As the school year is about to begin, it’s time to get all those back to school essentials together. We have put together a list of our favourites for you.

Backpacks

There are lots of cute backpacks out there but we chose ones that have chest straps so they don’t keep slipping off little shoulders.

These Hey Hossy backpacks are made from recycled bottles, are water-repellent and come in a variety of designs and colours.

This Konges Sløjd backpack is spacious, light-weight and water repellent backpack with an external bottle pocket

The Liewood backpack has a quilted design with beautiful prints.

Water Bottles

We have all kinds of multi-coloured non-stylish and impractical water bottles but since I am making recommendations, I feel I should share the bottles I would choose if it was purely up to me. The bottles I’ve selected are made of stainless steel as they tend to be easier to clean.

Citron BPA-free stainless steel water bottles with triple wall insulation, comes with 2 straws and a cleaning brush. Available in 250ml and 350ml.

Klean Kanteen bottles are BPA free, dishwasher safe and have a wide opening that will fit ice and allows easy pouring.

Lunch Boxes

Lunch is so much more fun when it is served in different compartments. Here are a few of our favourite ones.

The Yumbox Panino has 4 compartments including one for dips and has a silicone lined lid that is leak proof. It comes in a variety of colours and designs.

The Yumbox Bento has 6 compartments for even more fun, including one for dips and has a silicone lined lid that is leak proof. It comes in a variety of colours and designs.

This super stylish lunchbox from Liewood is comes in two sizes and is available in two colours. The lid is held in place by a silicone strap.

Lunchbox with Thermos

This stylish Citron lunchbox is available in other colours and patterns.

The Omie Bento is a popular option and comes in a variety of different colours.

Thermos

When looking for a thermos I always look for ones that are wide and short as they are easier to eat out of. Before putting food in, heat (or cool) the container with hot (or cold) water 5 minutes before.

Citron Food Jars have triple wall insulation. They keep food warm/fresh for up to 6 hours and cold/chilled for up to 7 hours. The food jars are easy to open, even for small children, as the lid opens vertically without the need to twist - 400ml and 250ml - available in a variety of colours.

Snackbox

Another stylish number by Citron. Removable silicone lining that forms an air-tight seal, ensuring 100% leak-proof. Comes in other designs.

Yumbox Snack is designed to make your snacks easy to pack. It's moulded silicone lined lid engages with the tray so food stays in place. Available in a variety of fun colours and designs.

Puddlesuits

One of the essentials to keep your little ones dry are puddlesuits. We’ve included a simple waterproof one as well as a fleece lined one.

The Hippychick all-in-one shell rain suit. With fully taped seams, the soft ‘peach skin’ fabric doesn’t make a noise and allows complete freedom of movement. Tabs on the hood (no more searching for missing hats), wrists, ankles and waist ensure a perfect fit with room to grow. Fleece lined version also available.

100% Recycled polyester, fleece lined puddlesuite from Kidly. It has taped seams & waterproof zip, elasticated waist, cuffs, ankles & peaked hood. Waterproof to 10,000mm - withstands heavy rain & sitting on wet surfaces. Reflective details on zipper & hood. Available in a variety of colours.

Wellies

There are lots of beautiful wellies out there, but if they are meant to live at school or at nursery, I wouldn’t spend excessive amounts on them as little feet grow so quickly.

If you are looking for some style, this pair from Sticky Lemon is quite eye-catching.

Kidly has great staples and their wellies are no exception. Available in a variety of fun colours.

School Labels

If you want your child to return home with their own belongings, the best chance you have is to label EVERYTHING. Gone are the days of iron on labels - here are two of the labelling systems we’ve tried.

Stamptastic - the quickest most efficient way to label clothes. Comes with a personalised stamp with your choice of icon and an inkpad. Ink lasts 50+ washes. Quick delivery.

Easy2name have sticker labels for everything from clothes to shoes to water bottles and pens. No need to iron, clothing labels are machine washable and tumble dryer safe. Large and Mini Stickers are dishwasher and microwave safe, BPA-free and all ink used is non-toxic. All products are water-resistant and scratch-proof. They have a useful nursery starter pack and a school starter pack as well as more extensive labelling packages.

See our blog post on Preparing for school (and pre-school) for ideas on how to help your child get ready for school.

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Back to School Essentials