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Last updated August 2023
For Rochester, MN families, it’s back to school time. Whether you’re a seasoned back-to-school veteran, a homeschooling pro, or sending your little one off to preschool for the first time: our contributor team has rounded up our very favorite products to make mornings easier, lunches yummier, and your life that much simpler! We asked our team of moms, whose kids range from 3 months to 25 years:
“What are your FAVORITE back to school items? Lunchboxes, backpacks, shoes, stuff for moms…GO!”
Stasher bag is the world’s first fully functional, self-sealing, non-plastic bag. Stasher bags contain no BPA, no PVC, and no latex. Stasher bags also help eliminate single-use plastics from ending up in the ocean or landfills. – Kristina
These cute and colorful pop-up notes are the perfect size to slip into a lunchbox to brighten anybody’s day. There are lots of designs to choose from. We love the smiles we get from our kids when we surprise them with a little note at lunch!
This cute and colorful travel umbrella is easy to pop into a spare pocket in a backpack. That way it will always be there when your kids need it! Comes in lots of colors and is not the sturdiest umbrella in the world, but it does the trick for kids waiting to be picked up! – Becky
This backpack is just a great, classic backpack. There is a roomy main compartment with a file divider, padded back, and straps, and it’s super lightweight. We love the price point too! Lots of fun colors to choose from and a cool retro look that teens like. 
“Since they were walkers, my kids have never gone through a summer without a pair of these shoes. In fact, in our house, we call them “summer shoes” although they wear them in the spring and fall too. They are made from extra lite EVA making them shock absorbent, odor resistant, hand-washable, and water-proof, and they are cute and stylish to boot. Native Shoes come in a million colors and styles. My kids have fun picking out their new pair every spring. These are the BEST shoes and I can’t imagine going without them. –Becky
“Silicone Cupcake Liners make eating fun by separating veggies, snacks, and fruits in a kid’s bento lunchbox. These are extremely durable and have stood up to lots of washings. I feel good about saving on plastic bags too!” – Becky
No one tells you that as you get older, you start having preferences over things like sheet pans and pencils. Well, I’m here to tell you, you do. And THESE are my very favorite #2 pencil. They just feel fresh, write so nicely, stay sharp, and sharpen well too! Everything about these reminds me of back-to-school time. – Becky
YUMBOX is leakproof! Pack wet foods like yogurt and applesauce (not water). Seals with one lid. Kid-friendly latch.
“This is our first year of preschool and I’m already loving Yumbox” –Cristin
“I heart Yumbox. They are ACTUALLY leak-proof! (As in you can put yogurt in a compartment and it stays there!) They are still easy for my kindergarten twins to open and get right to eating instead of fiddling around you many containers and seals. And I love not using disposable plastic packaging every day.” –Megan
Kids’ 1-Cup Chilled Containers, Set of 4 Reusable Portion Control Containers with Removable Ice Packs. Handy, helpful, and will keep things cool so they don’t end up eating warm string cheese.
“We would not survive without this clock. We set it to the time the boys are allowed to leave their rooms. We started with small incentives to follow the clock, but they have been phased out now. We all have had better mornings since getting these clocks! — Tricia
Spill-proof, dishwasher-safe, durable, BPA-free & BPS-free! Leak-proof when closed, spill-proof when open. These lightweight water bottles are durable and odor/stain resistant. And they come in a ton of fun colors and patterns! It’s the only water bottle we use for our kids. – Becky
Skip Hop Backpacks and Lunchboxes
“Skip hop lunchboxes are adorable and durable. Hedgehogs! Unicorns! Take my money.” –Sara
These bags are the perfect size for your littlest muffins who are headed off to preschool!
“We couldn’t go a day without this, it’s the best product I’ve found to treat diaper rashes, eczema, and chapped hands from washing.”–Chelsea
This Leave-In helps detangle, condition, and protect hair! If you’re always fighting to brush out your child’s hair…this is your winner. Spray in wet or dry hair, comb through or tousle with fingers. No need to rinse!
“Cutest, most comfortable headphones ever. The speakers sit inside of the fleecy headband!” The above link has a few choices, but click here for the unicorn! – Becky
And… for the moms:
You deserve a new mug to drink your morning beverage of choice. Here’s our favorite insulated coffee mug. We love the short and wide shape with a great handle. Double-wall vacuum insulation eliminates condensation and keeps coffee and tea hot while keeping cold drinks cold. Hardshell powder coating adds grip and makes it look really pretty. Available in lots of colors!
Can we do it? Heck yes, we can.
