Well, here we are. The point of no return. My oldest is headed into Kindergarten and will now be in school forevermore. I’m sorry – I can’t help with the dramatics…I’m just not ready, ok?!
..well it’s bittersweet, to say the least. I am being forced to accept my baby isn’t my baby…who else feels like they are in mourning? But don’t get me wrong, a little more quiet around the house won’t be SO horrible!
And boy is he ready! He’s been asking about school for 2 years, has loved doing our version of “school work” and last fall watched the bus go past each morning. He is beyond ready, which makes it much more doable for me!
So now that it seems I have made it all about me, back to reality…he needs this and is going to flourish in ways I can’t even imagine. In my heart, I am so so excited for him! I can’t wait for him to come home and tell me all the new things he learned and the friends he met. The part of me that is crying inside is taken over by the bigger part of me bubbling over with excitement for him!
I am quickly realizing though, your child starting school is a big change for them, but it’s also a big change for us parents. Our worlds are drastically being flipped right side up with tighter schedules and more planning + prepping…we have to be on top of our game!
I have done a bit of research by talking to other moms who already have kids in schools as well as going through the mandatory list of items our school gave us, to put together a list of all the essentials your Kindergartener will need when they go to school.
School Essentials for Kindergarten
Essentials
No matter what school you will go to, these will be essentials for every kid!
Backpack + Lunchbox
We chose the Grey Robot Grade School Backpack & matching lunch box from So Young Inc. for Levi. We love that all the So Young products are machine washable and the backpack has a great chest clip to help those little bodies carry their weight. All their products are also PVC, Phthalate, Lead and BPA Free! …+ they are just too adorable!
The lunchbox also has a double insert that is extremely easy to take out and wipe clean daily without needing to wash out the entire thing!
Lunch containers
We were recommended to purchase this Leak-proof Bentology lunch box and absolutely adore it! It includes 5 containers to store and separate your food, and of course, it’s leak proof! The box also has a side slot to put all the lids while you are eating! Genius!
Reusable water bottle
This, of course, is a must-have, and everyone should already have one of these!..just for life in general haha! We adore all things S’well, so it was a no-brainer to get my little guy the S’ip by S’well insulated water bottles for Kindergarten. You can find some really cute designs here or on their website.
Indoor shoes
Outdoor shoes
Blanket
Extra set of clothes
A shirt, pants, pair of underwear, socks. A lifesaver for those really rainy days or when + if your little one has an accident…this is a must!
Gym Bag
Having a bag to put your child’s gym clothes is a necessity – purely for smell haha..just kidding! But having one is essential and mandatory for us! Here is a great gym bag that’s waterproof, washable & comes in many different colours!
Extras
These may be required for your child in Kindergarten, or may be provided to you by the school or teacher – but it’s best to be on the safe side if it’s not clear!
Box of Tissues
This is mandatory for our school but may not be for yours, though it is a good idea! Some kids I know (ahem, mine…) always need to be clean whether it’s their hands or in their nose, so they go through quite a bit of tissues. I wouldn’t expect his teacher to supply his habit haha. This goes for wet wipes too!
Wet Wipes
We opted for Dapple all-purpose wipes and other products for easy cleaning. All Dapple products are plant-based and kid-friendly so they were a no-brainer. It’s an essential item for school and in our home.
Washable markers
Crayons
Paint Brushes
Pencil Case
Our school doesn’t require us to bring any supplies like markers, crayons, paint brushes, paint or a pencil case to Kindergarten but I know this isn’t the case for everyone, it seems to be on a school by school basis. Make sure you check with your school to know what their protocol is!
Plastic Document Pouches
I would have never thought of these, but it is such a great idea! With all the things your child’s backpack is stuffed with, make sure they have something to put their notes from the teacher, report cards etc. in a plastic document pouch so it doesn’t get all crumpled or wet from rain or spilled juice.
A helpful note:
Make sure all your child’s personal items are labeled! This is mandatory for our school, but may not be for everyone. Having a name label on all the child’s items will help when they undoubtedly misplace an item or someone takes their coat or water bottle by mistake.
We are using Mabel’s Labels for all of our labeling needs and they have been amazing! You can design your own to fit your child’s style and they have every shape and size you could need. Mabel’s Labels are also clothing and washable friendly, so no need to worry about losing them every time an item needs washing!
