Everything You Need to Get Back-to-School Ready

Parents, we've got you covered!

By Kate Loweth August 27, 2021

Don’t let the back-to-school process overwhelm you! This handy guide includes everything you’ll need in the school supplies department, ideas to combat first-day jitters, funny jokes to get you through and cute clothes that kids will love. Plus, we’ve included some lunch tips and hacks for when you just cannot make another PB&J. Parents, we’ve got you covered!

GEAR

School Supplies

Massive school supply lists can send any parent off the deep end. Don't worry, we've got you covered!

Order up some personalized products from your favorite Etsy sellers. There are also loads of unique school supplies like avocado pens and macaron erasers that will make your kid's transition to school that much more fun.

Add these rainbow school supplies from Amazon to your cart. The more color the better! You can find even more of our favorite Amazon school supplies here.

Backpacks

This list has loads of great backpack options including super stylish backpacks, adaptive backpacks for kids in wheelchairs and wheelie backpacks for those who have to bring every book home every day.

Lunch Boxes & Snack Bags

Start the year off strong with the perfect lunch box. This story has loads of options that will keep your food chilled, in separate compartments or piping hot—just the way your kid likes it.

While you are at it, grab some reusable snack bags so that you can go all green this year.

Bento Boxes

Put a bento box into your kid's lunch and they'll love the little compartments that can fit everything from rolled-up sandwiches to tiny crackers. There are even some that will keep your lunch chilled all day.

Water Bottles

Leaky water bottles are the bain of parental existence, right? These are our favorite water bottles for kids from sippy cup versions to insulated stainless steel water bottles. that parents will love too.

Gear & Clothing Labels

One piece of advice for school: label everything. These are our favorite labels for clothing and gear.

CLOTHING

Clothing Subscriptions

Do yourself a favor and get your kids a clothing subscription service this school year. They will get some awesome new styles sent right to them and you don't have to take them shopping with you. Win-win!

Adaptive & Sensory-Friendly Clothes

When it comes to back-to-school clothes shopping, your kid’s all about perfecting “the look.” And with on-trend adaptive clothing lines galore to choose from, even issues like Sensory Processing Disorder or other special needs won’t hold your fashion-forward kiddo back. This BTS season it’s ready, set, shop … for everyone.

Shoes

Let your little one slip into something easy and stylish this back-to-school season. These lace-free options give even the smallest pre-schooler the independence to get ready on their own. Which means less work for you!

Face Masks

If your school is requiring face masks for in-person learners, now is the time to refresh your collection. This massive list has all the character, colorful and black (tweens, right?) face masks for kids that you could want.

MAKE THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRANSITION EASIER

Ease the Back-to-School Jitters

Snag one of these books that talk about school to get little ones ready for the big day. There's even one that specifically dives into how this year will be extra different.

The first day doesn't have to be something you are stressed about. There are loads of ways to make the first day easy for parents and kids alike.

Get your crew in the right frame of mind with some back-to-school jokes that tickle their funny bone.

This list has tons of other ideas like adjusting schedules early and doing a trial run that can help with kids' anxiety about school. While you're at it, establish a good bedtime routine so the kids know what to expect.

Start a school day tradition like listening to a favorite song on the ride to school or having a special thing you say to your kids when you drop them off.

After a big day of big transitions, dinner can be the last night on your mind. Make dinner easy with these meal kit delivery companies.

Lunch Ideas Beyond PB&J

Save this one for mid-October when all the lunch inspiration is gone. We've got tons of ideas for lunches from corndog muffins to grilled cheese rollups to freezer sandwiches.

Snag a bento box and check out this list of inspirational ideas for bento box lunches. All the friends will be jealous of your little one's spread!

Check out our massive list of new snacks to mix things up in the snack department.

Can't bring peanut butter to school due to allergies? This list has you covered. You should also follow these food allergy bloggers as they have great ideas!