Every year, there are the obvious back-to-school essentials – backpacks, lunch boxes, new shoes, school supplies – and then there are the random little things you discover along the way that somehow make the school year so much easier. Those are the things I wanted to share here.

As a mom of two boys, I’m always looking for products that make our school mornings run a little smoother, help keep all that school gear looking somewhat presentable, or simply make everyday routines easier. Some of these are longtime favorites, while others are newer finds that quickly earned a permanent spot in our routine.

Here are my mom-approved back-to-school must-haves for kids – the useful finds making their way around our mom group text and into our routine this school year.

1. Deebo Kids Otoscope

Let’s start with one of the more random finds on the list! Of course, an at-home otoscope is never a replacement for your pediatrician, but I love having one around when one of the boys suddenly says, “My ear hurts.” The Deebo Kids Otoscope lets you get a closer look at what might be going on before deciding on your next step. It’s one of those things I never thought I needed until we had it.

Deebo Kids Otoscope: UNNATI15SCHOOL for 15% off (Sprinkle Scout)

2. State Lunch Boxes + Lalo Stainless Steel Containers

Packing lunches is back!

We love our State lunch box and I’ve also been really happy with our Lalo stainless steel lunch and snack containers. They’re durable, easy to clean and great for packing everything from fruit and snacks to lunches for school. But my favorite addition might actually be the little lunch notes. I love slipping a quick joke, encouraging message or simple “I love you” into their lunch boxes. It takes about 30 seconds in the morning but gives them a little reminder of home right in the middle of their school day.

3. Kids’ Reward Jars

A little visual motivation can go a long way with kids. We use these personalized reward jars as a simple way to encourage good habits, helpful choices and little goals we’re working toward at home. The boys love actually seeing their stars add up, and I love that we can change what we’re working toward depending on the season. This can be especially helpful during the transition back to school when we’re getting back into routines like getting dressed on time, completing morning tasks or remembering school responsibilities.

4. Spray Hair Brush + Hair Gel and Taming Wands

If your house also has those “we need to leave in three minutes!” mornings, this one is for you. This spray hair brush has become one of my favorite random mom finds because it dispenses water while you brush. Instead of wetting their hair separately and then brushing it, I can tame morning bedhead in seconds. Pair it with our current favorite boys’ hair gel and taming wands and somehow everyone can walk out the door looking reasonably put together, even when we definitely weren’t five minutes earlier!

5. Hiya Kids Vitamins + Daily Greens

One thing I try to prioritize during the school year is having a few simple routines that are actually realistic enough to maintain. I love having Hiya’s Daily Multivitamin as part of the boys’ everyday routine because it’s an easy way for us to stay consistent about getting in some extra nutrients, even when our days (and meals!) don’t always go according to plan. Their Daily Greens & Fiber+ are also an easy addition to smoothies for a little extra boost. For me, it’s all about finding simple habits that don’t add a ton of extra work to already busy school mornings.

6. Courtside Kids Clothes

For the kids who want comfy…and the moms who still want cute. I love finding boys’ clothes that feel a little fun and different while still checking the comfort box. Courtside Kids has become one of our favorites for sporty kids’ clothing because their pieces feel unique but are still practical enough for school, play, sports and everything in between.

7. Crep Protect Sneaker Spray

Because those brand-new back-to-school sneakers aren’t going to stay brand new for long. Before the boys wear new shoes, I like giving them a quick spray of Crep Protect to help protect against everyday dirt, spills and stains. Between school, playgrounds and sports, clean sneakers don’t stand much of a chance around here.

8. ProtectMe School Gear Spray

Backpacks go through a LOT during the school year. They’re on classroom floors, cafeteria benches, playgrounds, car floors…and who knows where else. Before school starts, I like spraying backpacks and other school gear with ProtectMe to help protect against everyday spills, stains and messes. I especially appreciate finding practical products like this that are made with ingredients I feel good about using on the things my kids carry and touch every day.

9. Sneaker Cleaners + Sneaker Balls

School + sports season means the shoes around here have seen some things. Sneakeraser sponges are one of my favorite quick fixes for cleaning up scuffs and dirty soles. Sneaker Balls have also permanently moved into our shoes and sports bags. They’re such a tiny thing, but once school and sports are both in full swing, they’re very appreciated. These are two inexpensive back-to-school finds that get a surprising amount of use in our house.

10. Miss Mouth’s Stain Treater

Kids + clean school clothes. We all know how this ends. Between lunch, markers, grass, playground dirt, and paint, stains are basically inevitable. Miss Mouth’s Stain Treater is one of those random products that has saved more outfits than I can count. I like keeping stain remover somewhere easy to grab so I can treat a spot as soon as I notice it instead of remembering three days later when I’m doing laundry. If you have young kids, this is absolutely one to keep on hand.

11. Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel

One school email I’d really prefer not to receive? The lice notification. Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel has become an easy extra step in our school morning routine. I spray it into the boys’ hair before school and it literally takes seconds but gives me a little peace of mind.

12. First-Day-of-School Sign

This one isn’t necessarily about making school easier, but it’s one of my favorite back-to-school traditions. It’s a classic for a reason! I love using the same reusable first-day-of-school sign every year. There’s something about seeing the same sign next to a kid who suddenly looks so much bigger that gets me every single time. I especially love simple, timeless signs that capture the little details you’ll want to remember later.

13. Kids Artwork Frames

And then comes the artwork. So. Much. Artwork. I love saving the boys’ creations, but I also don’t love the clutter. These kids’ artwork frames give us a place to display their latest masterpieces while keeping some of our favorites tucked away inside. They’re easy to swap out whenever something new comes home from school and I especially love that displaying their work gives the boys a little moment to feel proud of what they’ve created.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best back-to-school products aren’t always the big purchases.

None of these things are absolutely necessary for starting a new school year, but they’re the kinds of practical finds that make our everyday routines feel just a little easier. And during the school year, I’ll take all the help I can get.

If you’re getting ready for a new school year too, I hope you found a few new ideas to add to your routine!

And tell me in the comments: what’s one random back-to-school product you swear by? I’m always looking for the next “why didn’t I know about this sooner?” find. What am I missing?!

Looking for more ideas for the school year? You may also like:

• End of Year Book Tradition
• Back-to-School Traditions You’ll Be So Glad You Started
• First Day of School Interview Questions

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