Back-to-School Must-Haves

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With both of my big kids successfully transitioned back into the school-year routine, I’m taking a peek at what makes our days (and weeks!) run smoothly.

For the home.

Grocery delivery.

The great thing about raising a family during this digital age we live in is taking full advantage of the conveniences our own mothers didn’t have, such as grocery delivery.

I use two services — Shipt, which delivers from Target and Meijer; and Curbside Express, which delivers for Giant Eagle. Both are extremely convenient in their own way.

Shipt is a subscription service that I am billed for annually but allows me to have my items delivered in as little as an hour. As long as the order is over $35, my items are delivered by the driver for free. Curbside Express, on the other hand, charges a small delivery fee but is convenient because I can shop using my ad and coupons directly on the Giant Eagle site.

The Instant Pot.

I am terrible at meal-planning. Luckily, the Instant Pot allows me to throw together last-minute meals in a pinch.

If you’re looking for a few easy Instant Pot recipe ideas, check out my library of recipes.

Snack-and-go station.

My least favorite job as a parent (besides laundry) is playing snack-fetcher. I despise it. From the time my children come home from school and activities, they are full of ‘want.’ And I have zero desire to fetch their snacks for hours on end.

An easily accessible snack station is a must-have for every parent of school-aged children. Load the bin (or bins) up with snacks they are allowed to have and then let them be. I’ve found these bins to be super handy.

For the kids.

An easy-to-read after school schedule.

I am someone who thrives on a schedule, so it should come as no surprise that my children are as well. I’ve created a printable schedule/checklist to help them manage their time after school.

Having a set(ish) ‘schedule’ allows them to feel like they are in control of their afternoon. There are certain things that might not be fun (such as homework), but they also have time for lots of play once school work is completed!

This printable schedule checklist has been really helpful.

Headphones.

Most kids school supply lists include headphones to keep at school, but do yourself a favor and grab a second pair for home. Between tablet time and online homework, having a pair of headphones handy is the key to everyone’s sanity. This pair has been tried and tested by both my three-year-old and 7-year-old.

An Umbrella.

During my sons first year of school, I completely underestimated how many times he would need his own umbrella. The poor kid had to run home, half-soaked from being only half-under my umbrella.

These are a few of my favorite umbrellas. They are cute, stylish, and work very well!

For the mom.

I wish I could offer you sanity and a weekend of sleep. Alas, that is not possible. Instead, I offer you a few of my favorite back-to-school mommy must-haves.

A paper planner.

I know we all use our phones as a means to keep our lives organized. But there’s just something permanent about a paper planner and calendar. I use my Google Calendar, a paper planner, and I have a giant wall calendar in our kitchen so that the family schedule is displayed for my husband as well.

My favorite paper planner is the Day Designer. Not only is it visually appealing, but it has the perfect weekly set-up to keep our obligations organized. I also use the Day Designer Wall Calendar.

Just for fun — the wine lover edition.

A good bottle opener, a stemless wine glass, and a couple of bottle stoppers are all you need!

A Pair of Running shoes.

Whether or not you are a runner, you will be running… around — if nothing else! Truly, nothing prepares you for all of the running around you’re doing like sending your children off to various schools and activities.

My go-to running shoes are from Brooks Running. They offer a variety of styles and fits for every foot.

If you do happen to find yourself actually running, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that they’re quite helpful for that as well!

Travel Mug and Bottle.

Travel mugs that keep your hot coffee hot and your cold coffee cold are everything that is perfect about this world. Whether it’s a YETI or another brand, you will be happy when your hot coffee is still hot after school pickup!

What is your must-have back-to-school item?