Back to School Favorites

I can't believe I already have this post together since my kids don't go back to school until after Labor Day and I can be a bit of a procrastinator; but not this year!  Since we've had such a busy summer and I knew we'd be trying to soak up as many beach days as we can in August I actually got most of my back to school shopping completed already.  

Miller will be heading to 1st grade this year and Matthew to full day Pre-K so I will be packing two lunches and getting two book bags ready this year.  These are all items I've used for a few years and  they hold up well to two boys that aren't that gentle with their stuff.  

1. Pottery Barn Kids Backpack-  we are a huge fan of these backpacks! I just upgraded Miller to the large size for 1st grade and Matthew got the small size for pre-K.   My kids have been using them since their first day of preschool 2s and we've upgraded from the pre-k size to small and then large.  I'm hoping the large size one will last Miller for a few years like the small one did.  

2. Pottery Barn Mackenzie Lunch Box-  this is another item I've had and loved for both boys for a few years now.  I love the option to have your drink on the side, this way they won't forget to take their drink to lunch and I usually slide an ice pack into the interior zipper pocket.  

3. Lunchbots Large Bento Box- I LOVE these bento boxes!! They are not cheap but as I try to move away from plastics in our house (especially for the kids) I'm so happy with these. Plus they fit in the PBK lunchbox which can be hard to find.  Last year was our first with them and I washed them everyday in the dishwasher and they are still in perfect condition.  I had two for Miller last year and just purchased another one so we have an extra.  I use these silicone baking cups as liners if I'm putting fruit, vegetables, or something messy in there.   

4. Thermos Funtainer- these water bottles fit perfectly into the side of the Mackenzie lunch box and are stainless steel on the inside so they keep drinks cold for about 12 hours.  I usually send milk with lunch for my boys since they're sometimes not big lunch eaters but I know they will drink milk and fill up.  

5. Fit & Fresh Slim Ice Packs-  these ice packs fit perfectly in the interior zipper pocket of the Mackenzie lunch box and keep the kids food cold all day.  I ordered mine from Amazon but I've also seen them at Homegoods a lot lately.  

6. Hydroflask for Kids-  The Hydroflask is just so good at keeping water cold that I had to get some for my kids!  I love that they are stainless steel and keep water cold all day.  Our school requires that I send in a filled water bottle for Miller to keep in his book bag so I love know that he'll still have cold water at the end of the day if he's coming back from PE class.  

7. PartyonStickers Waterproof Labels-  I have tons of labels for Miller from the past two years but this year I need some for Matthew. He loves red and wanted to have dinosaurs on his so I ended up ordering sheets with only the red label on them.  I'll keep you posted on how they are but they have so many good reviews I'm not worried. 

8. Under Armour Boy's Polo Shirt- these are a huge favorite in our house! I had a really tough time getting my boys to wear polo shirts as they've gotten older because they considered them "fancy" shirts but they love these shirts and don't consider them to be fancy and will happily wear them to school.  I usually buy them at Zappos but I also have found them a lot at Nordstrom Rack.  

9. Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket- if you've been following long enough you know these are my favorite jacket for kids.  Yes they are pricey but they hold up so well and I can pass them down from one boy to the next and then onto my sister's boys!  

10. School's First Day of School- I purchased this book before Miller started kindergarten and it's easily become a favorite in our house.  It's about a new school feeling nervous having kids come to learn in his school and all the feelings he has about it.  It's really cute and a great way to show your kids that many people, even the school might be nervous about the first day! 

11. New Balance Sneakers 680v5-  again if you've followed along you know I've loved New Balance sneakers for the kids for awhile. I picked up this style earlier this summer when both kids grew out of their shoes and we love them.  Once they grow out of their current size I will probably re-order these. 

12. Carter's pull on athletic shorts-  I'm a huge fan of cheap comfy shorts for the boys and these ones from Carter's are a huge hit.  You can find them on sale for as cheap as $3.99 and they come in a bunch of colors.  The boys will pair these with their Under Armour polos or UA t-shirts.  

What are your back to school go-tos?  Do your kids have any favorites?  

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