DoSayGive’s Back to School Checklist!!

I’ve created a fabulous back-to-checklist that can be shopped entirely online (mostly with free shipping!). I want to save you moms out there time, money, and maybe even a few errands so you can enjoy these last few weeks (or days) of summer! (There are sure to be some items you haven’t thought of, too, like this “Getting to Know You” printable for teachers -see below for $2 off!)

I. Back to School Clothes/Uniforms:

The are all online only deals!!

• Target 30% off Kids backpacks and clothing essentials.
• Gap – 35% off purchase with code STYLE. (They also have uniforms)
• Old Navy – 25% off $75 purchase with code ENJOY.
• Hanna Andersson – Back to School Savings up to 40% off!

II. New Shoes and Fresh Socks

Every child needs new sneakers  (and maybe saddle oxfords for uniform schools!) at the start of the school year. Nordstrom and Zappos are the absolute best place to get shoes because they have free shipping and returns. Save yourself time (and meltdowns!) in the shoe department and order several sizes and just ship back (for free!) the ones you don’t need. Amazon Prime members also get 20% off right now on select brands (New Balance, Native Jeffersons, etc.) Must be logged into Prime account to get discount.

 

 

Tip: Several years ago my friend, Nicole, bought a shoe store measuring thing (not sure what it is called!) and she said it has saved her so many trips to the shoe store. She just measures her her children’s feet and orders online! Get a plastic measure here ($19.99) or the real deal ($54.99) here.

Oh and don’t forget to get them new socks. All these ship free:

 

III. Backpack and Lunchbox

I did an entire post on backpacks, but here are some favorites:

 

IV. Lunchbox Essentials:

Below are my favorite reusable lunchbox essentials. We have PB Kids lunch boxes and these leak-proof Bento lunch boxes fit snuggly in them. And these sweat-free ice packs are my favorite.

Here are some more lunchbox faves on Amazon that ship free with PRIME:

 

By the way, I really like the lunch ideas from the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook – makes a great gift this time of year – solo or in a gift basket with food storage essentials. (See the gift crate I did last year here).

VI. Water Bottles

Water bottles are my nemesis! Someone told me about Under Armour water bottles ($16.99) They are leakproof and the vacuum insulated bottles stay cold all day (although they are more pricey at $26-31 but I am told are worth the price!). I got one for my nephew and my sister said her three boys fights over who gets to use it! So I think I am going to order one for my daughter in pink. These are all on Amazon and ship free with Prime:

 

 

 Sale Alert! Right now at Target if you buy two Contigo water bottles you save 15% off and if you buy 3 water bottles, you save 25%! With free shipping- no minimum!). This again is an online only deal – it pays to shop online, and it is sooo much easier! And some of their Camelback bottles are marked down, too:

 

 

And I like the Pottery Barn Kids water bottles for my toddlers and they all ship free right now, too!

VII. Backpack/Lunchbox Tags

My daughter has some darling monogrammed plastic luggage tags from Southern Stationery! Lots of colors and graphics to choose from. Also, find lots on Etsy:

 

 

IX. Waterproof Labels

Right now Minted is having 15% off Back to Essentials with code SCHOOL15 (update: code expired!) and this includes their new waterproof/dishwasher safe labels. (They are only $12 per sheet to begin with!) Here is a sampling:

 

We have some adorable Southern Stationery labels and I have had great luck Mabel’s Labels and their write on ones below are great if you have multiple children or need to have flexibility in what you write.

TIp: Minted’s coupon code is also good for stationery so if you need to refill your child’s stash of thank you notes, take advantage of the deal!

IX. Locker Accessories

If your child has a locker, it is a big deal to have accessories. (At least for girls!)  The Container Store has some really cute ones.

 

 

If you have Amazon Prime, many locker accessories ship free – see them here.

X. Rain Coats and Rain Boots

I have three girls so we pass down a lot of stuff in our family. I have to say, the Hartstrings Rain Coats have lasted longer than other thing we’ve owned. So cute for girls and so durable! I always buy big so they can wear two seasons. The sizing starts at 2T and goes to a size 14! See all of them here.

For boys, I found three amazing sales on The North Face and Columbia rain coats with Free 3-Day Shipping. Many colors to choose fem in each style:

 

 

Also, Lands End girls’ and boys’ rain coats are great because they are “packable” in their backpacks. Right now get 30% off with code DESK.

XI. School Supplies

I am sure your child’s teacher will give a list of what he/she needs for school. Save time and shop online at Target because you get a $5 gift card with $25 school supplies purchase and free shipping (no minimum!).If you have PRIME you can shop at Amazon!

Don’t forget to stock up on homework essentials including pencils, colored pencils, glue, pencil sharpener, highlighters, scissors, hole punch, printer paper, printer ink, and you know I love this bookmark timer for reading.

XII. Grooming Essentials

Time to get those bathroom drawers full of what they need in the morning: We use the Wet Brush, Detangler, Hair Bands, etc. Etsy has a ton of hair bows, but linking some below.

 

 

XIII. First Day of School Signs

These have become super popular over the past few years. I scribble my own last minute but here are some darling ones from Etsy.

XIV. Last But Not Least: Something for The Teachers!

You know I have to encourage something thoughtful for your child’s teacher! This darling customized label from Love Lucy is the perfect thing to stick on a bag of muffins, treats, even a bag of apples for your child to bring on the first day of school. You can get two unique label printable (great if you have two children!) for $6.00. Update: I did one for my daughter to give to her teacher and one from my husband and I to put on a little back to school gift.

Also, Love Lucy is giving $2.00 Off this precious “Getting to Know You printable with code dosaygive2. Print at home and stick in your child’s backpack!

Hope my Back to School Checklist helped save you some time and thought! If you are a visual person, click here to see all these products in one place.

And don’t forget those hair cuts – make your appointments so you don’t have to wait!

Later this week I will be doing a Back to School Checklist for Moms! Make sure you are on my email list (sign up here) because it’s gong to be great!!

 

 

 

Sources:

Back to School Dress Embroidered in Child’s HandWriting by Kaleidoscope in Memphis, TN.