Back to school season is one of the busiest (and most expensive) times of the year for parents. Whether your child is entering first grade or their final year of high school, the preparation process always comes with a long checklist—and a good dose of mental load. As a mom of two boys, one in elementary and the other in high school, I’ve developed a yearly strategy that helps us transition from summer chaos to school-year structure smoothly and with minimal stress.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best tips I’ve picked up over the years—including budget-friendly shopping, health requirements, morning routine hacks, and even ways to reduce anxiety before the first day of school. Whether you’re new to the U.S. school system or a seasoned pro, I hope these ideas help make your family’s back to school experience easier and more enjoyable.

Back to School Essentials: Supplies, Lists, and Where to Save

Some schools now offer the option to purchase a pre-packaged school supply kit directly through a partnered company. These kits are often more affordable, convenient, and tailored to your child’s grade level—you pay once, and everything arrives ready to go. I’ve tried this option before and found it to be a big time-saver, especially when my schedule was hectic.

However, many schools still provide a detailed supply list, leaving it up to families to buy items from the store of their choice. This gives you more flexibility to compare prices and choose specific brands or quantities.

If you’re buying everything yourself, here are the typical items you’ll find on those lists:

Must-Have Items by Grade Level

Elementary School:

• Crayons, markers, colored pencils
• Safety scissors and glue sticks
• Folders, composition notebooks
• Pencil boxes or pouches
• Headphones for classroom tech use

High School:

• Binders and dividers
• Graphing calculator (TI-84 is still the standard)
• Mechanical pencils and blue/black pens
• Lined notebooks (college ruled)
• USB drive or portable hard drive
• Laptop or Chromebook (Most high schools now provide devices for students, but you may need to pay an annual insurance fee to cover damage or loss. Double-check with your district for the specific policy.)

Money-Saving Tips

• Compare online and in-store prices (Target, Walmart, Amazon, Staples)
• Use cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta
• Check Facebook Marketplace or community groups for secondhand deals
• Watch for Tax-Free Weekend sales if your state offers them
• Buy in bulk for items like pencils, erasers, and notebooks

Bonus tip: Reuse what you can from last year! Many things—like scissors, rulers, and pencil cases—don’t need to be replaced annually.

Back to School Sales: Timing Your Purchases Right

Many stores begin their back to school campaigns as early as July, but the deepest discounts often happen right before school starts (or even the week after).

When to Buy:

• Early July: Stock up on basics before items sell out
• Mid-to-late August: Big discounts on clothing and electronics
• Post–Labor Day: Clearance deals on remaining inventory

Where to Find the Best Deals:

• Old Navy & Kohl’s – Great for buy-one-get-one promotions on clothes
• Walmart – Known for budget-friendly prices on both school supplies and clothes
• Amazon – Convenient for comparing prices and ordering everything in one go
• Target – Offers stylish and practical options, plus frequent back-to-school sales
• Costco – Surprisingly good deals on clothing basics like socks, underwear, and sneakers in multi-packs

Use browser extensions like Honey to automatically find coupons while shopping online.

Back to School Wardrobe: How I Organize Clothes, Shoes, and Uniforms

Outgrowing clothes and shoes is practically a summer tradition in our house. Before we do any shopping, I go through each child’s wardrobe to check what still fits, what can be donated, and what we actually need. It’s a simple step, but it saves money and avoids overbuying.

To make this section more helpful, I’ve included examples of pieces I typically buy and love—feel free to explore or click through the links if you’re still building your back to school wardrobe!

👕 T-Shirts & Tops

I look for soft, breathable cotton shirts that can handle school, recess, and after-school activities. Solid colors or basic prints make mix-and-match easier.

👖 Bottoms (Pants, Shorts, and Skirts)

For elementary kids, I prefer elastic-waist pants or shorts that are easy to pull on. For teens, we go for jeans, joggers, or uniform-friendly khakis.

👟 Shoes

This is a big one. For my younger child, I always choose Velcro sneakers—life-changing during busy mornings. For my teenager, it’s all about comfort and support, especially since he walks more in high school.

🧦 Socks & Underwear

I usually buy multi-packs of these at Costco or Target—easy, affordable, and one less thing to worry about later.

🎒 Accessories & Add-ons

Backpacks, lunchboxes, hats, and even jackets are part of our checklist. I let the kids pick these items to give them a sense of independence (and get them excited for the first day).

🔖 Helpful Tips to Stay Organized

• Prep outfits in advance: Use a hanging organizer with labeled days of the week or a school clothes bin to reduce morning chaos.
• Create capsule wardrobes: Stick to neutral tones and basic patterns that mix and match easily.
• Label everything: Especially for elementary schoolers—water bottles, lunchboxes, sweaters—everything!
• Check school dress codes: Some schools ban certain graphics, hats, or shorts, so it’s best to confirm before buying.

Health Prep: Doctor Visits, Vaccines, and Sports Physicals

One thing I’ve learned: Never wait until August to book your child’s check-up.

Annual Health Checklist:

• Pediatric check-up (often required for enrollment)
• Eye exam (especially if your child is struggling with reading)
• Dental cleaning
• Sports physical for middle/high school athletes

Vaccines to Confirm:

• Tdap
• Meningitis
• HPV (optional but recommended)
• Flu shot (available starting late August)
• COVID boosters if applicable

Many states now allow digital forms for proof of immunization, which makes things much easier during registration.

