It’s almost time for back to school—and whether this is your first time or your tenth—it’s stressful. Here’s what your kids actually need this September.

What You’ll Need:

Snack bags (opt for reusable ones this year!)

• Itzy Ritzy Snack Happens Reusable Snack & Everything Bags: Kids love to snack—so reusable snack bags are mandatory—and these stylish, machine-washable, zippered snack bags come in great prints. Fill with mini sammies, crackers, veggies, fruit and more!
• 3 Sprouts Sandwich Bags: Snack bags are perfect for small bites to keep littles going all day long. These ones with adorable animal prints have a unique stand-up design for easy packing and are dishwasher safe (amazing!).

Snack containers

• Drink In The Box Snack In The Box: Snacks are high on kids’ lists—and snack containers are great at keeping food from being crushed. In this, you can pack 2 separate snacks, and the pop-up doors make it easy to pour into small hands.

An insulated food jar (for warm lunches)

• LunchBots Thermal: Insulated, leak proof jars like this one are perfect for when fall days turn chilly and a warm lunch is wanted. Keep soups, stews or pasta hot for up to 5 hours with this stainless steel container.
• Zoli POW Dine Vacuum Insulated Food Jar: Some lunches are meant to be eaten warm. Keep meals hot or cold for hours while the durable outside stays cool. The matte, powder-coated exterior allows for an easy-to-open lid—perfect for wee hands!

A bento box (they make lunch fun!)

• Bentgo Children’s Bento Lunch Box: Make lunches fun again with a kid-sized bento box featuring easy open and close latches and a drop-proof design. It has compartments for a sandwich, dip, veggies and more that are all sealed and won’t leak.
• LunchBots Trio Bento: New bento boxes are coming out all the time, but LunchBots has stood the test of time with this classic, high-quality stainless steel food container that is 60% larger than most—for hungrier kids.

A water bottle

• S’ip by S’well Water Bottles: It’s uber important to keep kids hydrated—S’ip x S’well has thirsty travellers covered with a screw top lid and bottle that has the same therma S’well tech that keeps drinks cold or warm as desired.
• Hydro Flask Kids Wide Mouth Water Bottle: An insulated water bottle is perfect for little ones who need to grab a sip throughout class or after school. Straws are especially great for kids, and the push-button lid keeps the straw perfectly clean.

A lunch bag (big enough to hold everything!)

• Parkland Rodeo Lunch Kit: With multiple lunch and snack containers in tow, a tote can help to keep everything organized. A Canadian brand makes this one from plastic water bottles. It has a zippered front pocket and easy-wipe interior.
• Sugarbooger Zippee Lunch Tote: Pile everything into a tote like this and your wees will LOVE lunch. The main compartment zips completely open for easy packing and eating while the insulated wipe-clean interior keeps food cool.

A backpack

• SoYoung Raw Linen Backpacks: Nothing says ‘back to school’ like a kid with a backpack—this one from Toronto-based SoYoung is perfect. Made with natural raw linen, it comes in different sizes and fits all they need for a day away.
• Jansport Backpacks: Pack it all in a backpack and send them on their way. Jansport is new to Well.ca but has been loved since the ‘60s. Sturdy and durable, there’s even a half-pint mini pack for the youngest scholars.

Shop ALL Back to School gear at Well.ca here!