Back-to-School Guide
Or Back-to-Routine!
It’s that time again - back to school! How did it come so quickly?! Here are all of our favorites to start your school year off on the right foot! We’ve got you covered with toddler and preschool tools recommended by a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, supportive shoes curated by our Physical Therapist on the team, cups and lunchtime necessities from our Feeding Specialists, healthy snack options that are Pediatric Dietitian approved, and lots more. Whether your little one is starting daycare, childcare, preschool, or staying home with you - there’s something here to help them learn, grow, and thrive this year!
Fiskars Starter Scissors: These scissors are perfect beginner scissors because they spring open all by themselves. Have your toddler work on using two hands - one to hold the paper, and the other to hold the scissors, align them to the paper, and squeeze them shut to make a cut. (Pro tip: smaller, firm sheets of paper [like construction paper] are easier to hold and manipulate!)
Honeysticks Beeswax Crayons: These short and stocky crayons are perfect (and safe) for toddlers’ emerging pencil grasp. Have your toddler practice making scribbles and lines on the paper. (p.s. - it’s okay if they switch between hands, they are exploring!)
Dot Markers Activity Set: A favorite! Dot Markers are a great way to practice holding writing utensils while keeping the activity short and sweet. Practice making dots inside the lines of the different pictures.
Reusable Sticker Books: Perfect on-the-go activity for increasing fine motor strength and coordination. Practice peeling and placing the stickers on the different scenes, then ask your little one to tell you a story about their picture.
Wooden Lacing Threading Toys: These long, wooden beads help to increase success with lacing. Great for working on bilateral coordination (using 2 hands together) and an easy activity to keep in the diaper bag!
Water Wow!: Another favorite no-mess activity! Just fill the pen up with water and let your little one color all over the pages, let dry, and repeat! Use the ‘seek-and-finds’ on each page to help work on visual attention after coloring the pages.
Doodle Mat: Another mess-free activity! Use water and water pens to work on scribbling, coloring, tracing, and stamping. This mat comes with all of the perfect tools to grow with your little one.
Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog: Take a break from writing/coloring and work on pencil grasp strength and coordination without a marker/crayon/pencil. Add some following directions by asking your little one to “find all the red ones” then purple, then green, etc.
Stacking and Lacing Pegboard: Work on stacking, lacing, and color matching with the multi-use peg board. Make like colored towers, lace blocks onto string, count blocks, and sort shapes. So many great learning opportunities!
Sitcker Wow!: Use the stamp tool to work on aligning circle stamps into the circle outlines, as well as increase pencil grip strength and coordination.
Visual Schedule: This visual schedule is perfect for laying out expectations for the morning, evening, or whole day and increasing independence. Have your little one help you create the schedule so they are aware of what is to come, then move items to the “all done” side after completion.
Scissor Skills Activity Book: Interactive activity pages are perfect for increasing independence with scissor skills. Start with pictures that have straight lines, then move to ones with more circles as your little one gets better at using and manipulating scissors.
Easy Grip Crayons: Jumbo crayons are great for preschoolers who are working on tracing and coloring in the lines (not perfectly though!). Encourage your little one to use their fingertips to hold the crayon instead of their whole hand. (p.s. - it’s okay if it is a little awkward for them as they are figuring it out)
Visual Timer: This visual timer is great for letting your little one know how long they have left to complete a task. Whether it’s a preschool activity, play break, or how long until bedtime, visually seeing the time pass lets them prepare for the transition to come.
Sticker Activity Book: This activity book is filled with great activities for preschoolers. Through shape matching, color sorting, alphabet recognition, counting, more, your preschoolers will enjoy this hands-on version of learning!
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Daily Calendar: Use this interactive calendar to talk about months, days of the week, seasons, feelings, and more as you help your little one begin their day. After using the calendar in the morning, remember to ask them throughout the day about what day of the week it is, what month it is, etc. and help them navigate the daily calendar to help them remember the answers to your questions.
