Getting prepped for school season brings a mixture of excitement and nerves, and easing out of the carefree vibes of summer can take time. Some kids make the switch back to reality in a snap—they’re ready to see their friends and the adventure of learning—while others need a bit more time to adjust. Every child is different, and part of parenting is figuring out what your youngster needs during this transition.
Managing their emotions would be challenging enough, but add the stress of organizing multiple routines and then shopping for it all? It can become downright dizzying. That's where having a go-to solution helps reduce the mental load, and a Walmart+ membership is a fantastic one. Not only does it allow you to tap into its wide range of product and brands, but there’s free shipping with no order minimum, savings on gas to power all those carpool runs to school and sports practice, and bonus perks like video streaming to keep everyone entertained while you plan. You can even get items delivered from your local store if you find you forgot something at the last minute.
From clothes to lunches and teacher-supplied wish lists, there's plenty to organize. Make it simple by gathering everything in a single Walmart order delivered right to your door.
Here’s how to start and conquer your to-do list by every step of the school-day morning routine:
Get dressed
Shopping for clothes and shoes ahead of the new school year has two purposes: replacing anything they’ve outgrown, and helping get your kids excited about the chance to wear cool new stuff for their climbs aboard the bus.
Walmart has something for everyone, no matter what they’re into at the moment. Favorite cartoon characters and TV shows? Check. Trend-inspired pieces that let them copy Mom and Dad? Yep!
From graphic tees and sweatshirts, popular with every grade, to the essentials they need in cool colors and prints, it’s easy for everyone in your crew to find something that speaks to their taste. Hard-to-please tweens aren’t excluded, either. Walmart’s exclusive line Weekend Academy is packed with cool cuts that look like a smaller version of what you’re wearing.
Weekend Academy Girls Long Sleeve Graphic Crewneck Sweatshirt
Wonder Nation Boys Level Up Matrix, Crew Neck, Short Sleeve, Graphic T-Shirt
Weekend Academy Girls Square Neck Sleeveless Corset Dress
Wonder Nation Girls Fashion Flare Jegging
Gather the backpack
Whether they’re just getting started at elementary school or are old enough to keep track of their own stuff, it’s pretty easy for the backpack itself to become something of a black hole. Help them do their best (and avoid going crazy yourself) by scooping up organizational folders and accessories that can make finding stuff a little bit easier.
And when it comes to the backpack itself, consider what needs your children might have. If afterschool activities are usually on the docket, extra pockets and zippered compartments could help them always know where everything is. Kids who love keychains and showing off their style might adore buckle details that provide extra space for clipping stuff on.
Think outside the box, too, and let yourself be surprised by what you might find while ticking items off their classroom’s shopping list. A cheerful daily journal or squishy pencil holders might not be things you were looking for, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be superstars of the school year.
Pen+Gear Sensory Binder Pouch, Multicolor Pencil Case
Wonder Nation Boys' Adaptive 17" Classic Camo Backpack
PPKVUFD Plastic Folder with Pocket, Letter Size
Justice Girls 17" Shimmer Quilted Backpack, Lunch Bag, Water Bottle, and Charm Set
Pack the lunchbox
There’s both art and science at play when it comes to prepping your kids’ lunches for school. You need to make sure they’re getting the fuel they need for their busy day of learning and listening, but you also aren’t going to be there to coax them into eating their veggies.
There’s no magic wand (we wish!), but stocking up on gear they’ll be excited about can help. From a cool new lunchbox featuring favorite animals to smartly segmented snap-tops that help keep food from touching, plenty of meal-packing tools exist to help give moms a fighting chance. Still packing lunch for your big kid? They’re not immune to a sleek reusable lunch bag or stainless steel bottle with an oh-so-cool woven handle.
Plus, keep your eyes open for unexpected options that might help you tuck different things into their diet. An insulated thermos to make hot soup a possibility? Worth a try!
BBC Bluey Siblings Polyester Lunch Kit
TAL Stainless Steel Hudson Paracord Handle Water Bottle
Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Insulated Food Jar
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box with Leakproof Lid and Tray
Get set for afterschool
For days without dance class or band rehearsal or sports practice, your home becomes the de facto after-school classroom and playground. Get set for the onslaught of little people with crafts at the ready, workbooks to keep the learning going, and some fun stuff too (because every brain needs a little break).
Think about a two-for-one ratio while you’re shopping. For every two educational buys, grab something that just lets them unplug (while also buying you some quiet time to tidy up, finish some work or just decompress). The very good news is that plenty of today’s options do both, offering up gamified activities that totally disguise the fact that there’s learning involved. Walmart is stocked with fun finds that will surprise you while you’re browsing.
Educational Insights Sentence Building Dominoes
Crayola Bluey Giant Coloring Pages
