Everything You Need Before the First Bell Rings: A Back-to-School Shopping Guide

Do you remember back-to-school shopping as a kid? For me, it was one of the best days of summer. We’d head to Walmart (or Target if we were lucky), grab that giant school supply list by the front entrance, and spend hours wandering the aisles checking off every item. Picking out a new backpack. Testing every lunchbox zipper. Debating between the 24-pack or 64-pack of crayons. Somehow, school shopping almost made going back to class exciting.

Today, things look a little different. Instead of spending half a day pushing a shopping cart through crowded aisles, you can build your entire haul from your couch with a coffee in hand, and everything delivered right to your front door. Honestly? I think that’s even better.

To make shopping simple, I’ve rounded up everything you need before the first bell rings all in one place. Whether you’re shopping for preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, or even college, these are products I’d actually recommend and use.

Let’s check everything off your list in one go!

Back-to-School Essentials

The basics every student needs to start the year off right. Whether your child is heading to kindergarten or high school, these are the items you’ll reach for every single day. Plus, I’ve even found bundles on Amazon where you could get everything you need at a low cost (seriously a pack of 45 items for $20!). What a steal!

Shop the complete Back-to-School Essentials collection by clicking above.

Lunch Packing Made Easy

If packing lunches feels oh so difficult, these products make mornings so much easier. I’ve rounded up my favorite lunch-packing finds that are practical, durable, and actually keep food fresh until lunchtime. Plus, some other great Prime items! The Skylight calendar for keeping track of activities (especially those that need snacks) and grocery lists is a game changer!

Shop these Bento boxes, cute lunch bags, and more HERE (or tap above).

Morning Organization

Let’s be honest… It’s usually not the school day that’s stressful. It’s getting everyone out the door. These Amazon finds help make mornings smoother by creating routines that actually work.

If you feel like your entryway is a dumping ground for backpacks, coats, and shoes, then these organization products are a must buy! Here’s some helpful entryway organizers you may need:

bulletin board for important papers and lists
large calendar for keeping up with all the events
hooks for coats and backpacks
stackable wooden bins for shoes and projects
small bowl for keys

Back-to-school shopping has changed a lot over the years, but one thing hasn’t: there’s something exciting about starting fresh. New supplies, new routines, and new goals! A brand-new school year full of possibilities.

College Move-In Must-Haves

Whether you’re sending your first baby off to college (cue the tears.. I can’t even imagine!) or helping your student move into their first apartment, there are so many little things you don’t think about until move-in day. I’ve rounded up all of my favorite dorm room and apartment essentials, from space-saving storage and bedding to bathroom organizers, desk accessories, and everyday necessities, to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Don’t forget the suitcases or extra-large moving bags to help on the day of!

Tap above to shop these items! And, shop other college must-haves HERE!

Teacher Welcome Gifts

Getting your kid’s teachers something on the first day is such a special touch! Their summer is over too! And now they have the responsibility of teaching your youth. A simple goodie bag goes a really long way! We gifted these at the end of the school year last year but I still think THIS or something similar would be perfect! You can shop other teacher gift ideas HERE.

I hope these collections help make shopping a little easier, and maybe even bring back a little of that excitement we all remember from checking off our school supply list as kids! Happy shopping, and here’s to an amazing school year!

P.S. If your kid is off to preschool or elementary for the first time, I am thinking of you! The days are long but the years are short. Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to grab a blackboard or other first day signage to commemorate the day!

For more shopping lists, view my previous blog posts below:

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