I'm a Mom and Expert Shopper—Here's What's on My Back-to-School Shopping List
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Credit: @joiedejude
As much as I've enjoyed the slow, loose schedule of summer , there's no question I'm ready for school to start. The lead-up to back-to-school season is a whole mixed bag of emotions—a combination of relief, excitement, nerves, and best of all, the feeling of a fresh start. Back-to-school time has "new beginning" energy to it, and nothing gets me in the spirit of a new school season quite like a back-to-school shopping haul.
As an expert shopper and mom to two kiddos ages 4 and 7, there are specific items and brands I've tried and tested along the way, as well as new pieces I have my eye on for the start of the new school season. From cool backpacks to preppy T-shirts and stylish sneakers, below, I've listed some seriously stylish back-to-school shopping suggestions that I guarantee both you and the kids will love. And of course, I've added in some chic shopping picks for us mamas, too. Because why not kick-start the school year in style?
Accessories for the Little Ones
Ombre Glitter Mackenzie Backpack
This will be my son's fourth year and my daughter's second year using the Mackenzie backpack from Pottery Barn, and it's still in amazing condition. (My son is pretty heavy-handed when it comes to handling his stuff, so that's saying something.) The quality is excellent. It has plenty of compartments and comes in a wide variety of patterns, character themes, colors, and sizes. It also comes in several sizes to fit students from preschool through middle school.
Super Unicorn Bag Charm
Speaking of backpacks, my daughter and her friends are obsessed with bag charms to clip onto them, and Super Smalls makes some really cute and great-quality options.
Rambler Jr. 12 oz Kids Bottle
I feel like I've spent way too much of my life trying to find "the perfect" kids water bottle. The Yeti Rambler Kids Bottle comes the closest. The straw cap is leakproof while closed, and it has a double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps your water cold for longer. It's also dishwasher safe (hurrah!). Another I recommend is the Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle.
Rover Stainless Steel Lunch Box Set
The Rover lunch box from PlanetBox is one of the most durable and sturdiest lunch boxes that is—very importantly—easy to clean because it can go straight into the dishwasher. It has five compartments, perfect for kids who love a little variety.
Rover/Launch Carry Bag
This insulated lunch bag is the perfect spacious fit for a water bottle, cold pack, snacks, utensils, and your lunchbox. (It's ideal for the Rover lunch box.) It keeps food fresh for hours. I also love the vibrant colors and designs it comes in. The adjustable handle is super handy when you're running out the door.
Big Capacity Pencil Case
This chic pencil case can hold so much stuff—up to 100-plus pens and pencils as well as a variety of tools such as erasers, rulers, glue sticks, etc. A great choice to grow with your child. What's even better? It comes at an affordable price point.
Rough Draft Mini Notebook - Flowers and Fruit
Nothing says the start of school like a fresh and fun notebook. Ban.dō has plenty of fun and affordable options.
Complete School Supply Kit
If you don't want to buy every single school supply separately, then opt for this K–5 school supply pack, including everything your little one could possibly need—binders, folders, notebooks, crayons, markets, erasers, index cards, Elmer's glue, blunt-tip scissors, and more.
Yoto Player 3rd Generation
Okay, so this isn't for school exactly, but I'm absolutely obsessed with the Yoto Player for after school. I love to put this on when the kids get home while they're having a snack, playing, or just having some downtime. It's a screen-free audio player—best for kids ages 3 to 12. You simply pop in a Yoto card of your choice (there are tons of stories, music, and educational cards to choose from—whatever inspires them), and kids can listen and learn in a safe way—no microphone, no camera, no ads. We also love to listen to the Yoto Daily radio at breakfast time, and I sometimes use it for white noise. It has a built-in clock, too. Can't rave about it enough!
Kiddostamp Personalised Name Stamp for Kids Clothes
The absolute easiest and most efficient way to label all your kids clothes and school items.
Beaumont Mini 16" Kids' Bike (4-6 Yrs)
My little one is starting kindergarten this year, and we've decided we all want to bike to our neighborhood school together. I'm loving the retro-chic designs of Retrospec bikes. The Beaumont Mini gives little riders what they need to build their confidence on a bike with steel training wheels, an easy-to-mount frame, and multiple ways to brake. Moreover it has the cutest bike basket to store snacks, jackets, and more.
