Kids are heading back to school which means school year routines will be back in full swing as well as school year activities, too. That means the school supply lists will be rolling out (if they haven't already) and it will be time to stock up on pencils, notebooks, and more. But kids aren't the only ones who need to prepare for back to school time.
Moms will need to stay organized and get re-acquainted with getting up super early, waiting for busses, packing lunches, and taking advantage of those back-to-school shopping deals. We found some items that can help with that: from wall calendars to "bus" slippers, we've got moms covered this school year.
Water Bottles
$44
from
Water bottles are a must-have for every season, but especially back-to-school season. Kids and moms need one for when they're either at school or running errands or at work and need a drink of water. And why not make it something cool? This Yeti one is a great option for the whole family because each member can have their own water bottle color.
Backpack Hooks
Organization is key when it comes to the start of a new school year, whether it's just with one kid going to school or day care or multiple kids. One way to keep things orderly is to get some good wall hooks and have the kids (and adults) use them to hang up backpacks, purses, hats and coats — instead of dumping them on the floor.
A Wall Calendar
With the school year fast approching that could mean a lot more running around than we've all been used to all summer. A wall calendar to put all of the family events in one place will help keep everyone on track.
'From the Mom Of' Notepad
Starting at
$19
from
We love fun, useful items for moms and this "From the Mom Of" pad of sticky notes is exactly that. Whether mom needs to write a note for the kid, a teacher, coach, or the school nurse, she can do so using just a personalized sticky pad and can even check off which kid the note is about. It's funny and an effective way to communicate.
Clip-On Hand Sanitizer
Since Covid there are tons of cleanliness protocols in place to help keep germs at bay. Which should make flu season less of a problem, too. That's why we recommend moms get these clip-on sanitizer sprays for backpacks (and purses).
Nespresso Espresso Maker
One word: caffeine. As school ramps up our bodies, moms' bodies, may need the caffeine to get used to running around a lot more, waking up earlier to make the school bus, or to shower before the big in-person meeting. A Nespresso maker at home will make getting that boost a little easier.
'Walk to the Bus' Slippers
Speaking of having to wake up early to get kids to the bus, or to drop them off at school before finishing getting ready for the day, we recommend some comfortable footwear to run outside, or to hop in the car with, and run those quick errands. These slippers are neutral colored and super comfortable for all of the above tasks.
Reusable Food Bags
Sustainability is becoming something that more people want to be a part of, and kids are also more likely to demand it. Reusing things also saves money. Having reusable Stasher baggies helps limit plastic use and limits buying so many of those one-time-use plastic sandwich and snack bags for school lunches.
Stackable Refrigerator Storage Containers
Organization isn't just limited to wall hooks — as clutch as they are and we definitely love them. Organizing the fridge with storage containers can help streamline the process of making lunches, and make it easier for older kids to make their own. You've all seen those fridge stocking ASMR TikTik videos by now, right? Just like that.
2022-2023 Planner
This suggestion for the new school year is actually just for moms, but her being organized will help everyone, trust us. It's a 2022-2023 planner. While using a smartphone calendar is totally fine, we think there's something to physically writing down events in a planner, or to use it for work to-do lists and notes.
Personalized First Day & Last Day of School Signs
If you have a Facebook, you've defintely seen other parents use these premade first and last day of school signs to document a child's age, interests and grade ahead of such an important milestone: the first day of school. These boards are avauilable on Amazon and chalk or neon ink pens can be used in conjuction with them to write the stats.
Multivitamin Gummies
Staying healthy includes more than masking up and washing hands (although that's a huge part of it). Health also includes getting proper nutrition. Both adults and kids need vitamins from food or in pill form to stay healthy and be their best selves on a day-to-day basis. We, of course, recommend the beloved classic Flinstone vitamins for kids, but always check with your child's pediatrician before givng out vitamins.
A Good Raincoat
It rains all year, but there's nothing worse than having to run outside and wait with kids in the rain for the bus or go from one errand to another or work in the pouring rain and getting an outfit wet, even with an umbrella. That's where a good quality raincoat comes in. We love this neutral one from Madewell. It'll go with all outfits and shoes.
Kids' Raincoats
Kids need good raincoats, too, especially as they run in and out of school to the car or from the bus. Plus, it'll help keep their outfits clean and dry. Carter's has super cute styles like this green dinosour one that comes with a dino hood and sleeve detail. Carter's also sells rainboots, if the kids have outgrown theirs.
Stainless Steel Tumbler
A new school year means things are going to get much more hectic with after-school activities and sports. Moms can get thirsty hanging around in the car or watching a game. That's where having a portable mug or tumbler, like this stainless steel one for coffee, water, tea, or wine (we aren't judging) comes in handy.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
