Back to school time is always crazy and busy for us, especially now that we have 2 out of 3 of our children in grade school. Over the years, we have found a few products that we love, and that help make the transition back a bit easier!

Note– This post contains affiliate links. that earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or think that my readers will find useful.

1. Yumbox

Making lunches that kids will actually eat and are quick for them is HARD. I have picky kids, and I never realized how many containers were not so kid-friendly until I had to send them to school. I have tried a few different bento style lunch boxes, and these take the cake. They keep liquids in there own section, and the box itself can be opened easily by both my 2nd grader and my kindergartner! They are a little pricer (around $27-$30, depending on the style you choose), but they are worth it in my opinion! My son has had his for 2 years and its still going strong!

1. Yumbox-Pink 2. Yumbox-Green

2. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Our kids bring their own water bottles to school, and I prefer to send them with stainless steel ones. They are more durable, and easier to maintain than plastic bottles. I have a few different brands and styles I like, so I will link them all below!

1. Klean Kanteen 2. Hydro Flask 3. Camelbak 4. Contigo

3. Hand Sanitizer/Immunity Support

Those back to school bugs are awful, and we try to do everything we can to stay healthy and avoid them! We use Young Living products to boost our immunity (if you would like more info on anything essential oil related- feel free to reach out!), but there are also some other great brands that have kid-friendly products! I will link some I have tried, or heard great things about below!

1. Babyganics Hand Sanitizer 2. Smarty Pants Vitamin 3. Hello Bello Multi Vitamin 4. Hello Bello Hand Sanitizing Spray

4. Easy and Healthy Snack Foods

When packing lunches or planning for after school snacks, I prefer items that are easy for my kids to open themselves, but are also more nutritious for them. We love Go Go Squeez and Clif Kid products because they fit both of those needs! Both brands offer a wide variety of items, but we love all of Go Go Squeez brands applesauces and yogurtz, and CLIF KID oatmeal cookie bars!

1. Clif Kid ZBar Protein 2. 2. Go Go Squeez 3. Go Go Squeez 4. Clif Kid ZBar Oatmeal Cookie

5. Headphones

This is something that I honestly never thought about until my kids were in school. They use computers and tablets often, and having their own headphones is handy. These specific headphones are comfortable for my kids, but still reasonably priced!

1. Headphones- Pink 2. Headphones- Blue

6. Spacious Lunch Box and Backpack

I know there is SO many character themed bags and lunch boxes and our kids are always all about them, but 9 times out of 10 they offer no storage or space. I prefer to find bags and boxes that have extra pockets or storage spaces, because my kids always carry ALL of the things.

1. Lunch Bag – Unicorn 2. Unicorn Backpack 3. Camo Backpack 4. Lunch Bag- Dino

7. Kid Friendly Shoes

Another trial and error area for us. When I sent my oldest to Kindergarten, I didn’t fully think through the fact that he would be changing shoes on PE days. (maybe your mom brain isn’t as bad off as mine and you don’t need to read this.😉) Having shoes that are easy for them to put on and take off with zero/little help is a good idea!

1. Cat & Jack – Boys Boots 2. Old Navy- Polka Dot Slip-On 3. Toddler Girl Animal Print Sneakers 4. Old Navy Faux-Leather Slip-Ons

8. Clothing Basics

We have a pretty serious clothing addiction in our home, if you haven’t already noticed! I like having some basics to build different outfits with, that are comfy and still fit our style. We LOVE June & January brand for this reason. Their swing dresses are perfect for every season and look so cute layered! I also love Cat & Jack and Old Navy for tees and leggings! I am linking some of my favorites below!

1. Old Navy crew neck tee 2. June & January Swing Dress 3. Cat & Jack leggings- Yellow 4. Cat & Jack leggings- Green 5. Old Navy long sleeve tee- toddler 6. Old Navy raglan tee

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All of these things, combined with a good routine and schedule have helped to make our school year run more smoothly. As a family of 5, we need all the help we can get to calm the chaos!