Tiny Books Set of 3
I recently discovered these tiny books on Instagram, and I can't wait to gift one to my youngest daughter so that whenever she misses her family during the school day, she can take a look at the little book and all the family photos I've printed inside. It can easily attach to a backpack like a charm.
Clothing for the Little Ones
Tulip Embroidered Shirt With Knit Vest
An adorable navy shirt/vest combo that's giving all the back-to-school vibes.
Mary-Janes
I'll be wearing my matching Vibi Venezias for a mommy-and-me moment on the first day of school.
Three-Pack Sporty Stripe Mid-Calf Socks
New season, new socks!
Kids' Lightweight Field Jacket
I need one too.
Patch Pocket Straight Jeans-Denim Embroidery
These have a stretch to them and come with an elastic waistband.
Butterfly Bliss Light Up Sneaker
My daughter is obsessed with these comfy light-up sneakers.
Striped T-Shirt
You can't go wrong with a striped tee.
Lace Trim Track Pants
Such a great color.
Girls Lucia Dress
Charming.
Red Leather Girl T-Bar Shoes
These T-bar shoes are adorable.
Burgundy Blanca Merino Girl Jumper
For all the European vibes, you have to check out La Coqueta . Its pieces are so special. Perfect for picture day at school.
Four-Pack of Solid and Gingham Bow Hair Ties
Adorable bows to help get hair done in the morning.
Polly Coat
Sézane now does trench coats for little ones—and I'm obsessed.
Embroidered Text Sweatshirt
Love the retro colo combo here.
The Puff Sleeve Polo Dress
Classic.
Cotton Shirt
So good for the price.
Ultra Baggy Sweatpants for Boys
These are one of the only pairs of pants my son actually wants to wear, as he loves the comfy, relaxed silhouette.
V5 RNR Running Shoe
Just got these, and they look so cool.
Argyle Jumper-Stone Melange
My son will be wearing this on picture day.
Plush Jogging Shorts
For PE and beyond.
Embroidered-Motif Piqué Polo Shirt
Affordable and smart.
Dynasoft Nitrel V6 Bungee Lace With Top Strap (little Kid)
Great if you're looking for a Velcro strap—and perfect for running around every day.
Easy Straight Cord Trousers-Storm Blue
Corduroy pants for the upcoming fall season.
Must-Haves for Mom
Max Shirt
My go-to piece for the new school season when I want to look polished yet relaxed.
Carry on Loafers
Preppy-chic loafers for the fall win.
Flip Traveler
This sleek and functional tumbler (with a leakproof lid) will keep your coffee or tea hot or cold for longer with its double-wall vacuum insulation. And it fits snugly in your cup holder for school drop-off.
Kyoto Carpenter Pant
Leset's Carpenter pants are my go-to when I want to look stylish and feel comfortable at drop-off and pickup. A chic alternative to jeans or leggings.
Suede Leather Shopper Bag
Tote all your snacks and essentials in utmost style.
Joy Academic Planner
While I'm not the one going to school, I still absolutely adore getting a new planner for the academic school year. I'm one of those people who still like to handwrite notes, appointments, reminders, etc., and Papier's notebooks are my favorites.
Big Effing Clip in Cherry Kiss
Pull your locks out of the way with a chic Emi Jay hair clip.
Tinted Daily Lip Balm
A tinted lip balm I can glide on quickly before a morning of talking to parents and teachers.
Collar Button Striped Breton-Chive and Navy Stripe
A cool rugby shirt is a hero item in your back-to-school wardrobe.
24" Cozyla Calendar+ 2
As someone with ADHD, I need to see everything right in front of me clearly. Otherwise, I easily forget meetings and appointments (yes, even with reminders on my phone). This digital family wall calendar is incredibly helpful to see the whole family's activities and calendars in one easy and clear spot.
Todo 22l Convertible Tote
I love this versatile carryall—it easily converts into a backpack and features a dedicated laptop sleeve, accessible exterior pockets, and ample space for everyday essentials.
