This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Mabel’s Labels, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
Back-to-school shopping is back in full swing this year. And, as parents, being as prepared as possible can help lessen the stress leading up to the first day of school. To help, we pulled together a back-to-school toolkit, including a few of our favorite gear essentials, like kids’ backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles, plus a few fun pieces of flare for the kids.
We also added items many schools include on their school supplies list—like cleaning wipes, tissues, and more. As we go into another school year, hopefully being prepared with the essentials will quell some of the anxieties and make room for excitement about getting back to school. Read on for our list of all the products and gear your kids need for the school year.
The Essentials for Back-to-School
Mabel's Labels
First and foremost, we need labels to keep track of all their little items. Our team is full of Mabel's Labels fans because of the quality, design, and variety of their labels. Their ultimate set of back-to-school waterproof labels is a must to keep your kid’s things out of the lost and found. Plus, they're sturdy enough to stay on no matter how many times their stuff gets flung across the playground or washed in the laundry.
Stanley
We love these kid-sized insulated versions of editor and reader (and social media's) favorite Stanley cup. This version can also be customized with your LO's name, monogram, or a cute graphic.
Amazon | Simple Modern
Stock up for back-to-school with editor-favorite brand Simple Modern. These kid-approved water bottles are vacuum sealed to keep beverages cool.
Available in 30+ patterns, including kid-favorite characters like Paw Patrol and Spongebob.
multiple sizes available
Amazon | Bentgo
An editor favorite for preschoolers and early elementary kids, the Bentgo lunch box features five compartments that are perfectly designed for kids. Plus, it's also leak-proof so your little ones don't have to worry about spilling while carrying it around.
multiple colors available
Shop more of our favorite lunch boxes here!
Grove Co. | Stasher
Grab a sandwich bag kiddos can use again and again, eliminating the need for plastic baggies.
Amazon | Simple Modern
Plenty of pockets for school including a padded tablet sleeve, large zip-closure front pocket, and two expandable bottle sleeves on the sides. Comes in toddler and little kid sizes.
25+ patterns available including Disney and Pixar prints
View more backpacks here!
State
Available in 28 colors, this kids' backpack will fit a 13 inch laptop in the main compartment and a 17 oz. water bottle in the side pockets.
Bonus: For every bag purchased, STATE supports American children and families in the ways they need it most, from free virtual tutoring sessions to fully packed pack drops in the country’s most underserved communities.
View more backpacks here!
Etsy | All Things Happy Shop
A gentle reminder for kids to add to their water bottle, pencil case, or lunch box.
Amazon
Grab an extra thermometer to keep in your car or at the ready before school drop off or the bus to help follow the safety protocols at most schools.
The Extras for Health and Safety
Etsy | ZEA Khan Designs
Personalize a refillable hand sanitizer with their name. Plus these come with a clip easy to fasten to their backpack so they'll always have it.
Amazon | Lemyn Organics
This sanitizer smell is pleasant and the aloe helps keep your hands moisturized. Grab a large size to refill travel-sized bottles.
Grove Co. | Method
Probably on most back-to-school supply lists, cleaning wipes are used daily in the classroom. Method's wipes are compostable too.
Grove Co.
Another must-buy on every school supply list—tissues. Grab a few boxes of these facial tissues made from sustainable bamboo.
Amazon | Burt's Bees
Kids getting sick is one near-certainty whether they're at daycare, preschool, or school. While nothing is full-proof preventative, these gummies for kids age 4+ can help provide immune support with Zinc, Vitamin C, and Manuka Honey.
The At-Home School/Homework Set-Up
The Container Store
Start the year off right with organization at the ready—this seven pocket file folder is perfect to house artwork, worksheets, or paperwork sent home from school.
Target
Prepare for a day of schooling at home with these kid headphones.
multiple colors available
Amazon
This is the perfect sized container for kids to cart around their crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and other supplies.
Target
Bring a school-size desk anywhere around the house with this convenient folding option—also great for parents working from home.
IKEA
This IKEA table is an editor favorite for its flexibility—make it a desk or a play table— storage options, and price point.
Lalo
Save $80 on reader and editor favorite brand Lalo's Play Kit table and chairs through 8/7.
multiple colors available
This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for timeliness.
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Mabel’s Labels, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.