Tracing Practice Book: This book is filled with various tracing, counting, writing, and educational games. The best part?! You can wipe the pages clean when you are done and use them all again and again.
Dinosaur Matching, Counting, Sorting Activity: Help your little one increase fine motor skills while engaging in hands-on learning. Work on color sorting and counting as you use the tweezers to pick up, move, and release dinosaurs into their corresponding colored bowl.
Kid-Safe Training Scissors: The best scissors! These scissors are my favorite because you can lower the yellow bar to turn them into spring scissors (teaching scissors that open automatically) or close the bar to use them as traditional scissors.
Water Drop Shaped Crayons: These small, water drop shaped crayons are a great tool to help your little one start to use a more refined pencil grasp. Smaller writing or coloring items help our fingers engage in more of the work instead of our whole hands. Practice coloring inside the lines with these new tools!
The Thermos Funtainer: This is my favorite travel cup for littles 10 months and older since it’s very easy to open and shut and the straw is skinnier, so not as much liquid can be sucked through! It also comes in lots of sizes and colors so if your little one likes it, you have options for a long while! Great for water and milk!
The Lollaland Weighted Straw Cup: This cup is my favorite weighted straw because it does not have a valve. A valve is a piece of material in the straw itself that is a spill proof feature BUT it requires babies to suck extremely hard to get liquid out, since a lot of force is needed to get the valve open. This cup is not 100% spill proof when the top is down, but when the top is pulled over and the straw is pinched down instead, it is. The handles are also removable so it easily fits in the side pocket of a diaper bag for travel! This is one of my favorite cups for milk since it’s easiest to clean and there aren’t a lot of nooks and crannies.
The Num Num Spill Proof Cup: This cup has a free-flowing straw and is decently spill proof, making it a great choice from an oral motor perspective! Valveless straws are the best as they don’t restrict water flow and baby doesn’t have to put their jaw in an atypical position to drink (like biting or using excessive force). Love this one for travel, and the handles are great! Great for water and milk!
The Grosmimi Cup: This cup is all the rage on social media. It DOES have a small valve at the top of the straw, but since the silicone is very thin and the valve is easily movable when you take a sip of water, it does NOT impact baby’s oral positioning. It doesn’t require a forceful suck or an atypical mouth posture to suck from. The cap makes it super spill proof in the diaper bag, and if your little one drops it, the thin valve helps liquid not seep out. The design is also decent for milk as there aren’t too many nooks and crannies to clean out! A good cup to transition to milk!
Owala Straw Cup: This stainless steel cup also has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 18 months- 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
The Dr. Brown’s Milestones Cup: This is NOT my favorite cup for baby, but it’s a very cost effective option, so I like to include it. It has a valve under the lid, so making sure that the straw is not too tightly suctioned to the lid is key! If the lid is pulled through the top too tightly, it is very hard to suck from, so try to loosen if you’re noticing that it’s hard! It’s pretty spill-proof and for only $6 it’s a decent choice! I’d use for about 6 months and older.
Zak Straw Cup: This stainless steel cup also has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 18 months- 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
The Klean Kanteen Straw Cup: My new favorite stainless steel and silicone cup for older toddlers! The cap twists to close making it spill proof and the design is easy to clean. It requires some good fine motor skills for littles to open and close by themselves so it’s best for about 2.5 years and older. It’s also 12 ounces so a good cup for toddlers and preschoolers who drink lots of water throughout the day! Sometimes the smaller bottles just aren’t enough.
Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle: I recommend this more for preschool-aged littles because of its hard straw. Hard straws are NOT recommended for little ones because of the mouth injury risk. Babies and toddlers are constantly walking around with cups and sometimes letting them hang from their mouths OR walking and running while drinking. They get distracted! That being said, Alicia’s preschooler loves his and they come in great colors and designs!
