Littles
THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDIT: 30+ FINDS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Top row: BACKPACK • LUNCH BOXES • SHORTS Middle Row: RAIN BOOTS • NAME TAPES • NAME LABELS Bottom Row: ALARM CLOCK • JUMPER • CALENDAR
The best back-to-school shopping goes well beyond the supply list. Yes, there are pencils, backpacks, and lunch boxes to consider, but also great sneakers, clever crayons, and the personalized extras that bring a little magic to the start of a new school year.
Whether you’re checking off the essentials or looking for a few first-day surprises (a little something for the teacher, too!), consider this the edit of the best back-to-school finds to start the year.
Below, a quick peek at a few of my favorites from the edit.
WILLIE T-SHIRT
An everyday tee made better by contrast trim and just the right amount of color. Add shorts and sneakers and the school-day uniform is sorted.
BINGO SHORTS
Sporty, easy, and made for moving. The bright blue and pop of red make these much more interesting than your standard playground short.
VEJA LEATHER VELCRO SNEAKERS
A retro-inspired sneaker with a very practical detail: Velcro. The colorful accents make an otherwise classic white pair feel especially good.
RAINBOW NECKLACE
The kind of cheerful little extra that makes an outfit. Wear it with everything from tees to school dresses.
SNACKS TEE
A graphic tee with a sense of humor. The tonal lettering keeps it cool rather than overly cute.
COLOR-BLOCK RAIN BOOTS
Rainy-day gear doesn’t have to be boring. The unexpected mix of green, blue, and purple makes these a standout.
PERSONALIZED WOVEN NAME LABELS
The chic answer to labeling absolutely everything. Sew them into sweaters, jackets, uniforms, and anything else likely to disappear into the lost-and-found.
LITTLE HIPPO ALARM CLOCK
A surprisingly good-looking addition to a kid’s nightstand—and a clever way to encourage a little more independence in the morning routine.
PERSONALIZED NAME ZIPPER PULLS
Colorful, personalized, and genuinely useful. Clip one onto a backpack or lunch bag for an easy upgrade—and easier identification.
OWALA FREESIP WATER BOTTLE
A school-day essential in a very good green. Leak-resistant, easy to carry, and designed with both a straw and wide-mouth opening.
L.L. BEAN ORIGINAL BOOK PACK
A true classic for a reason. Durable, unfussy, and even better personalized with a name or monogram.
PERSONALIZED PENCILS
A fresh set of pencils is practically mandatory for a new school year. The personalization—and rainbow palette—make these especially good.
BENTO LUNCHBOX
A streamlined way to pack lunch without a jumble of containers. With a built-in insulated container, this lunch box makes it easy to send warm food alongside crisp fruits and veggies – all in one leakproof, organized bento box.
CAMO NAP MAT
Neither of my boys has ever been particularly enthusiastic about nap time at school, but somehow the camo nap mat helped. Cozy, cool, and proof that sometimes the right gear really can make all the difference.
STICK-ON NAME LABELS
The back-to-school essential you don’t realize you need until everything starts disappearing. These stick-on labels are cute, incredibly easy to order, and actually stay put through countless trips to school and the dishwasher. I put them on everything—water bottles, lunch boxes, school supplies, you name it.
SHOPPING LIST
