Ultimate back to school essentials shopping guide 2025 – water bottles, name labels, uniform & more

With stainless steel utensils for little ones, the Bento Lunchbox is designed to fit small portions, so there is plenty of choice at lunchtime, and your child can pick at their dinner. Our reviewer said, "It's really convenient having all my daughter's foods in one place rather than having several different containers taking up space in the bag and a loose cutlery set."

The lunchbox is beautifully designed and has five compartments for separating foods. It even has a practical carry handle! Digital Writer Rebecca Lancaster thought it was "super handy that the cutlery that comes with it can fit to the lid, so that they don't go missing too!" She also said, "My daughter loves helping herself with the food, and as the handle is on the opposite end of the closed mechanism of the lunchbox, there's no accidentally catching it so that it opens!"

The Contigo Kids Water Bottle is one that you really want to invest in. With a press button to access the drinking spout, it is designed to be entirely leak-proof. This bottle can be tipped upside-down even with the spout open, and not a drop of water leaks out.

Our mum tester Maria Martin said, "We go through so many water bottles throughout the school year; if they're not constantly leaking, we're losing the straws or breaking, but this water bottle has changed things. My son has dropped this bottle so many times, and it hasn't even got a tiny crack in it, and he doesn't chew the spout where you drink from like he normally does (and if he does chew it, I can't see any teeth marks!)"

The parts inside the bottle stay together to clean, helping prevent losing anything when washing up. Our reviewer said, "It is also incredibly easy to clean, and the straw stays attached to the bottle, so we aren't constantly losing it. It is incredibly good value for money, and I've definitely spent the same on three different bottles over the last few weeks, whereas this one has actually lasted."

Marks on your child's uniform can be a sign of a day well spent, but stains can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they’re tough to remove, depending on the school colours, especially those pesky pen marks! That’s why we love the stain-resistant school polos from M&S.

The best part is that these polos come in a selection of school colours. Senior Digital Writer Hannah Carroll describes them as of "excellent quality and a great price," and they said they "really like that they come in a bundle of three, which means they are fantastic value for money." They also say, "Unlike some supermarket brands, I have found the colours are closer to the school-branded polos, and they wash better."

It’s no surprise that the M&S school uniform is a hit with parents year after year, and this Girls’ Jersey Frilled School Pinafore is no exception. Made from a cotton-rich blend that’s soft yet durable, it’s designed to keep up with busy school days while still looking smart. Available in sizes from 2–3 years right through to 11–12 years, it’s a perfect match for most primary school dress codes. Pop a polo shirt underneath in their school colours, and they’re ready to go.

We love the traditional pinafore shape with its playful frilled sleeves, which add just the right touch of personality without breaking uniform rules. Digital Writer, Rebecca Lancaster buys this year after year and commented, “Perfect for my little girl who loves things pretty and girly, still meets the school rules but lets her show her personality.”

The responsibly sourced cotton and polyester mix makes it both comfy and hard-wearing, and it’s earned plenty of repeat purchases. In fact, one mum shared: “I’ve been buying these M&S jersey pinafores for 4 years now. They’re comfy and great quality, and I’ve been able to pass them down when my daughter outgrows them.”

Even if a backpack isn't a requirement for school, it's a pretty good idea, especially if your little one is planning on having a packed lunch. Senior Digital Writer, Hannah Carroll says, "This bag is brilliant, it's great to use for school but also great for short weekends away. I love the design that is child-friendly, without having a short shelf-life like some of the trend-led bags."

In our experience, little ones find it incredibly difficult to keep hold of all their belongings (and carry them around). So we love this personalised backpack, which is perfect for storing a book bag, lunch box, and water bottle (and all the crafts they make at school). Senior Digital Writer Hannah Carroll loves that you can also get matching personalised lunch boxes, which makes keeping everything together (and out of the lost property bin) much easier.

These Engage Kids Loop Earplugs help to reduce noise sensitivity and allow children to focus more at school (or at home!) They can help manage anxiety so that they can focus on learning. Our mum tester, Lauren Gentles, said, "I think these are a great little item, and my son found them easy to put in his ear. Like most children, he has difficulty concentrating, but I noticed he wasn't looking around the room at different noises as much and would sit building his Lego with a lot less distraction." The Loop Earplugs come in three different fun colours to choose from, and are subtle to wear.

Five Minute Mum: Starting School is a gentle and funny guide to starting school. From getting ready in the morning, meeting their teacher for the first time, and making new friends, it'll help guide your child through what to expect. Senior Writer, Hannah Carroll said, "My son and I have loved reading this book together. It's been great for sparking conversations about starting school, and I think it’s helped us both feel more prepared for this exciting new chapter." It also has many five-minute activities and games to help your child feel more confident and excited.

There is nothing worse than sifting through the lost property pile trying to find your child's belongings. The age-old sniff test doesn't always work. The Stamptastic Name Stamp for Clothes - Deluxe Bundle makes it unbelievably easy to identify your child's possessions.

Senior Digital Writer, Hannah Carroll, said, "I love this stamp set; I have been using it for two years now, and even with multiple washes, you can clearly see my son's name. This bundle is a game changer for keeping track of my child's belongings and avoiding the lost property pile. It's so easy to use and saves you from relying on the dreaded sniff test!"

The School Shoes range at M&S is available in three shoe styles, standard, regular, and wide, and in a wide range of sizes. With different materials, there's definitely a shoe to meet your little one's school requirements. They even have Velcro and lace options. They're cushioned, and some also have antibacterial Freshfeet and scuff-resistant finishes, which means the shoes last much longer than others on the market.

We particularly like these kids' leather chunky shoes, which are an excellent choice for both boys and girls.

Suitable for physical education lessons, the Kids Riptape Plimsolls have a Freshfeet design to prevent odours. They're riptape, so they're easy for little ones to take on and off to swap for their outdoor shoes at school. They have a flexible cotton design with supportive underfoot foam.