21 products you actually need when your kid starts school for the first time — from a mom of 3

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Being a mom is a constant string of decisions, and with three kids at three different stages I don’t have room for ones I have to make twice. My son is starting Pre-K in a few weeks and though it’s an exciting time for all of us, it’s also a source of stress for me. To get ahead of lunch box spills, wardrobe malfunctions, and double booking mistakes, I tested a bunch of school supplies and related items earlier this year and through the summer to get us ready for this special time in his life.

The products below made our mornings easier, stood up to beatings from three kids, and outlasted their competitors. Every product on this list was researched, reviewed and tested by me and my three kids under 5 years old to spare other moms (and their kids) the time and money. Some are bargain finds that also turned out to be gems, some are splurges that I found worth the money. All will last through the school year and beyond.

Best no-snap pencils Crayola Clicks Mechanical Colored Pencils and Refills $9.79 $12.99 Target Learn more Best mini backpack State Kane Mini Backpack $undefined $88.00 STATE Bags Learn more Best no-spill lunch box OmieBox Hot & Cold Bento Lunch Box $undefined $49.95 Target Learn more Best family tech Verizon Gizmo Watch 4 $undefined $179.99 Verizon Wireless Learn more See 1 More Meal Prep & Snack Time Feeding three kids at three different stages — purees for one, snacks every 45 minutes for another, a full lunch period for the oldest — means I live and die by whatever makes packing food faster and cleanup easier.

$ 49.95 Target $ 49.95 Pottery Barn Kids $ 49.95 Omie What to know What we like Keeps food at desired temp Food-safe materials Dishwasher safe Something to note Pricier than a basic lunch box More parts to keep track of My Pre-K son is about to eat lunch at school for the first time this year — new territory for us — and the two lunch boxes we tried with him this summer both failed in the same way: either the seal gave out and soaked his bag, or the food came out cold and separated enough that he refused to eat it. After three weeks with the OmieBox, neither problem has come up. It’s lightweight and easy for him to open and close himself, which should give him real independence at the lunch table once he’s on his own.

The built-in insulated thermos has kept hot food actually hot every time we’ve tried it, and the separate compartments have kept everything else at the right temperature too. Multiple small compartments means more parts to keep track of, but it’s a downside worth all the advantages that come with it.

$ 27.99 Target $ 27.99 Bentgo $ 28.00 Pottery Barn Teen What to know What we like Triple-layer insulation Leak-proof, airtight lid Resists odors and stains Something to note No built-in compartments Best for single-dish meals Hand-wash recommended Not every kid wants a whole compartmentalized lunch box, sometimes it’s just one hot meal, and that’s exactly where this container earns its spot in the rotation.