Back to School Essentials

1. Self-Laminating Labels

I’ve been using these self-laminating water bottle labels since Owen started preschool seven years ago. They’re built to last. We have years-old water bottles and the labels still look great– after being washed hundreds of times. I use these labels on water bottles, pencil boxes, sunscreen, etc.

2. No-Iron Write-On Clothing Labels

I use these no-iron write-on clothing labels on the boys’ coats, hats, gloves, etc. Emmett also has a tendency to take off his hoodies and leave them in random places at school. So I also add these to all of his hoodies and sweatshirts.

3. Water Bottle

The boys have been using this brand of water bottles for years. They’ve been great for us.

4. Headphones

The boys are required to keep a pair of headphones at school for computer lab. These headphones are inexpensive but durable. Owen has been using the same headphones at school for years. I label the headphones with the no-iron write-on clothing labels. The headphones are currently on sale for $9 (reg. $12)!

5. Backpack

Owen has used the same backpack for first, second, and third grade. The backpack washes up really well in the washing machine. (I hang it to dry.) It still looks great and hasn’t needed any repairs. I’ve had readers message me and say their kids have used the same exact backpack all 13 years of school.

6. Lunchbox

Owen has also used the same lunchbox for first, second, and third grade. Like the backpack, it washes up really well in the washing machine. (I also hang it to dry.) It still looks great and hasn’t required any repairs.

7. Rain Coat

Both of the boys have this rain coat. It keeps them dry at the bus stop and walking into/out of school if it’s raining. I label the rain coats with the no-iron write-on clothing labels.

8. Bento Box

Emmett has been using this bento box since preschool. I like the bento box because little kids can open it by themselves– not needing a teacher or lunch attendant to help them open containers or snack bags.

9. Ice Packs

Along with the bento box, we’ve been using these thin ice packs for years.

10. Big Ass Umbrella

I’ve probably said this a hundred times– this big ass, 68″ umbrella is a bus stop must have. An adult and child can easily fit under this umbrella. It’s also great for providing shade at sporting events. I use it all the time at the kids’ soccer games. Some colors of the umbrella are currently on sale for as low as $23!

11. AirTags

I always have an AirTag in each of the kids’ backpacks. Our school district has a bus GPS app, but sometimes it doesn’t work. With the AirTags, I can see where they are if the app isn’t working.

12. AirTag Holders

I put the AirTags inside these silicone keychain holders and connect them inside the small front pocket of their backpacks. In the FindMy app, I use an emoji to match to the color of the holder when I name the AirTag.