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Back-to-school checklists have been emailed, texted, and ClassDojo'd to parents all across the Western hemisphere. They're filled with stationary, specific calculator recommendations, and reading lists. However, below is a list of essential items that you might not find in a typical back-to-school list, and they might just make your life as a parent much easier.
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01
Waterproof Name Stamp for Clothing Kids
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Look, nothing really beats a Sharpie, but this stamp that creates waterproof labels is a lot quicker, cleaner, and more uniform. Plus, it probably won't disappear into the ether as soon as you need it the way Sharpies tend to do.
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02
Changeable Artwork Frames
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With school comes tons of art projects. Some of them are nothing more than random crayon scribbles on construction paper, but sometimes, your kid comes home with something that shows a little promise… Either way, they'll be upset to find any of their pieces in the trash. So, instead of letting them pile up on the coffee table, these frames make it easy to store and proudly display your kids' art at the same time.
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03
Shoe Charm Backpack
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Ok, apparently, this is generally a pretty good backpack in terms of storage and durability. But let's not mince words here, it's cool because your kids can decorate it however they want with Croc charms. Even if your kiddos are still in the character-themed backpack stage of their lives, they can just change the Jibbitz on their bag instead of getting a whole new one each year. This backpack is with you for the long run.
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04
Magnet Daily Routine and Chore Chart for Kids
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The fun and chaos of summer can leave kids struggling to adjust to schedules and nightly routines. Help them visualize their daily schedules and feel good about completing each task; it will make your mornings and nights easier, too.
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05
Weekly Planner for Children
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This interactive calendar helps kids visualize their entire week. Not only can kids better understand their weekly routines by seeing it all laid out, but they can practice their organizational skills and better prepare for events and appointments that are out of the norm. If you plan a day chock-full of activities, explaining the game plan to your little ones will be a breeze.
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06
Reusable Silicone Lunch and Snack Bags
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These reusable silicone bags are incredibly handy and versatile; they're durable, freezer friendly, and come in a ton of sizes. The smallest are great for packing snacks in a lunchbox, and the bigger ones are perfect for food storage.
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07
First and Last Day of School Board Sign
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This reusable little sign can be used for years, from K5 until high school graduation.
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08
Weekly Kids Clothes Organizer
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The easier kids grasp their routines, the easier a mom's life is. A clothes organizer can save a lot of time each morning that would be better used actually getting to finish your coffee for once.
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09
Water Bottle Organizer
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Keep your family's water bottles from rolling around all over the place with an organizer! The slots are big enough to fit bottles of all sizes.
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10
Expanding File Folders
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When your kid goes back to school, it helps to have some organized file folders at home. Keep important forms, documents, and tests with good marks all in one, easily-accessible place.
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11
Kids Portable Charger
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Portable chargers are a must-have in this connected day and age; make sure your little one doesn't miss a call or find themselves without a way to communicate with you.
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12
Bento Box with Thermal Container
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Lunchboxes have certainly come a long way from the tin ones from our youth! They can now keep your kids' food hot or cold for much longer.
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13
Uncrustable Sandwich Cutter
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It is easier to just buy Uncrustables, but if you're looking to add a little pizzaz in your picky eater's lunch box, what better way than a dinosaur-shaped sandwich with their favorite filling?
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14
Portable First Aid Kit for Kids
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You can't always be around to shield your child from harm; a portable first aid kid will give them the tools they need to take care of any minor injuries on their own – just be sure to give them the knowledge as well!
15 Mommy Must-Haves for an Easier Back-to-School

Do you even remember the last time you felt that summer was synonymous with fun, sun, and freedom? From preschool until high school, summer was my favorite season despite all the heat and humidity. Going from a rigid school schedule to vacation mode was always so satisfying to me! Now I know just how much work and effort my parents put into making sure that I had safe, memorable, and leisurely summer – and you parents likely know all about it now, too. But don't worry; school is back in session! However, that comes with a whole slew of new issues, problems, and complications to tackle. In the blink of an eye, you're expected to go from winging bedtime every night to making sure your kiddo is well-rested enough to make it through the whole school day! Make sure you get everything you need for a smooth transition from summer fun to scholastic fun.