The uniforms are bought, the pencil cases are packed, and the school bags are looking sharp. You’d think that means you’re ready for the new term… right? But the first week or two of school always has a funny way of revealing the things we didn’t realise we’d need — or the things that have already gone missing. For example, my son just announced he needs to take a ‘wired mouse’… do they even exist anymore?!
So here’s my list of “back to school extras” that might just save your sanity:
1. Name Labels (and More Name Labels!)
Jumpers, water bottles, even shoes have a mysterious way of disappearing in the first fortnight of term. Sticking your child’s name on everything is the best defence. You’ll thank yourself when the lost property pile starts to grow. I’ve accepted I’ll need stick on labels for water bottles – but given the kids really do grow fast – I also love these Easy Tags… EasyTags – Clip-on Name Tags – EASY2NAME, Reusable Innovative Labelling System with Laser Etched Name Tags. : Amazon.co.uk: Stationery & Office Supplies
2. Spare Water Bottles
No matter how sturdy, bottles get lost, leak, or end up rolling around the playground. Having a couple of backups at home means no panic on a Tuesday morning when yesterday’s bottle has vanished. Finding one that DOES NOT LEAK is a must and after a lot of trial and error, we do love these Ion8 ones! I’ve bought the purple unicorn one for my niece starting school – Ion8 Kids Water Bottles, BPA Free, Leakproof, Dishwasher Safe, Easy Open, Secure Lock, Small Boys & Girls Water Bottle,Kids Drinks Bottle for Spill-free Drinking, Purple, Unicorns, 350ml/12oz : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors
3. Indoor Shoes / Gym Shoes
Many Edinburgh schools ask for a pair of indoor shoes or light gym shoes to leave in the classroom. If you didn’t get the memo, this is often a last-minute dash. When they’re older they generally just wear trainers but I do love the old school vibes of traditional plimsols! I found my two preferred the ones that can velcro across as they feel slightly more snug – Clarks Hopper Run Kid Textile Plimsolls, Black, 2.5 UK (35 EU): Amazon.co.uk: Fashion
4. Hair Ties, Clips, and Headbands
For kids with longer hair, having spares tucked into bags or pockets is essential. Somehow they disappear faster than socks in the wash. For fine hair, particularly for younger ones, I found that scrunchies tended to stay in better and were somehow lost less. With the added bonus of having multiple colours available to find one that works with the uniform! Gingham Hair Scrunchies – Pack of 3 | Starting School | Checked Pattern | Back to School Hair Ties for Girls & Women | Red, Blue, Peach, Yellow & Green Options (Red, One Size) : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty
5. Lunchbox Essentials
The lunchbox kit always needs topping up — spare ice packs, reusable cutlery, and leakproof snack pots are the things parents forget until the first yoghurt explosion. We’re long-term Yum Box and Monbento fans – the ones we have are still going strong after a number of years. Although the kids are now requesting bigger (grown up) portions, these are still used regularly for snacks etc.
6. Stationery Replacements
That shiny pencil case? Already missing a pencil sharpener or ruler. Stocking up on extras avoids late-night panics. Honestly? The big stuff might be sorted, but it’s often the little extras that make those first weeks back at school run smoothly. A few backups and spares on hand can save a surprising amount of stress. I buy these Maths sets in packs of two at the start of every school year – Helix Oxford Maths Set with Storage Tin – 10 Piece Maths Equipment Set : Amazon.co.uk: Everything Else – and having a back up has always come in handy.
