It’s hard to believe summer is winding down already, but the countdown to the first bell is officially on! Whether you’re prepping for your child’s very first day of kindergarten or gearing up for another year of packed lunches and homework, a little planning goes a long way. We’ve broken the back-to-school hustle down into an easy, week-by-week checklist — so you can tackle it one step at a time (and actually enjoy these last few weeks of summer).

2–3 Weeks Before: Get Ahead of the Rush

This is the sweet spot for back-to-school shopping. Store shelves are still fully stocked, the crowds haven’t hit their peak, and you’ve got time to compare options before everything sells out. Start with the basics:

 

Notebook

Pango Cute Pink Cat A5 Notebook, $13.97

 

 

Markers

Tiger Tribe Scented Markers, $10.99

 

 

Pencil Case

Jan & Jul Pencil Case Pink Ponies, $9.98

 

 

Kids’ Backpack Sizing Guide

Looking for just the right backpack? Use our sizing guide to find one that fits your child comfortably — not too big, not too small.

Want more in-depth tips? Kids Backpack Sizing 101: The Ultimate Guide to Picking Your Child’s Perfect Backpack

Small (Ages 3–5) — Preschool & Kindergarten

 

 

Trixie Regular Backpack Mrs. Rabbit, $64.99

 

 

 

Trixie Regular Backpack Mr. Shark, $64.98

 

 

 

Medium (Ages 5–8) — Junior / Elementary

 

 

Herschel Supply Minecraft Heritage Backpack Pink Sheep, $74.98

 

 

 

Jan & Jul Kids Backpack Planet Patrol, $53.98

 

 

 

Large (Ages 8–12) — Senior Elementary

 

 

Jansport Superbreak Plus Backpack Hydrangea, $54.98

 

 

 

 

    Herschel Peanuts Herschel Classic XL Backpack, $89.98

 

 

 

Lunch Gear That Makes Life Easier

While you’re at it, this is also a great time to stock up on lunch gear — so it’s clean, ready, and waiting when the first day rolls around.

The right gear makes packing lunch faster and keeps little ones excited to open their lunch box every day.

Bento Boxes & Lunch Containers

 

 

     Yumbox Snack Size 3 Compartment Bento Box Surf Blue Shark, $33.97

 

 

 

 

 

    OmieLife OmieBox Bento Box Pixie Pink, $64.99

 

 

 

Bottles & Food Jars

 

                Owala Kids FreeSip Water Bottle Rain Forest, $34.97

 

 

 

 

          Thermos Stainless Steel FUNtainer Food Jar with Spoon Navy, $24.99

 

 

 

Lunch Kits

 

 

The Somewhere Co. Lunch Bag Sundazed, $41.98

 

 

 

 

b.box Flexi Insulated Lunch Bag Morning Sky, $42.98

 

 

The Week Before: Prep Like a Pro

This is when things start to feel real! Use this week to stock the fridge and pantry, and get the household routine back on track before the first day.

Grocery Picks

Fill your cart with easy, kid-approved options that make morning and lunch prep painless:

 

Annie’s Organic Building Blocks Assorted Fruit, $10.99

 

 

 

 

Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars, $8.99

 

 

 

 

MadeGood Mornings Organic Baked Oat Cups Berry Vanilla, $6.99

 

 

Routine Reset

Bedtimes start creeping earlier, screens ease out, and yes — we’re talking about school again at dinner. Set expectations early (with lots of grace). The easiest way to reset a summer sleep schedule without a fight is to shift gradually: move bedtime and wake-up time earlier by about 15 minutes every few days, rather than jumping straight to the school-year schedule overnight. A consistent wind-down routine — bath, book, lights out — signals to your child’s body that it’s time to sleep, and it matters more than it might seem: well-rested kids handle transitions, focus in class, and manage big emotions far better than overtired ones. The same gradual approach works for screens and mealtimes too; easing back into structure now means fewer battles once the first bell rings.

Talk It Out

Got a nervous kiddo? Normalize the jitters and walk through what the first day might look like. Let your child know it’s totally normal to feel a mix of excited and nervous — even grown-ups get that feeling before something new. Try asking open-ended questions like, “What are you most looking forward to?” or “Is there anything about the first day that feels a little scary?” so they have space to share without feeling pressured. Walking through the routine together — what drop-off will look like, who they might sit with at lunch, what happens if they need help — can turn the unknown into something familiar, and often takes a lot of the worry out of it.

The Night Before: Set Up for Smooth Mornings

You’re almost there! The night before school is all about setting the stage for a smooth, low-stress morning. And let’s be honest — that starts with doing as much as humanly possible in advance.

Prep Checklist

• Pre-pack lunches/snacks in containers and fridge
• Pack backpacks with necessary forms, supplies, and backups
• Check the weather for the next day and plan outfits
• Wind down with a book or chat before bed
• Don’t forget to charge your phone!

The Morning Of: No-Stress Starts

This morning is all about calm energy and encouraging vibes… even if the dog ate a sock and someone’s crying because their toast is “too toasty.”

Morning To-Dos

• Prioritize a healthy, quick breakfast
• Grab packed lunch and snacks from the fridge
• Fill water bottles and add to backpacks
• Snap those first-day pics!
• Big hugs and affirmations before they head out

Tip: Label everything! From water bottles to lunch containers to jacket tags, a quick label now saves a lot of “whose is this?” moments later.

You’ve Got This

New school year, new backpack, new set of “where are my shoes?!” mornings — but with a little prep, you’ll be ready for all of it. Work through this checklist at your own pace, tick off what you can each week, and remember: a smooth first day isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about walking in feeling ready. Here’s to a great year ahead — for the kids, and for you too!