Forget glue sticks, #2 pencils, and 17 spiral notebooks. We all know the true back-to-school survival kit looks a little different. We've got the true back to school hacks, here’s what you really need to make it through the school year without losing your sanity:

1. A 5-Gallon Rubbermaid Container

Not for storage. For salvation. Put every random theme-day accessory in here. Otherwise, you’ll spend 10 p.m. tearing apart closets, muttering, “I know we bought a bandana in 2018…”

2. T-Shirts in Primary Colors

1 red, 2 blue, 1 yellow, 1 green, 1 white. Perfect for color wars, spirit days, and field days. Bonus: the second blue shirt = instant “Twin Day” emergency save.

3. Something to Celebrate the 100th Day of School

It feels far away now… but just wait. Suddenly it’s February and you’re trying to hot-glue 100 Cheerios to a paper crown at midnight.

4. Gray Hair Spray

For “Old Man/Old Lady Day.” Because nothing says childhood magic like sending your kid to school dressed as a geriatric.

5. A Bandana

Cowboy Day? Pirate Day? Emergency ninja costume? One accessory, infinite uses.

6. Funky Socks

Grab a pair from the dollar store and toss them in the box. Crazy Sock Day comes for us all.

7. Sports Gear (Even If You Don’t Play)

That “Sports Day” email will sting if your family’s never seen a baseball game. Solution: clearance rack jersey = instant MVP.

8. Beach Day Props

You’ll get the “Beach Day in January” notice. Don’t panic—just grab that inflatable ball from last summer. Done.

9. Pirate Day Gear

Yes, this is a thing. Toss in an eye patch and inflatable parrot when you’re already at the Halloween store. Future-you will thank you.

10. Book Character / Historical Figure Mash-Up Costume

Pro tip: aim for a 2-for-1. George Washington and Walt Disney? Nailed it.

11. Backwards Day & Crazy Hair Day

Also known as… Monday.

12. Career Day Outfit

Just explain to your child what a “social media influencer” is: they wear whatever they want, whenever they want. Boom.

13. Shoe Box

Not the shoes, the box. Because at some point, a diorama project is coming. And you’ll be ready. This isn't a run to the store and buy item, so save it from the back to school shoes (even if that means treating yourself to new back to school shoes)

14. A Note for Future You

Mid-year, when Spirit Week throws you a new curveball (“dress like your favorite fruit”?), jot it down and toss it in the box. Next year you’ll be prepared—or at least less bitter.

15. A Spa Gift Card Taped Inside the Lid

Because there will come a day when you did everything right… and your kid is still mad at you. That’s a “book the massage” kind of day.

Final Pro Tip

The first morning will still be chaos. Lower the bar, pour the coffee, and know that only you are holding yourself to impossible standards.

After all this we know the first morning and going to a be little crazy.  If you are like me, you've sit the bar high for yourself.  Pro tip:  it's ok to lower the bar a little bit.   Don't worry, we've got you.   Click on the links below for instant download of our first day of school signs (K-Senior Year) and our lunch boxes notes.  Did you make it to the bus stop and realize you forgot the sign and only got the picture?   Photoshop our sign in and if you need help, just email us!

We’ve got your back
👉 Download your first-day-of-school signs (K–Senior Year)
👉 Grab our printable lunchbox notes

Hopefully we made you laugh a little today!