Overview:
Check out our picks for fun and educational supplies as you head back to school.
It’s hard to believe that summer break is almost over. As the kids head back to school, here are recommendations for educational and fun supplies to keep your little ones engaged throughout the new academic year.
Preschool
Is your little one starting daycare or preschool for the first time? I remember overspending when my kids started preschool, but the reality is all you need are a few good supplies. Here are my recommendations:
Your kid will need a solid water bottle to endure all the fun they will have in daycare or preschool. I recommend the insulated flip-top straw cup by Chicco, which has a no-spill straw and fits in most car seat cup holders. Another option for slightly older toddlers is the My tumbler water bottle by Chicco, which has a bite-proof rim and is also spill-proof.
How about a backpack or lunch bag that is perfect for their size? Urban Infant has a selection of Yummie Lunch Bags and Packie Backpacks to choose from. They are made for our youngest students and come in a variety of patterns. Best of all, the Yummie Lunch Bag is the only lunch bag on the market with allergy alert cards, a seemingly-growing dilemma for children.
If your little one is nervous about starting preschool or daycare, get them a new stuffed animal with a recording of your voice. Your voice and the furry friend will give them comfort during those first few days, or during nap time. I love all the options available at Build-a-Bear, and it’s a great activity for you to enjoy with your kid prior to starting school.
Bring the learning back home with Tonies, the screen-free audio entertainment system for young children. You can purchase an assortment of characters and simply place one on the Toniebox to hear an engaging and fun story or song.
Elementary
Gearing up for the new school year can be expensive. Find affordable and trendy shoes with Dream Pairs, which has an assortment of options for all ages, including children. I love the EZ-Ons Sneakers for Boys and Girls, which are easy slip-on shoes (my mornings thank you, Dream Pairs) and are durable and comfortable. If your little one wants a little sparkle in her heel, try the Sparkle Jelly Sole Sneakers for Girls, which are just as comfortable. We also love all the options from Ground Up — from Mario to My Little Pony to the ever-so-popular Bluey, the brand has stylish shoes for every kid.
Have a fashionista in the making? We love the Lola + the Boys backpack options, which are completely customizable. You can add letters or patches to match your child’s fun personality.
Let’s add some fun stationary to your child’s new school year with LEGO Stationery. From the LEGO Star Wars Lightsaber Gel Pen Set to the Ninjago Pop Up Pencil Case — learning just became more fun. Other options from LEGO include the marker set and the buildable ruler.
Of course, you cannot go wrong with stocking up on fun Scentco writing tools. Always a hit with the little ones, we recommend the Smencils 10-Pack and the Cutie Fruities Plush Pencil Pouches.
Is your child ready for a smartwatch but not quite-ready for a smartphone? Try TickTalk, a watch that allows you and your child to stay connected but gives parents all the control. There are over 30 parental controls, but your child still has the ability to contact you. You can also track your child with the watch!
You gotta make sure you have a sturdy lunch box for the entire year. We love the OmieBox options when packing food that needs to stay warm. While we prefer the PackIt for cold lunches. The PackIt has freezable lunch bags and boxes to ensure the food stays as cold as possible.
Need to help your kid unwind after a long day at school? Try the Yoto, a storytelling device to keep kids entertained and relaxed. Simply slot a card into the Yoto player and let your child unwind with a good story. There are many stories to choose from as well!
Tweens and Teens
Start the new school year in style with a variety of affordable brands, including Heart Blaster – which is a one-stop shop staples such as clothes, water bottles and more. Hayden Girls has the trendiest garments for tweens and teens (and women!) to ensure every girl looks and feels her most confident and fun self. We are in love with Hayden’s Plaid Square Neck Tie Sleeve Mini Dress, Zip Up Collared Puff Sleeve Knit Jacket and Distressed Floral Patterned Cardigan.
Teens will love the comfortable and trendy options from Sophie & Hailee, which has an assortment of ensembles to turn heads – including the Cable Knit Long Sleeve Mock Neck Half Zip, Ditsy Floral Ruffle Bodice Chiffon Dress and the Quilt Textured Open Padded Cardigan.
Is your teen looking for more casual options? Try athleisure brands Vitality and Sierra Madre to help your teen keep the cool, edgy and casual vibe alive. Warning: Once you try Vitality’s Cloud pants, you won’t want to wear any other athletic pants!
Speaking of athleisure, check out the NORTIV 8 ActiveFloat sneakers, which are stylish but comfortable and durable.
A new school year means a new backpack and lunch bag. Herschel Supply Co. at Tilly’s is the perfect option for older children. Herschel offers timeless, retro bags that are also durable and reliable.
Add a little glam (and more battery) to your child’s phone with Velvet Caviar. The brand has a selection of durable phone cases, charging cases and more. Your teens will no longer have the excuse of their phone running out of battery.
Help your teen stay organized with a local company, Plum Paper, home to an assortment of trendy planners and stationary. We love the Bright Blooms Planner, Bright Blooms Stickers, Soft Florals Planner and Soft Florals Stickers.
Finally, if you are in the market for a new bike for your child to take to school – check out Cleary bikes. High-quality and light-weight, Cleary has a number of bikes to cater to all ages. If your kid is ready for an electric bike, we love the style and affordability of Priority Bicycles.
Have a suggested product for the Back-to-School Guide? Tell us in the comments.
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San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.
