The first day of school is about a month away for us. My oldest is going into first grade and this will be my younger daughter’s last year of preschool. It’s feeling real. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel ready for a new school year. But if you don’t want all the best gear to sell out, it’s time to shop for back to school supplies, clothes, and shoes for the upcoming school year. Whether it’s your first time shopping for back to school essentials, or if you just need some recommendations for the 2024-25 school year, I want to share what I’m buying to get my kids ready. 

 

Back to School Shopping: The Best Gear and Supplies

 

My older daughter destroyed her canvas backpack last year, and both my kids need new shoes and a few new play outfits for school. I bought some larger water bottles and finally found the perfect lunch box, too. We don’t have to buy much in the way of supplies, but I want to share some favorite notebooks, pencils, and the erasers that we love. 

If you’re like me, you aren’t ready but want to get ahead with back to school shopping. I want to share some of the best places to buy everything from a new water bottle or backpack to gym shoes and outfits. I found some great deals to make shopping easy for you, and some of the cutest new backpacks your kids will love. Here’s what I bought my kids for back to school for what I hope is their best school year yet. 

 

Danrie

Coated Bow Backpack

I love the beautiful design and the fact that this is coated, so it will stay clean. It's spill resistant, too!
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State Bags

Kane Backpack

My daughter chose this bag, and while this style sold out, there are some really fun and cute options. I would recommend a coated bag (like the metallic prints) since it stays cleaner than canvas. 45% of this bag is made from recycled materials, too. State is a great brand.
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State Bags

Gold Backpack

This would have been my pick but my daughter went with cherries (which are very cute, too). I love this one though.
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Minnow

Coated Backpack

I love a coated backpack since it stays clean, and this style is so cute!
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PBK

Sunshine and Rainbows Backpack

This bag held up really well so my younger daughter will use it again this year. She was also adamant that she get to use it again since it's so cute.
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Amazon

Water Bottle

I'm so used to sharing colors that my girls love so wanted to share some other styles, too.
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Amazon

Insulated Water Bottles

My kids water bottles are never clean when we need them so I got a few extras and am planning to make vinyl stickers for these.
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Yeti

Water Bottle

My kids each have the smallest yeti, but the girls were needing to refill them pretty often so I bought them each a larger one.
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Omiebox

Lunchbox with Thermos

OmieBox has a thermos insert that I use for yogurt, mac and cheese, and pesto. The thermos is removable so you can remove it and pack sandwiches, too. It's made prep easier - there's a little divider and some storage containers that my kids love.
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PackIt

Freezable Snack Box

I like to have one of these in the freezer for the days when my kids want to bring yogurt, cheese, or other refrigerated snacks.
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State

Snack Bag

My oldest usually brings a few different things for snack and this is a nice way to keep it organized. There's also the perfect little spot for love notes from mom, which have become a daily tradition.
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E. Frances

Little Lunch Notes

My kids absolutely love getting a note from mom every day. These are darling. I had 2 different styles and alternated to make it extra fun. Surprising them with ice cream notes this year!
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Amazon

Lined Composition Notebooks

We use blank, unlined notebooks all the time - I buy them in bulk and my kids draw all day. But I love these lined notebooks since they want to work on their writing, too.
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Lola and the Boys

Rainbow Sweatshirt

Lola and the Boys sweatshirt and sweatsuits are the softest, coziest pieces that my kids wear whenever they want to feel extra cozy. They're so fun, too.
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Lola and the Boys

Butterfly Gem Set

This set just came out and I have a feeling it's going to sell out. Getting it for both girls!
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Boden

Borg Jacket

I got last year's version of this and it's really warm and cozy. I'm so glad the brand made one that's similar in style this year.
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Tea Collection

Leggings

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Miles the Label

Mixed Media Puffer

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