What Does a Back-to-School Shopping List Look Like for Remote Learning? Here’s How to Prepare For a School Year During COVID-19
Right around now is when everyone starts to prepare for the back to school shopping season. Depending on the age of your student your list in the past probably included pens, pencils, binders, backpacks, folders and notebook paper. These essentials got your kid started on the road to success for a year of expanding their knowledge and imagination with their peers. So, what does a school year in an age of social distancing guidelines and a worldwide pandemic entail? We’re not entirely sure yet, but we know that your list may look a little different.
Hopefully you’ve got an idea of what your child’s school situation is going to be for the upcoming year whether it’s entirely remote learning, hybrid learning or in-person learning that’s socially distanced. Any of the options is going to be an adjustment for your child, and the circumstances of their learning may change during the year in correspondence with the guidance of local health officials, the health of the teachers as well as their fellow students. To put it plainly, it’s going to be a bit of a mess — which is why preparation is our best bet at the moment.
We’ve put together a back-to-school shopping list for a pandemic era that includes some of the basics, some extra items aimed at protection and some must-haves for at-home learning that will help you and your child get through this together. We want to say that we salute all of you parents who are going through this — these are unprecedented times and you’re doing a great job.
In-Person or Hybrid Learning
Some school districts have decided to bring students back into classrooms with safety precautions in place including social distancing and mask wearing. Time will tell whether the in-person learning will last and remain safe for everyone involved, but we should bet on success with our shopping. Here are a few helpful items to add to your list for this school year that will cover your child’s bases when it comes to safety and learning.
1. Cubcoats Kids Face Masks
Face masks have become the norm through being one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of this virus. Your child may be uncomfortable wearing one at first, but approaching it through the lens of safety and care for others will help. Face masks for kids are widely available and come in a bunch of cute designs, like these kitty and bear ones from Cubcoats. They’re reusable and hand washable so you can switch off between them and sanitize between uses. They have a metal nose piece built in for a protective fit and elastic ear straps that hold snug.
Buy: Cubcoats Kids Face Mask 2-Pack $14.99
2. KINIA Kids Hand Sanitizer Keychain Carriers 8-Pack
Hand washing and sanitizing has become the name of the game these days, and these brightly colored, fun hand sanitizer carriers are about to become your kid’s new favorite accessory. They come in an 8-pack of fun, jelly-wrapped carriers that almost mask the hand washing in a toy. They do come empty, so make sure you purchase bulk hand sanitizer to fill them with before attaching them to your child’s backpack or lunchbox.
Buy: KINIA Hand Sanitizer Carriers $15.95
3. SupplyAID Hand Sanitizer
You can use these bulk bottles of hand sanitizer to fill the kid-friendly carriers above, and teach them about the importance of sanitizing their hands before meals and frequently throughout the day. This formula contains 80% alcohol for 99% of germs on contact. It dries quickly and won’t leave behind a sticky residue that’ll turn your kid away from getting in the habit of using it. It’s also enhanced with aloe for soothing and moisturizing skin.
Buy: SupplyAID Hand Sanitizer Gel $17.46
4. Skip Hop Toddler Backpack
What kid doesn’t get excited about a brand new backpack they get to bring to school? If your child is going to school every day, this backpack is one of the cutest options out there and comes in a bunch of different animal shapes including this dinosaur. It’s made for kids preschool age through kindergarten and has an insulated front pouch so packed snacks and lunch stay at the right temperature. The canvas material and lining is easy to clean and sanitize when they get home every day, and the main compartment is roomy enough to fit their favorite toys, water bottle and more.
Buy: Skip Hop Toddler Backpack $20.00
5. TRENDYMAX Blocks Backpack for School
This backpack is made for older kids who are elementary and middle-school age. It comes in a variety of patterns from galaxy print to this fun LEGO-block pattern. It has a smooth, durable closure and the spacious compartment can hold everything they need for class and beyond with a variety of pockets. It has a 16″ shoulder drop and is made with durable, lightweight fabric that’s easy to sanitize. It also has sturdy YKK zippers, padded shoulders and a back that’ll make even the heaviest books more comfortable to carry.
Buy: Blocks TRENDYMAX Kids Backpack $25.00
6. Caresour Advanced Alcohol Sanitizer Wipes
Speaking of sanitizing between uses, these wipes will definitely come in handy this school year (and they’re currently in stock!) Use them to wipe down backpacks, lunch boxes and even binders when your child gets home to protect you and them from potential germs or bacteria they may have picked up while surrounded by other children. You can also throw a pack in the car and make it a habit to sanitize your cellphone, water bottle and other items that are frequently touched.
Buy: Caresour Hand Sanitizer Wipes $33.99
7. Samsill Fashion Color 3-Ring Storage Binders
Binders is a standard back to school shopping item even during non-COVID times, and these are a great option for now due to the ability to easily sanitize for them. We recommend opting for a non-fabric binder this year so you can give it a quick and effective wipe down post-school day. This 6-pack has a variety of assorted colors included and has rust-resistant 1-inch rings and double boosters that can hold up to 225 sheets.
