As the days get shorter and the kids are gearing up to go back to school, some dads are probably feeling an inner tug of war and aren’t quite sure what to feel. On the one hand, it’s great that football season is just around the corner but, but on the other hand, the end of summer vacation means no more big family trips and excessive time off from work. Sure, crisp fall weather brings with it a great selection of craft beers and seasonal treats, but it also means those of us up north probably need to dust off the snow shovels sooner than we’d like to. And even though it will be great to see the kids growing and learning this school year, it also means they’re going to bring home every virus known to man over the next nine months. But no matter how you feel about the kids going back to school, one thing’s for certain—you’re going to have to spend some coin.
If you have little ones, it’s not as big of a deal. Sure, there’s always going to be the obligatory clothes shopping that “needs” to be done, but it’s not as bad as when they’re older and they have a list of neccessary school supplies the length of War and Peace. Here’s some back to school items for younger kids that won’t break the bank and, even if some aren’t exactly necessary, they’re cool enough that you won’t actually regret spending money on them.
Backpack Swag
Your kid is going to need a backpack and there are plenty of brands willing to charge you an arm and a leg for more than you need. If you have little ones that aren’t carting physics textbooks yet, our favorites are these Stuf Kid Backpacks by Wry Baby. They’re super unique and, even better, they won’t break the bank (only $20).
Let’s Eat
If you’re a dad who makes his kids lunch every day, there are easy ways to step up your game. Do you include notes in your kids’ lunches? That’s a nice touch. Do you include notes that your kids have to scratch off to reveal your message underneath? Now you can with these Scratch-Off Lunchbox Notes from InklingsPaperie.
Also, everyone knows you can make a mean Fluffernutter, but are you still cutting the crust off at right angles? You know you’re more fun than that. The Match n’ Munch Sandwich Cutters from Lunch Punch will cut your kids sandwiches into puzzle pieces and thus make playing with their food 100-percent acceptable to nosey lunch monitors.
Oh, and if you’re still brown bagging it, yes, there’s even a way to make that cooler with some “Caution: Dad Packed Lunch” sandwich bags.
Look what I made!
Now that you’ve sent your kid off to school with a truly unique lunch, don’t forget about all the stuff they’ll be bringing home, too. The refrigerator simply isn’t big enough to display all those art projects they (and you) want to show off. But don’t worry—there’s an app for that. ARTKIVE will chronologically store your kids’ art and allow you to print a hardcover book of all their masterpieces, as well as other accessories, like phone cases, blankets, and pillows for the truly exceptional works of art.
BTS Jitters
But as fun as going back to school can be for you and the kids, the fact of the matter is it can be a stressful time for some little ones (and parents, too). If your kids are feeling anxious about their new teacher or who is in their class this year, the Worry Eaters from Haywire Group can help. These plush monsters aren’t going to make your kid’s worries go away magically, but if you have your child write down what’s troubling them and feed it to their Worry Eater, they’ll probably find some comfort in the fact that they don’t have to carry that worry with them anymore, not to mention it opens a door for you to talk with you child about what’s on their mind. (Full disclosure: I work for the company that distributes these in the U.S., however, I bought one from Europe and was a believer long before any business was done).
Another school year means another year to prove you’re the best dad ever. Check out Relevant Dad’s Too Cool For School guide if you still have money burning a hole in your pocket. Just never lose sight of the fact that the best gift you can give your kids as they head back to school is simply showing up, whether you’re cutting sandwiches into puzzle pieces or not. They’ll love you regardless.
