The start of the school year comes around quickly after the summer holidays. A little planning in January makes the first weeks of term calmer for kids and parents. This back to school checklist covers the essentials, plus tips on labelling, routines and setting up a study space.
Start with the school's list
Most schools provide a booklist or requirements list for each year level. Check it first, as schools often specify particular items, brands of exercise books or calculators. Use this checklist to fill in everything else.
School bag
A good school bag protects your child's back and survives a year of being dropped and dragged.
What to look for:
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps.
- A chest or waist strap to spread the load.
- A padded back panel.
- The right size: The bag shouldn't extend below the small of your child's back.
- Durable, water-resistant fabric.
- A laptop or tablet sleeve for older students.
- A drink bottle pocket.
Pack heavier items closest to the back, and encourage kids to wear both straps. Our backpacks and back to school range include Caribee and SWISSWIN backpacks.
Lunch and drinks
- Lunch box: A bento-style box with compartments makes packing easier and cuts down on wrappers.
- Insulated lunch bag: Helps keep food cool through the day, especially in summer. Add a small ice brick.
- Drink bottle: Choose one your child can open and close easily, that doesn't leak, and is easy to clean. Insulated bottles keep water cool on hot days.
- Snack containers: Small reusable containers for fruit and crackers.
Check your school's guidelines, as many are nut-aware and some encourage nude food (no packaging). Browse our lunch boxes and totes and water bottles.
Stationery checklist
- Pencils and coloured pencils.
- Erasers and sharpeners.
- Pens (for older students).
- Glue sticks.
- Scissors (child-safe for younger kids).
- Ruler.
- Highlighters.
- Exercise books and display folders as per the booklist.
- Pencil case.
- Calculator (check the model your school requires).
Our pen and pencil cases and stationery range includes pencil cases in fun designs and desk organisers.
Uniforms and shoes
- Uniform: Check sizes in early January, as kids grow over summer. Buy a little room to grow.
- School hat: Most Australian schools have a no hat, no play policy. Make sure the hat fits and is named.
- Shoes: Get feet measured; check the school's shoe rules.
- Sports uniform and runners.
- Jumper or jacket for cooler months.
- Swimmers and towel if the school has swimming lessons.
Label everything
Lost property bins fill up fast. Label:
- Hats, jumpers and jackets.
- Lunch boxes and drink bottles.
- Bags.
- Shoes.
- Stationery and devices.
Iron-on or stick-on labels save time. Write names inside hats and jumpers with a laundry marker.
Sun protection
- School hat.
- Sunscreen in the bag for older kids.
- Sunglasses if the school allows them.
Tech for school
Many schools have bring-your-own-device programs. Check the school's requirements for:
- Device type (laptop, tablet or Chromebook).
- Operating system and minimum specs.
- Required software.
- A protective case and headphones.
Our laptop buying guide and tablet buying guide can help.
Set up a study space
A dedicated spot for homework helps kids focus.
- A desk or table with good lighting.
- A comfortable chair at the right height.
- Storage for books and supplies.
- A clock or timer.
- Minimal distractions.
Ease into routines
Start getting back into school routines a week or so before term:
- Move bedtimes earlier gradually.
- Practise the morning routine.
- Pack bags the night before.
- Set up a spot by the door for bags, hats and shoes.
- Plan a week of lunches and snacks.
- Put key dates in a family calendar.
Starting school for the first time
For kids starting kindergarten, prep or reception (the name differs by state), visit the school beforehand, practise opening the lunch box and drink bottle, and read books about starting school together.
High school extras
Older students often need a few more things:
- A scientific or graphics calculator, as specified by the school.
- Geometry set with compass and protractor.
- A diary or planner to track assignments.
- A larger, laptop-ready backpack.
- A lock for a locker, if the school uses them.
- Headphones for online learning.
Healthy lunch box ideas
A balanced lunch box usually includes:
| Food group | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Carrot sticks, cucumber, cherry tomatoes |
| Fruit | Apple slices, grapes, a banana |
| Grains | Wraps, sandwiches, crackers, pasta salad |
| Protein | Cheese, egg, chicken, legumes |
| Drink | Water |
Involving kids in choosing and packing their lunch makes them more likely to eat it.
Budget tips
- Reuse what still works from last year.
- Check what's on the school list before buying extras.
- Buy quality where it counts, like bags and shoes.
- Share bulk packs of stationery with friends or siblings.
Every brand we stock is listed on our brands page. For birthday ideas through the year, see our kids gift ideas by age.
Related guides: Kids Gift Ideas by Age, Laptop Buying Guide, Tablet Buying Guide.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start back to school shopping?
Early to mid January gives time to check uniform sizes, get the booklist sorted and avoid a last-minute rush.
How do I choose the right size school bag?
The bag should sit between the shoulders and the small of the back, with padded, adjustable straps. Avoid bags that hang low.
How do I keep lunches cool at school?
Use an insulated lunch bag with a small ice brick, and freeze a drink bottle partly the night before on hot days.
What should I label?
Everything that can be lost, especially hats, jumpers, lunch boxes, drink bottles, shoes and devices.
