Back to School: 6 must-haves for the kids

Summer is still here but It’s THAT time again where we get ready for Back To School! There are always items that need replacing every year, like those ripped backpacks and outgrown shoes. Avoid the rush, and shop early! We’ve rounded up 6 must-have items that is a Canadian Brand or fun for your kids.
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Waterproof shoes – Vessi

Let your kids jump in puddles, run through mud, and play without limits in the Vessi Kids Weekend Sneaker. 100% waterproof, breathable, and machine washable, these pull-on sneakers are built for comfort, durability, and mess-free adventures—all while being vegan and PFAS-free. Perfect for little explorers, rain or shine!
Backpack – Roots

Raise your hand if your child has come home with a holey backpack or a broken strap? Kids backpacks should be kidproof, doncha think? Roots Canada makes some of the most durable backpacks. Set your child up for success with this lightweight, durable school backpack designed for comfort, safety, and organization. With two zippered compartments, a side water bottle pocket, and a padded laptop sleeve (fits up to 15.6”), it keeps essentials secure and easy to access. Reflective accents add visibility for safer walks, roomy capacity and featherlight build ensure all-day comfort. Backed by a 2-year limited warranty, it’s a smart, stylish, and reliable choice for every school day.
Lunch Kit/Bag – Jan & Jul

Keep lunch fresh and mess-free with a Canadian brand, Jan & Jul’s insulated kids lunch bag! Roomy enough for bento boxes, water-resistant for rainy days, and machine washable for easy cleanup. Perfect for school, picnics, and every little adventure!
Bento Box – Bentgo
The Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Box makes packing balanced, mess-free meals simple, with five perfectly sized compartments and a leak-proof seal. Durable, fun, and easy to clean, it’s a parent favorite (and kids love the playful prints, like dinosaurs!)
>> Bentgo Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box
Reusable Snack Bags – Bumkins

Reusable snack bags are one sure way to reduce plastic use and during the school year, the little baggies really add up. They are machine washable and dishwasher safe. They have different designs for your kids.
Reusable Water bottle – Grosche
Keep your kids hydrated in style with the GROSCHE Alpine Water Bottle—a proudly Canadian, women-owned, family-run brand and certified B Corporation. Built tough with triple insulation, this leakproof stainless steel bottle keeps drinks icy cold for up to 48 hours! The Flip ’N Sip straw lid keeps things clean and easy for little hands, while the strong handle makes it perfect for school, sports, or adventures on the go. Plus, every purchase funds 50+ days of safe drinking water for someone in need. Choosing Canadian never felt so good!
>> GROSCHE Alpine Water Bottle
For more back-to-school tips read below:
- Back to School: 6 Tips from Vancouver Teachers
- 5 Things you can do as a family to manage ‘Back to School’ anxiety
- Back to School: 5 tricks to get kids in bed earlier
The blogger behind Nourish Through Movement, Reg Von Lok writes about DIY and style, nourishment through movement and integrates it all with motherhood, family and life's curveballs. She lives live in the Metro Vancouver area with my husband and two girls.