Back to School Gear for Pre-K and Up: Must-Have Essentials
- Lucie Duffy
- Aug 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Crowdsourced and Mom-Tested by Friend of a Mom Community
It’s nearly that time again, whether your little one is just heading off to Pre-K or settling into another grade, having the right gear makes all the difference. From stain-proof backpacks to lunch boxes that make mornings easier, here’s everything we love and rely on each year.
Back to School Essentials for Pre-K and Up:
Must-Have Gear
Backpacks Built for Little Hands
Choose the right size, lightweight, durable, and easy-to-clean styles. Coated prints and recycled materials are top picks for longevity and sustainability.
Pottery Barn
Water-resistant backpacks for kids with monogram options — perfect for school days and after-school adventures.
Ten Little
Ten Little toddler backpack — eco-friendly, lightweight, and perfectly sized for preschool & kindergarten. Why we love it, it's made with recycled materials.
Stylish, durable, and comes in fun prints.
Adorable animal designs perfect for Pre-K.
Accessories + NapMats
Soft, durable case in green and blue keeps school supplies organized and easy to find.
Durable, zippered case with multiple compartments to keep pencils, markers, and school supplies neatly organized.
Extra-large, cozy nap mat with removable pillow and minky blanket—washable and perfect for daycare or preschool.
Spill-Proof Water Bottles
Stainless steel or insulated bottles with easy-sip lids keep water cold and mess-free—refill-ready for all-day hydration.
Stays cold for hours, with a straw lid kids can open easily.
Leak-proof, BPA-free, and easy for little hands to open—perfect for school, sports, and on-the-go.
Lunch Boxes That Stay Cool
Divided, insulated lunch kits with removable sections keep snacks fresh. Bonus points if they’re dishwasher-safe.
Amazon
Bento Lunch Box Set – Includes lunch bag, water bottle, ice pack, and 4-section tray—perfect for preschool and little hands to open!
OmieBox
Leak-proof lunchbox with a built-in insulated food jar to keep hot and cold foods separate. Perfect for sending soup, pasta, or fresh fruit in one container.
Note: its larger size means it won’t fit in most standard lunch bags.
Stainless steel, eco-friendly, and lasts for years.
Lunch Box Accessories + Extras
This is incredibly easy to open! Wide-mouth, leak-proof stainless steel food jar keeps meals hot or cold for hours. Perfect for kids’ soups, pasta, or snacks at school or on the go.
Reusable, leak-proof cups for dressings, dips, and small snacks—perfect for lunch boxes.
Slim, colorful ice packs keep lunches cold for hours, with lots of fun styles to choose from.
Cute, reusable picks make fruits, veggies, and snacks more fun—perfect for bento boxes and picky eaters.
Amazon
Make lunchtime a joyride with these fun truck, car, and boat food picks—perfect for little vehicle lovers. A playful way to encourage kids to try new foods and add excitement to every bite.
Amazon
Perfect for picky eaters and lunchbox fun, these adorable animal food picks turn mealtime into playtime. A simple, mess-free way to encourage kids to try new foods and enjoy every bite.
Weather-Ready Gear for Every Season
Whether it’s a rainy drop-off or a snowy walk home, having weather-ready gear on hand makes mornings smoother (and drier). These pieces keep kids comfortable, dry, and ready to play, whatever Chicago weather decides to do.
Rain Jacket
Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to pack make sure to look for one with a hood and soft lining for comfort.
Simple, solid colors and fully waterproof with a soft interior.
Classic, durable, and comes in adorable prints your child will love.
Rain Boots
Puddle-jumping approved. Choose boots with easy pull handles and non-slip soles.
Lightweight, flexible, and available in tons of fun patterns with easy to pull on handles perfect for toddlers.
Lightweight, flexible, and available in tons of fun patterns.
Toddler Umbrella
Small hands deserve an umbrella they can actually hold. Look for ones with rounded edges and easy-open handles.
Adorable designs and the perfect size for preschoolers.
Keeps faces dry and light enough for them to hold.
Winter Gear Essentials
Keep them warm from head to toe with cozy, insulated layers—think two-piece snow sets for boys and girls, stand-alone snow bibs, and winter jackets that are waterproof, windproof, and playground-ready all season long.
Personalized Label Stickers
Water-resistant name labels for everything from backpacks, bottles, sweaters. Help gear find its way home.
Dishwasher- and laundry-safe.
Cute designs with fast turnaround.
Reusable silicone labels for bottles.
Fun Daily Extras
Whether it’s motivational lunchbox notes or a plush keychain to comfort them at school—small touches go a long way.
Why We Love These Picks
Easy for parents — less mess, more organized school days.
Kid-approved — colors, textures, and smart features make gear fun.
Built to last — from playground tumbles to snack spills, these items keep up.
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming especially when you’re just stocking up for Pre-K and early grades. With these thoughtful, functional picks, you’re giving your kids gear they’ll feel confident and excited to use. Here’s to an easy, joyful school year!
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend and help make their back-to-school prep a little easier too.
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