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Back-to-school always seems to sneak up on us. Some years I’m organized early; other years I’m hanging onto every last bit of summer and wondering how September got here so fast.
After years of back-to-school shopping for three kids, I’ve learned it’s less about shopping early and more about shopping smart and Walmart+ has been a bit of a game changer. Being able to get those last-minute essentials delivered makes that never-ending back-to-school list so much easier.
Focus on what they’ll actually use, what makes life easier and, whenever possible, get it all in one place. Here are a few of my Walmart picks to take some of the stress out of September.
My go-to for school lunches is a bento box. The Mainstays Kids Bento Lunch Box makes it easy to pack a little bit of everything, because some days, there’s nothing more devastating than discovering your cucumber has touched your cheese. Parents, we’ve all been there.
One thing I’ve learned after years of back-to-school: stock the homework drawer now. A few extra Hilroy notebooks, Crayola coloured pencils and Sharpie markers can save you from that dreaded 9 p.m. “I need it for tomorrow!” announcement.
A bright, practical addition to any school-supply list, this 24-pack of Crayola coloured pencils comes with presharpened tips and durable, soft cores that are ready for homework, projects and creative time.
A back-to-school staple with a playful twist, this Sharpie set features a special Toy Story design and a fun assortment of colours. The fine-tip markers dry quickly and deliver bold, long-lasting marks on a variety of surfaces.
And finally, a backpack they actually want to carry. I love the Heys backpack and matching lunch bag set. My tip? This is one time when it really doesn’t matter what we like; let them pick what they love. If they’re excited to grab it, that’s one less battle getting out the door in the morning!
Make school mornings a little easier with this Spider-man backpack and matching lunch bag. The spacious main compartment has plenty of room for school-day essentials, while padded shoulder straps keep things comfortable for little shoulders. The detachable lunch bag clips neatly onto the backpack for easy carrying.
My back-to-school fashion rule has always been simple: start with pieces they’ll actually wear. George graphic tees are an easy and affordable way to let kids show a little personality, and they’re perfect for layering as we move into fall.
A cute and easy everyday tee for school days, this 100 per cent cotton style features a playful “Blooming everyday” graphic and a classic crew neckline. The relaxed drop shoulders and breathable jersey fabric make it an easy choice for school days.
Add a little personality to his school-day wardrobe with this fun graphic tee. The “New day, new adventure” design brings a playful touch to an everyday staple that can easily be paired with jeans, shorts or joggers.
For the little car enthusiast, this racecar graphic tee is an easy win. The playful design adds a fun touch to his back-to-school wardrobe while keeping the look casual enough for everyday wear.
And never underestimate a fresh pair of sneakers for the first day. Avia athletic sneakers are a great choice for that all-important pair of indoor shoes that stays at school, ready for the classroom, gym and everything in between.
Let’s be honest, tech is basically a school supply now. The Dell 14-inch touchscreen laptop has the screen space for homework, research and those 47 tabs they somehow need open at once. It’s a great investment designed to take them through this school year and well beyond.
My tip: don’t forget the headphones. Beats Solo 4 headphones are perfect for studying, online classes, or simply tuning everything else out when it’s time to focus.
A new school year is a great time to get them into a simple skincare routine. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an easy everyday step. Wash off the day without turning skincare into a 12-step production.
And speaking of everyday essentials, these Nutrius hand sanitizer sprays are small, colourful and easy to toss into a backpack. They may be our best chance of keeping the school germs at school, and when hand sanitizer looks this cute, I’m taking every advantage I can get!
The Keurig K-Express Essentials is compact, easy to use and perfect for that first coffee before an early class. And I love that there’s a give-back attached: for every K-Express Essentials coffee maker purchased at Walmart, Keurig Canada will donate $5 to support food security programs with the Canadian Red Cross.
A bed-in-a-bag is one of my favourite dorm-room shortcuts. The Mainstays set gives you the comforter and sheets all together. One purchase, one bag and one less thing to think about on move-in day.
My tip: look for pieces that do double duty. A vintage-inspired Levi Strauss Signature denim shirt can be worn open over a tee, buttoned up on its own, or even tied around the waist. One piece, lots of looks.
And the Mainstays desk is a personal favourite. I own three of them! It’s compact, cool, functional and such a great price. Perfect for an off-campus student apartment or for creating a dedicated study corner in your child’s bedroom at home.
Whether you’re the parent who had the list checked off in July or you’re still hanging onto every last minute of summer, back-to-school doesn’t have to be stressful. Shop smart, stick to what they’ll actually use and remember, you’ve got this. September always comes together somehow!
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