Stress-Free Back-to-School Essentials for Pre-K and Middle School

As the back-to-school season approaches, parents like me gear up to make the transition smoother. With a 13-year-old heading into 8th grade and a 4-year-old starting pre-k, I know how chaotic this time of year can be. The right tools can make all the difference between packing lunches, keeping germs at bay, and ensuring that all their belongings are labeled and organized. Here are my go-to products for a stress-free school year.

Yipes! Wipes: The Ultimate Mess-Fighter

School means messes, especially for my little one starting pre-k. Yipes! Hand & Face Cleaning Wipes are a lifesaver for keeping those tiny hands clean throughout the day. These individually wrapped wipes fit perfectly in her backpack or lunchbox, making it easy for her to wipe away dirt, germs, and all the other “yuckies” before snack time.

Not only are Yipes! wipes are convenient, but they’re also made with 99% plant-derived ingredients and are 94% biodegradable. Free from parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum, these wipes are enriched with aloe vera, making them gentle on your child’s skin. Plus, they’re not tested on animals, so you can feel good about using them.

DIY MARKY: Say Goodbye to Lost Items

Labeling everything for school can be a hassle, especially with the sheer number of items pre-k requires. DIY MARKY has made this task simple and quick. This nifty tool lets you personalize anything from lunchboxes to bookbags and shoes.

DIY MARKY’s integrated ink pad provides up to 1,000 impressions, ensuring your child’s belongings stay labeled year-round. It even works on non-absorbent surfaces like water bottles and pencil cases. With DIY MARKY, losing items at school will be a thing of the past.

Art Smock: Protecting Those Cute Clothes

Pre-K is all about hands-on learning, which often means messy activities. Instead of opting for the suggested oversized t-shirt, I found a waterproof art smock that keeps my daughter’s clothes clean and dry. This smock from Amazon comes in a convenient 2-pack, with long sleeves for full coverage and three front pockets to hold all her art supplies.

The adjustable closure design makes it easy to use, and best of all, it’s easy to clean. No more scrubbing out paint stains or worrying about ruined outfits—this smock has got us covered.

Bellabu Bear Bamboo Pajamas: Sleep in Comfort

A successful school day starts with a good night’s sleep. Bellabu Bear’s bamboo pajamas have become a staple in our household. These ultra-soft, organic pajamas are free from harmful chemicals and have even been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the National Eczema Association.

Not only do these pajamas ensure my daughters sleep soundly, but they also come in the cutest matching sets. The YKK zippers and Oeko-Tex Certification give me peace of mind, knowing they’re both safe and comfortable.

Related: These Kids School Lunch Ideas Help Avoid Lunch-Packing Burnout

UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box: Hot Meals on the Go

While my 14-year-old usually eats lunch at school, on the days she takes food from home, I always cook something delicious the night before. The UVI Self-Heating Lunch Box will become a game-changer for us. It heats her meal in just 25 minutes, keeping her curry, chicken and broccoli, warm and ready to eat.

This lunch box features an integrated UV light to kill bacteria, an insulated liner that keeps food hot for up to 2 hours, and a leakproof shell. It’s perfect for those days when I have to head into the office, too.

Carbon8 Sparkling Water Maker: Hydration Made Fun

In our household, we love sparkling water. With the Carbon8 Sparkling Water Maker, we can have fresh seltzer anytime we want. It’s convenient and eco-friendly, eliminating the need for plastic bottles.

Carbon8’s patented turbine technology instantly mixes water and CO2, providing a crisp, refreshing drink in seconds. Its removable water tank makes it easy to keep cold water on hand, ready to carbonate at any moment. This gadget has quickly become a favorite, making hydration fun for the whole family.

Ready for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition

With these essential products in our arsenal, I feel more prepared than ever for the back-to-school season. From keeping my kids’ hands clean to ensuring their clothes stay stain-free, these items have made the transition back to school much less stressful. Here’s to a successful and smooth school year ahead!