I know. I know. It’s only early August, and I’m talking about back to school. This does not meant that the summer is nearing an end. It just means that we’ve got back to school shopping on the brain! As per usual, I’m happy to welcome Daniela back to the blog. She’s a whiz at gift guides, and her Back to School Gift Guide certainly doesn’t disappoint.

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Whether you’re sending your children off to nursery school or Montessori or they are heading back to grade school this September, this list of must-have back to school items will ensure your child is well prepared for the year ahead.

First up is an item from the proudly Canadian Green’s Your Colour. I have owned a Green’s Your Colour bottle for a few years (and even featured it in this holiday gift guide). I use it daily for cold beverages in the summer and hot infused teas in the winter. This food grade bottle has the capacity to store many food and beverage items. Buying your child one for their upcoming school year will ensure they have a superior water bottle that can easily  store a hot lunch or snack without leaving any flavour residue after it has been washed. I can attest to its durability and quality as mine is now three years old, and it still looks and functions like it’s new.

Dino Stomper, $35 CAD, Green’s Your Colour

Next up is an item from another Canadian company – So Young. The company’s  owner,  Catherine, is not only passionate about what she does, but she has overcome so much in her life. Read her inspirational story. So Young’s line of products is not only well-made and well-priced, but it has the cutest selection of bags for you, your toddler, or your child. Here’s the child-sized backpack, but note that many backpacks come in a toddler version as well.

backpack, $55 CAD, So Young

And don’t forget to add a So Young lunch bag and ice pack while you are at it!

unicorn lunch box, $35 CAD, So Young

ice pack, $13 CAD, So Young

Next up is this great lunchbox that ensures you can pack your child a variety of food items while keeping everything separate in an all-in-one container. The company – PlanetBox – has three options, but the Shuttle or Rover are recommended for children.

Shuttle lunch box, $39.95 USD, PlanetBox

Rover lunch box, $55.95 USD, PlanetBox

Tiny Trendsetter is a Toronto-based store that offers shipping across Canada and the United States. The store has you covered with the trendiest styles for your little ones. Tiny Trendsetter carries many mainstream labels we all love, but what I love most is their focus on smaller independent labels.

A must-have for fall and winter are these super comfy feels-like-joggers-but-looks-like-jeans. The Beau Hudson “jegs” are not only super stylish, but they are also super easy for your child to put on and off themselves, making for easier mornings (and easier washroom breaks at school, too!).

Beau Hudson Jegs, $59.99 CAD, Tiny Trendsetter

This packable, 100% waterproof jacket should be a staple in your child’s backpack. It is good for wind and rain ensuring your child is always ready for weather changes.

Packable jacket, $54.99 CAD, Tiny Trendsetter

A staple for my own child’s wardrobe is this zip-up hoodie from Toronto’s Mini Mioche. I have replaced my daughter’s hoodie every time she outgrows it as it’s light enough for her to wear all seasons, and she is always cozy. Those early fall mornings will call for an extra layer, and this hoodie, which comes in many colours, is the perfect wardrobe staple for back to school. What’s even better is that it is designed and made right in Toronto.

hoodie, $48 CAD, Mini Mioche

Hope you enjoyed my back to school gift guide! Until next time, happy shopping!

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Thanks for this gift guide, Daniela! Of course I, too, enjoy a nice water bottle, since I’m never without one, and the little packable rain jacket reminds me of my old K-Way jacket!