This post is all about back to school must haves.
It’s that time of year again! Back to school time is here!
As a mom of two elementary students, I know back to school time can be a little overwhelming (to say the least). We have to get everyone back on schedule, buy school supplies, make sure the kids have enough clothes, socks… oh and don’t forget shoes, the list goes on and on.
I put together this list of back to school essentials to make your life a little easier. This list includes all the school items you need to prepare for the new school year!
This post is all about back to school must haves for kids.
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School Supplies List:
This is the list of school supplies my kids always need. I like to buy these for school and home, so they have what they need for homework. My kid’s school also sends out a school supply list that varies for each grade, so check with your child’s school to see if they require any specific or additional supplies.
- Ticonderoga Pencils
- Crayola Crayons
- Crayola Markers
- Crayola Colored Pencils
- Large Erasers
- Pencil Sharpener with Catcher
- Elmer’s Glue and Glue Sticks
- Scissors
- Index Cards
- Highlighters
Elementary Back To School Must Haves:
1. Back Pack
These backpacks come in lots of different colors and designs, and they are great quality! Seriously, I used Jansport backpacks when I was in school, and they were the only backpack that didn’t fall apart after a year. They come in so many different patterns and colors which makes it easy to find the perfect one for your child!
2. Lunch Box and Lunch Bag
How cute are these lunch boxes?! I love that they are bento style, so the food stays separated (my kids hate it when their food touches). If you live in a place that is super hot in the back to school months, an insulated bag is a must to keep your child’s food cool.
3. Ice packs
I always keep multiple ice packs in my freezer to add to the kid’s lunch bags so their food stays cool until lunchtime.
4. Insulated Water Bottle
I recommend these insulated water bottles to every mom! They will keep your child’s drink cold for hours and hold up really well over the school year. My kids are always dropping it, and it never breaks. Seriously, add this to your list of back to school essentials!
5. Shoes
I like to buy two pairs of shoes at the beginning of each school year, so my kids have options. I usually buy a casual pair that goes with everything (like Crocs) and a pair of sporty shoes for the days they have P.E. or will be running a lot. Both of my kids are absolutely obsessed with Crocs, so they get the most wear, but it is helpful to have a pair of running/walking shoes on hand for them as well.
6. School Clothes
Take inventory of your child’s closet and see what clothes they will need.
My back to school clothes shopping list for my son:
- 5 – 6 shirts
- 5 – 6 bottoms
- 2 sweatshirts/ light jackets
- 8 – 12 pairs of socks
- 6 – 12 underwear
My back to school clothes shopping list for my daughter:
- 3 shirts
- 2 – 3 dresses
- 6 bottoms (shorts, skirts, and leggings) I also make sure I have enough pairs of shorts, so she can wear them under her dresses.
- 2 sweaters
- 8 – 12 pairs of socks
- 6 – 12 underwear
7. Accessories
My son loves hats, so I usually buy him a couple at the beginning of the school year, along with a few hair accessories for my daughter, like headbands, bows, and hair clips.
Useful Things For Elementary School Students:
1. Name Labels
When your child is in elementary school, you want to label or write their name on everything so they don’t lose it or get it mixed up. Waterproof name labels make it easy to label your child’s belongings.
2. Back Pack Essentials
I love to make a little emergency kit for my kids to keep in their backpacks. I pack tissue packs, hand sanitizer, chapstick, band-aids, hair ties, and any other small things they may need during the day.
3. Lice Repellent
I’ve used this hair-conditioning spray on my kids for years, and so far, we haven’t had any problems with lice (keeping my fingers crossed)!
4. Fridge Calendar
I LOVE this fridge calendar! It comes with everything you need and even includes a magnetic to-do list. I use this to write any important dates or events for the month. It hangs on the fridge so everyone in the family knows what we have going on. My kids love it too, and they are constantly checking it to see what events we have coming up!
Back To School Prep and Tips For Moms:
Start getting the kids on a “school schedule”
Have the kids start going to bed earlier 1 – 2 weeks before school starts, so they get used to waking up early for school again.
Create routines
Routines make life so much easier for moms and benefit children as well. According to Healthline, routines help children feel safe, in control, and prepared. Create and practice a school morning routine that helps your mornings run smoothly. Write down the routine and hang it somewhere (like the fridge) where your kids can view it, so they know what they should do to get to school prepared and on time.
[RELATED POST: HOW TO CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE CHECKLIST]
Check those emails
As a mom of two elementary kids, I know there is a lot to remember! Schools usually send out important information in emails, so make sure you check your email for any important dates or school events and add them to your calendar so you don’t forget!
Good luck moms, we got this!
This post was all about the top back to school must haves for kids.
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