SPONSORED BY BOUNCE KELOWNA
The back-to-school is a big deal for kids and parents alike, regardless of what grade is coming up. But for first-timer, it’s an extra special - and daunting - few weeks. We know, because DTO’s oldest kid checked Kindergarten off her to-do list last year. And with first grade just around the corner, she’s helped us compile a list of must-haves for first-timer kids and their parents.
1. BENTO BOX LUNCH KIT
We love bento-style lunch boxes! They let you pack a variety of foods for lunch, adding variety and fun to school meal time. Plus, most products on the market these days are leak-proof!
Shop local: Scallywags Kids
Scallywags Kids on the Pandosy strip is one of our favourite kids’ shops in Kelowna, and it always has a great selection of products, including the amazing OmieBox. The divided tray lets you serve your entire meal in one place, with insulated side compartments to keep fruit & veggies cool, and a vacuum-insulated bowl for warm entrees. Plus it’s easy for little hands to open.
Elsewhere: Can’t make it to Scallywags? You can also find leak-proof bento boxes in Kelowna at Superstore, the Independent, Indigo, Justice, TJs, Baby and Me, and Chicken Little.
2. THE ULTIMATE BACKPACK
Parkland backpacks are made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles, plus they come in a ton of super cool patterns. And they come in two sizes, so your kindergartner will be carrying a bag that actually fits.
Shop local: Baby and Me
Baby and Me has these amazing backpacks, and tons of other amazing back-to-school accessories. It’s one of our favourite kids’ shops in Kelowna, conveniently located right on Harvey.
Elsewhere: We’ve seen these awesome backpacks locally at several Orchard Park Mall (Kelowna) stores, including Indigo, Bentley, and SportChek, as well as at Scallywags Kids on the Pandosy strip.
3. RECESS-PROOF OUTERWEAR
Recess happens rain or shine, and if your kid doesn’t have good quality outwear, they are going to be miserable. We love Hatley. With adorable patterns and great quality product, it’s worth the splurge.
Shop local: Baby Station
Have you discovered Baby Station? Located in Kelowna in the plaza near Staples, it has a great selection of outerwear, dining gear, and baby and toddler accessories - including Hatley gear for back-to-school!
Elsewhere: Check out Baby and Me, Scallywags Kids, Carter’s, Joe and MEC for great rain gear.
5. EASY-OPEN THERMOS
Send your little to kindergarten with a warm lunch with a steel Skip Hop thermos. They are cute, easy to open and close, and they come with a spork that attaches to the outside.
Shop local: TJ’s The Kiddies Store
Your one-stop baby and kid dining stop. TJ’s The Kiddies Store - near Banks and Baron - has it all (and not just dining gear, might I add). Grab an insulated thermos, and then shop around for other great lunchtime products.
Elsewhere: You can also find Skip Hop thermoses at Baby and Me and Carter’s. Superstore also has a great selection of kid-friendly thermoses.
5. ACCESSORIES YOU’RE WILLING TO LOSE (d’oh!)
We became well acquainted with the lost and found department this year. Invest in multiple pairs of mitts and toques, and visit your local second-hand store to pick affordable gently-used gear without sacrificing quality.
Shop local: Little Plum Children’s Boutique
We love Little Plum Children’s Boutique! This consignment store in downtown Vernon features an amazing selection of high-quality, gently-used items for babies and kids (and mamas, too!).
Elsewhere: If you can’t make it to Little Plum, we also love Once Upon a Child and Play-it-again Sports in Kelowna (both are near Costco) for great second-hand outerwear. Once Upon a Child also sells mitten clips, which have become a life saver in keeping mittens from a lonely playground demise. You can also find mitten clips at Carter’s/Osh Kosh.
6. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SIGN
You may have noticed that these signs dominate your Facebook feed on the first week of school, and with good reason - they’re a super cool way to document your child’s first day of school each year.
Shop local: Memory Blocks
We love Lake Country-based Memory Blocks, and they happen to make two different versions of the chalkboard back-to-school sign. Check out their signs here, and get yours in time for school!
