4 easy tips for a stress-free (and wallet-friendly) back to school

4 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE BACK TO SCHOOL (WITHOUT EXTRA EXPENSE)

Back to school can turn into complete chaos. Routine changes, nerves, supplies to buy… all while trying to send our little ones off with a smile. But it does not have to be that way.

With a bit of planning (and a few tricks we share here), you can turn the return to school into a positive, organised experience for the whole family.

What this article covers:

School supply lists for every stage: daycare, preschool and primary
How to motivate your child and help with the transition
Tips to save money on back-to-school shopping
The secret to keeping track of everything: personalized name labels

What supplies do you need based on age?

Each school stage has its own needs, and not preparing supplies in advance can add extra stress (and last-minute sprints).

1.1 Daycare (0 to 3 years)

The longest list by far. Here are the essentials:

Daily clothing + spare change of clothes
Sportswear
Smock or bib
Jackets (for outside and recess)
Bib, bath towel, nappy bag
Spare clothes bag and snack bag
Snack box and water bottle
Basic school supplies (pencils, scissors, glue, etc.)
Storybooks, notebooks, lunch boxes
Daily shoes and sports shoes
Mini backpack, swim bag, toiletry bag

Label EVERYTHING: small labels for clothing, large labels for backpacks and bags, adhesive labels for school supplies, shoe labels and hanging tags for garments.

TIP: Use a Mini Pack that includes everything you need to label easily and hassle-free.

1.2 Preschool (3 to 6 years)

Children gain independence, but also new classmates and routines.

Uniform or daily clothing
Spare clothing and sportswear
Personalised smock
Jackets
Snack bag, bib, bath towel
Full school supplies
Lunch boxes, water bottle, storybooks, planner
Daily shoes and sports shoes
Backpack, swim bag, pencil case

Label EVERYTHING with their name and/or favourite icon. At this age, recognising their belongings gives them confidence and strengthens their independence.

TIP: There are Packs that include iron-on labels and no-sew hanging tags. It could not be easier.

1.3 Primary school (6 to 12 years)

Now there are homework assignments, after-school activities and greater responsibility.

Uniform (if applicable), sportswear
Jackets and backpacks
Complete and specific school supplies (depending on the school)
Laptop, personalised planner
Lunch boxes, water bottles, books
Daily and sports shoes
Sports bag and swim bag
Pencil case or toiletry bag

Label EVERYTHING to prevent loss: clothing, books, pencil case, backpack, laptop…

TIP: There are no-iron label Packs perfect for labelling everything quickly and easily.

2. How can you help your child adjust better? Follow these 5 steps

Children need more than just school supplies to start the year well: they also need confidence, information and clear routines.

2.1 Show calm and enthusiasm
Children mimic emotions. If you stay positive and relaxed, they will feel more secure.

2.2 Talk about school ahead of time
Avoid making the “big day” a surprise. Remember the good things about the previous year together, visit the school, and talk about teachers, friends and upcoming activities.

2.3 Prepare everything together
Letting them choose their backpack, label their things and organise supplies gives them a sense of control and builds their independence.

2.4 Gradually adjust schedules
Start going to bed and waking up earlier at least two weeks before the first day. This way, the transition will be smoother.

2.5 Daycare adaptation: step by step
For babies, preparation is key. Visit the daycare before the first day, and if possible, introduce it gradually. Your calm will become theirs.

3. How to really save money on Back to School

The average back-to-school spend per child is over €2500, and around 4 items are lost during the school year. That adds up to an extra €115 in lost items, according to a Stikets study. Most losses are clothing (scarves, jackets, sweatshirts), followed by school supplies and sports gear.
Many schools already ask families to label everything to avoid confusion and make returns easier. Some even have entire rooms filled with unclaimed items because they were never labelled.

Smart solution: Labelling each item of clothing, bottle or pencil case with personalised labels saves money, time and stress.

4. The ultimate solution? Mark everything

Stikets personalised labels are tough, long-lasting and incredibly practical. They withstand washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers and whatever else comes their way. Plus, there are themed designs, school-stage Packs and no-iron options.

Benefits of using labels:

Savings: No need to replace lost clothes, bottles or supplies
Organisation: Children can easily identify their belongings
Independence: Encourages responsibility from an early age
Convenience: Packs with everything you need to label EVERYTHING
Durability: Withstands daily use and frequent washing

Do you prefer an all-in-one solution? You'll love our personalized stamps! With them, you can label all clothes and paper in seconds. You can customize the stamp with your child's name and even a contact phone number if you wish. Plus, you can add an icon with their favorite design to help them easily identify their belongings.

Whether for daycare, preschool or primary, labelling is an investment, not an expense.

Are you ready for a stress-free, lost-item-free back to school?