What’s in Your Backpack? Ultimate Must-Haves for Back to School

Next Tuesday is the big day. The day my two oldest head back off to school and my youngest waits as patiently as he can for preschool to start a couple weeks later. With two boys headed into 3rd and 4th grade, I’ve learned what essentials are great to have on hand for elementary school. Here are some ultimate must-haves for back to school.

School Supplies:

Exactly what and how many schools supplies you need will really depend up on the school and age of your child. Most schools provide a list upfront so you know exactly what you need. My kids have a school list that must be purchased before school starts and all items are put into the classroom. Most everything (with a few exceptions like headphones) become part of the community and what we buy won’t necessarily be given to our child. The only items they bring home everyday is their lunch box and daily folder with correspondence from teachers, homework and return papers.

Here are some non-school supplies that I think are helpful to include in their backpacks.

Regardless of the age or gender of your child, some items are universal. By keeping these items in a small pouch, you can make it easy for your child to access and be prepared.

Health Essentials:

Band-Aids
Hand Sanitizer
Lip Balm
Small Comb or Brush
Hair ties
Mints
Cough Drops
Nail Clippers
Feminine Care Items (if applicable)

Back Up Snack:

I like to include an extra snack like a protein bar (without nuts) just in case when my child needs a boost. Whether he forgot his lunch or finds himself hungry before a big test, it is nice to have something extra available.

Clothing:

If your child is younger, having a spare pair of clothes in the backpack is great for any accidents. An accident could be anything from spilling a drink to falling in mud to a bathroom mishap. This is more convenient and keeps parents from having to make a special trip to the school or have an uncomfortable child.

It is also helps to have something available in case your child is cold in the classroom. A thinner extra sweater or sweatshirt that can be worn over clothing can keep your child comfortable.

Water Bottle:

Last year our teacher suggested having a water bottle available in class. This is great for keeping your child hydrated throughout the day and helps avoid long lines or frequent trips to the water fountain.

External Chargers:

If your child has a laptop or cell phone at school, external chargers are a convenient way to always stay charged up and connected.

Save on Back to School Shopping

There is a lot to shop for when you have so many necessities for back to school. Consider getting ahead of the head of the class with PayPal and take advantage of PayPal’s exclusive offers with select retailers that can make your Back to School shopping even more affordable. Visit paypal.com/backtoschool to see the best ways to save money!

Convenience with PayPal

PayPal One Touch: With PayPal One Touch, there is no need for Back-to-School shoppers to type in credit card information or re-enter usernames and passwords on every app or website where they pay with PayPal. Consumers login and are given the choice to opt-in to “stay logged in” for the same device and browser combo, across eligible PayPal merchants.

PayPal Credit: When you shop with PayPal Credit for Back-to-School, you can break your payments up over time using Easy Payments with PayPal Credit, or receive more time to pay with special financing offers like this one: No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on purchases of $99 or more.

Give Back While You Shop

I use PayPal often, and used it to purchase two new backpacks for my boys. It is an easy and convenient way for me to pay. But what I didn’t realize was that I could benefit the PayPal Giving Fund with my purchases where 100% of proceeds go to selected partnering charity organizations, such as Let Girls Learn, YMCA, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Donations made through the PayPal Giving Fund will receive a 1% match from PayPal during the Back-to-School Season (August 12 – August 31, 2016).

To learn more about the PayPal Giving Fund and how to donate, go to paypal.com/givenow.

What are your must-have essentials for back to school?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.