I'll never forget the first day I dropped off my oldest child at preschool [1]. I'd never left her in a building that didn't also contain myself, her father, or one of her grandparents, and the very notion felt wrong, like I'd signed my right arm into a classroom and would be expected to live without it for the next three hours. Long story short: I cried, she loved it, and we all were better for that first school experience.
Fast forward five years and five preschool classrooms [2] later. My youngest graduated from pre-K [3] a few months ago, making me a sort-of expert in the inner workings of a school for the littlest students. One thing's for sure: I have the must-have products and school supplies for a successful, smooth-as-possible [4] preschool experience down pat. If you're at a loss of what your new preschool student needs for school, don't despair. This comprehensive list will earn you both your first gold star.
State Mini Kane Backpack
State's Mini Kane Backpack [6] ($65) has everything a backpack needs, in kid size. A zippered main compartment; padded, easily adjustable straps; a top handle; and a trendy aeroplane and checkered print combo ensures your preschooler will have the coolest pack in class.
Crayola Jumbo Crayons
I love these Crayola Jumbo Crayons [7] ($6) because they're easier for small children to grasp. The 16-count box includes key primary and secondary colours, all of which your children learn about in preschool.
Bentgo Kids' Leakproof Lunch Box
Available in three colours, Bentgo Kids Lunch Box [8] ($28) features a compartment for fruit, veggies, dip, an entrée, and dessert, inspiring you to pack a more wholesome, balanced lunch — and your preschooler to actually eat it.
The Honest Company Wipes
As a mom of a preschooler, you know the importance and versatility of baby wipes, and your kids' preschool teacher does, too. Make their dirty jobs a little more fun by providing them with The Honest Company's Wipes [9] ($17 for 288 wipes), designer style.
Pottery Barn Kids Soft Freezer Packs
Who knew cold packs could be this cute? Pottery Barn Kids' Soft Freezer Packs [10] ($5 and up) come in 11 designs, ranging from dinosaurs and sharks to rainbows and unicorns. Each stays frozen for approximately six hours.
Ziploc Toy Story 4 Sandwich Bags
If your school requires lunches to be fully disposable, make those plastic baggies more fun by picking up Ziploc Toy Story 4 Sandwich Bags [11] ($3), featuring designs with Woody, Buzz, Bo Peep, and Forky.
Skip Hop Narwahl Backpack
The Skip Hop Narwahl backpack [12] ($20) is perfectly sized for preschoolers. A zip-around closure, top-carry handle, padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a front zip pocket, and a side mesh bottle pocket make it as functional as it is adorable.
CamelBak Eddy Kids Vacuum Stainless Water Bottle
I've tried every sippy cup and kids' water bottle out there, and the CamelBak Eddy Kids Vacuum Stainless Water Bottle [13] ($20) is one of the best. It never spills and is dishwasher safe. Plus, the double-wall, vacuum-insulated stainless steel maintains cool temps and is sweat proof.
Viva Paper Towels
Another classroom necessity for all those little-kid spills: Paper towels. Viva are my personal favourites, so pick up a Viva double pack [14] ($5) with two huge rolls.
Fluf Zipper Lunch Bag
Fluf is another lunch box favourite because its bags are big enough to hold pretty much whatever your child could possibly want for a mid-day meal. The Fluf Zipper Whatever Lunch Bag [15] ($29) is machine washable, so it'll never smell like last week's ham-and-extra-pickle sandwich.
Cat & Jack Sneakers
It's likely your child's preschool teacher will require that your child wears sturdy, easy on and off sneakers for school every day (no Crocs, sandals, or complicated ties or buckles was the rule at my kids' school). If so, think about investing in an affordable pair of just-for-school sneakers, like Cat & Jack's pink lilac Leitha sneakers [16] ($20) or green Monte sneakers [17] ($23).
Stasher Silicone Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags
If you're planning on packing lunches, stock up on a few Stasher Silicone Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags [18] ($7 and up, originally $13 and up). They're durable, environmentally-friendly, and safe to pop in the dishwasher, microwave, or freezer.
A Change of Clothes
Although a fancy bag — like this Bag-all Wash Me Travel Bag [19] ($15) — isn't necessary, a change of clothes for your little student definitely is. Drop off a full set of clean clothing for your preschooler at the beginning of the year, and don't forget to update it as the seasons change.
