It's finally here, the big day! Your little baby is taking a step forward in life and finally going to kindergarten! Their first year in "big kid school" is a huge milestone, but at the same time, it's very bittersweet--your little baby is growing up so fast!
So on top of all of the emotions you're feeling, you're also being tasked with shopping for a long, complicated school supplies list. It's intimidating, I know, but there's no reason to start crying in the middle of Target--we got you! Here's our guide on the school supplies your kid will actually need, so you can focus on the emotional side of things.
The Independent Wardrobe
Cute first day of school outfits are super sweet, but not always the most practical. As someone whose mother was a public school teacher, I really urge you to listen to your kid's teacher when they say to wear something practical.
Kindergarten is many children's first taste of independence, and this is the first time in their life that they're held responsible for managing their clothes. Elastic waistbands are your very best friend when putting together your kid's school wardrobe. Aim for styles that are "easy on, easy off" for your child, too. Avoid extra snaps, buttons, or complicated belts, because your kid's going to need an easy out whenever they need a bathroom break.
Kindergarten is way more than sitting around, listening stories, and learning how to count. There's loads of physical activity involved, too, so make sure your kid is wearing comfortable, breathable styles to school. Avoid heavy, polyester, synthetic materials in their clothes and dress them in natural materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo. Obviously we want our kids to look cute as a button on their first day in class, but comfort is key if you want them to have a great first day of school experience!
Shop all new arrivals for kids here
Backpacks that Fit
If you walk into any Target or Walmart back-to-school section, you'll be flooded with an overwhelming abundance of options, most of which aren't even that great. These big box stores sell styles that typically work fine for bigger kids, but will absolutely swallow your little one. It looks like they're carrying around a ridiculous turtle shell on their back, and they're super uncomfortable. We don't want that!
Instead of having your kid complain about their aching back, their sore shoulders, or their big, bulky, cumbersome backpack, do yourself a favor and pick up a STATE Bag from the boutique!
STATE bags are exceptionally durable, which means that it'll last the entire school year, regardless of how rough and rowdy your little one gets. They're also ergonomically designed specially for little ones, and have smooth zippers and easy-open pockets, perfect for little hands.
Kids love the bags because of how vibrant and trendy the designs are, and grownups love them because they're safe for small bodies, contain a special pocket for an airtag, and because STATE donates a fully-stocked backpack to a child in need any time you buy one of their bags!
Check out our entire collection of STATE bags!
The Emergency Kit
No matter how perfectly prepared you are, accidents can still happen. When accidents happen at home, you're right there to scoop your kid up and clean up the mess, but that's not the case at school! There's twenty or more kids in one classroom, with one teacher (and maybe one assistant) keeping an eye on them. Keep an emergency kit in your kid's backpack at all times, so your kid's teacher is as prepared as possible to help your kid with any accidents.
Get a big gallon zip-lock bag and put in a full change of clean clothes. Shirt, shorts, underwear, and socks--everything. That's the most important thing to bring along, but there are a few bonus items you should stow away in their bag just in case.
First, I suggest packing two or three non-perishable, allergy-safe snacks, like fruit snacks or rice cakes. Instead of leaving this in your kid's bag, let the teacher hold onto them for your kid. That way your little one won't snack during class, but if they need something to eat it will be instantly available.
Another great gift to tuck into your kid's backpack is a picture from home. Something sweet and simple to remind them of you in case they feel lonely, or start missing you.
Finally, leave a handwritten note for your kid in their backpack. First days of school can be super emotional (for kids and parents!) and there will probably be a few tears shed. If they're having an especially rough time being away from home, your kid's teacher can share the note from home and read it to them, making them feel much better.
Make sure all of these items are clearly labeled, and tell your child's teacher about them all.
Get Ready to Learn!
Hopefully you feel just a little more confident and prepared for your kid's first day of kindergarten now! This is an incredibly important moment in your kid's development, a huge milestone, and very, very emotional. As long as you make sure your kid is wearing the right clothes, using the right backpack, and stocked with their emergency kit, their first day of kindergarten is practically guaranteed to be a hit.
You got this mama! Grab a coffee, wipe those tears, and come into Wrightsville Ave Boutique to get them styled for the best school year ever!