Little CC is getting ready to start his second year of preschool (what?!). Since we’ve done this before, I thought I’d share what we’re stocking up on and sending with him on the first day. This time last year, I was so lost and confused as to what he would need, and I felt a bit blindsided by all the costs that racked up. Hopefully this list will help you out if your kid is going to school for the first time.

Here are the things we’re sending with our kid this year. As always, check with your school to see what they require/recommend before making any purchases you’re unsure about.

What-to-Bring-to-Your-Kids-First-Day-of-Preschool

1) 2 kids’ Thermoses, 1 for water, 1 for milk. Make sure to choose a water bottle that keeps drinks cold all day, like this one from Thermos. Also, you may want more than two if you don’t want to have to wash them every single night.

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2) Planet Box Rover Lunch Box + Nebula Bag. This is pricey, but if you can swing it, it will last forever. I couldn’t stomach the price last September, so I waited until Christmas and gave it to Little CC from Santa. Alternatively, you can buy plastic bento boxes and a canvas lunch bag at somewhere like Target for around $20 total.

3) Rain boots for playing outside. This was also a special request, as Little CC’s preschool does a ton of outdoor play, even when it’s rainy or muddy.

4) Canvas apron for crafting. This was specifically requested by our school.

5) Change of clothes. I’d choose something your kiddo doesn’t wear too often so they have an extra set of clothes in case they get dirty or have an accident.

6) Diapers + wipes, or extra underwear. We’re so excited to be packing underwear instead of diapers this year! Now please cross your fingers for me that Little Cotton Candy is ready to use the school potty.

7) Sleeping bag. Love the ones that have built in blankets and pillows and that velcro shut.

8) Nap mat. I got confused last year about the difference between a nap mat and a sleeping bag. We needed both.

9) Lovey or stuffy. We ended up buying a baby doll for Little Cotton Candy to bring to school with him last year because he got extremely attached to a doll at school and didn’t want to let anyone else play with it. He doesn’t need one this year, but if you have a younger one, it might be a good idea to send a special item with them.

10) Pillow. This is optional if your sleeping bag has its own pillow built in, but Little Cotton Candy’s teacher requested we buy one for him.

If you’re looking for lunch/snack ideas, here are some things I usually pack for Little Cotton Candy.

Entrees:

  • sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwich (His school is peanut free.)
  • leftover pizza (We make homemade pizza about once a week.)
  • pasta with marinara sauce

Sides:

  • sliced apples with sunflower seed butter for dipping
  • baby carrots
  • berries
  • granola or trail mix (without peanuts)
  • pistachios, almonds, or cashews
  • cubed cheddar cheese
  • applesauce
  • melons, balled with a melon baller
  • Pirates Booty
  • chips and guacamole
  • whole banana or apple
  • Greek yogurt

A few last things: Make sure you dress your kid in something comfortable that you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, make sure their shoes fit comfortably and they are able to take them on and off themselves (and pack extra socks if they are wearing tennis shoes). Finally, remember to label all of your kid’s things! Some people love Name Bubbles, but I don’t like the price, so I use masking tape and Sharpie like a good 1980s mom.

What did you send with your kid on the first day of school? Did you make any unnecessary purchases?