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Back to School 2009

The sad fact is that summer will eventually wind down. And while most students are dreading when the long summers days come to an end, parents realize there is still much planning to do to get the kids ready and out the door for the first day of school .  As with most retail holidays, the fall fashions and back-to-school sales   are beginning earlier every year. Make sure to get your checklist ready early to ensure you have all the supplies needed to make the school year a success from beginning to end. See below for all the resources available to make back-to-school more fun this year for every age.

Preschool-4th Grade

This is the stage of life where kids are still young and everything is new and exciting. If this is your first time buying supplies for your child, make sure that you cover all of the bases.  Our back to school clothes for kids and school supplies guides should help to give you some suggestions. Below, some important things to remember.

  • Inoculations   : Make sure your child is caught up on all of the neccesary shots needed to start at their new school. With the ever growing range of germs that kids can spread, you want to make sure your little one is not at risk.
  • Wardrobe   : Dressing is still in its early stages and you can help to pick out outfits for your child, so make sure to choose outfits that will be easy to wear all day long. You don't want uncomfortable accessories or itchy fabrics to distract from the day's work. If your child goes to a school where uniforms   are worn, this takes out a lot of the guesswork, but always make sure you have a healthy amount of pressed and clean uniforms on hand in case of stains or accidents.
  • Backpacks   : Pick out a knapsack that will last for a least a few years and preferably has two straps or rolling wheels so that less strain is put on your growing child. Investing in a quality backpack could save you hassle in later years. Also, making sure to pack a lunchbox   or sack   is important so that your child's lunch is contained.
  • Supplies   : You don't need to get too high-tech with the school supplies just yet, but make sure your child has the standards like a pen ,  pencil ,  and at least one set of markers   or colored pencils .  A small composition book   or a few multiple subject notebook   s would be useful also.

5th Grade-8th Grade

As they enter junior high ,  kids are starting to go through puberty and are becoming more concerned about their appearance  Shopping for new clothes and maintaining personal hygiene starts to become a main priority, and harder classes mean more school supplies and high-tech devices. Take a look at our guides on back to school clothes for teens and back to school gadgets for some help and see some pointers below.

  • Personal Care : Deodorant ,  razors ,  face wash   and hair products   all become crucial at this pubescent stage. Take your child shopping for products that he or she feels comfortable buying and offer some guidance too since this something new.
  • Cell Phones : Kids will start going out on their own a lot more as they get older, so if you haven't already purchased a cell phone or communication device for your growing child, you may want to consider it. This way you can know where he or she is and it will make for much easier communication.
  • Clothes   : Growing bodies mean shrinking clothes. Let your child pick out what's fashionable (within reason) for each new school year. Also, bras   for young girls will start to become essential, so make sure this is on the list as well.
  • Reference   : As the subjects get more difficult, consider purchasing a dictionary ,  thesaurus ,  graphing calculator ,  ruler   and whatever else your child may need to face the challenges of higher education.

High School

It's the time for school dances ,  cafeteria lunches, gym class and a child who is becoming a young adult. Back to school makeup is a great guide for girls as they mature into women. See some more suggestions below.

  • Dress Clothes   : As kids enter high school, they will have more occasions to dress up, whether it be for an after-school event or a friend's birthday. Start thinking high heels   (hopefully not too tall!) and lots of skirts   and dresses   for the girls, and dress jackets   and ties   for the boys.
  • Cars   : As your child reaches driving age, he or she will probably need a new or used set of wheels to get around. Start looking at cars early so that you have some suggestions and options when your teen takes an interest in purchasing a vehicle.
  • Computers : More school papers means possibly having to purchase a personal computer for your teen. This way, he or she can focus on school work and the all-important social life without interfering with yours. Also consider loading it with programs like PowerPoint   and Excel   to enable easy work on presentations, but don't forget to talk to your teen about the dangers of the Internet . 
  • Hobbies   : As teens start to flourish and grow in school, they will most likely take up some type of hobby, whether it be playing guitar   in a band, painting ,  or writing .  Be prepared to support your child's habit and accompany him or her on shopping trips to pick out items that will encourage this new found interest (within a reasonable cost, that is!).

College

Now that your child is off to college, his or her needs will change. Most young adults will be living on their own in dorms   and will need housing supplies, not just school supplies. The classes will become harder and a lot more studying will be required. They will start to figure out what they want to do with the rest of their lives, so you want make sure they have everything they need to go about doing this. Read our Gifts for College Students guide and read up on the below.

  • Towels   : Using a communal shower means needing your own towels and washcloths .  And doing your own laundry means you need enough of these items to last you at least a month or two. Make sure you purchase bath towels of decent quality and at a reasonable price.
  • Appliances : Irons ,  televisions ,  mini refrigerators   and clothes racks   are all dormitory essentials. Make a review checklist when picking out the things you need so you can make sure nothing is left out.
  • Bedding   : Whether commuting or living at school, new bedding may be needed. Remember, some dorms only accommodate specially sized sheets ,  and a new comforter   or mattress   may need to be purchased as well. A larger sized mattress might also be an option.
  • Camera : Let your college-goer capture all of his or her college memories on camera! A nice pocket-sized digital   with a reasonable warranty would be perfect for bringing to school and taking to all of those campus parties.

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