Back to School Guide: Parent Edition

If you’re a parent of school aged children, then if like me, and you’ve got a little one starting school for the first time, you might have a had a list as long as your arm of the things that you need to get for your child. New school shoes, uniform, bags, water bottles, and lunch box; you name it, there is plenty to get! I think we are just about done now, minus having to label it all, argh! But it will soon be back to school…

And as well as what our little ones need to get back to school, there are a few things that we as parents might need to get ourselves sorted for getting back on the school run after a summer off, and getting back in the school frame of mind, for all things homework and routine.

Here are some of the things that I think can work well for getting back into school, but this time, for the parents. Is there anything else that you would add to the list?

1.Chilly’s Tumbler – £20 (other prints and designs available)

I got a Chilly’s water bottle for my birthday in April and it has been amazing; it keeps water cold for 24 hours. And when I mean cold, I mean straight from the fridge cold. The tumbler works well for water for smoothies to keep cool, as well as keeping a warm drink nice and hot as you get on your way to school.

2. Photo Display – £29

I am terrible for getting photos printed out, so having somewhere to display those back-to-school pictures by the door means that I am much more likely to get them printed out. Happy memories to keep, right?

3. Filofax Domino Soft Personal Organiser – £25.50 (Duck Egg shade also available)

I am a sucker for a Filofax, especially this stunning soft pink one from Pen Heaven. It is the right size to fit in my bag, and I’m hoping that it is going to get me nice and organised for the new school year. With more after school clubs to plan for, as well as two times the school trips and events with Chloe starting now too, I need a little help to get me organised! I think this one is fab and would be a good edition for parents that need to plan, write, and get more organised like me.

4. South Beach Sunglasses – £18

On sunny mornings, both in the summer and winter, there are plenty of reasons why you might need an extra pair of sunnies on the school run. For me, it is the perfect disguise for tired eyes as we approach the half-term…

5. School Runnings Sweatshirt – £42

I love a comfy sweater and think that this one is perfect for the school run. Great to just throw on with some skinny jeans and pumps for the school run.

6. PopSockets Grip – £9.99 (other designs available)

I have had a PopSocket for a while now, and I couldn’t use my phone without it. With kids around, and taking your phone out on the school run, it means a much better grip on the phone and less chance of it being dropped. Perfect for when taking the back to school photos too.

7. Copper Alarm Clock – £24

I am aiming to use my phone less before bed. But I have always justified that I need it by my bed for the alarm. Which is why an old-school alarm is a must for back to school. Plus, you can’t easily reset the alarm and snooze it, forcing me to get up on time.

8. Kaweco Perkeo Cotton Candy Fountain Pen – £12.38 (other colours available)

If you want to get organised, keep everything in the calendar, and make sure that you have a pen for school permission slips and all of that jazz, then a pen is a must. But who says that it has to be a basic biro? I love this fountain pen, as it is fancy, but still works for everyday use. It forces me to stop and write properly too, which is great for my mindfulness after a busy school week.

9. Clear Umbrella – £14

With the great British autumn and winter on the way, you never know what the weather is going to do. And when you’ve got to get the kids to school, you’ve got to get the kids to school. So a large umbrella to fit you all in is a must, right?

10. Garnier BB Cream – £9.99

When I am in a rush in the morning, or will be heading to the gym after the school run, I don’t want to get a full face of makeup on. But if I have nothing, then people ask me if I’m ill. Seriously. So for me, a little BB cream goes a long way. It works as a moisturiser and a foundation, so it is a quick fix each morning.

Have you got a little one starting school for the first time this year? Any other essentials for parents that you would add to the list? It would be great to hear what you think.

*contains PR samples, however, all words and opinions are my own.