It's back-to-school supplies season!
Kids who are back in-person are navigating a new set of rules and regulations. It's all for the greater good of keeping others safe, but it requires more than most parents anticipated.
Generally, parents come to the new school year prepared with the basics : tissues, crayons, notebooks, pencils. This year, hand sanitizer and masks were added to lists as well.
Schools are figuring this out at the same rate as the rest of us. As that happens, more supplies are bound to be needed. It's been just a week since schools have been back in session in my part of the world, and already several purchases have been made.
Don't panic — just be flexible and thoughtful. If you really think through the motions of a day, you might realize a few other things that can make it go smoothly. We've got you started with some items parents have discovered they've needed since the year began.
Ritual Vitamins
We're more conscious of kids' health now than ever before. The teen years aren't best known for healthy food choices, so it's important to make sure they're getting their nutrients.
Ritual is applying its obsessive and traceable approach to science, quality, and experience to reimagine the multivitamin for teens. Parents can feel good about the multivitamin their teens are taking with just two daily capsules. Essential for Teens is scientifically formulated with bioavailable nutrient forms and without synthetic fillers or added sugars. The multivitamins feature key nutrients such as iron, omega-3 DHA, folate, magnesium, zinc and vitamins B12, D, A, E, and K2.
Pair Eyewear
Whether your kid is attending school in-person or online, many of them are using screens to learn more than ever before. It's important to keep on top of their vision, but it can be challenging when the average pair of kids glasses is $300.
Pair Eyewear hopes to change that. It is the first direct-to-consumer, customizable children's eyewear brand, offering glasses starting at $60. The brand's large and expanding selection of over 300 combinations of base frames and customizable tops includes limited edition monthly drops and licensed designs. Pair offers optical glasses, sunglasses, and blue light glasses, all available in both prescription and non-prescription forms. The company also gives back through its "A Pair, for a Pair" donation program with the EYElliance.
Kids Face Mask Lanyard Cord
If your kid gets a chance to take their mask off throughout the day, you don't want to have to worry about where they're putting it down. It won't end up on the floor or at the bottom of a backpack if you have face mask lanyard cords. MaskKeeper has you covered with a number of wonderful, lightweight options to keep masks close.
C'est Moi Sunshine Mineral Sunscreen Collection
With many schools taking advantage of opportunities for outdoor learning, there's a chance your kids will spend a good amount of time in the sun. Having sunscreen on hand is good to keep their skin safe.
C'est Moi skin care is clinically proven safe for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free. The Sunshine Mineral Sunscreen Collection is water-resistant and formulated with reef-friendly non-nano zinc oxide and hydrating skin-soothing shea butter. It is also combined with a super fruit antioxidant blend that helps nourish, replenish, and boost the skin's defense from the sun.
CHARS Microfiber Quick-Drying Beach Towel (30 by 60 Inches)
If the kids are learning outside, where are they sitting? Keep their backpacks from turning into a ball of dirt by packing them this lightweight, quick-drying towel to sit on.
Shop Now: CHARS Microfiber Quick-Drying Beach Towel (Amazon, $12.99 to $15.99)
Nurture Life Meals
Maybe you're working from home. Maybe your kids are also remote learning. Either way, they've got to eat. If you're sick of your kitchen, don't feel guilty. You can feel good about having healthy meals delivered to your door that are ready in two minutes or less.
Nurture Life meal service is raising the standard of nutrition in America. Created by chefs and registered dieticians, Nurture Life meals meet nutritional requirements for every stage of life. There are meals for babies (10 to 24 months), toddlers (1 to 4 years), kids (5 to 12 years), teens and adults (13 years and up), and meals the whole family will enjoy.
Gooseneck Phone and Tablet Holder
Staring down at a screen all day can be tough on your neck. This gooseneck phone and tablet holder eliminates that stress. It can hold phones and tablets from 4 inches to 10.6 inches. You can use the device in portrait or landscape mode.
It's easy enough to move around, too, so it can be clamped to a table, desk, counter, or nightstand. The clamp has protective rubber pads, so it won't damage your furniture. Bonus: The raised posture will also make it easier to see your kid's screen and make sure they're on task.
Hand Sanitizer Holder Keychain
Chances are, you're sending your kid to school with hand sanitizer. Make sure that it's within reach, but they don't lose it.
JBuddies Studio Wired Kids Headphones
Headphones are quickly becoming a staple school supply. Between remote learning and using tablets and computers in the classroom, there's a major need for each kid to have a pair. The headphones have a safe volume control, so kids max out at 85 decibels.
Shop Now: JBuddies Studio Wired Kids Headphones (Target, $19.99)
Foldable Laptop Bed Table
If your little one's school life is slowly taking up every surface in your house, give them a place of their own. A portable workspace gives you the flexibility to handle whatever life throws at you. Whether it's used all day or just for homework, it will help maintain a semblance of order.
