Back to School Essentials for a Successful Year

It is that time of year and I have been thinking about everything my children will need for back to school. If you are like me, then you like to plan ahead. This year, with inflation at a record high, I have been thinking about the essentials without buying what we don't already have on hand. For example, both of my kids have very nice backpacks that have warranties, so I won't be buying new ones this year. I also have a variety of lunch boxes that they can choose from, so again I won't be buying them new ones. And with our school district no longer providing free lunches county wide, that money is allocated towards our grocery budget. But their feet are ever growing, so new shoes will be on the list.
You can think smart while still sending your children off to a successful school year.




Here are some of my favorite essentials but be smart!
Organize and prioritize for a budget friendly back to school season!

Back to School with Funkins Giveaway

Back to school may look different this year depending on where you live or what you decided on for your family, but Funkins has you covered whether you are in school or virtual learning.


Back to School List Essentials

School starts August 1st for us. And that is so crazy to think that summer is almost over. I went to our local stores and they are still trying to get everything for back-to-school on the shelves! If you would like to know what to get for those lists, check out this one I have compile for you. You can also find some back to school shopping lists here.


I personally try to get everything that is asked for even some teacher's wish list items because my mom was a teacher and I remember her using her own money multiple times for things. Some items the teacher might need help replenishing through out the year so consider that as well when you are purchasing. I love that Target has an easy back to school section on their website, but you if you are like me and your school wasn't listed - then Amazon is the way to go.

Make Sure to Never Miss a Date with Pipsticks+Workman Planners

I am one of those people that has to write everything down in order to stay organized.


This product was featured in my Back to School Shopping Guide.

Pipsticks+Workman sticker gift line: A new line of 17-month planners with coordinating sticker books and notekeepers that are perfect for mom and tweens/teens who want to keep track of their school work. This is the first planner line where each planner’s interiors (monthly art and stickers) are unique to the theme.

Teach My Learning Kit Giveaway, Ends 9/4

Enter to Win a Teach My Preschooler Learning Kit
AND a Teach My Kindergarten Learning Kit
Mommy's Playbook's Prize is Sponsored by Teach My

I love having supplies on my to extend my child's education from the classroom. We have our list of Back to School Shopping List, but Teach My products are perfect for anyone!

  Teach My Preschooler Educational Learning Kit #TeachMy #EducationalLearningKits #Curriculum About Teach My Preschooler Deluxe Learning Kit:

Help Your Children Take Note! with Crayola + Giveaway

Crayola is excited to introduce Take Note! – a brand new suite of innovative writing tools designed to make colorful marks - just in time for back to school. Using color for note taking is proven to aid in memory retention and can be helpful for organizing tasks. The Washable Gel Pens feature a quick-dry formula for rich, vibrant color that is streak-free and the Erasable Highlighters’ bright colors will make a bold statement on homework and projects alike. Capture your thoughts, notes and doodles with Crayola Take Note!


Eliminate Stress This Back to School Season with Five Star + Giveaway

Back to school shopping can be hectic - there are so many different brands it’s hard to know what’s going to be the most durable, and give you the best value for your money. You want to buy something that your child will find useful while lasting through the school year. Last year my daughter went through TWO book bags because I was too focused on the cost to get her a quality bag. An expense I didn't want to have to worry about half through the school year.

But not this year because Five Star makes back to school shopping a little bit easier with their with durable and innovative products, so they eliminate the stress of organization by providing school supplies that last all year long. No need to worry about items breaking or losing their functionality, as all products and accessories support your academic achievements, especially when you need them the most.

Back to School Kids Fashion from KidsShoes

If you have been following me on Instagram (please check it out), then you know my kiddos are back to school. My daughter has been all about her style this year. I guess it starts in second grade? Anyways, we received an adorable package from KidsShoes and she didn't get excited about school until she saw what was in the box.

Back to School Kids Fashion from KidsShoes

KidsShoes is your destination for the best in children’s footwear all in one place. They offer a variety of designer brands you know and love such as Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, Ash Sneakers, Stuart Weitzman, Badgley Mischka, Frye, and Sydney Jordyn. They are the only place to get exclusive styles in these designer brands. They have new styles added every month in the latest trends in footwear. Their site is curated to bring you the best style and design in kids footwear. They are available 24/7 to answer any and all KidSizing, fashion, and style questions.

Thank A Teacher with Crayola

This post is sponsored by Crayola in the form of complimentary products. All opinions are my own. These products were featured in our Back to School Guide.

My mom was a teacher when we were growing up. I remember watching her go back to school after she and my dad divorced. She worked so hard to become a teacher, a lot of late nights studying and creating lesson plans. She loved being a teacher so much. Educating our children is such an important and, often times, underappreciated profession.


