As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, I’m preparing by stocking up on some tried-and-true essentials that make the daily routines smoother for my kids. Here’s what I’m adding to our back-to-school arsenal this year, as well as some of our tried and true favorites.
Lunchboxes:
Omie Boxes: Omie Boxes are a game-changer for school lunches. They come with a built-in thermos, allowing you to pack both hot and cold foods in one convenient container. The compartments are perfect for separating different types of food, ensuring everything stays fresh and appetizing.
- Pros: Built-in thermos you can take out if you want, fairly easy to clean, larger size for bigger appetites, sturdy and durable
- Cons: Not dishwasher-friendly, you can’t stack two on top of each other (which seems silly but if you prep ahead of time it makes them hard to store in the fridge)
Bentgo Lunchboxes: Bentgo Lunchboxes are another favorite in our household. These lunch boxes are known for their sturdy, leak-proof design and multiple compartments, making them ideal for packing a variety of snacks and meals. They also come in fun colors and designs.
- Pros: Super durable, tried and true, ultra leak-proof
- Cons: Not dishwasher-friendly and kinda hard to hand wash, slightly small for when kids get bigger and need more.
b.box Kids Lunch Boxes: The b.box kids lunch boxes are perfect for little hands. They feature a flexible design that can accommodate a wide range of food items and include a compartment for utensils. These lunch boxes are durable and easy to open, making them perfect for younger kids who are still mastering their fine motor skills.
This will be my first year using the b.box lunchboxes so can’t wait to share my thoughts! But I specifically bought them because it says they are dishwasher safe!!! They also look like a good in-between size with easy versatility for changing up compartment sizes.
Lunch Accessories:
Stainless Steel Snack Containers: I love using stainless steel snack containers for packing healthy snacks or adding to lunches.
Silicone Muffin Liners: Silicone muffin liners aren’t just for baking. I use them to separate different foods in lunchboxes, preventing them from mixing and keeping everything neat and organized. They’re reusable, easy to clean, and add a pop of color to my kids’ lunches.
Uncrustable Maker: The Uncrustable Maker is a must-have for making homemade, crustless sandwiches. It’s a quick and easy way to prepare one of my kids’ favorite lunch items without the store-bought price tag. Plus, you can bulk-make these sandwiches and put them in the freezer. Pull them out in the AM and they defrost by lunch!
Water Bottles:
Yeti Jr.: Yeti Jr. water bottles are practically indestructible (seriously) and keep drinks cold all day long. The compact size fits perfectly in lunchboxes and backpacks, and the durable design can withstand all the drops and bumps.
CamelBak Kids: CamelBak Kids water bottles are another great option. They are slightly less durable, but a great more “lightweight” option. They come with a spill-proof design and an easy-to-use straw, making them ideal for younger children, too!
Other Essentials:
Name Labels: Keeping track of your kids’ belongings is much easier with name labels that are washing machine—and dishwasher-friendly. These labels stick to everything from clothing to lunchboxes, ensuring items return home even if they get misplaced at school. I also just bought these name stamps that had really great reviews, can’t wait to try them out!
Wet Dry Bags: Wet dry bags are perfect for storing wet or dirty clothing, keeping it separate from the rest of your child’s items. They’re great for those unexpected spills or accidents and can easily be thrown into the washing machine for a quick clean. These are my favorite ones because they are adorable (bonus!) but also have two zippers to keep dry and wet stuff separate.
Hair Accessories for Girls: This year, I’m stocking up on some essential hair accessories for my girls:
- Detangling Spray: A good detangling spray is a lifesaver for quick and easy morning hair routines. It helps to reduce knots and tangles, making brushing a breeze.
- Wax Stick: The wax stick is perfect for taming flyaways and creating sleek hairstyles that stay in place all day.
- The Pony Pick: The Pony Pick is a nifty tool for taking out those little elastics without a meltdown.
- New Elastics: Fresh elastics are a must-have for any hairstyle. They’re gentle on the hair and hold ponytails and braids securely without causing breakage.
