I'm a Mom and Expert Shopper—Here's What's on My Back-to-School Shopping List

This will be my son's third year using the Mackenzie backpack from Pottery Barn, and it's still in amazing condition. (My son is pretty heavy-handed when it comes to handling his stuff, so that's saying something.) The quality is excellent. It has plenty of compartments and comes in a wide variety of patterns, character themes, colors, and sizes. My son has the Minecraft theme, and I plan on getting my youngest this Paw Patrol one.

I feel like I've spent way too much of my life trying to find "the perfect" kids water bottle. The Yeti Rambler Kids Bottle comes the closest. The straw cap is leakproof while closed, and it has a double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps your water cold for longer. It's also dishwasher safe (hurrah!). Other water bottles I've tried and loved? Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle and the Camelbak water bottle I've mention further down the article.

The Bentgo Box continues to be one of my favorites for a leakproof lunch, featuring five compartments just the right size for my child's appetite (ideal for ages 3 to 7).

This chic insulated lunch bag keeps lunches and snacks fresh and cool with a detachable divider, a zippered mesh pocket for silverware, and a see-through pocket to add personal notes or a picture. Oh and the best part is it fits the Bentgo Lunch Box.

This chic pencil case can hold so much stuff—up to 100-plus pens and pencils as well as a variety of tools such as erasers, rulers, glue sticks, etc. A great choice to grow with your child. What's even better? It comes at an affordable price point.

Nothing says the start of school like a fresh and fun notebook. Target has plenty of fun and affordable options.

I've been using the Camelbak for years with my oldest. I like it because it's easy to take apart for cleaning (and it's a dishwasher-safe bottle). He likes it because it's lightweight, and he likes the feel of the spout. It also comes in some very cute patterns and colors.

If you don't want to buy every single school supply separately, then opt for this K–5 school supply pack, including everything your little one could possibly need—binders, folders, notebooks, crayons, markets, erasers, index cards, Elmer's glue, blunt-tip scissors, and more.

Okay, so this isn't for school exactly, but I'm absolutely obsessed with the Yoto Player for after school. I love to put this on when the kids get home while they're having a snack, playing, or just having some downtime. It's a screen-free audio player—best for kids ages 3 to 12. You simply pop in a Yoto card of your choice (there are tons of stories, music, and educational cards to choose from—whatever inspires them) and kids can listen and learn in a safe way—no microphone, no camera, no ads. We also love to listen to the Yoto Daily radio at breakfast time, and I sometimes use it for white noise. It has a built-in clock, too. Can't rave about it enough!

My little one is starting TK this year, and we've decided we all want to bike to our neighborhood school together. I'm loving the retro-chic designs of Retrospec bikes. The Beaumont Mini gives little riders what they need to build their confidence on a bike with steel training wheels, an easy-to-mount frame, and multiple ways to brake. Moreover it has the cutest bike basket to store snacks, jackets, and more.

Old Navy's back-to-school offerings do not disappoint. Old Navy also has a one-year guarantee program for the full range of kids' products.

An adorable navy cardigan that's giving all the back-to-school vibes.

I'll be wearing my matching Vibi Venezia's for a mommy-and-me moment on the first day of school.

A plaid skort to wear while the temps are still pleasant.

Sézane now does trench coats for little ones—and I'm obsessed.

For all the European vibes, you have to check out La Coqueta. Its pieces are so special. Perfect for picture day at school.

It doesn't get more classic than a pair of Vans. I love this pink colorway.

These have a stretch to them and come with an elastic waistband.

A preppy striped knit is a must.

New season, new socks!

Adorable bows to help get hair done in the morning.

Depop is a great place to buy second-hand designer pieces for a fraction of the price. With a little digging you can find some real gems.

These are one of the only pairs of pants my son actually wants to wear, as he loves the comfy, relaxed silhouette.

Retro-cool!

Get a five-pack because you know how fast they go through them.

Affordable and smart.

I love this colorway.

Gap is another great choice for affordable back-to-school basics.

Corduroy pants for the upcoming fall season.

Great if you're looking for a Velcro strap—and perfect for running around everyday.

My go-to piece for the new school season when I want to look polished yet relaxed.

Tote all your snacks and essentials in utmost style.

This sleek and functional tumbler (with a leakproof lid) will keep your coffee or tea hot or cold for longer with its double-wall vacuum insulation. And it fits snugly in your cup holder for school drop off.

Donni's pants are my go-to when I want to look stylish and feel comfortable at dropoff and pickup. A chic alternative to jeans or leggings.

While I'm not the one going to school, I still absolutely adore getting a new planner for the academic school year. I'm one of those people who still like to handwrite notes, appointments, reminders, etc., and Papier's notebooks are my favorites.

Preppy-chic loafers that look way more expensive than their price tag.

Pull your locks out of the way with a chic Emi Jay hair clip.

A tinted lip balm I can glide on quickly before a morning of talking to parents and teachers.

A polished and comfortable cardigan is a great hero item in your back-to-school wardrobe.

You'll be glad you have this portable label maker on the days leading up to school. Perfect for labeling your kids' lunchboxes, water bottles, etc.

This one is great for their clothes.

I have yet to buy a digital family wall calendar, but it is high up on my back-to-school wish list. As someone with ADHD, I need to see everything right in front of me clearly. Otherwise, I easily forget meetings and appointments (yes, even with reminders on my phone). This is incredibly helpful to see the whole family's activities and calendars in one easy and clear spot.