Back to School Guide: Back to School Supplies Addition
Welcome to our Back to School Supplies addition for our 2018 Back to School Guide.
Whether you're sending kids to school or homeschool, this time of year it's important to have classroom supplies, snacks and educational activities you need ready to go. These are some of our favorite back to school items, including toys and games that are fun for summer if you're needing gift ideas!
Classroom and Homeschool Back to School Supplies:
Clean Kids Naturally Soaps-
Hand soaps are a back to school essential. However, choosing a soap that is gentle and free of colors and synthetics can be a challenge. I was excited to try Clean Kids Naturally hand soap and Bubble Bath from Amazon. These are great products for anyone with sensitive skin. With family members who have eczema and sensitive skin, this is a must. The hand soap has a clean scent, and does not smell like it's a “Kids' only” soap. Great for home, school or church classes! Find it here.
Learning Resources Farm Sorting Set–
This Farm Sorting Set from Learning Resources is a great busy time game or morning activity for preschoolers. Sort by color or type of vegetable. Kids can become accustomed to naming colors and also learn basics to help them with patterns and sorting later on. See website for recommended ages and any choking hazard warnings. I love this hands on activity! Shop here
Learning Resources Acorn Alphabet Set-
This Acorn Alphabet Set from Learning Resources is great for the budding reader or for practice learning upper case and lower case letters for handwriting. Each acorn has a small item inside that begins with the cooresponding letter of the alphabet, so kids can learn while they play. See website for choking/hazard warnings and recommended ages. Shop here!
Scoop Rocker from American Plastic Toys-
This year, children can “rock on” with their favorite books as they take their seats in the colorful Scoop Rocker. We’ve heard from teachers across the country who pack their reading circles with these comfy seats for a fun “school of rock” effect. Shop here!
Succulents Box-
Succulents are a great type of plant to grow in the classroom as a project, or to brighten up a space in the house, dorm or classroom. We love this selection of Sempervivum Red Lion, Graptoveria Fred Ives, and Sempervivum Mahogany from Succulents Box.
Subscribe to get new succulents each month, or do a one time purchase. Makes a great gift! Shop here.
Woodblock Whimsy Organizer Cube from Thirtyone–
Why you’ll love it: Home storage can be stylish and convenient with the Your Way Cube and matching Your Way Cube Lids.
Great gift for the mom keeping track of school supplies for younger kids, and of course homeschoolers and anyone in high school or college! Multiple prints available.
Back to School Toys for Elementary and School Age:
Robotics Smart Machines Set-
The Robotics Smart Machines set from Thames & Kosmos is the ultimate kit for learning about robotics and coding. This kit includes a 64 page manual that gives directions on how to build your robot “turtle” and make it work! With STEM being such a big part of school now, we are excited to include this kit in our gift guide. Kids can play and learn at the same time, which can be a challenge when teachers and parents are competing with the latest video games! This kit is designed for ages 8-14 with adult supervision required/recommended. See more and shop Thames & Kosmos science kits here.
Razor A2 Power Electric Scooter-
The NEW Electric Scooter this year from Razor is the Power A2 Electric Scooter. This will be a hot item on this year's toy list, but what better time to give a scooter than now as school is starting and the weather is great for outdoor play! Features include:
– Kick start
-Push button throttle control
-lithium-ion powered electric hub motor, the modernized and motorized Power A2packs a punch, delivering a quiet, rattle-free ride at speeds up to 11 mph
-Recommended for ages 8 and up
See the website to buy, and see other models for older and younger kids!
LEGO Classic Blocks Set-
This is ideal for the classroom or at home! Playing with LEGO's can help develop your child's ever important small motor skills and help facilitate their imagination. The classic bricks collection is perfect for any group or classroom, where you are encouraging creative play and non-screen time.
Shop LEGO sets and Buy it here.
American Girl Tent-
This American Girl Tent is an amazing gift idea for the American Girl Fan in your home! With summer here, so many kids are focused on outdoors and camping. Provide for creative playtime with these summer accessories from American Girl. With so many “screen” toys available on the market, we love how American Girl toys can spark the imagination! This tent is made to fit one traditional American Girl doll. Shop here
American Girl Sleeping Bag-
This doll sized American Girl sleeping bag is a great addition to the summer American Girl accessories. It makes a great add-on if you're purchasing the tent, pictured above. Fits one American Girl standard size doll (not Welli Wishers). For more new accessories and to shop American Girl, click here.
Botley Coding Robot from Learning Resources-
The Botley coding robot will introduce kids to STEM and coding, all while they are having fun! Set this cute little robot up to follow a path through your own mazes and more. Designed for ages 5+ and makes a great classroom or downtime project, or just for fun on a rainy day. See more from website here:
Meet Botley, the code to fun! As the newest member of the Learning Resources family, Botley is here to introduce coding in an easy, friendly way. Children as young as 5 can learn to code with Botley, and with his advanced features, he’ll grow with them for many play filled years to come. Botley is ready to use right out of the box – he’ll have kids coding in minutes. And that’s not all, Botley is 100% screen free and includes a 77-piece activity set – the only robot to offer that!