Munchkin Cool Cat: This stainless steel cup has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
The Tommee Tippee Straw Cup: I like this cup for toddlers especially because it has a short straw and when locked down is spill-proof! It is made of plastic and has a small valve, but drinking is not forceful. It’s a very cost-effective option!
Bentgo Chill: Alicia’s boys use these all the time while on-the-go! This bento box seals really well when you close it, making it leak-proof and keeping foods totally separated. The boys have so much fun finding out what food is in their “box” when they open it. We also love the built-in ice pack!
Skip Hop Formula-to-Food: This handy food container has 3 containers that you can use separately or together. When your little one is younger, measure out formula - but as they get older, use it for dry snacks! Easily fits in a diaper bag or cupholder.
Thermos Funtainer Food Jar: You know I love the Thermos Funtainer for drinks, and this one is great for keeping food insulated when you’re on-the-go! Leakproof and comes with a cute folding spoon.
Weesprout Bento Box: This stainless steel bento box is adorable and great for your little one to pack their meal and snacks. The outer silicone makes them easy to hold, so these are perfect for daycare, a picnic, or even just for eating at home!
Weesprout Snack Containers: A great option to hold snacks & I love that it’s silicone! Easy to clean too as no little compartments that trap food.
Snack Spinner: This one is so much fun for travel and even for daily use! It’s a great way to offer choices for your toddler and take foods on the go. If your little one is in a food rut, try to spice it up with a snack spinner- a little change can really help!
LunchBot Stainless Sandwich Container: 100% stainless steel and the perfect size for a sandwich. Ditch the plastic bags and use this instead!
Weesprout Glass Storage: These are a good for packing snacks or applesauce/yogurt! They’re safe in the dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and freezer!
Stasher Bags: These are fun and functional for snacks and meals on-the-go. Made of silicone, they wash super well and are very durable.
Stainless Steel Snack Containers: A great little set of containers for smaller snacks like nuts, berries, or dips. Each holds one cup of food.
Golden Farms Fruit Sauces: These organic pouches contain only ONE ingredient- whatever fruit flavor you pick! Great for introducing foods for the first time and taking on the go for a sweet snack with no added sugars.
Emmy’s Organics Cookies: Soft and a little crumbly, Emmy’s cookies are so yummy! You only need to eat 1-2 since they are dense! The variety pack is sweetened with organic coconut or agave syrup. Note: The Chocolate Chip flavor has organic cane sugar in the chocolate chips, but that is the only flavor that has a hint of added sugar!
Mission Meats Kids Beef Sticks: This small business makes grass-fed beef sticks for kids with mild seasoning! Because of the toughness of beef sticks, I recommend offering to littles 3+.
That’s It Fruit Bars: Made with ONLY fruit- just two ingredients- these bars are great to have on hand. For new chewers, offer small pieces for them to pinch and chew. The Mango Apple flavor is the squishiest!
Bear Fruit Rolls: The same ingredients as the Minis, just in a fun fruit roll up style! They come with a cool collectible card that your toddler will find enjoyable!
Whole Foods Organic Applesauce Pouches: If you’re looking for an unsweetened organic applesauce- this one is my pick!
Archer Grass-Fed Beef Sticks: Another grass-fed beef stick that we love! The miniature size is great for toddlers (you can cut up the beef stick into half circles and supervise!)
Dino Bars: These bars are gluten-free and vegan with no added sugar. They are wrapped in a paper-like texture that’s made of potato starch and olive oil to keep all the soft ingredients together. These organic bars are great for toddlers!
Gimme Seaweed Snacks: These are a guilty pleasure of mine! Made with avocado oil, these seaweed snacks melt in the mouth! Offer to baby once they can chew, and this may be the snack that helps get your little one to eat things that are green!
Skout Bar - Fruit Variety Pack: These are a staple in pretty much every EPS team member’s home. Only 7 ingredients or less, gluten free, vegan, and sweetened with dates, these organic bars are soft, yummy and packed with nutrients.
