What comes to mind immediately when I hear the phrase "back to school", is...SHOPPING! When I was a kid, I remember that feeling as Summer was drawing to a close and I was eagerly anticipating the start of the new school year. Not because I was excited to go back to school, but because I was stoked for an excuse to do some serious shopping! This will be my very first back to school shopping experience as a mom with Lyla starting preschool next week. As excited as Lyla is to begin this new chapter of her life, I might be even more amped than her! Let me tell you, I ordered her a monogrammed backpack and lunchbox from Pottery Barn a couple months ago. I am going to wrap them up and surprise her with them after "meet your teacher" night this friday. I can't wait for Monday morning to come to dress her up and take pictures of her with her big girl backpack on! I don't know yet if I will be emotional the first time I drop her off at her classroom. My baby girl is growing up so fast.
First things first. I need to go shopping for some preschool essentials. I did a little online research to come up with a back-to-school shopping list (with a few tips and notes to go along):
1. A Backpack - While they make smaller backpacks designed specifically for preschoolers, the general consensus is they are too small. Instead opt for a small size backpack. Pottery Barn Kids, Land of Nod, LL Bean and Lands End have great selections of child friendly back packs. We opted for the small Mackenzie by Pottery Barn Kids.
2. A Lunch Box - We bought the matching mackenzie lunchbox from pottery barn.
4. Hand Sanitizer. Hand sanitizer has made its way to the must have list on most any preschooler’s shopping list. Bath and Body Works makes a great PocketBac hand sanitizer that can strap right onto a backpack!
5. Wipes. Wet wipes are great for children who are toilet training at preschool or simply to have on hand to clean up sticky hands in a moment’s notice. Try boogiewipes!
6. Tissues. Individual packages of tissues are a necessity for preschoolers. Throw a pack or two into the backpack for easy access.
7. A Change of Clothes to keep at school. Kids get messy quick. A seasonally appropriate well-fitting change of clothes is essential. Whether she has an accident or spills paint on herself, a change of clothing will come in handy. Pack them in a Ziploc Bag so dirty clothes can be easily packed back into the bag as needed.
8. Labels. Mabel’s Labels are a popular choice among preschool moms for labeling their preschooler’s clothing, jackets and personal belongings. There are also a ton of other labels choices available on etsy.
9. Socks — 10-14 pairs. Buy at least 2 pairs of every color you choose — that way, when your child loses a sock you'll have three left.
10. T-shirts — 6-10. Classrooms can get pretty toasty, so your child will want to take off heavy outer layers once he's come in from the cold. T-shirts are a practical choice for younger children because long sleeves get dirty at the wrists.
11. Sweaters/Sweatshirts — 2-3. In the early fall, your child can throw a long-sleeved shirt or cardigan over her trusty T-shirt and add a hooded sweatshirt to keep extra warm. They stow easily in the cubby without wrinkling.
12. Pants — 5+ Preschoolers spend a fair amount of time on the floor. Choose a durable fabric like denim. Elastic waists are essential for little ones, who get frustrated when they have to deal with snaps or zippers at toilet time. Don't forget leggings!
13. Skirt and coordinating top — 1. Your daughter should have one pretty skirt for special events, to wear with an appropriate sweater or blouse. Dresses and skirts are a pain on the playground.
14. Shoes — 2 pairs. Most children are perfectly happy with sneakers for everyday wear.
15. Boots — 1 pair.
16. Coats — 1 fall (optional), 1 winter, 1 raincoat. A good hooded sweatshirt or fleece should be fine for fall.
That's my list so far. For those moms out there who have already been through this, am I forgetting anything? I would love any feedback!
3 comments:
I love back to school shopping!! Make sure to take lots of pictures of her on the first day!
Great list! Does she not take a nap anymore? I worry that Shay may be outgrowing his nap, but they still have "rest time" at his school, so he takes a sheet & blanket.
Lyla still naps - and definitely needs to! She is such a grump if she doesn't nap. Our plan is to continue to keep her on her nap schedule at home for as long as possible. If she comes to a point where she doesn't want to sleep anymore, she will still have quiet time on her bed while cody naps.
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