Back-to-school during flu season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. As a mom who’s done the supply scramble more than once, I built a practical back-to-school checklist that actually gets used: uniforms, durable backpacks, bento lunch boxes (PlanetBox Rover, personalized bento), art supplies (teacher-approved picks), hand wipes and hand sanitizer (travel packs), quiet fidgets (snap-and-click set), and smart labeling tips (dishwasher-safe name labels). I’ll share the routines that keep mornings smooth and sick-day surprises rare—plus easy lunch ideas from our gluten-free kids snacks guide. Whether your kids are in elementary or high school, you’ll find simple, budget-friendly ideas you can use this week.
Uniforms & Everyday Basics
I usually order uniforms from French Toast, Target, or Walmart for reliable sizing and easy reorders.
SEO tip: Link to your size guide and stain-removal tips to boost internal relevance.
Practical tips
- Add iron-on or stamp name labels so items return home.
- Buy two tops per day of the school week and one extra bottom to rotate.
School Supplies That Actually Get Used
For school supplies, we use OOLY Mighty Pencil Sharpeners to sharpen our pencils and Jumbo Juicy Scented Highlighters for highlighting. We also love the Unmistakeable Erasable Color Pencils. These are colored pencils that are erasable. Perfect!
Our go-tos: OOLY Mighty Pencil Sharpeners, Jumbo Juicy Scented Highlighters, Unmistakeable Erasable Color Pencils, Note Pals, Stay Sharp Pencils, and a Jumbo Rainbow Scented Eraser that lasts all year.
Why these work
- Erasable color pencils simplify homework corrections.
- Sticky note tabs double as bookmarks and study flags.
- One sharpener per backpack avoids classroom lines and lost time.
Lunch Boxes & Food-Safe Containers
Planet box
Dishwasher-safe, non-toxic stainless steel with mix-and-match accessories. The compartments help you pack balanced lunches fast.
Stuck On You Bento
Leakproof, BPA-/phthalate-free, and personalized so boxes don’t wander. Interchangeable trays (standard or sandwich) keep portions flexible.
Flu-season tip: Pack utensils in a separate mini case and toss in a small pack of hand wipes.
Stuck on You
Stuck on You Bento Boxes are leakproof, dishwasher safe, BPA/phthalates free, and professionally custom-printed with your design. We love that it’s personalized.
They have 6 compartments in a handy inner tray that can be removed from the outer box. The lid is lined with a removable leak-proof silicone seal that covers each individual compartment. You can also swap out the normal Bento tray for a 4-compartment sandwich tray.
Art Supplies (Teacher-Approved + Travel-Friendly)
We keep a slim art kit ready for homework and car rides: lil’ poster paint pods, watercolor pods, paint brushes, Big Bright brush markers, and Dot-A-Lot craft paint (neon or pearlescent).
Parent win: Store in a flat pouch so it slides into a backpack without leaks.
My boys can’t live without drawing, painting, and creating. They have to have art supplies at their fingertips at all times. We even travel with art supplies. and take them to restaurants (used to).
Backpacks That Survive the Year
Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie
Sturdy, water-resistant, and easy to personalize (my boys loved Glow-in-the-Dark Shark and Skateboard Camo). They held up to heavy books and after-school chaos.
LeSportsac (Del Ray Denim River / Carson)
Lightweight, travel-friendly, and laptop-ready for older kids. Multiple pockets keep chargers, notebooks, and snacks separate.
Fit tip: Choose a backpack that sits mid-back; overly large bags strain shoulders.Pottery Barn
These boys have to have everything the other one has. Down to the backpacks. Last year I checked out Pottery Barn Kids because I was tired of our backpacks falling apart. I was apprehensive because of the price but they were actually not much more than the standard backpack. Personalizing them only cost us $12. I was pleasantly surprised. But these backpacks are sturdy, water resistant, and durable.
Oliver got the Mackenzie Blue Glow-in-the-Dark Shark Backpack and Henri got the Mackenzie Blue Skateboard Camo Backpack. They are so happy and I love that these backpacks are strong and carry everything they need for school.
Del Ray Denim River Backpack
This is a great backpack for kids, with so many pockets and an interior pocket for a laptop.
Features two main compartments with dual zip closures:
The large front main compartment features three interior front wall open organizer pockets, Interior back wall large open pocket and a combination zip/open pocket
Sensory & Focus Helpers (Fidgets, Chewies)
My boys use Ark Therapeutic chewies and simple snap-and-click fidgets for self-regulation. They live in the front pocket for easy access.
Classroom courtesy: Remind kids to use quiet fidgets that don’t distract others..
Health Pouch Essentials (Wipes, Sanitizer)
I add a mini hand sanitizer and travel hand wipes to each backpack and label them with names. The lavender-scented options are kid-approved and gentle on hands.
Refill routine: Sunday night = restock wipes, swap sanitizer if running low.
Fidget Toys
My boys have relied on fidget toys more than ever this year. These 8Pcs Wacky Tracks Snap and Click Fidget Toys, Finger Sensory Toys, and Snake Puzzles are great for Stress Relief, ADD, and ADHD. I let them keep them in their backpacks. Sometimes they trade with their friends at school too.
Pro Parent Tips for Flu Season
Health kit at home: tissues, thermometer, electrolyte packets, and backup soup in the pantry.
Create a “drop zone” by the door: backpack hook, shoe tray, and a bin for papers to sign.
Double up on daily-use items (pencils, erasers, wipes) so you’re not raiding the backpack at 7 a.m.
Label everything—water bottles, lunch containers, sweaters, sports gear.
Teach the “clean hands” rhythm: before eating, after recess, after sneezing/coughing.
FAQs
What should every backpack include during flu season?
A labeled water bottle, health pouch (wipes + sanitizer), tissues, spare pencil/eraser set, and a flat art or reading kit.
How many uniforms do I really need?
Plan on 5 tops + 3–4 bottoms to cover spills, sports, and spirit days without emergency laundry.
Are bento boxes worth it?
Yes. Portion sections reduce packaging waste and speed up packing. Leakproof lids keep snacks fresh.
What’s the best way to label gear?
Use wash-resistant iron-ons for clothes and dishwasher-safe name labels for bottles and lunch boxes. A name stamp works for socks and tags.
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