Bare Baked Apples: A wholesome snack with one ingredient? Yes, please! Jenna’s 3-year old loves these. Alicia’s boys do, too! They’re really crunchy and sweet.
Solely Organic Fruit Gummies: These gummies have just two ingredients and are so delicious! No added sugar. Pop them in the fridge for a nice cool snack.
Stride-Rite First Walker: A great shoe for the first walker with a wider toe base and a removable insole for more customization. Stride-Rite is a really good brand that makes good quality shoes. They’re also machine-washable!
Stride-Rite Soft Motion First Walker: This is another great option for a first walker and offer good breathability for warmer temps. There’s a large opening making them easy to get on and off of baby!
Robeez First Kicks Sneakers - boy & girl styles: They’re flexible with a wide base and come in sneaker styles and dressier options!
See Kai Run Ryder II Sneakers: These shoes have a great flexible base and a wide toe! The strap is easy to pull off and put on, so great for littles working on independence. Sizing from little toddler to big kid, so great for first walkers and beyond!
New Balance Sneaker: New Balance is known for their wider toed shoes! One wide velcro strap makes for easy on/off and motivates your toddler/preschooler to do it themselves!
WHITIN Barefoot Sneaker: Great wide toe and easy straps for on and off. Under $30 so a great cost effective option. Jenna and I both have for our boys!
Oshkosh Martin Sandal - boys & girls: Jenna had this sandal for John and he wore them for over a year. They have a good grip on the bottom, stay on well, and wear well, too!
Keen Closed Toe Water Sandals: Alicia’s son Blake wears these, and the quality is great! They keep his feet cool but are also super durable and great for running around. Machine washable, too! Everyone we know who has this brand loves it.
Hobibear Sandals: My son, Paul & Jenna’s son John both have these sandals. We love the durability and support they provide! Really affordable, too.
Lelsfit Barefoot Shoes: Come with elastic ankle support with an option to tie. Affordable price, and better toe coverage than some other shoes!
Felix & Flora Mary Janes: A good dressy shoes for girls! Flexible but sturdy, minimal heel lift, and a wide toe box for the win.
Simple Joys by Carter’s Boots: A lower price point, and a slightly firmer sole than others, these offer stretchy laces and velcro. Multiple colors and styles to choose from.
Merrell Hiking Sneaker: These sneakers are designed for hiking so the grip is GREAT. If you walk trails or hike with littles, these would be awesome. They’re also great for climbing and jungle gyms.
Name Stamp: These come in fun styles and icons to personalize it with your child’s name and can be used to stamp the inside of clothing, paint smocks, etc.
Sharpie Fabric Marker: Uses a fine point, great for writing on fabric, and even things like hats!
Fabric Labels: Another option for labeling items to send to daycare, etc. These don’t require an iron and can be used on fabric or other smooth surfaces. All you need is a permanent marker!
Personalized Daycare Name Labels: You get 130 labels for under $10 to use on things like clothing, backpacks, water bottles, utensils, and even the tags on “comfort items” like loveys! Super cute, too!
Food Container Labels: These are great for labeling foods you pack with the item, date, and a name. Use rubbing alcohol to reuse the labels again and again.
Urban Infant Personalized Nap Mat: This small business has great reviews and these nap mats are so cute! These are made to be the size of a standard cot used in childcare settings and come in fun patterns!
Silicone Name Band for Bottles: Such a good idea - personalize a silicone band to stretch around your child’s baby bottle or water bottle. They can grow with your little one! A pack of 4 is under $20 and fits most standard bottles, cups, etc.
Personalized Blanket: We researched and found that some childcare facilities do allow children to bring blankets for nap time, so this is a fun item to personalize! Choose your color and font style - this would also make for a cute keepsake!
Urban Infant Toddler Backpack: This company has great reviews, and we love that this is made by a small business! It has a side compartment that fits rolled up artwork - genius.
Dibsies Personalized Backpack: Another backpack option with great reviews that also has matching lunchboxes to go with it!
