My Facebook feed exploded this week with precious pictures of kids decked out for the first day of school. I love it. I love this time of year. Even after all these years (almost 20 since I graduated from high school), I still get butterflies in my stomach when it’s time for school to start. It’s strange, but I do.
As a homeschooling mom, the anxiety that can come with a new school year is a little different. I mean, worrying over whether the kids will like their teacher this year? I just hope they’ll love her.
And praying that they’ll find good friends isn’t quite enough. We have to make a concerted effort to seek those friendships out, as well as to help our kids cultivate better friendships with each other.
School uniforms? Well, honestly, some days pajamas will do.
But there are some things that are the same for all of us.
Everyone needs pencils. And paper. And other essentials.
For me, there’s really only one place to find them: WalMart.
So, I headed out in hopes of finding all that we need to get this year off to a great start.
For us, markers are essential. My kids color EVERYTHING. And, as I have two toddlers, I do mean “EVERYTHING.” So, I should probably say that for us WASHABLE markers are essential. And, I’m a sucker for new colors so I had to bring home some of these.
And, speaking of washable markers, look what I found! We’ve been using a lot of dry erase markers lately so I was thrilled to find these because, as I said before, I have two toddlers.
I remember when we all first started carrying backpacks. I think you could choose from like three colors and then pay between $30-$50 at least for them. Not now. Look at the variety. And the prices aren’t bad at all. I might just need one for myself.
Y’all, I’m not a hoarder…except when it comes to art supplies. So, a display like this just makes my heart jump. I’m the parent that has to force herself to abide by school supply lists that call for only 24 crayons and 8 markers. How boring is that? That is one of the most freeing things about homeschooling. We can get the big box of crayons and the tropical markers, too.
And, while we’re talking about essentials, you know everyone needs some new underwear. Fruit of the Loom has wonderful bonus packs that come with 3 free pairs. It’s a great value, and like the markers, they come in all kinds of fun colors. You can get them at Walmart in stores or online.
And for older kids who have outgrown kids’ sizes (or for parents who need some essentials of their own), Walmart also carries Fruit of the Loom bonus packs for adults. I know my husband never has enough white shirts. These bonus packs are perfect for him.
While we’re talking about back to school essentials for parents, let me introduce you to the one thing that is always on my supply list: Starbucks Veranda Blend. Oh my…it makes our Mondays a little less manic. (Child of the 80s here, can you tell?)
One of the most frustrating things about school supplies to me is the fact that erasers never last as long as pencils. So, we stocked up on these because let’s face it: we all make mistakes. Grace and erasers are the only way I know to deal with them.
And, finally, one major essential for a good school year: good sleep.
So, all I can say is “Thank goodness it’s back to school!” We’re settling into a routine and have everything we need to get started. What about you? Why are you thankful school is starting? What are your back-to-school essentials? To help you get what you need, I’m giving away a $75 gift card to Walmart thanks to Fruit of the Loom! Enter to win using the widget below!
Disclosure: I received a gift card from Fruit of the Loom in exchange for writing this blog post. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.
Deidra F says
I decided this year to buy my grandsons good backpacks. They usually go through 2 or 3 a school year, so I bought them Land’s End, which are guaranteed for life.
Stacy Bishop says
Walmart is definately the place to get school supplies especially now….the prices are great.
MaeLena says
Back to school must haves! Paper, pencils, erasers and crayons! Having a 7, 6 and 2 yr old always makes for an interesting day. Love the washable markers since the 2 yr old wants to always put her artwork on the walls. Needless to say, washable markers makes my life a little easier.
Marsha says
Cardstock- painting, notebooking, crafts, posters- lots of uses. I have been using Walmart.com lately. Same prices, less hassle.
Nancy W. says
I always buy new pens before school starts, especially the red ones!
Melissa Sullivan says
School supplies! I love knew boxes of crayons & fresh notebooks!!!
steve weber says
I would say lots of paper and pens.
Mary Happymommy (@mami2jcn) says
Lunchboxes are my favorite.
Elle says
I love new backpacks.
Lisa Brown says
Going to buy lunchboxes
Karen Glatt says
It would have to be a new backpack with paper, pens. pencils and a 3 ring binder.
Linda Flakes says
Backpacks
Elena says
I like to buy backpacks
Janet W. says
My favorite back to school essential is buying a new backpack!
tammy shelton says
I love the smell of a new box of crayons.
couponboss says
I love new notebooks.
Kelly D says
Backpacks are my favorite back to school essential.
Cheryl says
I love buying new boxes of Crayola crayons — so many colorful memories.
Kenya F says
I love getting a new back pack and notebooks. I actually have an obsession for notebooks. LOL
nicole dziedzic says
My favorite back-to-school essential and must have is backpacks. They are always the first thing we buy every year.
shelly peterson says
Backpack and shoes.
David says
Our kids pack their lunches, so they always need a new lunchbox. I like to see which ones they choose. Lunchboxes have come a long way since I was a kid.
amy pugmire says
we love backpacks.
Stephanie says
having new clothes
Kelly Tupick says
My favorite back to school essential is getting new backpack.
James Robert says
I spent some time just picking out 1 backpack that was durable for my son. Now I have to get 4 more for the other kids.
James Robert says
Thanks so much for the chance to win, this is awesome!
Janice Cooper says
I would say folders and paper
Tabathia B says
School uniforms and backpack
Carolsue says
I guess that would be the neat calculator my son this got; and Trapper Keepers!
D Schmidt says
My favorite is definitely the backpack.
jalapenomamamn says
Backpacks because they’re so much fun to hop for.
rafflecopter name Barbara Montag
thank you
sohamolina says
I always like getting new clothes.
Lila says
We finally have to buy #2 pencils! So a big bouquet of yellow pencils!
livivua says
a nice great looking pair of sneakers
Linda says
A new backpack is my favorite.
Kenya F says
I love getting a new backpack.
Courtnie says
Pencils and notebooks are my favorite.
Birdiebee says
A new backpack every year.
Laurajj Jacobson says
We love looking for the backpack everyyear!
Gina M says
My favorite back to school item is a brand new binder with notebook paper.
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
allisondownes says
New notebooks.
Thank you for the chance to win this!
courtney b says
a super cute backpack is a must have for back to school!
flagler2 says
Backpacks are my favorite
Sarah Hayes says
cute backpacks are my favorite
Stacey b says
I love shopping for backpacks and lunch boxes
Lila Neely says
I love the notebooks and the memories of all the trips to WalMart for supplies!
Amanda Sakovitz says
i like sneakers
Rhoda Benton says
My favorite back to school essential is new socks and undies!!!
mermont84 says
A new pair of sneakers is my fav new school essential
leeanngtaylor says
I love new notebooks. So much fresh paper!
Erika W. says
My favorite back to school essential is a new lunchbox and backpack!
Sarah Griffin says
My favorite back to school essential was always new markers!!
Maureen Tenney says
I love binders! I love how they can organize all of your papers in one spot!
Heather Dawn says
My favorite essential is paint! I love the messy creativity.
Thomas Murphy says
I like getting a new back pack.