Back to School Routines That Actually Work (And Stick)

Adjusting from late bedtimes and endless screen time to school routines is a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be chaotic.

Two Weeks Before School:

• Start waking the kids earlier in 15–20 minute increments
• Bring back “reading before bed” or quiet time routines
• Do a dry run of the new morning routine (with alarms!)

Time-Saving Hacks:

• Prepare outfits and backpacks the night before
• Pack lunches after dinner, not during the morning rush
• Use visual checklists for younger kids (clothes, teeth, breakfast, backpack)

Set the tone early for smoother mornings and calmer evenings.

Meal Planning for Busy School Weeks

Feeding your kids during the school year doesn’t have to mean daily fast food runs or stressful lunch packing.

Easy Breakfasts:

• Waffles with honey – My younger son’s favorite! I keep frozen whole grain waffles on hand and drizzle a bit of honey on top for a sweet start without too much sugar
• Overnight oats
• Eggs
• Whole wheat toast + nut butter + banana
• Yogurt + granola + berries

Elementary School Lunch Ideas:

Younger kids usually prefer simple, comforting meals with familiar flavors. I try to pack options that are colorful, easy to eat, and nutritionally balanced. Here are some of our go-to lunchbox ideas, along with visuals for inspiration:

🥪 Sandwich + Fruit + Veggie Sticks

• Turkey, ham, or cheese sandwiches
• Apple slices or grapes
• Baby carrots or cucumber sticks

🧀 Cheese + Crackers + Boiled Egg

• Grapes, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes
• Cubed or sliced cheese (fun shapes work too!)
• Whole grain crackers
• Hard-boiled egg

🍗 Nuggets + Mashed Potatoes or Pasta

• Steamed veggies or sliced cucumbers on the side
• Pre-cooked chicken nuggets (heated in the morning)
• Mashed potatoes or buttered pasta

High School Lunches:

Teenagers eat a lot—and they’re usually more adventurous with flavors. I focus on prepping larger portions and protein-rich meals to keep them full and focused throughout the day. Here are some easy ideas that work well for older kids:

🌯 Wraps with Grilled Chicken or Turkey

• Light dressing, mustard, or hummusEasy to eat and customizable. I add lettuce, cheese, and a light dressing or hummus.
• Whole wheat or spinach wrap
• Grilled chicken or turkey slices
• Lettuce, shredded cheese, and sliced tomato

🍚 Rice Bowls with Beans and Veggies

• Optional: salsa or shredded cheeseLeftovers from dinner work great. Add some grilled meat or egg for extra protein.
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Black beans or chickpeas
• Grilled meat, tofu, or egg
• Roasted veggies or avocado slices

🥙 Snack Boxes with Hummus, Fruit, and Trail Mix

• Trail mix or granola clusters
• Individual hummus cup or homemade dip
• Grape tomatoes or cucumber slices
• Apple slices or berries
• Pretzels, crackers, or pita chips

Utensils and Storage Essentials

Having the right tools makes packing lunch easier, quicker, and more eco-friendly. Over time, I’ve found a few essentials that make all the difference in keeping food fresh and organized:

• Insulated food jars – Perfect for keeping pasta, soup, or nuggets warm until lunchtime.
• Aluminum or bento-style lunch boxes – Great for separating foods neatly and reducing waste.
• Silicone cups or reusable containers – Ideal for packing fruit, dips, or small snacks.
• Reusable cutlery and water bottles – I always keep a set in each child’s lunch bag to avoid disposable plastic.

Managing Emotions: Supporting Kids’ Mental Health

Going back to school isn’t just about supplies and schedules—it’s also a big emotional shift.

For Younger Kids:

• Read picture books about the first day
• Visit the school or playground in advance
• Let them pick a “first day outfit” or backpack charm

For Teens:

• Acknowledge their stress without minimizing it
• Encourage balance: sports, clubs, or creative outlets
• Set boundaries with screen time gently, not suddenly

Check in often and remind them that it’s okay to be nervous, excited, or even a little sad to say goodbye to summer.

Involving Kids in the Back to School Process

Want your kids to be more independent this year? Let them help with the prep!

• Have them check off their supply list
• Teach older kids how to organize binders and digital folders
• Set academic or personal goals together for the semester

This fosters ownership and makes transitions less dramatic.

Back to School Tech Tips and Digital Tools for Success

Technology can be a huge ally in modern schooling—if used wisely.

Recommended Apps:

• ClassDojo (elementary updates and teacher comms)
• Google Calendar or Cozi (for family planning)
• Remind App (classroom communication)
• Quizlet & Khan Academy (great for teens)

Make a habit of checking grades weekly using your district’s portal so you can spot problems early without micromanaging.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos, Prepare with Love

The back to school season always feels like a mix of overwhelm and excitement. Even with to-do lists a mile long, I try to remind myself: this is a season of growth for all of us—not just our kids.

Whether it’s your child’s very first year or their last, a little planning, a little flexibility, and a lot of love go a long way. And if things don’t go perfectly (because they won’t!), that’s okay too.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and organized school year ahead—for our kids and for us.

Still have a little time before school starts?
Check out my other post with fun and practical ideas on what to do with your kids during the school break: activities at home, local adventures, and ways to make the most of these last days together.
👉 Read: Planning a Summer Vacation with Kids in the USA (2025)