When you send your kids back to school, you want them to feel prepared. After all, school is a bit challenging for your young ones, but a little preparation can help make the experience easier and more enjoyable for them. To prepare for the school year, check out these essential back-to-school items for your kids.
Clothing and Rain Gear
When you think about school shopping, new clothes probably come to mind. Sometimes, your kids can grow like crazy during the span of a few months, so they will need new clothes. However, these new clothes can be quite pricey, so a lot of parents choose to shop at the thrift store. One of the reasons why you should shop for school clothes at thrift stores is to take advantage of the low prices. Also, you will find plenty of unique items for all your children in one place. In addition to clothes, you should also purchase some rain gear for your kids. This includes umbrellas, ponchos, rain boots, waterproof jackets, and more. Even during stormy days, your kids will arrive dry and safe at school after using their rain gear. However, if you do purchase umbrellas for younger children, make sure they do not use them during a lightning storm.

Backpacks and Lunch Boxes
To carry all their supplies, your kids will need some strong, durable backpacks. We all know that kids aren’t very gentle with their backpacks, so you’ll need one strong enough to last for the whole year. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase lunch boxes for your kids to keep their food safe. While soft lunch boxes are an option, a heavy-duty lunch box is generally better to protect them from squishing or destroying their food.
Pencils, Pens, and Erasers
Every student should have pencils, pens, and erasers in their backpack. Some schools require #2 pencils for testing purposes, so remember to purchase a few of those for each child. You can also purchase regular black pens or colored pens if your children prefer to color-coordinate their notes. Additionally, markers are an excellent option for your younger children, especially if they enjoy coloring.
Notebooks and Folders
Notebooks and folders are some of the most important supplies for school. They allow your kids to take notes, organize information, study, and perform their best in school. There are many different types of notebooks and folders, so they’ll have plenty of options for this year.

Electronics and Laptops
While kindergarteners probably will not need a laptop, middle schoolers and high schoolers might need them to complete their homework. While middle schoolers may seem a bit young for electronics, nowadays, they will need them to complete their assignments. If you are hesitant to purchase electronics for your young ones, you can always communicate with their teachers and ask if laptops or tablets are necessary.
These are just a few of the essential back-to-school items for your kids. With these items, your young ones will feel prepared for their days in class this school year.