Crayola has been our brand of choice for so many years. My mom and I would create lesson plans and activities using Crayola because they make high quality products with beautiful vibrant colors in every box. And they are the one and only crayon and marker brand I trust to actually be washable when the package says it is. This summer Crayola has started an amazing initiative. They have started the next phase of the “Thank a Teacher” campaign. They want kids around the country to show their appreciation for teachers and help reach one million thank-yous to teachers across the country!

Ultimate Back to School Shopping List

This post contains affiliate links.

Now that summer is in full-swing, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school. From clothes and shoes to backpack and lunchboxes, this list has something for all of your back to school shopping list needs.


We go back to school July 30th! We are transferring to an all year round school calendar. So that means we may get out a little early for some (May), but we will be going back late July. I'm honestly ready to go back. I love the schedule of the school year and even though my daughter will be starting cheerleading so it will be busy, I'm all for more order. My daughter is starting 2nd grade while my son is starting his last year as a pre-schooler. The question everyone asks is, "So what are you going to do when he goes off to elementary school?" I honestly am still trying to figure it all out. And I'll let you know when I do.

Anyways, so here are some of my hot back to school shopping list items that your kids are sure to love!

How to Get into a Back-to-School Routine

We have been back to school for a month now. It has been a little easier for me to get back into our back-to-school routine this year then it has been in years past. I think it is because I have a few tips that I started following this year and it really helped us get back into the swing of things.


Lunch Box Ideas for Kids of All Ages


During school season, I make my daughter's lunch everyday. I don't have anything about buying her lunch or those that do, but this is just what I choose to do for our family. It isn't an inconvenience for me and I actually like doing it. I know I'm weird. Maybe one day I will get to where I'll give her lunch money or maybe she will want to buy her lunch one day, but as of right now - we get creative with our lunch box ideas for kids of all ages.



Packing Trendy Lunches with Fit & Fresh

Back-to-School season is in full swing and that means I have already packed 13 lunch for my daughter. This year our back-to-school list included a new lunch bag. I didn't want to get her anything with too kiddie of a print on it, but I wanted something for her that was something she would like.


I was so excited to find all the different varieties that Fit & Fresh had. This was actually my first time hearing of this brand, but their styles are so cute to choose from.

Eliminate Stress This Back to School Season with Five Star #StrengthNotStress

Back to school shopping can be hectic - there are so many different brands it’s hard to know what’s going to be the most durable, and give you the best value for your money. You want to buy something that your child will find useful while lasting through the school year. Last year my daughter went through TWO book bags because I was too focused on the cost to get her a quality bag. An expense I didn't want to have to worry about half through the school year.


But not this year because Five Star makes back to school shopping a little bit easier with their with durable and innovative products, so they eliminate the stress of organization by providing school supplies that last all year long. No need to worry about items breaking or losing their functionality, as all products and accessories support your academic achievements, especially when you need them the most.

Back-to-School Fashion from Pediped Footwear

My son is starting his first day of pre-k today. He will be in 3K and going three days a week. I can't believe my baby is starting school. It is only three hours and they will fly by, but I'm a little anxious for him. Nervous and excited all rolled into one. I know he will have fun and I know he will learn so much. My daughter went to the same school when she was his age, so I know most of the teachers.
Getting my son ready for back-to-school has been fairly easy since I knew what I was doing for the most part this time around. I know they go outside and play on an awesome playground, so I want him to have the proper footwear. And Pediped has been my favorite shoe brand since he was a baby.
We recently received a pair of Flex® Gehrig Gingersnap and Flex® Force Grey/Lime. Both are perfect for all of his needs. Our current go to pair is the Flex® Force.

Personalize Back-To-School with Office Depot

The school shopping lists are covered. We have bought everything for both of my kiddos school supply lists thanks to Office Depot. Office Depot and OfficeMax have a ton of fun, fashionable school supplies, plus amazing accessories to make your kiddos' supplies truly personal.


Everything You Need for Back-To-School Shopping Lists

Now that summer is in full-swing, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school. From clothes and shoes to backpack and lunchboxes to snacks and accessories, this list has something for everyone (including the moms) for all your back to school shopping list needs.


Both of my kiddos are starting school this year. My daughter is headed to 1st grade while my baby is starting his first year of pre-school. People ask me, "what are you going to do with yourself all day?" My son is only going three days a week for three hours a day. And it will fly fast, so I will try to get a little work done and grocery shop by myself for sure! But since they both are headed off to school this year, I thought what better time to put together a back to school guide when I have never really done one before.