It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
It’s an exciting, yet hectic, school year for us with everyone finally in school. Having children of all ages, I’ve tried many things over the years. It’s amazing how much selection there is now compared to when I was in school. It can be overwhelming. So I’ve put together this guide of items I use or recommend.
Kids’ Lunch Bags
My daughter is very girlie and loves all things unicorns, cats, and mermaids. My son is the complete opposite. No animals, just vehicles, robots, and space. These are the lunch bags I picked up for them this year.
SHOPPING GUIDE
- No Prob-llama Tote – Fashion Angels
- Kitty Lunch Bag – Bentology
- Zoo Lunchie Unicorn – Skip Hop
- Mermaids Lunch Bag – Wildkin
SHOPPING GUIDE
- Planes Lunch Box – Keep Leaf
- Blue Vertical Lunch Bag – Lego
- Space Lunch Box – Stephen Joseph
- Robot Lunch Box – Keep Leaf
KIDS’ BACKPACKS
SHOPPING GUIDE
- Vintage Backpack Black Geo Camo – Parkland
- Bayside Backpack Grapezoid – Parkland
- Mackenzie Navy Dragon Backpack – Pottery Barn Kids
- Mackenzie Gray Pink Horse Backpack – Pottery Barn Kids
- ClassMate Medium Backpack (Rich Persimmon Camo) – Lands’End
- ClassMate Medium Backpack (Purple Multi Chevron) – Lands’End
- Original Book Pack (Carbon Sketch Dino) – L.L.Bean
- Original Book Pack (Beach Rose Butterfly) – L.L.Bean
A note on backpacks: Gone are the days of cheap backpacks in our home! It’s well worth it to buy a well-made, quality backpack. In the old days of cheap backpacks, I would need to replace my kids’ backpacks yearly. More often it would be 2-3 times a year. Quality backpacks will last for years and some brands even guarantee them.
I also like the option of personalization. Having their name embroidered on the pack not only looks nicer but is more durable than marker and tags. Better packs fit more comfortably, can be waterproof and some offer extra compartments. When choosing a quality backpack, try to pick a print that your child won’t outgrow anytime soon. Or choose a backpack with neutral solid colours.
BENTO LUNCHES
SHOPPING GUIDE
- EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Box (set of 4)
- Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Twist and Seal Food Containers (set of 4)
- Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit and the LunchBlox Tall Kit
- YumBox Leakproof Bento Box
- Goodbyn Bynto Blue
- California Goods 3-Compartment Storage Containers (set of 3)
FOR CANADIANS
Litterless lunches have become part of Canadian schools for several years now. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will save you money in the long run. I try to find leakproof or leak resistant lunch gear, although I do my best to avoid sending liquids in my kids’ lunches.
Some places you can find litterless lunch supplies at are, Walmart, Dollarama (check for plastic safety), Kitchen Stuff Plus, Well.ca, Fenigo, and Cute Kid Stuff.
LUNCH TOOLS
SHOPPING GUIDE
- Cookie Cutters
- Personalized vinyl name labels – Minted
- Thermos Funtainer and Thermos Food Jar Funtainer
Thermos brand is the only one I use. I find them durable, easy to clean and they keep their temperature - Light My Fire Spork Little (set of 3)
- Large Resusable Snack Bag – Bumkins
I prefer the larger snack bags and ones without Velcro (aka crumb catchers)
- Silicone Baking Cups
- Fruit & Vegetable Cutters – Joie
- Slim Lunch Ice Packs (set of 4) – Fit & Fresh
A note on lunch tools: There are a lot of cute bento tools out there. If you have the time and money, more power to you! It can be a huge help for picky eaters. Because I bake, I use what I already have on hand. Cookie cutters are great for cutting out sandwiches, cheese, ham, fruit, and veggies. Silicone baking cups are perfect for food separation. I use my crinkle cutter knife, melon baller, and daisy push cutter for interesting shapes as well.
TEEN GEAR
SHOPPING GUIDE
- Joli Bento Kokeski Ichiro Bento – Hakoya
- Meadow Backpack Stone Rose – Parkland
- Storm Hustle II Backpack – Under Armour
Comfortable, durable, water-resistant, comes with inner laptop sleeve, and a variety of colours - My Stash Pencil Case (Patches) – CottonOn
- Girl Crush 17-Month Agenda – Bando
- Planner Pad – uses funnel organization system and week-at-a-glance
- Work It out gym bag – After this we’re getting pizza – Bando
- Loud Twin Bell Analog Alarm Clock – Peakeep
- Sonic Bomb Loud Alarm Clock & Bed Shaker – Sonic Alert
OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER
- Kleenex (for desk or locker) and travel pack of tissue for backpack
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer or hand wipes
- Antibacterial wipes (for older kids to clean work and food surfaces)
- Bag for gym clothes or extra set of clothes
- Lanyards and key chains for older kids
- Pocket folder and a large Ziploc for school paperwork
- Library book bag (I find one that is waterproof to protect against any possible spills)
- For older kids: sanitary and hygiene items, locker gear (mirror, calendar, padlock), emergency money
Do you have any suggestions that work for your family? Please leave a comment below, I’d love to hear from you. Wishing everyone a safe and happy school year!
