Getting the kids back to school can be a hectic time. To help take some of the stress out of it, we’ve rounded up 10 back to school favourites to help get the kids organised — from practical lunch bags and school bags to fun extras that make the return to school a little easier.
Jump to any item below, or read through the full list for ideas.
In this list: #1 Lunch bag · #2 Rucksack · #3 Buggy board · #4 Clock kit · #5 Pens & markers · #6 Art cabinet · #7 Allergy awareness book · #8 Snack pouch · #9 Funky crayons · #10 Schooldays doll
#1. Disney Frozen Lunch Bag with Thinsulate Technology from M&S
This cute lunch bag is a favourite with Frozen fans and parents alike.
The Thinsulate technology offers a lightweight, moisture-resistant insulation layer designed to help keep lunches fresh, while the colourful Disney design makes it a stylish addition to your child’s back to school kit.
You might also like: our free Lunchbox Ideas for Kids e-book, and 5 of the Best Lunchboxes Recommended by Parents.
#2. Angry Birds Rucksack from M&S
If you have an Angry Birds fan in the house, this sturdy rucksack from Marks & Spencer is ideal for carrying all their back to school books.
With comfortable, adjustable straps and a handy front pocket, this wipe-clean rucksack is practical as well as fun.
You might also like: 7 Best School Bags Recommended by Parents.
#3. Easy X Rider ii Buggy Board
Travel to and from school in style with the Easy X Rider 2-in-1 ride-on board. Its connector is designed to fit most prams and strollers, giving an older sibling a ride while a younger one travels in the pram.
You can attach the seat for the after-school run, when a tired little one might need to sit down rather than ride standing.
You might also like: 16 Back to School Money Saving Tips.
#4. The Amazing Clock Kit
Never be late for school again! This clock-making kit from The Happy Puzzle Company has a difference — both sides of the wind-up clock are transparent, so all the workings are completely visible.
As well as teaching children how to tell the time, the Amazing Clock Kit gives them a hands-on understanding of how a clock actually works, showing how the swinging pendulum drives the cogs and springs that turn the hands and make the bell chime — all built in just 13 steps.
#5. Pens, Pencils, Crayons and Markers
If you have a budding artist on your hands, a good range of pens, pencils, crayons and markers is a back to school essential. Beyond the basics, look out for specialist options like porcelain and glass pens, or glitter paint pens to add some sparkle to your child’s drawings.
#6. L’il Davinci Art Cabinet
Wondering what to do with all those pictures that come home from school? The L’il Davinci Art Cabinet turns any picture into a display piece. Each A4 frame stores up to 50 sheets, and you can swap the picture on show easily through the hinged, glass door.
You might also like: our Back to School Checklist and School Supplies Checklist.
#7. The Princess and The Peanut
If you have a child with allergies, The Princess and The Peanut makes a lovely back to school gift to share with the whole class. It’s a gentle story about a prince finding his princess, which helps raise allergy awareness among classmates and teachers.
The book also includes a food allergy guide for adults and child-friendly allergy definitions that can be used to help educate school friends.
You might also like: Tips for Starting School for a Child with Serious Allergies.
#8. Slim Snack
Slim Snack is a snack bag and popsicle mould in one, handy for lunchboxes, gym bags and days out. Made from BPA-free food-grade silicone, it’s a reusable alternative to single-use plastic bags.
Its slim design takes up minimal freezer space and stacks easily for storage, fitting neatly into lunch boxes, gym bags and handbags. The bright colours also mean it won’t get lost at the bottom of a school bag.
You might also like: Healthy Ice Pop Recipes, Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids and 9 Fresh New Ideas for Kids’ Lunches.
#9. Funky Crayons
Be the coolest kid in the classroom with a set of fun A-to-Z crayons from Funky Crayons. The full range also includes shapes like building bricks, tools, robots, numbers and buttons — a fun twist on a classic school essential.
You might also like: Back to School Colouring Pages to Delight the Kids.
#10. Lottie Schooldays Doll
If you have a little one starting school, or feeling a bit wobbly about heading back, the Lottie Schooldays Doll can help.
Lottie can’t quite decide what the best thing about going back to school is — seeing her friends, learning new topics, or meeting her new teacher. Dressed in her own smart school uniform, your child can follow Lottie’s lead and share in her adventures, which can help take some of the worry out of back to school nerves.
You might also like: 10 Not to Be Missed Lunch Box Ideas & Hacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most useful back to school items to organise first?
Start with the everyday essentials your child uses daily — a reliable school bag, a lunch bag or box, and basic stationery. Getting these sorted first takes the pressure off the first morning back.
How can I make the back to school routine less stressful?
Small things help: pack bags and lunches the night before, keep a fixed spot by the door for shoes and bags, and involve your child in choosing a few of their own back to school items so they feel part of the process.
Are personalised or character-themed school items worth it?
Many parents find character-themed bags, lunch bags and stationery help nervous or reluctant children feel more excited about school, particularly in the early years. It’s a personal choice rather than a necessity.
Related Articles
- 7 Best School Bags Recommended by Parents
- 5 of the Best Lunchboxes Recommended by Parents
- 16 Back to School Money Saving Tips
- Back to School Checklist
- 10 Not to Be Missed Lunch Box Ideas & Hacks
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