The Ultimate Back to School Checklist for Parents
New teachers. New classrooms. New adventures.
Back to school is exciting, but if you're a parent, it can also feel like there's a never-ending list of things to remember. From school shoes that actually fit to lunch bags that survive the term, a little preparation goes a long way.
At Frugi, we design colourful, hardwearing clothing and accessories made for real childhood: muddy puddles, playground races, woodland adventures and all the wonderful moments in between.
Whether your little one is starting nursery, heading off to primary school or moving up a year, our ultimate back to school checklist has the essentials they need for a year full of learning, exploring and play.
Discover school essentials, nursery must-haves, waterproofs, backpacks and more.
Top Tips for a Smooth Back to School Routine
A little preparation now can make those first mornings much calmer.
Try:
- Laying out clothes the night before
- Packing backpacks and lunch bags before bedtime
- Labelling belongings
- Checking school uniform still fits
- Practicing the morning routine
- Letting them help choose and pack their own things
A little independence goes a long way.
Back to School Essentials Checklist
✔ School shoes
✔ Waterproof coat or jacket
✔ Backpack
✔ Lunch bag
✔ Pencil case
✔ School basics (socks, underwear and layers)
✔ Nursery waterproofs
✔ Wellies
1. School Footwear That Can Keep Up
Little feet don't stay still for long. From the classroom to the playground, their shoes should keep up with busy days of learning and adventures.
When choosing back to school shoes, look for:
- A comfortable fit with room to grow (but not too much!)
- Flexible soles for natural movement
- Easy fastenings they can manage themselves
- Durable materials for everyday adventures
Top tip: School shoes are worth leaving until closer to the start of term. Children's feet can grow quickly over the summer holidays, so waiting helps you choose a size with the best chance of lasting through the school year.
2. A Waterproof Coat for Whatever the Weather
If there's one thing we know, it's that the weather likes to keep us guessing.
Unlike school uniform, coats often give children more freedom to show their personality (although it’s always worth checking your school's guidance first). Whether they love bright rainbows, bold colours or classic everyday styles, choosing a coat they love can make getting ready feel that little bit more exciting.
Explore our colourful collection of children's school coats, including girls' waterproof coats and boys' waterproof coats, designed for rainy-day adventures.
Look for a coat that's:
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Easy to move in
- Roomy enough for extra layers
Not sure which one to go for? Read our outerwear blog to find out which coat your little one needs!
3. Backpacks That Carry It All
Books. Reading records. Pencil cases. Mysterious pinecones.
Children somehow manage to collect an impressive amount of
treasures throughout the school day.
A good school backpack should be:
- Comfortable to carry
- Spacious enough for everyday essentials
- Easy to organise
- Durable enough for daily adventures
From rainbow prints to animal adventures, discover our children's
backpacks made for school days and beyond.
4. Lunch Bags for Hungry Explorers
Whether it's sandwiches, pasta or yesterday's favourite leftovers, an insulated school lunch bag helps keep food fresh until lunchtime.
Look for:
- Easy-to-clean fabrics
- Lightweight designs
- Insulated compartments
- Space for snacks and a water bottle
Because hungry children are rarely patient children.
5. Pencil Cases for Creative Minds
The best pencil case isn't always the fullest. A simple, organised school pencil case helps children keep their essentials together.
Pack the basics:
- Writing & colouring pencils
- Rubber
- Sharpener
- Ruler
Many schools provide stationery lists, so it's worth checking before stocking up.
6. School Basics You'll Be Glad You Didn't Forget
Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
Don't forget:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Comfortable layers
- Spare clothes (especially for younger children)
7. Back to Nursery Checklist
Starting nursery is a huge milestone for little ones and grown-ups alike.
Because nursery often means plenty of outdoor play and forest school, practical clothing helps little explorers enjoy every puddle, splash and muddy adventure.
Our Puddle Buster coats are made for rainy-day adventures, helping them ones stay dry whilst they splash, dig and discover.
Perfect for layering over everyday clothes, these help protect little knees and legs from mud, puddles and damp grass.
Every nursery explorer needs a trusty pair of wellies. Easy to pull on and ready for puddle jumping, they're an outdoor essential all year round.
FAQs
It's best to buy school shoes as close to the start of term as possible. Children's feet can grow quickly during the summer holidays, so waiting helps you choose a size that has the best chance of lasting through the school year.
Most children need school shoes, a waterproof coat, backpack, lunch bag, pencil case, socks and everyday layers. Children starting nursery may also need waterproof clothing and wellies for outdoor play.
Nursery essentials often include waterproof clothing, wellies, spare clothes, comfortable layers and a labelled water bottle or backpack.