A Back To School Guide for Parents
As a new school year begins, excitement fills the home. The last days of summer feel like a never-ending adventure, filled with joyful anticipation—and sometimes, a bit of anxiety. We all know how important it is for kids and parents to plan ahead during this phase. As children grow, they experience different stages of life, and so do their preparations for school. From preschool to high school, each stage comes with its own needs, emotions, and little rituals. At the heart of all this change stands the family—offering guidance, support, and encouragement.
This article by Giftshire aims to be a practical and heartfelt guide for parents: one that helps them plan ahead and prepare their children for a smooth transition into the new school year. You can find our back-to-school guide for 1st grade article here.
The Journey Begins: Kindergarten
Among all the stages of education, kindergarten is one of the most formative—and, let’s admit, unpredictable—ones. A whole new chapter begins with this tiny but significant step. Most kids don’t know what to expect, and parents are often just as unsure. Preparing for kindergarten is a long-term effort that goes far beyond school supply shopping. Because it’s the very first step into structured learning, children need mental, emotional, and physical preparation to adapt to new routines both at home and in the classroom.
Tips for preparing your child for Kindergarten:
- Encourage independence in everyday tasks: putting on and taking off their coat, using the bathroom without assistance, washing hands without constant reminders, and putting on their own shoes.
- Let your child serve their own portion at meals and clear their own dishes to build self-reliance.
- Teach basic self-help skills: wiping their face after washing, blowing their nose, or cleaning up after using the toilet. Just as importantly, teach them to feel comfortable asking an adult for help when needed.
- Begin transferring simple responsibilities, even if it feels a little early. On family trips, let them fill their water bottle, carry their own backpack, clean up after meals, or organize their belongings.
- Establish daily routines. Set a consistent wake-up time and morning routine. Discover how your child likes to start their day—with music, reading, or quiet time. Create a balanced schedule that includes time for reading, playing, drawing, and winding down.
Now, let’s continue with a list that may help you shop for kindergarten. Building your list by considering your child’s needs, likes, and must-haves is important. Since it’s a never-ending list and will repeat itself during the school year, it would be better to split lists as you already have, must-have, and save for later kind of lists. Here is our checklist for a kindergarten, and you can also check our Back-To-School Collection to get your list done and find personalized school needs on Giftshire.
What are the “must-haves” for a kindergarten kid?
- Personalized Name Stickers – Waterproof, Sticks on clothes
- Backpack – Lightweight, kid-sized, with a name label
- Lunchbox – Easy to open/close, with compartments
- Water Bottle – Leak-proof and refillable
- Washable Markers – Broad tip, non-toxic
- Blunt-tip Scissors – Kid-safe
- Glue Sticks – Usually 2–4 per term
- 2 Pencils – Pre-sharpened if possible
- 2 Pocket Folders – For sending notes/artwork works
- Pencil Box or Pouch – Durable and easy to open
- Change of Clothes – Labeled, in a ziplock bag (including socks/underwear)
- Pack of Tissues
- Hand Sanitizer – Travel-size
- Disinfecting Wipes – Usually requested for classroom use
What are the “good to have” for a kindergarten kid?
- Raincoat or Light Jacket – Depending on the climate
- Velcro Shoes – Unless your child can confidently tie laces
- Small Blanket or Nap Mat – If the school has rest time
- Earphones – If the school uses tablets or listening centers
- Art Smock or Oversized Shirt – For messy activities
- First Day Photo Prop – Cute board or sign for pictures
Bonus Tip: Capture the Magic of the First Day
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—not just for kids, but for parents too! If you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to mark the occasion, this adorable My 1st Day Board is the perfect keepsake. You can customize it with your child’s personal favorites, dreams, and fun facts, then snap a photo to remember the day forever. You can turn the process into a celebration with family members, friends, and your kids’ favorite snacks.
