Today I’m taking Caroline back-to-school shopping for 5th grade! Well, I’m taking Thomas too, but he’s not nearly as excited as she is. While he does care more about his style these days, he’s an easy one-stop shop at Dick’s.
Over the past few weeks, Caroline has been curating items in a “back-to-school wish list” note on our iPad. And today we’re going to see if we can track down the non-Amazon items at the mall! The item she is most excited about is a North Face Jester Backpack, which is apparently the trendy tween backpack this year. And we already scooped up a pair of Nike Blazers online since they are on sale.
Here’s her wish list for 5th grade…
- The North Face Jester Backpack: Love to see these backpacks making a comeback! SO many colors to choose from too. This backpack has a front bungee system for added storage and easy access, plus two external water bottle pockets for more storage. Also comes with a padded laptop sleeve — perfect for Chromebooks.
- First Day of School Bracelet: This is a surprise mommy + me gift for Caroline — and I actually bought her this Dainty Heart Bracelet for her first day of school (not the one pictured in the collage). Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for several more beautiful bracelet options I found, as well as a downloadable printable I made to go with it!
- Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer: Move over Bath & Body Works, this award-winning hand sanitizer is the new fave! Available in 11 scents, this mist hydrates, sanitizes, and softens skin. And the scents are not super overwhelming.
- Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Conditioning Spray: We’ve been using this since pre-school. It’s a detangling leave-in conditioner which also doubles as a lice prevention spray.
- Ribbed Crop Tank: A high quality stretchy, comfortable, double layered tank that is great for after-school sports practice or recess. Available in 9 colors, some of which are on sale!
- Sol de Janeiro Hair & Body Mist: Caroline loves any product by this brand and is hoping to add another fragrance mist to her collection.
- Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle: I am so happy to see this on Caroline’s list over the Stanley! This stainless steel water bottle has a well designed spout for sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to drink from the spout opening. It’s triple layer insulated and the lid is leak-proof. Available in rainbow of colors and has glowing reviews.
- Initial Zippered Bag: So cute and perfect for carrying personal items!
- Lunch Tote: Large capacity insulated tote with cute glitter chenille letters, padded handle, and adjustable shoulder strap! Available in 6 colors.
- Butterfly Skirts: Pretty much all Caroline wears these days. I stocked up on these flowy shorts during Prime Day, so we’re good on these.
- Flared Leggings: Caroline is going to need a few new pairs for fall and these are on big time sale right now — 40% off.
- Cropped Hoodie: This hoodie is one of Caroline’s favorites. It is so soft. On sale 30% off. And comes in several colors.
- The Walmart Bento Box: THE HOLY GRAIL OF ALL BENTO BOXES. I have shared this lunchbox more times than I can count but I can promise you this is the ONLY lunchbox you need. It’s so much better than any others we’ve used. It comes with multiple removable and stackable compartments, locks into place, and is dishwasher-safe!
- Short Puff-Sleeve Eyelet Linen-Blend Top: This top is so cute and is perfect with jean shorts or a jean skirt! And it’s 70% off!!!
- Nike Blazers: This is Caroline’s second pair of old-school Nike basketball shoes. Not only are they cute and trendy, but they are comfortable enough to run in. Available in 8 colors. On sale 25% off right now!
- Nike Crew Socks: Great price on these! And several colorways — the multi-color pack is so fun.
- High-Waisted Jean Skirt: Love the button-front. Also has an interior adjustable waistband.
Additional Back-to-School Items
A few other back-to-school items we love that I wanted to mention…
- Gizmo Smart Watch: These watches aren’t perfect, but they have been great for tracking the kids on the bus when the bus app isn’t working, and the kids also have to wear them when they are roaming the neighborhood so they can call us and check-in. These watches don’t allow outside apps and can only call or text me and Matt. And per school rules, they keep their watches in their backpacks once they arrive to school.
- Elderberry Vitamins: We double down on elderberry the first few weeks of school to keep immune systems up and prevent sickness.
- Label Maker: For labeling ALL THE THINGS. This one is smaller and more compact than the one I have and is super affordable!
- Felt Letter Board: For first day of school pics! Reminder: You don’t need to take your first day of school picture on the actual first day of school. I usually have our kids try on their outfits the weekend before and snap their photo then so we aren’t rushing on their first day.
- Art Portfolio Bag: We have one for each kid for storing keepsakes like art, report cards, school award certificates, etc.
- Slim Ice Packs: These are the ice packs we use with our bento boxes.
First Day of School Bracelet
Here is the printable I made for Caroline’s first day of school bracelet gift! There are lots of similar cute poems on Pinterest and Etsy, but this one is my favorite. As for the bracelets, I’ve found a few that I absolutely love! Each of the listings has several pretty options, so make sure to click through the other styles. And don’t forget to buy two!
- Gold Heart Bracelet
- 14K Gold Diamond Infinity Bracelet (really pretty for teens/high schoolers)
- Handmade Cotton Bracelet (comes with poem card)
- 14K Gold Bracelet with 3 Diamonds
- Dainty Heart Bracelet
- Birthstone Bracelet
- Coin Disk Engraved Letter Bracelet
Wishing you and your tween girl a happy school year ahead!
Also shopping for a tween boy? Check out my Tween Boy Back-to-School Shopping post!
Emily
Thursday 1st of August 2024
I have that bento box, and it’s the worst one we own! It doesn’t fit in the dishwasher, it doesn’t get clean, and it’s not the right size for a lot of lunchboxes. It’s literally the last one anyone in our fam picks (and I have 7 kiddos)!
And thank you for the bracelet reminder! My youngest daughter starts K in 2 weeks, and I’ve done it for all my girls! Happy first day of school to your kids!
JG
Thursday 1st of August 2024
My kids are adults but we have been using Owala water bottles for a few years and love them