The Back to School Guide Every Parent Needs
It always feels like summer just flies by, doesn't it? Since the back-to-school season is already upon us, we cultivated a list of fun brands we love. From backpacks to lunches to new clothes, we have got you covered with this list–enjoy!
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly lunch box that still checks all the boxes, Bentgo is another favorite. The divided compartments make packing lunches quick and simple, and they come in so many fun colors and designs kids love. We've recommended Bentgo to many families over the years because they're easy for little hands to open and make packing healthy lunches effortless.
Simple Modern has become one of our favorite brands for school essentials. Their insulated water bottles keep drinks cold all day long, and the backpacks are lightweight, durable, and hold up well to everyday school life. They offer so many fun colors and prints, making it easy for kids to pick something they'll be excited to carry all year.
One of the biggest adjustments when school starts is getting everyone back on a consistent sleep schedule. A sound machine paired with a ready-to-wake clock can make a huge difference.
The Hatch Rest+ has been a longtime favorite for helping little ones understand when it's time to stay in bed and when it's okay to start the day. The Momcozy Sound Machine offers many of the same great features and is another excellent option for creating healthy sleep routines before school starts.
Mabel's Labels has all imaginable labels to make your life easier, from labels for water bottles, clothing, sports gear, and beyond. They also have bundles, one being the Stylish School Label Pack which is the most stylish way to stay organized this school year.
These beautiful labels are guaranteed to stay put even through the laundry and through the dishwasher. All you need to do is peel, stick, and sit back and watch all your stuff return home. Easy peasy!
Whether we're traveling for sports tournaments, weekend trips, or visiting family, our portable sound machine always comes with us. But one of the times I use it most is during the school year. If you have a younger sibling at home, school drop-off and pick-up often happen right in the middle of nap time. Clipping a portable sound machine onto the infant car seat or stroller can help recreate a familiar sleep environment and make those on-the-go naps much more successful. It's compact, easy to pack, and has become one of our favorite sleep essentials for life on the go.
As a mom, I know getting kids to eat a perfectly balanced diet every single day isn't always realistic—especially during busy school weeks. Hiya vitamins have become a favorite because they're made with thoughtfully selected ingredients, free from unnecessary sugar, and my boys actually enjoy taking them. It's one small habit that helps us start each day on the right foot.
The Yoto Player has easily become one of our favorite kid products and is something my boys continue to use year after year. I love that it gives them access to stories, audiobooks, music, podcasts, and educational content—all without a screen. It's perfect for winding down after a busy school day with an audiobook during quiet time, keeping younger siblings happily occupied while an older child is doing homework, or listening to a favorite story before bedtime. With content for toddlers through older elementary-aged kids, it's one of those products that truly grows with your family and gets used every single day in our home.
Brain Quest Workbooks have been a favorite in our house for years! We use the Summer Brain Quest workbooks to help my boys keep practicing the skills they learned during the school year without it feeling like traditional homework. Once school starts, the grade-level workbooks are a great way to reinforce classroom learning or give younger siblings something special to work on while an older brother or sister is doing homework. They're engaging, age-appropriate, and a fun way to build confidence while keeping young minds active.
We've been using our PlanetBox Rover lunch boxes for over four years, and I honestly can't imagine packing lunches without them. They have held up incredibly well and still look almost brand new despite daily use. I love that they're made from durable stainless steel, the compartments make it easy to pack balanced lunches, and nothing leaks between sections. Pair them with the insulated lunch bag and ice pack, and the lunches stay cold until lunchtime. They're definitely an investment, but one that's been well worth it for our family.
Have any must-have back-to-school products? Please share! We’re all ears!
*Some of the items listed here are our affiliate partners and we may receive commission from the purchase of these products. We are committed to only recommending products that we truly believe in, have tested, and partner with regularly.