Here are just some of the interactive, fun features Botley offers:
• Detect objects – and moves around them!
• Follow looping commands
• Navigate obstacle courses
• Follow black lines
Botley also has additional hidden features to unlock!
Shop Botley here at Learning Resources.
Toddler Toys:
Magformers-
These stand the test of time, are a safe toy for ages 3 and up, and kids can really be creative! Now from the makers of the classic Magformers sets is a Paw Patrol 36-Pc Set! I was excited to include this since Paw Patrol is such a popular item right now. This set of 36 pieces will work with your existing Magformers sets, so it's a great add-on for the classroom or for home. It's so cute! You can
Shop this and other Magformers sets here.
Mermaid Pillow Co. Gift Set-
The Mermaid Pillow Co features adorable and unique pillow and blanket gifts. Suitable for boys and girls, the gift set contains a large velvet blanket and their famous “mermaid” sequined pillow, along with a sequined Velcro bracelet/wrist band. We chose the Dinosaurs discover blanket to give to our dinosaur fan! The pillow is small enough to travel with but makes a great addition to the bedspread. Shop Mermaid Pillow Company here.
Ride On Toddler School Bus from American Plastic Toys-
Toddlers can feel like they’re part of the “back to school” excitement with their very own School Bus Ride-On vehicle. Even as children enter school, imaginative play is still vital to their education and development. Riding the bus is fun with this sturdy yet playful ride on! It includes lots of colorful decals and also features a storage compartment under the seat. Packaged in a colorful corrugated carton with a full color litho label. See website for age range and full dimensions.
Shop Here!
18″ Yellow School Bus from American Plastic Toys-
Fun for the classroom or the home! Big in value, this school bus features an easy-open side door and an open top to hold figures. Includes bright decals and wheels with hubs . Packed in a colorful “Dump Display” box. The 18” School Bus enables children to create their own environment, as they pick up all their favorite figures and drop them off at school. See all dimensions and age range info here.
Back to School Snacks:
Bentology Bento Boxes and Kits-
If your kid is already passing you on the fashion front, and telling you what not to wear, then this kit is perfect for them! Stylish and functional, this kit has it all. Pack the bento set inside the main compartment to keep their lunch fresh, and slip their drink bottle into the side mesh pocket – giving them easy access to staying hydrated (which is important!). The front pocket is gusseted, providing a little more room to pack extra snacks, napkins, or maybe even a treat on special occasions.
See all the great colors, patterns and kit options at Bentology here!
Seasnax-
Original flavor. These snacks are made with 100% Olive oil and consist of roasted seaweed. No additives, GF, and just 25 calories so great for a healthy snack.
Popcornopolis-
It’s easy to build a custom gift assortment of Popcornopolis gourmet popcorn. With over 20 mouthwatering recipes to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Right now, get Labor Day specials on their website with coupon codes here. Makes a great gift for the classroom or school year get-togethers!
Graze Subscription-
Order one box or keep them coming! Choose from savory and sweet snacks, perfectly portioned for you to take with you on school days or just to have ready for snack times in the afternoon. Some of my favorites are nuts and chocolate, and bite sized granola bars. You personalize your box before ordering, and Graze gives you ideas of what you may like. Get your first box free when you set up an account.
Original Seasnax-
Seaweed is a nutrient-rich snack made from the finest ingredients on Earth. It’s vegan, gluten free, Non-GMO and is made with only 100% organic extra virgin olive oil and just a pinch of sea salt. Try all the delicious flavors, or just the Original to start! Shop here.
Vitamin Friends-
Getting your little ones to take their vitamin each day doesn't have to be a chore. We love these vitamins with iron from Vitamin Friends. They are Vegan, Certified Organic and free of Gelatin products. My kids love them and I don't feel like they are missing out on their Iron, which is the case with many non-iron containing gummy vitamins. Seek healthcare provider advice before using any vitamins or supplements, as always. Shop Vitamin Friends with Iron here.
Breakfasts:
Polander Maple and Fruit Spreads-
For a special breakfast before your school day, try the brand new Polaner Fruit & Maple premium fruit spread from Polander. It is made from delicious fruits and real (pure) golden maple syrup.
Their ingredients are so clean and simple. Enjoy on an English muffin, toast or bagel! Find in grocery stores near you.
Barbara's Snacks and Cereals-
Barbara's snacks offer natural flavors and wholesome ingredients. The Barbara's Original Puffins are a great not-too-sweet breakfast cereal you don't have to worry about letting the kids have! See this and more here from Barbara's.
Orders over $49 ship free. Shop here.
Mom's Best Cereals-
You can still enjoy healthy and tasty cereals even during the school year when everyone is doing their own thing!
With quality ingredients at affordable prices, Mom’s Best Cereal’s offers a fun, delicious, way to get your kids’ day going in the right direction. Mom's Best cereals include Blueberry Wheatfuls, Crispy Cocoa Rice, Honey Grahams, Honey Nut Toasty O's, and many more!
See more here and find store locator.