Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping! No matter how well your kids care for their gear, they always need more for the coming school year. Toss in the long lists from the school and the fact that the kids are growing like weeds, and there’s a lot to buy. Here’s a list of stellar school essentials to help your kids start the school year off right.
APPAREL
Generation Joy ($18 and up)
This mom-designed apparel brand for boys and girls has clever features, like grow-with-me reversible leggings for girls, and joggers with adjustable waistbands and reinforced knees for boys. The tagless designs feature fabrics that are soft and comfortable, with lots of fun patterns and colors to choose from.
French Toast ($15 and up)
You probably know French Toast as a go-to brand for sturdy and functional apparel for schools with dress codes. This month, they are launching an adaptive-wear clothing line with design tweaks to help kids with disabilities dress themselves. The pieces are comfortable, tagless, and soft for all-day wear. The assortment will soon be available on the French Toast website, as well as on Amazon, Kohl’s, and Walmart.
PatPat GONeat Collection ($15 and up)
This new apparel line is made with Sorona fabric, which is breathable, stain-resistant, waterproof, and sustainably made from plants. The collection is available in both plain styles and graphic styles and there are sizes for everyone in the family from babies to grownups who like to twin with their kids.
Stitchfix for kids (prices vary)
If your kids don’t really know what their style is or don’t enjoy shopping, Stitchfix will help guide them with an engaging style quiz. Once the quiz is completed, suggestions in your preferred price point will be offered up for approval. You only pay for what your kids keep!
Build-a-Card Personalized Visa or Master Card by GiftCardGranny* (prices vary)
If your kids are older, give them a gift card and let them shop for themselves. You can upload a fun photo and personalized message and the kids will have a blast shopping with them! Hopefully, they will be savvy shoppers and look for sales and use coupons so they can get the biggest bang for their buck. Or, they may blow their budget on a couple of pricey, designer things. Either way, it’s an excellent teaching opportunity!
BACKPACKS & LUNCH BAGS
Sierra Designs Yuba Pass Backpack ($49.95)
These sturdy, expandable bags come in four colors and have a 25-liter capacity, dual water bottle sleeves, plenty of protective pockets, padded straps with reflectors, and gear loops. I like this backpack for older kids because of its generous size and its ability to also be used as a day pack for hiking or overnight trips.
Highlights Backpacks ($49.99)
For the younger set, these backpacks from Highlights are designed to fit smaller bodies but have plenty of room to stash all their must-haves for school. The backpacks have empowering messages, hidden games, exterior pockets for water and quick-grab items, an interior pocket, padded straps with reflectors, and gear loops. They are available in a variety of designs and come with a pack of sticker patches that kids can use to personalize their bag. Matching lunch bags, pencil cases, and water bottles are also available.
Funkins Insulated Lunch Bags ($22.95 and up)
This mom-founded brand makes eco-friendly and durable lunch bags in a wide variety of designs using low-impact, non-toxic dyes, and fabrics that are CPSIA-compliant and free of lead and phthalates. The Lunch Bags are made with stain- and water-resistant neoprene, which expands when needed and collapses when not in use. And they are washable! Coordinating cloth napkins and placemats are also available.
Featured Image Credit: coscaron / istockphoto.