We’re right in the middle of a busy summer — juggling work, summer camps, and all the activities our girls have been loving. But somehow… it’s already time to start thinking about the return to school.
This year, things feel a little different for us.
L is starting 1st grade — which means she knows the school, the routine, the drill. She’s been thriving in a super active summer camp that’s helped her build confidence, make new friends, and flex her leadership skills through games and teamwork.
C, on the other hand, is leveling up from half-day to full-day Pre-K — which means more logistics for us (hello, packed lunches!) but also more chances for her to grow. Her summer camp, held at the same school, has been a perfect warm-up. She’s gotten used to being there for longer hours, met new teachers, and started forming friendships with the kids she’ll see all year long.
So we’ve been slowly getting our gear ready — and here are the actual favorites we’ll be using this back-to-school season.
Lunch Gear We Love
C now needs to bring her own lunch every day — so finding a system that’s easy for her (and us) has been key.
- OmieBox – Durable, leak-proof, and toddler-friendly. It keeps food hot and has divided sections, so meals stay neat and organized.
OmieBox UP – If you want one that keeps food both hot and cold, this is it! A little heavier, but worth it for the flexibility. - Bentgo Bento Style Lunch box – This is a favorite at home, but don’t forget to use it with ice packs and lunch box.
- Bentgo Chill Kids Leak-Proof Lunch Box – We love how easy this one is to clean, plus it has a built-in ice pack that keeps everything cool until lunch.
- Freezable Snack Bag – Just toss it in the freezer the night before. By morning, it’s ready to keep snacks cold without an ice pack.
- OmieBox Leakproof Dips Containers – Perfect for yogurt, hummus, ketchup, or ranch without the mess.
- OmieBox Kids Utensils Set – These clip into the lunchbox and don’t get lost — so smart.
Water Bottles That Actually Last
We’ve gone through a lot of water bottles — and these are the ones we keep coming back to:
- Zak Reusable Water Bottle – Keeps drinks cold for hours and doesn’t leak in their backpacks.
- Durable Plastic Water Bottle – Comes in so many fun prints, and the straw is easy to use for even the youngest kids.
- Leak-proof with Spout Cover Water Bottle – Great for preschoolers; spill-proof and easy to clean.
- Bluey Themed Bottles – We have a couple we rotate for C depending on the mood of the day.
- Unicorn Water Bottle for L – Her current favorite, obviously.
Practice Books for Transition Time
We’ve also been easing into learning time with some fun tools at home:
- Brain Quest Workbook (Grade 1) – L actually asks to do this one. The reading and word games are her favorite.
- Dry Erase Activity Book – C loves drawing, tracing letters, and numbers — and we love that it’s reusable.
First Day of School Signs
We take a photo every year to mark the milestone — and we love comparing how much they’ve grown!
- Amazon Reusable Chalkboard Sign – Comes printed and ready to use for multiple years!
- Personalized Sign Chalkboard style
Clothing Basics for Public School Kids
Since our girls don’t wear uniforms, we stock up on:
- Amazon Basics Tees (Uniform Section) – Easy to mix, match, and layer.
- Comfy Leggings – Soft, stretchy, and made for movement. The true MVP of little girl outfits.
A Few More Mami Must-Haves
- Name Labels – We label everything. Bottles, bento boxes, sweaters, and even shoes.
- Daily Visual Schedule – Especially helpful with the transition to full-day school for little ones.
- Bluey Critter Backpack – Pottery Barn Kids – C’s pick for this year! It’s the perfect size and so adorable.