Whether you're already thinking about your little one’s first day in Reception class, or they are heading back to school after the summer break, you need to think about those back to school essentials and back to school supplies for your child to start the year with.
It seems to be an unwritten rule that every school year, you buy your little ones all the back to school supplies they need so that they can have everything new for the new year. It's also completely necessary because just like school uniforms, they're guaranteed to come home at some point in the year with pen on their bag or missing pencils.
Our favourite back to school supplies shortlist 2023:
• Create a Space See-Thru Caddy: Buy here from Learning Resources.
• Bento Lunchbox: Buy here from Munchkin.
• Stamptastic School Name Labels Basic Bundle: Buy here from Stamptastic.
Even if your little one has a favourite backpack, it's worth buying a specific backpack for nursery or school, so that they can keep their school supplies in it, and not constantly emptying it. Just don't forget to add a name label to all their school supplies in case anything gets lost.
Best back to school supplies Marvel Set
Description
This Marvel Pen Set has everything your child needs for going back to school. With all the
Pros
- Double zip
- All the back to school stationary your child needs
Cons
- Some mentioned the scissors weren't sturdy
Best back to school supplies caddy organiser
www.learningresources.co.uk
Description
The easy to see Create A Space See-Through Caddy is a lovely way to keep your little ones pencils
Pros
- Keeps everything organised
- Carry handle
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Best back to school supplies highlighters
Description
These Textsurfer Classic Pastel Highlighters are a great way for your child to use when writing.
Pros
- Long lasting and refillable
- 2mm highlighting thickness
Cons
- Not as vibrant as usual highlighters
Best Barbie back to school supplies
Description
The Barbie Pencil Case is a super fun design and comes with two compartments for all your childs
Pros
- Big capacity
- 2 compartments
Cons
- Scissors will need to be removed for younger children
Best hair band back to school supplies
Description
It's good to start the year with plenty of hair ties, as for some reason they just disappear! So
Pros
- Plenty in the pack
- 10 different colours to choose from
Cons
- May not be suitable for thick or afro hair
Best practical back to school supplies
Best way to keep your child's items safe
stamptastic.co.uk
Description
There is nothing worse than sifting through the lost property pile trying to find your child's
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works on multiple materials
Cons
- Can fade after multiple hot washes
Best water bottle back to school supplies
Description
With a press button to access the drinking spout, the Contigo Kids Water Bottle is one that you
Pros
- 100 per cent leak proof
- Robust design
- Ideal for on the go
Cons
- Younger toddlers might take awhile to get used to the straw
Best lunchbox back to school supplies
www.munchkin.co.uk
Description
With stainless steel utensils for little ones, the Bento Lunchbox is designed to fit small
Pros
- Five compartments for different foods or snacks
- Comes with two cutlery items
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Best back to school supplies gym bag
www.etsy.com
Description
These cute Personalised Rainforest Animals Gym Bags can be personalised with your little ones
Pros
- Personalised with their name
- Made from water resistant material
Cons
- Some schools might have rules against drawstring bags (always check the uniform guide)
Best back to school supplies socks
Description
Most schools do not allow brightly coloured socks as part of their uniform. These white, black,
Pros
- Meet school uniform requirements
- Wide size choice
Cons
- Not a multi-pack of colours
What back to school supplies do I need?
Depending on the age of your child would depend on what they would need. Children at nursery will only usually need a backpack and spare clothes, whereas a child at school might need all those, plus a lunchbox and stationary.
It's best to look at the requirements your child's nursery or school provides, so you can best be prepared.
When should I buy back to school supplies?
You might be tempted to wait until a few weeks before the school year starts, however you might miss out on items you really want for your little one.
A lot of people will wait to shop for school uniforms just in case their child has a growth spurt, but this might make it trickier to find your child's sizes. We recommend shopping early and getting the next size up to last longer, or multiple sizes. After all, if you leave the tags on, you can always return or swap them!
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.