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What’s in your kid’s backpack + Giveaway worth $160

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18 back to school backpack essentials | What's in you child's backpack | MapleandMarigold.comBack to school is upon us, and with my my oldest going into Grade 6 and my youngest starting Grade 1 it’s going to be a big year. With 5+ years of back to school experience behind me you can see I’m a veteran at buying backpacks and making lunches and even making sure I empty those lunches into the compost bin every night. Yes, one of the things I’ve learnt is to check those lovely lunch boxes daily because what you don’t want to see is three-day old yoghurt mildew-ing away on a Monday morning. And you definitely don’t want to SMELL it!

The first day of school is important and stressful – for parents AND kids, and preparing for it goes a long way in making sure that day goes by smoothly.

18 School Backpack Essentials

 So here’s my checklist of what will be in my kids’ backpack come Tuesday. 

    1. Lunch box – lunch of course with two healthy and FILLING snacks. I believe in more rather than less till the routine settles down a bit. And think of the teachers – would you want 20-odd “hangry” kids in the room along with you?
    2. Lunch bags need to be easily and independently opened especially for younger kids. See my ultimate guide to back to school tips here for what you need to consider before you buy. Don’t forget the cutlery! I have many times and I never hear the end of it. Thanks to kind teachers who always seem to have an extra fork. 
    3. Water Bottle – metal or glass are best options. Don’t be afraid of glass – the new ones come with silicon covers and are really tough to break. 
    4. Hat – even though the weather will be cooling off in Toronto a sun hat is still essential because kids spend a fair amount of time outdoors as part of their DPA (Daily Physical Activity) and recess.
    5. Sunscreen – see above.  
    6. A change of clothes in a clear zip lock bag for younger kids. There will be accidents on the first day and unless you’re ready for a phone call in the middle of the day, don’t forget this.
    7. Indoor shoes
    8. Pack of sticky notes – I don’t know what’s with sticky notes but my kids love them, and my youngest insisted on a pack even in JK though she didn’t really use them the entire year.
    9. – 15. Pencil bag with 2 pencils, a pen, a sharpener, an eraser, one sharpie and a glue stick. For the last I was glad to see earth friendly ones at Staples Canada. 
      16. Crayons especially for the younger ones. Keep the scented ones away from school in consideration of allergies, and who wants the additional bubblegum-sniffing distraction?
      17-18. For older kids – a binder with a notebook and if it’s matching then you know your kids will be delighted. 

      Final tip for back to school

      Everything MUST be labelled. My kids’ school has a lost and found table where all lost items eventually end up. I can’t tell you how many times our lunch bags and shoes have been returned safely only because they’re labelled. Mabel’s Labels are dishwasher and washing machine safe, and will set you up quite nicely for the new school year.

      My list of school backpack essentials may sound like a lot and you have to consider the weight of the backpack and how comfortable your child will be. Sadly they will need many more things as the year starts and stationery lists get longer. A practice run wearing backpacks over the weekend will help especially with younger kids.

      Back to School Giveaway worth $160

      And to get us all organized with back to school essentials Staples Canada and Mabel’s Labels are offering one lucky reader this lovely giveaway valued at more than $160+. This contest is open to all Canada (except QC) over the age of 18. Terms and conditions apply. Last date September 6, 2016

      a Rafflecopter giveaway

      Goodies from Staples Canada #ThinkSTAPLES

        • Giftcard valued at $25 for Staples Canada
        • Document Lifter valued at $34
        • Locker Worx magnetic light-up mirror valued at $15
        • Elmer eco-friendly glue sticks pack of two valued at $4.50
        • Paper Mate pack of 3 stylo gel pens valued at $4
        • Five Star notebook valued at $5
        • Crayola crayons – 24 pack $2
        • Expo Dry-erase markers 2-in 1 – $10
        • Post-It combo pack $3
        • Fuel 9 oz juice bottle $5
        • Large sized #ThinkSTAPLES insulated reusable shopping bag

    Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back to School Combo worth $55

      • 40 Mini Custom Name Stickers: 38mm x 8mm (1-1/2″ x 5/16″)
      • 50 Tag Mates™ Stick On Clothing Labels: 21mm x 10mm (13/16″ x 3/8″)
      • 16 Custom Shoe Stickers: 33mm (1.3″)
      • 2 Personalized Mini Tags: 30mm x 20mm (1-1/4″ x 3/4″)

      Disclaimer: I was provided with free product as a part of writing this article, and the giveaway is sponsored by Staples Canada and Mabel’s Labels. The narrative and opinion as always is all mine! 18 back to school backpack essentials | What's in you child's backpack | MapleandMarigold.com

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      Comments

      2. SO much great back to school stuff here! My daughter could really use that insulated lunch bag and she would love the locker mirror.. she’s at that age where she needs to keep looking in the mirror haha

        Reply

      3. I think I’ll always love this time of year and buying school supplies, even when there’s no school to go to 🙂

        Reply

      4. What an awesome assortment. Thanks for the chance to win! My kids start back tomorrow and they are so excited!

        Reply

      11. Water bottles are so important for school! My kids can stay focused and learn better when they have had plenty of water to drink…don’t forget those water bottles! I like the glass ones with silicone on the outside too!

        Reply

      15. Amazing tips! I agree with the labelling 100% I’ve had things return home after lost because of the labels! Thanks for the chance!

        Reply

      18. What an awesome collection of school supply necessities !! These things would be a huge help with the kids going back to school.Thank you so much for the great giveaway and chance!! 🙂

        Reply

      28. Wow! What a great prize! My daughter would love to win this. Anything that she doesn’t need, I would use in my classroom.

        Reply

      35. awesome giveaway thanks for the chance to win , would come in handy for back to school for my Grandson 🙂

        Reply

      39. Great giveaway, love a few of the items in your pictures! Definitely would come in handy for Back to School!

        Reply

      42. Awesome giveaway! I have 4 in school this year (grades 1, 2, 4 and 12) and we could definitely make good use out of everything. Thanks for the chance.

        Reply

      47. Back to school supply shopping is always our favorite part of back to school. We always drop into Staples!

        Reply

      52. Yes, labeling EVERYTHING is important! And Mabel’s Labels would be a great help with that. Thanks for the great giveaway.

        Reply

      67. It would be terrific to win this BACK TO SCHOOL Prize Pack.
        My nieces could use this stuff to help them head back to school in style.
        Thank you for having this giveaway.

        Reply

      75. Would come in handy for sure! My boys are to young for school however my 6 year old niece or 4 year old nephew would definetly benefit from this!! Thank you so much for the chance! 🙂

        Reply

      76. With a house filled with ADHD peeps who *may* have a little trouble keeping track of their stuff, we could really use more labels and some extra supplies!

        Reply

      80. You’re right, a water bottle is totally a back to school essential. We keep a few extras at home so that there is always one on hand.

        Reply

      83. This would be great to win. There are so many things. What my daughter dosn’t need we will donate at christmas for children.

        Reply

      86. Thanks for the chance. This is just right for my kiddo who is starting middle school and getting her own locker in school.

        Reply

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