This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Mabel’s Labels, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
"Can you believe another back-to-school season is already upon us? I feel like our summer break just started, but somehow it’s already time to start thinking about school supplies. My son is going into second grade this year, so at this point, shopping for supplies is not something that is new to us. Notebooks, pens, crayons, markers—all the usual suspects are to be accounted for, but there are some extra items that can make the whole back-to-school experience feel special.
Of course, for my son’s first day of preschool almost five years ago, I went all out. At the time, I was in a flurry of excitement over getting him all the right items, and it didn’t occur to me that some of those school materials would be with us from preschool to second grade.
While we shop for new supplies every year—a new backpack when he went to Kindergarten, pencil cases, some new clothes, and notebooks—there are five tried and true school items that have been with us from preschool through second grade.
Name Labels
It’s true, you have to label EVERYTHING that’s sent to school. Especially at preschool since they change clothes regularly and the teachers aren’t familiar with each kid’s personal items. A friend recommended Mabel’s Labels to me right before my son’s first day of preschool, and I have never looked back. While every year we add to the collection with a new design (as he’s gotten older he gets to choose his favorites—the prints and colors definitely feel like they’ve grown with him), his original labels are still holding strong. That’s no surprise because they’re dishwasher and microwave safe, easy to apply, and obviously super durable. AKA a mom’s dream.
I also love how many options you have with Mabel’s Labels. Every set comes with labels in varied sizes so there’s something for their lunch box, water bottle, backpack, and clothes. There’s a set for every age and school phase ranging from daycare to middle school. No matter what occasion and item you need labels for—school, summer camp, or even travel—they’ve got you covered. Truly, if you ask any of the moms on The Everymom team what their number one school item has been over the years they will tell you—Mabel’s Labels.
Mabel's Labels
Use code EVERYMOM to save 20% off back to school labels from 8/1-9/30!
Mabel's Labels
Use code EVERYMOM to save 20% off back to school labels from 8/1-9/30!
Bento Lunch Box
I never thought I would be the bento box lunch box type of mom. Honestly, when I saw the price tag on the Yumbox lunch boxes I thought “no way!” Fast forward six years and I own three of them, and two of those have been with us since the preschool years. They are totally worth the investment. I have not found another lunch box that keeps things leak free, has ample space, and is easy to wash.
A Neutral Backpack
While we have added one or two new backpacks into the school rotation over the years, the very first backpack purchased for preschool remains my son’s favorite. He uses it for school, extra-curricular activities, and summer camps. At the time I was big on not buying him anything with characters on it (a battle I lost not long after), and chose a green camouflage print backpack for his first day of “real school.” Since it’s neutral, he still likes to wear it and hasn’t gotten sick of it—a win for neutral-loving parents everywhere.
Water Bottles
Sure, my son has lost many water bottles over the years, but the ones we’ve managed to keep have held up from preschool through first grade. We’ve definitely had to change the straw once or twice (a feature that’s a game-changer) and we’ve added character-themed bottles to the collection. But these Simple Modern and Thermos bottles are a go-to at our house.
Reusable Snack Bags
Stasher bags have been the MVP of my kid gear arsenal for as long as I can remember. The minute we started having to pack snacks for any and all outings, I picked up a set of these. Not only do I still have that same set but have also added more over the years. They come in super handy for packing snacks for after school or camp but also for any extra little items that I don’t want free flowing in the backpack—like sunscreen or hand sanitizer.
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.