PackIt Playtime Lunch Box: Pop the whole lunch box in the freezer because it has built-in ice packs that keep food cold for longer! Made with nontoxic materials, too. So cute!
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag: No ice packs needed, just flatten this lunch bag and pop it in the freezer. These are a game changer for keeping things colder for longer!
FlowFly Double Decker Lunch Box: This one has great reviews! We like that it has an upper and lower chamber, making it easier to keep some items cold and others more room temp. This can be helpful for some littles who have sensory sensitivities.
Skip Hop Backpack: This backpack available in two different sizes, allowing you to choose the right size for your kiddo’s needs!
Itzy Ritzy Toddler Backpack: This backpack is the perfect size for toddlers and features two side pockets for drinks and a front zipper pocket to quickly access items. Alicia owns lots of Itzy Ritzy products and love how they’ve held up over 3+ years!
Bentgo Backpack: This bag is good for older toddlers and also has a loop to hold a Bentgo lunchbox.
Urban Infant Lunch Box: This lunch box is bento-friendly and also has a clear pocket with allergy alert cards, making it perfect for daycare. This item also is from a small business and matches the Urban Infant backpacks in the Personalized section of this guide!
Simple Modern Toddler Backpack: Alicia owns other Simple Modern products, and the quality is always great for such a reasonable price point. They have the cutest patterns, and I love that you can get other items from them in matching patterns!
Bentgo Kids Lunch Bag: These come in lots of fun colors and prints for kids and can accommodate lunch and snacks! It’s the perfect size for bento boxes.
Simple Modern Lunch Box: These have excellent reviews and match the Simple Modern backpacks perfectly. Fun prints to choose from as well! Simple Modern also gives 10% of their profits to nonprofits which is awesome.
Oliver West, It’s Time to Get Dressed!: Oliver West doesn’t want to get dressed! He’s woken up, eaten his breakfast, and done other morning routines - but still has his pajamas on.
Let’s Get Dressed: A sweet and simple book for littles about getting dressed and ready for the day!
All By Myself: Little Critter can do so many things all by himself! A book about independence that also touches on the routines of the day.
Bye-Bye Time: This book uses simple language to explain drop-off (bye bye time). It’s not forever, and “hello again” will be coming soon. Great for preparing your little for any type of drop-off and helping them learn what to expect.
Magnetic Daily Visual Schedule: This is a magnetic board that has 72 different magnets to lay out parts of the morning and evening routines. It also comes with stars to use for rewarding behaviors. This can definitely grow with your child!
Melissa & Doug Responsibility Chart: A magnetic chart with visuals for different responsibilities and chores like: brushing teeth, putting clothes on, getting a bath, making bed, etc. And stars to reward behavior, too. Another chart that can grow with your child as they develop more independence and ability to contribute to the household!
Velcro Visual Schedule: Jenna bought this for her son. It helps him follow along with the day’s events! It’s good quality and the visual symbols on each card are easy to understand. It includes 35 visual symbols including hygiene routines, different types of errands, and fun outings like going to the park and playing with friends.
Morning & Bedtime Routines Chart: This is from the same company as the velcro visual schedule and comes with more symbols specific to morning and bedtime routines and additional velcro boards.
Weekly Planning Pad: Jenna has something similar to this on her kitchen counter and loves it! You can see the whole week ahead of you and highlight activities, meetings, appointments, etc. There’s something about putting pen to paper and checking things off a list!
Acrylic Dry-Erase Calendar: This acrylic monthly calendar and memo board is sleek and has great reviews. Make the refrigerator your command center so the whole family knows what’s happening.
Magnetic Monthly/Weekly Planner: Another great solution to stay organized and make routines easier! This 3-pack comes with monthly, weekly, and daily dry-erase whiteboards for the fridge and is really affordable!
For more of my favorites for littles, check out my Amazon Storefront! I have favorite toys, books, feeding utensils, and more - all organized!
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