5 Back-to-School Essentials That Every Juggling Mom Needs

July 5th, 2024

1. Bentgo® Kids Prints Lunch Box: The No-Mess, Pack-Smart Champion

This leak-proof bento-style box has five compartments that help you pack a balanced lunch like a pro: half sandwich, fruits, veggies, a snack, and a dip or sweet treat. Real moms rave that this lunch box levels up picky eater routines and its clean, organized layout means no more lost snacks or smashed PB&Js in backpacks.

For me? It’s the morning lifesaver: it packs fast, stays tidy, and my kid actually eats everything before the bus even comes.

2. JanSport Big Break Lunch Bag: A Classic That’s Still Going Strong

Simple, insulated, and under $25, the JanSport Big Break lunch tote strikes the perfect balance between practicality and durability. It keeps cold foods chilled and wipes clean in a snap learning curve: zero.

As a working mom, I just drop it in the car, toss in an ice pack, and it’s ready to go, no fiddling, zero stress.

3. Personalized Name Labels: Our MDO required this!

Life hacks from seasoned school moms say it best.

These durable, laundry-safe labels stick on bottles, lunch boxes, jackets, you name it. I once found a vanished water bottle two weeks later in the lost-and-found—labeled, clean, and dry. Worth every penny.

4. Stainless Steel Child Tableware Set: Easy peasy!

My son often takes a full meal for lunch, including veggies and/or noodles. Having both a spoon and a fork are essential so he doesn't get into the habit of eating with his fingers.

These come with a small storage container and can be used both at school and at the park

5. Large Magnetic Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard: Because Your Brain Isn’t a Sticky Note

When every schedule crosses wires, this magnetic calendar does the heavy lifting. It sticks to any surface and takes the “what’s going on?” guesswork out of mornings. My whole family—kids included—knows what’s happening at a glance: field trips, Zoom sessions, dentist appointments.

It’s like a mini command center for sanity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a busy working mom looking to simplify school mornings and life in general without overspending, these five essentials are your real-world MVPs. They’ve saved me time, sanity, and a few bucks, and most importantly, they’ve made mornings smoother, lunches neater, and schedules visible to the whole family.