Back-to-school season is just around the corner, and it’s never too early to ensure that your kids are prepared with the essentials. Having a fresh supply of clothes, shoes, kids sneakers, accessories, and school gear can help your kids get excited about school and be motivated to do their best. When your kids feel comfortable and confident, they’re more likely to focus on their studies, make friends, and develop their creativity. To help make things easier, we've made a list of classroom staples that can help any kid feel ready to dive into the new school year.
School Supplies and Tech
When kids are getting ready to dig into their studies, learn new skills, and exercise their brains, they’ll need the right tools for the job. Essential supplies like notebooks, pens, and pencils are integral to the classroom experience. Plus, tech tools like laptops, tablets, and graphic calculators are becoming just as key to learning how to work efficiently.
1. Must-Have Supplies
While the school experience is always changing, some supplies, like notebooks, binders, and folders, remain a crucial part of classroom study. Sturdy, medium-thick, wire-bound notebooks with plastic covers and wire coils will hold up well, and most have inside pockets to hold homework and handouts. Your school is likely to give you a list of items, like binders, folders, loose-leaf paper, pencils, erasers, pens, and a case to keep things in, so be on the lookout for sales and stock up early.
2. Tech Gadgets
In today’s always-connected world, laptops, tablets, and calculators are integrated into kids’ everyday lives. Many kids will do fine with a lightweight laptop or Chromebook that allows them to take notes, do homework, and develop their spreadsheet and programming skills. A tablet can also be a great help for kids who are focusing on art and design. Once students start taking higher-level math classes, a graphing calculator is an invaluable tool. These pocket wonders can help kids become more comfortable with functions, learn how to read graphs, and make class a little less intimidating.
3. Organizational Tools
To get the most out of their tech gadgets, kids need to load them with the right programs. You’ll want to make sure that your kids have all the apps and software they need to excel. Many excellent word-processing, note-taking, calendar, proofreading, and graphic design programs are available for free or at reduced prices, so keep your eyes open for deals.
Fashion and Apparel
Most kids look forward to wearing new clothes when they go back to school. Let’s face it: Having the right staples and a few trendy pieces can make it easier to socialize, fit in, and stand out too. Kids need comfortable basics for class that will look smart and appropriate without causing a distraction, and adding some trendy pieces to the mix will help them feel in tune with their peers.
4. Clothing Basics
When it comes to wardrobe essentials, jeans, tees, and a jacket are a given. If you get your kid a light and a dark pair of jeans, a pair of khakis, and a few T-shirts in their favorite colors, they can easily mix and match their outfits. As the weather turns cooler, your kid is likely to need a few sweaters and cardigans for layering, plus a winter coat for the coldest days. Girls may want to have a few dresses and skirts in rotation, while boys might want some button-down shirts and chinos on hand when they want to impress. Also, check to see what your kids need for P.E. class and after-school sports; in many schools, they’ll need shorts, tees, and sneakers to get them through the year.
5. Trendy Pieces
School shouldn’t be all work and no play, and it's fun for kids to have a few trendy pieces to show off to their friends. Streetwear, athleisure, and baggy, oversized fits in unisex styles and bold colors are sure to be popular this year, and your kids are likely to fill you in on the latest looks they see on social media. If the school allows it, easy-to-wear sweatshirts, joggers, kids’ graphic tees, and leggings in bright prints or high-design details are a great way to add versatility to their outfits. Also, having your kid pick out a statement accessory or two, like a tie or a bag, can be a great way to let kids develop and express their personal style.
Dress Code Compliance
As important as it is for your kids to wear what they like, they’ll also need to play by the rules. It can be challenging to navigate school dress codes and maintain a sense of style, but it’s also an opportunity to learn how to dress for social situations and school functions like plays, recitals, class parties, and field trips. Fortunately, most schools give students a fair amount of leeway when it comes to dress. If you let your kid take cues from their friends, they’re likely to figure out for themselves what makes them feel comfortable, confident, and appropriate. If you want to avoid any mishaps, go over your school’s dress code policy with your kid so that everyone knows what to expect. Striking a balance between self-expression and school requirements is the key to helping your kid dress well.
Sneakers & Footwear
No back-to-school wardrobe is complete without new shoes, and your kid should have a few different styles that they can alternate to round out their looks as the days go by.
6. Everyday Shoes
When it comes to everyday shoes, classic brands are evergreen. Kids today are into Vans, adidas, Converse, Nike, and Puma kids sneakers and skate shoes in everything from white vintage styles to bold colors and prints. It’s no surprise that models like Nike's Air Force 1 and adidas’s Samba remain iconic, but fashion-forward kids may also be looking to score a pair of slip-on Vans or a pair of Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Getting a pair or two of cute sneakers will keep your child stylish and comfortable throughout the day.
7. Athletic Footwear
If your kid is signed up for gym class or team sports like basketball or track, they’ll need a functional pair of sneakers that will keep their feet in top shape. Most schools will recommend that kids get a pair of cross trainers or running shoes that will absorb shock while they run and jump and help them develop their dexterity and strength.
8. Dressy and Seasonal Footwear
While it’s true that sneakers are essential, few kids will want to wear them all the time. It’s a good idea to get kids a pair of boots for fall and winter, plus a pair of sandals for warmer days. Keeping these in rotation with a pair of loafers, oxfords, or boat shoes or flats for girls will help add versatility to your kid's wardrobe.
Accessories
As you’re working with your kid to get ready for the season, don’t forget the accessories! Bags and lunch gear aren't just for show; they’re essential items your kid needs to keep their supplies and snacks on hand.
9. Kids Backpacks and Bags
If there’s one accessory that’s emblematic of the back-to-school season, it’s sure to be your kid’s backpack or messenger bag. According to Teen Vogue, "backpacks are the one item that gets used the most often and probably carries the most stuff." Students need to be able to haul their books and school supplies to and from class, and a great bag keeps everything close at hand while putting their style on full display. Since they tend to be used every day, it’s important to choose kids backpacks or school bags that are durable, functional, and look cool, whether they’re headed to class or on their way to practice, the library, or a friend’s house. These must-have accessories come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and fabrications, so whether your kid is sporty, a trendsetter, or an artist, you’re sure to find an option that suits them perfectly.
10. Lunch Gear
Budding foodies and health-conscious kids are discovering the joys of bringing their lunch to school, and packing it up in awesome lunch gear is a key part of the experience. The Center for Environmental Health notes that eco-friendly lunch containers, bento boxes, and water bottles in stainless steel are great non-toxic options that keep harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA far away from your kids’ food.
Start Shopping Now to Get Ready for the Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school season is a busy time, but you can keep it from getting too hectic if you plan ahead. Sending kids to school with the right clothes, shoes, bags, and gear will get them off to a wonderful start and help them face each day with a smile. Once you’ve taken care of the basics, don’t forget to pack their bags with a few extras like tissues and hand sanitizers, and maybe add in a fidget toy for good measure. Flashcards and study guides are also helpful items for your kids to keep at hand. Gathering supplies is a big job, so stay ahead of the game and start shopping now.