Buy: Samsill 3-Ring Binder 6-Pack $11.99
8. OmieBox Bento Box for Kids
This OmieBox Bento Box is a lunchbox for the next generation with a thermos insert designed to keep warm food warm all day long until lunchtime. Don’t send a million smaller containers that you’ll have to clean separately and opt for this convenient and easy-to-fill bento box that also happens to be easy to sanitize. It’s made with durable 304 grade stainless steel and is built to last weighing in at only 1.7 lbs. It’s also BPA-free so you can rest assured knowing you’re keeping your little one safe. The rubber seals that keep this Bento Box sealed shut until your child wants to open it are also easy to remove so you can wash it thoroughly every day after school, and it’s large enough to fit in snacks and keep all food separate.
Buy: OmieBox Bento Box for Kids $39.50
9. The Coolest Shields Face Shields for Kids
If your kid refuses to wear a mask or you want to give them options to switch it up, they make face shields for kids as well. These are designed to stop droplets from dispersing from coughs or sneezes and come in both adult and children’s sizes. They make them in a variety of animal themes and are made of comfortable, durable material with a removable plastic liner that’s easy to clean. Grab a pair and wear them together to your child’s first day of school to celebrate the new normal as safely as possible.
Buy: The Coolest Shields Face Shields for Kids $21.99
Remote Learning / Home Schooling
Remote learning and/or home schooling is also about to become the norm for many families living in districts where schools have opted for that option entirely or are heading that direction due to spikes in cases. Regardless of how you get there, home schooling is a whole other beast than keeping your kid safe at school each day, and we’re gathered some items that will be helpful in maintaining an orderly and productive environment at home.
10. Amcrest 1080p Webcam with Microphone
In order for your child to communicate with their teacher and the rest of their class you’ll need a solid web cam with a microphone built in. This one from Amcrest can stream in 1080p and comes with a wide 70″ viewing angle so the teacher should be able to see your child even if they move around in their seat a little bit. The microphone has built-in noise reduction in case things get loud in the background, and it attaches via USB so the setup is easy and compatible with Windows and Mac computers.
Buy: Amcrest 1080p Webcam With Microphone $49.99
11. Logitech M325C Kids Wireless Mouse
Your child is probably already a bit experienced in the world of computers, but this mouse is made to fit in smaller hands and will make their days of learning remotely easier. It comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns, and has micro-precise scrolling that makes all navigation on the computer more efficient. The contoured shape is designed to keep your hand comfortable for hours and the textured rubber grips are designed with a child’s grip in mind.
Buy: Logitech Kids Wireless Mouse $17.99
12. Non-Slip Desk Pad
If you’ve got the space, setting up a designated space for your child to work and learn might be worthwhile. They’ll know that study station is theirs and will be more excited to learn there if they’ve made it their own. This non-slip desk pad is great for defining that space and creating a non-slip surface for the mouse to function on and will protect your desk from spills if they decide to bring their breakfast to class with them. It’s made of durable PVC leather on top and suede material underneath that won’t move around. It’s waterproof, oil-proof and easy to clean with a simple wipe down.
13. OCOOPA LED Kids Desk Lamp
Another way to curate your child’s desk space? A fun lamp. This kids desk lamp comes in both a yellow and pink design and has a 360-degree adjustable gooseneck that can easily bend to the exact position your child wants it in. It has 12 LED beads that power the light with no frequent flash, no dizzy light and an eye-friendly glow. It has a built-in rechargeable battery, and a pencil holder at the base of the stem.
Buy: OCOOPA Kids Desk Lamp $17.99
14. Livho Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Since your child doesn’t have to wear a mask at home, getting them to wear these blue light blocking glasses might be a bit easier. Sitting in front of a computer all day isn’t good for anyone, especially little ones with developing eyesight. These glasses will reduce visual fatigue with UV400 protection as well as glare reduction. These frames are ultra-lightweight and flexible, they’re made of eco-friendly TR90 silicone frames that can be twisted and bent without breaking so they’re protective and kid-friendly.
Buy: Livho Kids Blue Light Blocking Glasses $14.98
15. Zicac Chair Increasing Cushion
If you’re setting your child up at the dining room table or your desk chances are they might need a bit of a boost to reach a comfortable height, especially for using the computer. This booster seat is made of high-density soft sponge so it acts as a comfortable seat cushion and a booster seat at the same time. It’s made of durable, anti-wrinkle fabric that’s also abrasion-resistant. It has an adjustable belt for attaching to a variety of chairs and has a removable cover that can be easily disassembled and machine-washed. It’s also lightweight and portable making it ideal to take to a restaurant or movie theater once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
Buy: Zicac Portable Booster Seat Cushion $25.99
16. Learning Resources Time Tracker
Something that will definitely help everyone during these days of remote learning is a timer. Keep your day and each lesson on track with this handy simple timer with three different lights and an optional alarm to alert your child that it’s time for class or that class is over. It’s very easy to use and even features a warning time option. Use it for bribed countdowns to keep your child in their seat is necessary!
17. 45 Piece School Supply Kit Grades K-12
Home schooling or not, your child will need supplies. Rather than piecing everything together separately this 45-piece set has everything they’ll need to get started with the year at home or in the classroom with notebooks, folders, pencils, highlighters, crayons and more. The products are all compliant with safety standards and made for kids to use. Save yourself time and an extra step in preparing for the year and order this bulk set in one go.
Buy: 45-Piece Bulk School Supply Set $19.99