The preschool years are magical… and messy… and sometimes a little chaotic. Starting preschool is a big milestone — for both your child and you! Whether it’s their first time in a classroom or they’re moving up from daycare, having the right gear makes mornings smoother and helps your child feel confident and prepared.
Here’s my tried-and-true list of 10 preschool must-haves, complete with why they matter and what to look for — from one mom who’s been there.
1. Sturdy Backpack (That Fits Them!) 🎒
A backpack is more than a place to hold their stuff — it’s their “school identity.” It should fit comfortably on their back without dragging on the ground. Preschoolers don’t need a giant bag, but they do need enough space for a folder, change of clothes, and maybe a small lunchbox.
How to Choose: Look for padded straps, lightweight material, and zippers they can open on their own. Bonus points for a fun design that reflects their personality — dinosaurs, rainbows, glitter… whatever makes them smile.
💡 Mom Tip: I once made the mistake of getting a “too cute” tiny backpack. By week two, the teacher was sending notes saying, “It won’t fit his lunch!” Lesson learned.
Shop This Item: Click here to see preschool backpacks
2. Lunchbox They Can Open Themselves 🥪
Lunchtime is all about independence — and teachers don’t have time to open 20 tricky lunchboxes. Choosing one your child can open and close without help gives them confidence and keeps lunch stress-free.
How to Choose: Practice at home! Fill it with their usual snacks and let them try. A simple latch or zipper is best, and leakproof compartments are a plus.
💡 Mom Tip: We did a “lunchbox test” at the kitchen table. My daughter picked the one she could open the fastest — and she still uses it two years later.
Shop This Item: Click here to see preschool lunchboxes
3. Water Bottle with a Flip Straw 💧
Hydration is important, but so is avoiding spills in a backpack. A water bottle with a flip straw or spout is easier for small hands than a twist cap.
How to Choose: Opt for a lightweight, BPA-free bottle with a spill-resistant lid. Test that your child can flip it open and close it securely.
💡 Mom Tip: Always label it! I’ve seen a row of identical pink water bottles at pickup — and yes, mine came home with someone else’s once.
Shop This Item: Click here to see preschool water bottles
4. Extra Change of Clothes 👕👖
Spills, art projects, and playground mud are part of preschool life. A full change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) in a labeled bag means no emergency calls for parents to bring something in.
How to Choose: Pack soft, comfortable, easy-to-change clothes in neutral layers so they work year-round.
💡 Mom Tip: Rotate the spare set with the seasons — once I forgot, and my son wore shorts in December after a juice spill. Oops.
Shop This Item: Click here to see preschool clothing sets
5. Non-Marking Indoor Shoes 👟
Some preschools require a separate pair of clean shoes for indoor play to keep floors clean and safe. Even if yours doesn’t, it’s a good idea.
How to Choose: Velcro closures are easier than laces for quick changes. Lightweight sneakers or slip-ons work well.
💡 Mom Tip: Pick a fun color or design they’ll be excited to put on — my daughter had unicorn sneakers she called her “magic shoes.”
Shop This Item: Click here to see indoor shoes for preschoolers
6. Weather-Ready Outerwear ☔🧥
Preschoolers spend time outside year-round. Having the right coat, rain jacket, or sunhat means they can enjoy recess without getting soaked, cold, or sunburned.
How to Choose: Look for easy fasteners (Velcro or snaps) and machine-washable fabrics. A hood is a must.
💡 Mom Tip: Keep outerwear at school if allowed — we lost fewer coats once I stopped bringing them back and forth daily.
Shop This Item: Click here to see weather-ready outerwear
7. Comfort Item (If Allowed) 🧸
The first days (or weeks) can be a little overwhelming. A small comfort item can help your child feel safe and secure.
How to Choose: Pick something small enough to fit in a pocket or cubby — like a tiny plush, a cloth with your scent, or a laminated family photo.
💡 Mom Tip: My son had a small knitted bunny he kept in his pocket. Just knowing it was there made drop-offs so much easier.
Shop This Item: Click here to see preschool comfort items
8. Easy-On, Easy-Off Clothing 👗👖
Independence in the bathroom is a huge part of preschool readiness. Clothing that’s simple to pull on and off helps avoid accidents and builds confidence.
How to Choose: Elastic waistbands and simple pullovers are best. Avoid complicated straps, belts, or overalls unless they’ve mastered them.
💡 Mom Tip: Save the cute but tricky outfits for weekends. At school, it’s all about function.
Shop This Item: Click here to see preschool clothing essentials
9. Label Everything 🏷️
Jackets, shoes, lunchboxes, even socks — if it can be left behind, it probably will be. Labeling saves you from replacing items every few weeks.
How to Choose: Waterproof, washable labels last the longest. Permanent marker works in a pinch, but it fades quickly.
💡 Mom Tip: I even label snack containers — once you’ve dug through the “lost and found” bin, you’ll understand why.
Shop This Item: Click here to see washable name labels
10. A Positive Morning Routine 🌞
Not a physical item, but maybe the most important “must-have.” A calm, predictable routine sets the tone for the whole day.
How to Build It: Prep backpacks and lunches the night before, wake up with enough time for a slow start, and have a goodbye ritual.
💡 Mom Tip: We do a “three kisses” goodbye — one for school, one for friends, one for fun. It’s our little tradition.
Shop This Item: Click here to see morning routine charts
Preschool Prep FAQ
Q: When should I start buying preschool supplies?
A: Aim to have everything ready at least 2 weeks before school starts. That gives you time to label items and do practice runs with your child.
Q: How can I help my child adjust to preschool?
A: Visit the school ahead of time, meet the teacher, and do short “practice mornings” at home with their backpack and lunchbox.
Q: Do I really need all 10 items?
A: Every child and school is different, but these are the most common must-haves teachers recommend for a smooth transition.
Made With Love by Parentvillage.blog 💛
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