Skip Hop Zoo Insulated Little Kid Food Jar
The Skip Hop Zoo Insulated Little Kid Food Jar [20] ($18) comes in 13 cool animal designs. The stainless steel container keeps kid-sized portions warm for seven hours or cold for five. Store the spork, or most other utensils, in the handy built-in holder so your little one is ready for meals on-the-go, that venture outside the peanut butter-and-jelly box.
Ticonderoga My First Pencils
Older preschoolers will likely be practicing their writing skills, and these Ticonderoga My First Pencils [21] ($3) have a larger diameter, ideal for children in the early stages of writing development.
Kleenex Facial Tissue
Kleenex is a must have for the classroom, but you can make the necessity even more fun with these Toy Story 4 Trusted Care Facial Tissues [22] ($6), featuring Buzz, Bo Peep, Woody, and Forky.
Bubba Flo Kids Water Bottle
Available in four colour combos, this Bubba Flo Water Bottle [23] ($10) has a silicone sleeve that keeps drinks colder longer, a leak-proof chug lid, and a built-in finger loop attached to the lid, so it's easy to cart around class.
Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers
Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers [24] ($13 for two packs) are a classic for a reason. Not only will they inspire your preschooler's imagination, but they wash off skin, most clothing, and painted walls.
Rubbermaid Lunch Blox
These Rubbermaid Lunch Blox [25] ($7) makes packing healthy lunches easier. Modular containers fill lunch bags more efficiently and can be snapped to the included, reusable ice packs to keep foods chilled.
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Sized for children ages 3 to 4, the durable Herschel Heritage Kids backpack [26] ($40) is available in almost 40 colours and patterns sure to please even the pickiest preschooler.
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Critter Backpacks
Pottery Barn Kids' Mackenzie Critter Dino Small Backpack [27] ($40, on sale from $55) and Mackenzie Critter Rainbow Cloud Small Backpack [28] ($40, on sale from $55) are as cute as they are sturdy, made of tough cotton canvas and featuring adjustable padded shoulder straps and exterior side pockets for water bottles.
Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers
Lunch temp is important — especially if you're packing perishables that need to stay cool during a long morning. Luckily, Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers [29] ($13 for six) are reusable ice packs slim enough to fit in any lunch box. Stack them together for even more cooling power.
Elmer's Washable Glue Sticks
Craft projects require glue, and everyone will appreciate the ease of a glue stick. (Who really wants to trust unsteady hands with a squirt bottle?) Elmer's Washable Glue Sticks [30] ($7 for 8) are purple when first applied, then quickly dry clear to reduce mess.
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Lunch Bag
Any lunch bag you get will get banged around, so you'll want something that's both durable and functional. In comes the perennial favourite: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Lunch Bag [31] ($18, on sale from $25). It comes in a variety of styles, ranging from construction vehicles to your kids' favourite princesses and super heroes.
Play-Doh Plus Colour Set
The Play-Doh Plus Colour Set [32] ($9) is a preschool staple, made even cooler wiht pastel colours. This version has a softer, smoother compound that's easier to work with, inspiring even more imaginative creations.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Believe me, once Winter (aka germ/cold/flu season) starts, you'll be glad your kids' teacher has a supply of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes [33] ($11 for three) on hand.
Crayola Watercolor Paints
You'll want to get a couple trays of Crayola Watercolor Paints [34] ($4). Not only are they easy to clean up if they get on the table or wall, they're nontoxic so they're perfectly safe for your little artists.
Fiskars Blunt-Tip Kids' Scissors
They're a classic for a reason. Fiskars Blunt-Tip Kids' Scissors [35] ($2) have an innovative safety-edge blade, that makes safe cutting easy. A larger finger loop and an ergonomic thumb loop provide a more comfortable fit for little fingers.
Five Star Plastic Folder
There will be lots of paperwork coming home, so it's important to store it somewhere durable. A Five Star Plastic Folder [36] ($7) will ensure all those important preschool documents get home safely and survive sticky fingers.
Ziploc Slider Storage Gallon
Ziploc Slider Storage Gallon bags [37] ($14 for 96) are great for so many preschool necessities: classroom supplies, still-wet crafts, soiled clothes, and so much more. Stock your kids' teachers up.
Target Gift Card
No matter how much you voluntarily bring to your child's classroom or are required to donate, odds are, a lot of the supplies that make your child's preschool so much fun are being purchased directly by their teachers. Ease that financial burden by slipping them a gift card from Target [38] or another big-box store. Believe me, they will thank you.