Custom First Day Sign
There’s a universal truth about the first day back to school: documentation is required. And a custom first-day sign from ETSY is sure to make that photo extra special. BC-based seller LePetitLaser creates beautiful signs personalized with your child’s name, and space to fill in details like their age, favourite subject, and what they’d like to be when they grow up. It’s an elegant way to remember them on the precipice of that all-important first day. There’s even a double-sided option, so you can document their last day, too.
Fall Jacket
Cute and comfortable outerwear from Canadian company Miles the Label ensure your kid arrives to their first day feeling cozy and stylish. Plus, this brand makes a good impression beyond the first day, thanks to sustainable production methods and durable fabric. The lineup includes classic varsity jackets, a sherpa-lined jean jacket, and even a plaid shacket that’s perfect for shoulder season. You can shop online, but we love the brand’s partnerships with “neighbourhood shops” Because cute clothes are great, but supporting our favourite local boutiques—in Kelowna, the Lower Mainland and beyond—is even better.
Running Shoes
For kids that run, jump and climb, there are Cloud Play shoes from On. Built with plenty of cushioning and support, these shoes are loved by Olympic and pint-sized athletes alike. Shoes for little back-to-schoolers are designed to support play, with no-tie laces and a wider base for all those “watch me!” moments. Bigger back-to-schoolers enjoy similar tech to their adult counterparts: comfortable cushioning and great grip. Don’t overlook the waterproof versions in every size—including adult. On Shoes aren’t just playground friendly, they’re planet-friendly, too: overall, 33% of the materials are recycled or renewable. The future of footwear is comfy.
Lunchbox
Ask any kid, and they’ll tell you: the best period of the day is lunch. The lunch bag from MEC is an easy way to keep the essentials for this very important part of the day organized and cool. That keeps parents happy, and the five colourways keep kids happy, too. Just as you would expect from MEC, their lunch bags have all the elements for easy on-the-go lunch: they’re durable enough to withstand recess, water-resistant to keep spills contained, and lightweight yet insulated. The only thing it doesn’t guarantee: that the contents actually get eaten.
Zip-Up Hoodie
One thing every kid needs stuffed in their bag is a classic zip-up hoodie. And the ultra-soft version from Copper Pearl fits the bill perfectly. The green-and-white plaid Parker pattern (pictured) caught our eye, but there are four other cute-as-a-button prints to choose from. To really outfit your kids in style, make it a set with matching joggers—or twin with your kiddo in a matching set of your own. This classic design is made from French Terry fabric, ensuring a breathable, comfortable fit. Because on your first day, the last thing you want to worry about is what you’re wearing.
Backpack
With all this stuff, the most important piece of gear is a way to carry it. Vancouver-based Herschel has just the thing, with their Herschel Heritage Backpack in kids’ and youth sizes that take you from preschool to preteen. The fabric is made from 100% recycled water bottles, wipes clean, and comes in cool designs like Space Adventure and Leopard Scribble. Plus it has thoughtful features like a waterbottle sleeve, padded shoulder straps, and an external name label. The youth size even has space for a laptop. For teenagers and beyond, there’s a wider range of styles that include weatherproof, the classic zip-top, and strappier options. In short, there’s something to suit every back-to-schooler.
Sneakers
For kids who need a shoe to stand up to the playground and beyond, there’s the Motozoa Sneaker from KEEN. This versatile sneaker comes both in little kid and big kid sizes, and several colourways—from bright to basic black—to suit all back-to-school styles. These easy-on cinch-and-go sneakers are light enough to scale playground equipment and durable enough to withstand gym class. Plus it has a few features parents love, like odor control, non-marking outsole (bye-bye sneaker scuffs), and breathable lining. But what we really love is that all KEEN shoes are free from PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals.” Because while we want our shoes to last, their impact on the environment shouldn’t.
Glasses
Look sharp for the first day of school with a brand-new pair of frames from KITS. This Vancouver-based company offers glasses and sunnies for all ages, but we’re partial to colourful options like the Jordan Alpha and Jordan Ltd. If you happen to live in Vancouver, pop by their bricks-and-mortar in Kitsilano, or use their handy guide to shop for frames online. They offer their own line, alongside a line-up of designer frames. Their mission: to make and sell glasses that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the wallet.
Pens
Whether your back-to-schooler is practising their ABCs or signing their name (with a flourish), a pen from BIC is up to the job. After all, they’ve been making writing utensils since 1944. But don’t be fooled: their back-to-school roundup isn’t your grandparents’ pens. We love the BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Pen, with four colours (red, blue, black and green) all tucked neatly into one convenient writing instrument. But there are plenty of ballpoint pens, gel pens and mechanical pencils to choose from.
Water Bottle
Learning is thirsty work, so keep your toddler or teen—and all kids in-between—hydrated with a bottle or flask from YETI. The Rambler Water Bottle comes in three sizes: from little-kid to my-teen-is-taller-than-me. The folding straw cap is leak-free, and is easy for even the littlest hands to use, while the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold all day—even if basketball practice goes late. Parents will appreciate that it’s dishwasher-friendly, and kids of all ages will appreciate the assortment bright (but not gaudy) colours to choose from. It even has a handle for easy toting, and a five-year warranty, so it’s guaranteed to last.
Pop-Up Pencil Case
Now here’s a genius idea: a pencil case that doubles as a desktop pencil holder. Not to mention this smart product from BC-based ETSY seller PlusDesignCrafts can also be engraved with your kid’s name for a personalized touch. To turn it from a pencil case to a stand-up pencil holder, simply unzip the top and pull the tabs down to reveal the writing utensils inside. It’s fun, functional, and there are five colours (plus four engraving colours) to choose from. Now if only your kid could keep the rest of their desk so organized.