Fall Must-Haves for Kids

With the summer gone and fall in the air, it’s time to stock up on the essentials for the new school year and the cold weather months. Here are a few items you want to make sure you have on your shopping list.

Backpacks and Lunch Totes 

Backpacks are something that every child needs to carry their books and supplies back and forth between home and school. With so many different shapes, sizes, colors, and storage capacities it may prove a difficult task to find the right one though. The good news is that most retail stores have divided sections for young children, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, as well as a section dedicated to backpacks for college students. 

Regardless of the type of bag you choose, make sure that it’s weather-resistant, has a strong zipper, has multiple compartments, and has padding on the back. When it comes to a lunch box, there are many lunch bags for kids to choose from. Just make sure to find one that’s also weather-resistant, has ample room to hold their snack and drink, and has a sturdy handle. 

Basic School Supplies 

Most schools send home packets through the mail over the summer as to the required supplies necessary for the upcoming year. You can always count on needing a few specific items though — bound composition books, a binder, loose-leaf paper, good quality pencils and pens, erasers, a ruler, and folders. If you’re not sure what to buy, start with the basics. This will allow your child to attend the first day of school with most of their supplies and then, you can acquire the rest. 

School Clothing 

Back to school is a time to replace the old with the new trending clothing. This year florals, tie-dye, stripes, and checkered prints are everywhere. And, if you have a child who loves whimsical creatures, like the unicorn, she’ll have her choice of dresses, shirts, pants, and even backpacks to pick from. Jeans are still a staple in every girl’s and boy’s wardrobe, however, this year the trend is for lighter colors such as light blue wash and light gray wash. Tees are colorful and many have reversible sequins for added flair. For teen girls skinny jeans, wide-leg pants and bib overalls are in. Clothing accessories are also important like belts, hats and jewelry. 

Outerwear 

When the temperature starts to drop you want your children to remain warm while outdoors. The good news is that there are a lot of choices available when it comes to the winter jacket. Fleece, faux fur, puffer jackets, peacoats, and lined trench coats are all trending this year. Many jackets have removable inner linings, like a parka, that lets you use the coat for three seasons. And, don’t forget the raincoat. They are available in cool colors, short and long lengths, and even in poncho styles too. 

Trending Footwear 

When it comes to sneakers there are so many to choose from. However, there are some brands that just continue to offer comfort and style year after year. Nike, Adidas, Air Jordan, and Converse are at the top. For teen girls dress shoes are pretty much the same as the past couple of years with one exception, the new trend is a square toe versus the round front on ballet slippers and flats. And the classic boots with a side zipper and ankle height, in black with a thicker heel are trending too.   

For the Home 

Nothing promotes good grades better than a designated place to do your homework. Clear out an area in your child’s bedroom and create their own workspace. You can buy a small desk and a three-tier open cabinet that they can use to store their backpack, papers, and other school supplies. You can also add a whiteboard that they can use to write down assignments and due dates on reports. 

Send your child back to school in comfort and style and with the proper outerwear to stay warm and supplies to stay at the head of the class.