Head Back to School in Style with Pottery Barn Kids

 

It’s almost that time!   It definitely feels like we just wrapped up the school year but school supplies are filling the shelves, uniform styles are stocked and teacher assignments are just a few weeks away.  Back to School is happening!

 

After a summer of fun, it can be challenging to get the kids excited for alarm clocks, uniforms and homework.  I’m excited to share some of my favorite ways to get kids prepped and eager for the new year ahead.

 

Choosing the perfect backpack 

Picking out backpacks and lunch boxes can be a tough decision!  The options are endless and it can feel like a huge commitment for kids.  I know my son takes forever to make a decision!

*Turn the process into a game.  Remember those old paper folding games you’d create and then play using your thumbs?  Grab some scissors, paper and crayons and teach the kids to make them!

 

Fill out the insides with their favorite colors, animals, activities and toys.  Play with a friend and make selecting a backpack a breeze!

 

 

My favorite place to find great backpacks is Pottery Barn Kids.  Their gear is made top quality and the designs are always fun.  It’s a safe place to let your kids pick out “whatever they want” and know they won’t come back with something you dislike.

 

 

 

*Be sure to select the correct size backpack based on their stage and age.  From a pre-k size to hold snacks, a change of clothes and a favorite toy to a rolling backpack to carry several books, lunch and a water bottle, there’s a fit for everyone!

 

 

*Give new gear a test run.  Have the kids pre-pack their school bags and take a spin around the block.  Make sure they fit comfortably and can easily put on/remove the gear without issues.

 

 

Packing a great lunch 

*Get kids in the mood for lunch!  Pottery Barn Kids has a gigantic selection of stylish, reusable lunch bags designed to insulate to keep food fresh.  Let kids choose a style to coordinate their backpack or a different design for a mix-and-match look.

 

*Make lunch packing fun!  Use sandwich cutters to create shapes for a lunch box filled with unique fruit and sandwiches shapes!  Kids will love their sandwiches shaped into hearts, footballs, trains or kitty cats. If you’re lucky, the kids may even want to help!

 

 

*Use bento boxes to pack delicious food and reduce waste.  Made of stainless steel, the durable containers are a hold-everything box.  Get creative with fruits, veggies and cheeses.  Kids love to eat colorful foods with different textures.

 

 

 

*Think outside the box when it comes to the main course.  My mind typically falls for a sandwich, though the lunch ideas are endless.  Grab a Hot and Cold Container and start packing! They’re perfect for sending last nights dinner or a homemade favorite to school.  Think soups, salads, yogurt parfaits, veggie sticks, pasta, mac and cheese and more!  The vacuum insulation keeps food hot for five hours or cold for seven hours.

 

 

*Leave kids a special note in their lunch to remind them you’re thinking of them throughout the day.  This is especially helpful for first week of school jitters!

As my kids have gotten a little older, I like to include a “question of the day” in their lunch to ask friends around the lunch table.  Ask silly questions like “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor” or “If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?” I love the idea of kids engaging in thoughtful yet silly conversation at lunch time.

 

 

 

 

Capture the excitement

*Capture the iconic first day of school picture.  There’s nothing more fun than putting a first day and a last day of school picture side by side to see the growth.

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*Capture the process of the first day of school.   Little hands packing school supplies into their new backpacks and outfits laid out near the bed.  It’ll be interesting to see how the supply list and fashion trends change over the years.

 

*Grab a snapshot of best friends rekindling after a long summer apart or the combination of kids together at the same bus stop or crosswalk.  These are sweet photos to look back on.

 

 

I hope these tips and ideas were helpful in preparing your littles for another school year!  What are your favorite ways to prep for school?

 

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THIS IS A SPONSORED POST. JENNY COOKIES HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT, TRADE AND/OR PRODUCTS FROM POTTERY BARN KIDS IN EXCHANGE FOR PROMOTING, HOWEVER ALL OPINIONS STATED ARE MY OWN AND I ONLY PROMOTE PRODUCTS/COMPANIES I LOVE.

Photography by Kelly Clare Photography