sturdy desk caddy is sure to help keep everything organized from scissors and pencils to glue sticks and crayons. It has removable cups that are perfect when you need extra space on your desk. Solid choice for desk organization.
Learning Resources Desk Organizer
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
It wouldn’t be back to school season if Mom isn’t pulling out the first day of school sign for pictures! I love these customizable signs. I get to take pictures of the first and last day with some memorable notes on these cool chalk signs and I have ...
First Day of School Board Sign for All Grades
 
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These little fidget toys are a life saver for homework melt-downs. My son has a busy brain and without a little movement its hard to him to sit and focus on one task. These fidget toys help him stay focused while keeping his hands busy. They are quie...
Fidget Toys Hand Fidgets for Kids
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
Crayola is a trusted brand for a reason - this set is the perfect beginner set for school. One they can leave at home or take in their backpack - its the perfect all in one set so you don’t have to stress at the store.
Crayola Art Supplies Set

In The Car

Traveling in the car has its own set of needs whether its school pickup lines, summer camp drop offs, or soccer practice on the weekends. Save your sanity with this list for everything you’ll need in the car. 

 
Jax Baxter profile picture
It’s inevitable that there will be some sort of spill, or sneeze, or sticky mess that needs attention in the car and baby wipes are a must have stash item. I really love Caboo because they don’t lint up or leave residue behind on cloth or car seats a...
Caboo Baby Wipes, Made with Bamboo
 
Jax Baxter profile picture
First aid kits are a must in my car. Whether its a scraped knee at soccer practice or a bee sting from the park - it is essential to have a good kit. I love this one because it has a rough and tough exterior pouch that fits nicely under the back seat...
KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids
 
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Another brand you can trust with clean ingredient sunscreen. I love to keep an extra kit in the car because living in Southern California I know I will run into times that I will need a quick stick to cover the back of a neck or top of a nose. This k...
Tubby Todd Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen Kit