Being a mom is a constant string of decisions, and with three kids at three different stages I don’t have room for ones I have to make twice.My son is starting Pre-K in a few weeks and though it’s an exciting time for all of us, it’s also a source of stress for me.
To get ahead of lunch box spills, wardrobe malfunctions, and double booking mistakes, I tested a bunch of school supplies and related items earlier this year and through the summer to get us ready for this special time in his life.The products below made our mornings easier, stood up to beatings from three kids, and outlasted their competitors.
Every product on this list was researched, reviewed and tested by me and my three kids under 5 years old to spare other moms (and their kids) the time and money.Some are bargain finds that also turned out to be gems, some are splurges that I found worth the money.
All will last through the school year and beyond.Selected.Our top picksBest no-snap pencilsCrayola Clicks Mechanical Colored Pencils and Refills$9.79$12.99TargetLearn moreBest mini backpackState Kane Mini Backpack$undefined$88.00STATE BagsLearn moreBest no-spill lunch boxOmieBox Hot & Cold Bento Lunch Box$undefined$49.95TargetLearn moreBest family techVerizon Gizmo Watch 4$undefined$179.99Verizon WirelessLearn moreSee 1 MoreMeal Prep & Snack TimeFeeding three kids at three different stages — purees for one, snacks every 45 minutes for another, a full lunch period for the oldest — means I live and die by whatever makes packing food faster and cleanup easier.OmieBox Hot & Cold Bento Lunch Box$49.95Target$49.95Pottery Barn Kids$49.95OmieWhat to knowWhat we likeKeeps food at desired tempFood-safe materialsDishwasher safeSomething to notePricier than a basic lunch boxMore parts to keep track ofMy Pre-K son is about to eat lunch at school for the first time this year — new territory for us — and the two lunch boxes we tried with him this summer both failed in the same way: either th...