Back to School Favorites
For more resources like this, check out these other Movement Mama posts:
What to Look for in a Kids’ Shoe
It’s that time of year–where the sights, smells, and sounds of back-to-school spark a little butterfly-fluttering feeling in my stomach. I LOVED back-to-school shopping as a kid, but now as a parent, I realize just how overwhelming it can be :)
That’s why I’ve listed some of our basic favorites below (outside what you’ll find on their school supply list), in hopes that it reduces some of the perpetual decision fatigue of being a parent.
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The Absolute Best Water Cup: an SLP-approved straw that’s silicone + easily replaced and easily washed. A handle for easy carrying. Fits in all cupholders and backpack sidepockets. Unbreakable stainless steel. We will never go back.
Stasher bags: I used to scoff at the price but these hold up and are so much more eco- and toxin-free friendly than traditional ziplocks. Plus you can microwave them + they’re dishwasher safe. You won’t regret the money spent, I promise. These are perfect for packing snacks or sides in their lunchbox, too!
Mini Hand Sanitizer: (that link should apply 15% off at checkout) While we try to be a soap + water family, I always like to have hand sanitizer handy for when we go INTO school and come OUT. The germs are nuts at daycare/school and if I can do just one thing each day to hopefully prevent our family getting sick, I will! Not trying to have all those germies come home with us :) and also not trying to give any to their friends! We love this hand sanitizer because it’s got a great smell and is made with safer ingredients than most other brands.
Photo keychain: We made these on Shutterfly last year and talked to the kids a LOT about how when they miss us, they can go kiss our family photo and we will feel the kiss while we’re apart and send a kiss back. This worked especially well for my more separation-anxiety prone kiddo.
Socks: This may seem silly to include on this list, but the more I learn about feet and healthy footwear, the more I hope to advocate for socks being a part of that equation. I recently discovered that non-slip socks with grippers may be altering the way our kiddos’ feet move within the shoe. We want their foot to be free to move as necessary. We also want to be sure the socks aren’t so small that they cause our kids’ toes to scrunch together or curl—so remember the importance of sizing up. I love these basic ankle socks—we will likely be going with all white or all gray this year, as I’m tired of trying to match socks lol! But you do you!
My absolute favorite tennis shoes: If your little one is now in big sizes, they offer those, as well. But we made sure to grab some elastic laces so half our day/the teacher’s day isn’t spent assisting our kiddo with tying their shoes. I love this brand because they wash SO well and are semi-water-resistant. Out of all of the shoes we’ve purchased, these have held up by FAR the best, meaning I can either resell them later or pass them down to our next babe. You can read more about why I love them in this blog post. This year we are also trialing (and so far loving) an even more minimalist-style tennis shoe. I’ve been loving these for me + the kids have been begging each day to put theirs on.
Back to School Prep books: one of the best ways to ensure a smoother transition to school is to READ about it and let that spark conversation!
Freezable lunch box: I love popping these in the freezer instead of having to add a bulky ice pack! And here’s another great option that we’re trying this year from our favorite kids’ brand: Ten Little.
Silicone bento box: I adore the Mama who created these and they’re so much more cost-effective & durable than the hard shell bentos. We use these all the time and they fit perfectly in the lunchbox I linked below. Use code MOVEMENT15 for a discount
Toddler-sized backpack: they also have larger sizes for older kids but one of the best ways we can protect our kiddos’ backs and growing bodies is to get them an appropriately sized backpack! According to Vaida Wellness: To find the right height measure from the shoulder line where the straps will rest to the waistline or belly button. Add 2 inches to that measurement and that gives you the maximum height for your child’s backpack.
A good ergonomic backpack should fit up to 4 inches below the waist and 2 inches below the shoulders. This one wipes clean, but if you prefer a different brand, just be sure the backpack doesn’t go above their shoulders or below their hips—this ensures it’s not too big.
Mesh storage bags: I use these for the kids’ spare clothes and any little things I have to stuff in their backpack! We also use them for art supply storage at home :)
Label pack: This has made labeling all of our stuff SO much simpler. I got the preschool label pack and it’s worked so well! I love that they have shoe stickers to encourage independence with getting shoes on the right feet, too.