Now that I am physically prepared…just to get emotionally prepared!
Do you have children going into Kindergarten? What are some of your essentials?
New backpacks and lunch boxes are always on the back to school list. Among with boxes of tissues and many other items.
I agree with your list! I did label most of my children’s stuff because yes, they do lose things easily. Dapple sounds like a great company!
I love all of your essentials. Labeling the kiddos clothing is a must-have. I still label their clothing even though they’re older now.
Oh my goodness this brings me back to when my kiddo was in kindergarten. I miss that time. It looks like you have a lot a great essentials here for your kindergartner. I hope he likes it as much as my kiddo did.
What a precious picture of him waiting to go to school. What memories that brings back for me. My son was so proud of his lunchbox. You have a great list for kindergarten children to have.
My younger one is starting Kindergarten this year. These are the same things we have been stocking up on for her first day!!
A good, sturdy backpack is a must for elementary schoolers. That robot one is so cute.
Awww, I miss these years. Now I have a kid in Gr. 3 and in high school. This is a great list of essentials. Thanks, I’ll pass it on.
My youngest started Kindergarten this year as well. We were ready with all of the supplies on time (which is rare) 🙂
This is a good list. It is great that your child is ready and willing to go to school. That should help you a lot.
It has been a while since I’ve been in kindergarten so I appreciate the tips. Seriously, I’m sure moms with young children will appreciate this.
LOVE that gray robot backpack! My boys would swoon over it 🙂 And the name stickers too!
awww! my son is just starting kindergarten, too! his water bottle is a major essential that we couldn’t do without. I also love his lunchbox–but this one looks great too!
Such a great list! I have another 2 years before my next one heads to kinder. We use Mabel’s Label’s on our elementary kiddos and have since my oldest was in JK…. Hes now in grade 10!
It is always a heart-tugging moment when the little one is ready to head to Kindergarten. But yes, one needs to face the inevitable with the practicalities of life. Nice and exhaustive list of essentials.
My daughter always lose their lunch container and water bottle! We always have to purchase every month 🙂
Kids grow up so fast! I’m sure your son will love kindergarten! My daughter is going back to school on Monday and she has been loving all the back-to school-shopping! I really love the Grey Robot Grade School Backpack you chose!
We have our 6th kiddo in kindergarten, it’s amazing all the things they need. Thank god for Mabel’s labels! These labels stick like crazy glue
My oldest also just started kindergarten! He did three years of preschool, but he was sooo ready for “big school”! Luckily we were able to Justin pay to buy a school supply kit for him, so I didn’t have to get all the little things which was really nice.
My oldest child just got sent off to her first day of kindergarten today, so i really love this post. so many great ideas i can utilize for her! *hugs momma, its not easy letting our babies grow up
I’m right there with you in this experience as this was the year for my oldest to head off to kindergarten as well. It is SO bittersweet for me but he is loving it. Definitely agree with labeling EVERYTHING!
Thank you for sharing, this is definitely spot on! My little man just started Kindergarten! I do need to invest in a better water bottle lol, he is frequently spilling it on the bus.
This a a useful list for anyone with children starting kindergarten! I hope your son enjoys himself – my daughter was so ready to start too and settled in straight away.
OH my goodness! Give me 4 years and this is going to be my reality!!
It’s so interesting to see how things differ from one school to the next! Paintbrushes? Spare clothes? We didn’t need these, nor a lunchbox for K – but then again, our district only has half-day K, so that probably has something to do with it since they’re only there for a few hours.
First, hugs to you! 🙂 My daughter is also going through this as her oldest daughter started first grade a couple weeks ago, and her middle daughter started preschool today! My daughter is very organized and shared Amazon lists with me of things the girls needed/wanted for “back to school,” so they were well prepared.
This is the cutest post ever! Love that you have all of the essentials mapped out and the labeling is such a good idea.
Such a useful list! My best friend’s son (who I have adopted as my second nephew) just started nursery which is basically the UK’s version of Kindergarten and I think he has most of this!
That backpack is so sweet! With my older kids we are always on the hunt for primary colored plastic folders. It seems like we can never find the green ones that they need for school. I love the fun supplies they have nowadays!
Really good little check list this. The backpack and lunch box are must haves for sure x