Back to School – Made Easy!
If you’re anything like me, August sneaks up fast, and suddenly it’s time to switch from summer swimsuits to school shoes. With three kids in the mix, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make back-to-school season a whole lot easier…for all of us.
Whether you’re sending your first to Kinder or prepping lunches for a fifth grader (hi, same!), here’s a quick roundup of my favorite finds, lunch hacks, and Sunday routines that are making the transition smoother this year.
Let’s talk basics—because we all know how many water bottles we go through each year!
– Water Bottles with Handles: These flip-top water bottles are my go-to. They’re sturdy, leakproof, and easy for little hands to carry.
– Waterproof Name Labels: These are a must. They last forever and we’re using them again this school year. 10/10 – trust me!
– Pro Tip: For your sanity’s sake – don’t forget a tumbler organizer and a straw holder!
Lunch Making Life Hacks
I’ve been packing lunches for a few years now, and I’ve finally landed on the essentials that keep things simple (and even a little fun!).
Bento Boxes: My youngest loves all the little compartments, and my oldest prefers the larger version. They both win!
Uncrustable Maker: This one is so easy to use…better than any I’ve tried before, and it works for regular sandwiches too.
Reusable Zip Bags: These are perfect for pre-packing snacks or freezing sandwiches ahead of time.
Condiment Squeezers: With chalkboard tops, these are perfect for ketchup, ranch, or even hummus.
Banana Slicer: Y’all, this little gadget is so fun and quick! Makes popping bananas into snack containers a breeze!
Snack Containers: The snack combos are endless with these AND they have a little flap to hold a fork or spoon!
Built-in Cutting Scissors: My current obsession! They make cutting fruit or veggies quick, and they have a mini cutting board attached.
Lunchbox Jokes: Found the cutest little notecards with kid-friendly jokes. My kids love them…and they’re a sweet midday pick-me-up.
✏️ Getting Organized at Home (Without Losing Your Mind)
Organizing the kids’ supplies in our new house meant I needed storage that worked—and didn’t slide all over the place.
Sticky-Base Drawer Organizers: These acrylic drawer organizers are just the right size for markers, colored pencils, and more and they stay put even when the kids yank the drawers open 😆!
Acrylic Organization Drawers: These stackable drawers are SO perfect for all of those school supplies and other little random things that don’t ever end up having homes somewhere! So aesthetically pleasing!
Rolling Homework Cart: This might be my favorite buy. It’s a homework station on wheels, so we can move it to the kitchen table or wherever the kids want to work.
Zippered Storage Blocks/Bags: We LOVE these zippered blocks/bags for literally everything – the kiddos have recently started keeping workbooks in them and we keep them on the homework cart!
Whether you’re team “pack lunches the night before” or “we’re winging it daily,” a few easy systems and well-loved tools can seriously help. Here’s to getting out the door just a little easier, one water bottle and lunchbox joke at a time.
Don’t forget – you can find TONS of fun on my Amazon Storefront, my Target Storefront, and my Walmart Storefront too!
Wishing yall the BEST school year!
Love yall bigger than Texas! XOXO, Katie
