I think we have all seen them, the “what I used as a first-time mom” list. They break down the solid purchases versus the frivolous purchases. Well, I learned in the jungle of school supply shopping and daily lunch packing what is overhyped and what comes in clutch. Everyone has their ride or die, but in this economy, being picky is vital.
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I will rate my items on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being a waste of money and 5 being an item I can’t live without.
Reminder: Many of these items are useful no matter if your kids are in public, private, or homeschool.
Stacking Snack Cups (4)
I only give these a 4 because I think I could live without them, but honestly, I don’t want to. I had two kinds from the same brand. I assumed this was excessive, but lo and behold, they truly helped when providing that daily snack in her backpack. I even used the small ones in her lunch pail for sauces or smaller items like crackers.
Bento Boxes (3.5)
I honestly have nothing against Bento boxes. I think they’re cute and useful, but I also think they’re not a ride-or-die Item. My daughter would lose the lids, and at the end of the day, she always wanted the same lunch of PB&J with some fruit and pretzels. I still use them, but I think they can be a bit pricey for their purpose. That being said, I know a lot of moms who adore theirs!
Uncrustable Makers (4.5)
Ok, so when I bought these, I felt a bit guilty thinking it was frivolous. NOPE! I realize that we grew up on crusts but begrudgingly consumed them. Then came Uncrustables, and the game was changed. Not only are these majorly cost-effective, but they also make meal prep a dream. Just prep your sandwiches on a Sunday, pop them in the freezer, and now you have the hassle of making lunch at the crack of dawn a breeze. Tip: Use the leftover crust to make French toast sticks or bread crumbs.
Weekly Clothing Organizer (5)
I thought we would drop off on utilizing this, but it was a lifesaver. Not only did my daughter get to be proactive in planning her outfits, but the mornings ran so much smoother. You can find other styles or even make your own using storage bins.
Label Maker (3.5)
I love my label maker, and it has been great to type out my kid’s name and print multiple labels for multiple items. But, I will admit it isn’t a need. It’s very much a luxury. That being said, if you can get your hands on a good one, do it! You can use it in other applications, but it creates labels for items like water bottles, backpacks, and jackets. A bit easier than writing names over and over.
Wall File Organizer (4)
When I began my pre-k homeschooling journey, I set out to find something to keep workbooks and other supplies in an accessible place. The wall organizer was a cheap, simple solution that allowed me the access I needed for my kid’s learning materials. When it came time for her to go to school, it became a fantastic tool. No longer were we asking “Where did you put the paper for x activity?” or looking for lost Library books under couches and beds.
Weekly Chore Charts (2)
Look, you can make these with a poster board. Sure the little magnetic ones are cute, but we got off track so many times when it came to keeping up with them. I say stick to simple and save your money.
Here are some honorable mentions:
Handwriting practice notebook. This was great for not just helping her write but teaching her skills in writing more neatly. The grooves helped build muscle memory. That being said, we didn’t use it as often as I would have liked. I do think it’s a great tool, though!
Watercolor palette. This thing is amazing for homeschool parents or just parents who want easy, low-mess, creative time. They’re cost-effective, and the refills make sure your kid isn’t going hog wild on the colors. I suggest getting watercolor paper to accompany it because it will make the colors pop more.
Dry-erase blocks. These have so many different applications! Need to learn vowel sounds? Memorize sight words? Make-up math games? Endless possibilities, and the kids will see it more as a game than learning. You can use these in early childhood development to simple second-grade arithmetic.
What are your can’t-live-without items?
Originally published May 2025.
