TQE’s Ultimate Guide to Nailing Back-to-School

New School Year = New School Bags

Growing up, I loved picking out my new backpack; 25 years later I still remember that hunter green LL Bean bag with my initials embroidered on the front. Now, my girls and I sit online browsing for bags they’ll adorn for the next 12 months. 

This year, my second grader chose State’s Kane Kids Unicorn Canvas backpack ($90). With a variety of different pockets that fit laptops (a staple in many schools these days), standard sized folders, water bottle pockets, organizational zip pockets and pen holders, it's the perfect pack for a successful school day. 

This mission-driven brand gives back with every pack; each year STATE donates 5% of its annual revenue to giving-efforts such as donating fully packed backpacks at signature bag drop rallies.

My kindergartener picked a feel-good brand, too. Wanderwild gives a portion of each sale to organizations that address childhood hunger, education needs and are determined to spread kindness. 

The bright and whimsical patterns are attractive to kids while the padded shoulder straps and chest clips for ergonomic back support and comfort are loved by parents. Other stand out features include personalization, fidget tabs for wiggly fingers (fidgets are all the rage among the kids these days), the deep pockets made to fit electronics and school supplies, plus  water-resistant material. At $55, they are fairly priced, too. 

The Lunch Rush 

Packing lunches is one of my least favorite back-to-school activities. After a Summer of at-home dining (and using way less plastic), I’ve decided to go the reusable lunch gear route this school year.

For reusable lunch boxes, we have a few customizable favorites, including:

As for reusable food storage and containers, Stojo collapsible food storage is a great choice. The Stojo Jr. Collection, which comes with a collapsible bottle ($18), cup ($15), and sandwich box ($20), is a perfect fit for the lunchbox. Green Sprouts Baby sandwich bags, which insulate the food to keep it fresh and come in a pack of two for $19.99, is another winning option. And if you're an avid foil-user, Bee’s Wrap’s lunch pack ($19.99) offers reusable, compostable, washable wraps. 

Nothing is more frustrating for a mom than opening the lunchbox at the end of the day to find fruit juice spilled all over everything; that’s why we recommend these leakproof picks.

Don’t forget those lunches aren’t refrigerated, so make sure to grab yourself a pink unicorn or dino ice pack ($6.50) to keep food fresh and cool. 

Hydration Station 

Water bottles are another leaky culprit. Hydro Flask kid’s collection (from $29.95) comes in a variety of colors -- and the best part is the bottles, which have a lifetime warranty, keep contents cold (or hot) for hours and are a cinch to clean. 

Mybevi, which starts at $15, is another water bottle brand for the kid who likes to carry their bottle anywhere they go. The water bottles are equipped with a carry ring on the lid which allows you to not only carry the tumbler but also binders, books, or papers.  

‍Easy Snacks for the Lunch Packs

Pre-packaged snacks make lunch easy as one, two, three. But most times, those aren’t the healthiest options. Until now. R.E.D.D Bar is a healthy option for a protein-based lunch item. For $35.88 you get a box of 12 plant-based protein bars that are low in sugar, high in fiber and will leave your kid nice and full during the school day. Another favorite of ours? Bobo’s oat bars ($32.88 for box of 12), protein bars ($32.88 for box of 12), bites ($29.99 for box of 30) and pastries ($35.99 for box of 12).

With just one gram of sugar in the entire bag, Behave gummies ($30 for six packs) are the perfect post lunch sweet treat. Your kid isn’t into gummies? Try packing Blake’s Seed Based Rice Crispy Treats, which are allergen-free so you don’t have to worry about any of the ingredients being banned from the classroom. For $21.99 you get 24 bars, or you can save 10% with a subscribe and save program so you never run out! 

Best Dressed ‍

Finding that perfect back-to-school outfit is easier than ever thanks to an abundance of direct-to-consumer clothing lines. Like Vineyard Vines, whose Chambray Utility Romper ($68) makes for the cutest, comfiest back-to-school outfit. Or PixieLane’s buttery soft dresses ($37-$48) with playful patterns. These outfits are my girls’ new go-to looks meaning this mama is doing a lot of laundry!