Nanny to Mommy

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.

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.

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.

Have you checked out our post about Back to School Essentials for a Successful Year? This year seems still up in the air! Are the kids going in person, virtual, or some combination of the two? Who knows!? But one thing is for sure, they will still want those after school snacks! It is no secret that we love Entenmann's Little Bites in our house. I love that they come in a variety of different flavors to try, made with real ingredients like blueberries, banana and cocoa, and come in perfectly portioned pouches, making them the perfect on the go snack. 

Little Bites® snacks is celebrating the return to school with the Little Bites® Back-to-School Bash! Kicking off on now through August 30, parents are invited to enter the Little Bites® Back-to-School Bash for a chance to win everything they need to host the ultimate back-to-school party.

Parents can enter by visiting the official Little Bites Facebook and/or Instagram page and completing the following steps:

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 preschooler. 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!

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.

Look on the positive side of things, we don't have to spend a small fortune buying new school clothes. All jokes aside, I was honestly devastated when I heard the news that we would be starting "virtual learning until further notice" because my son doesn't do well with me teaching him. He needs his eager classmates and the guidance of someone who knows how to handle a child with a short attention span. But if this means that my child won't get this virus, then that is what I have to do and what needs to be done. So my back-to-school shopping guide has to look a lot different this year and that's okay. The thing that stinks is I still have supplies at my child's school from last semester.

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!

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.

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.

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.

 

From backpacks to pencils, from play doh to snacks, kiddos need a lot of items to start the school year. I will be featuring products to help make your back to school shopping a little easier. If you would like to see your product featured in this guide, please email me at Diana.n.chastain@gmail.com.

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.

Help kids bounce back from the "summer slide" and ace this school year with award winning reference titles by National Geographic Kids that are both teacher AND kid approved.