Before you buy another pencil case or a fresh set of exercise books, check what's on your school's list and what's still in the cupboard. Getting ready for school doesn't have to mean replacing everything.
This back-to-school checklist helps you sort what to buy, what to reuse and what to label. For anything that needs replacing, Dinkleboo's personalised school supplies let you add your child's name and choose a design they love. Whether your child starting primary school or returning for another year, use our list to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Your Quick Back-to-School Checklist
Start with the items your school has requested, then check the everyday gear your child will take to and from school.
| What to check | What to do before buying |
|---|---|
| School bag | Check the condition, zips and fit of last year's bag. |
| Lunchbox and lunch bag | Check that the containers fit inside the bag and your child can open them. |
| Drink bottle | Check for leaks, missing parts and whether it fits in the bag's bottle pocket. |
| Uniform, hat and shoes | Try on what you already have and check the school's requirements. |
| Pencil case and stationery | Compare existing supplies with the school's booklist. |
| Exercise books and folders | Confirm the requested sizes and quantities. |
| Library bag or sports gear | Check whether your school requests these. |
| Name labels | Check which items need labelling and replace faded or peeling labels. |
Starting primary school for the first time? Check with the school; they usually provide an information pack and list of what you need.
What to Buy, Reuse and Check First
Make three columns on your shopping list: ready to use, needs replacing and check with the school.
A backpack with working zips may be ready for another year. A pencil case might only need a top-up. Try on uniforms, shoes and hats before ordering replacements.
Leave school-specific purchases until you've checked the booklist. Follow the requested sizes and quantities for exercise books, stationery and other supplies.
For items you're keeping, check the names too. A fresh label can get an existing lunch box or drink bottle ready for another school year without replacing it.
Choose School Gear That Works Together
A backpack, lunch container and drink bottle can each look suitable on their own. The useful test is whether they work together and whether your child can manage them.
Pack the backpack before the first day
Put the lunch gear, bottle and any school-requested books or folders inside. Check that the bag closes without forcing the zip and that your child can find what they need.
If you're buying a new bag, compare its measurements with the items it needs to carry. Dinkleboo's personalised backpacks feature your child's name, with a choice of designs to make the bag their own. Let them help choose the look while you check the size and features.
Try the lunch setup
Check that the lunchbox fits inside the lunch bag, with room for any extra containers you plan to pack.
Let your child practise opening the zips, lids and clips. A quick trial at home gives you time to spot anything awkward before the first lunch break.
If a replacement is needed, Dinkleboo's personalised lunch bags bring your child's name and chosen design to their lunchtime gear. Check the measurements against your containers before ordering.
Check the drink bottle
Fill the bottle, secure the lid and check for leaks. Make sure your child can open it, drink from it and close it again.
When choosing a personalised drink bottle, check its dimensions, capacity and care instructions as well as the design. Personalisation adds their name; the practical checks help you decide whether the bottle suits their school day.
Which Name Labels Do You Need for School?
Start with what you're labelling, then choose a product designed for that item. Lunch containers, clothing and shoes need different options.
Dinkleboo's range lets you choose labels for individual items or a mixed pack for several jobs. Use the table below as a starting point, then check each product's application and care instructions.
| School item | Dinkleboo options to check |
|---|---|
| Lunch boxes, bottles and containers | Rectangle name labels |
| Pencils and small stationery | Mini name labels |
| Exercise books | School book labels |
| Uniforms, jumpers and hats | Iron-on clothing labels or clothing stamps |
| School shoes and sports shoes | Shoe dot labels |
| A selection of hard-surface items | Mixed-name label packs |
Follow your school's guidance on what information to include. Before ordering personalised items, double-check the spelling and preview. If you're adding a class or subject to book labels, confirm those details first.
For children attending childcare rather than primary school, see our childcare labelling guide.
Your Final Check Before the First Day
Once the shopping and labelling are done, have a practice pack with your child.
- Tick off the school's list.
- Check names on clothing, containers, bags and stationery.
- Practise opening and closing lunch gear.
- Put everyday items in easy-to-find places.
- Set aside anything the school has asked you to bring separately.
- Read the school's first-day instructions.
Keep spare labels together so you can label replacements or extra items as they're needed.
Make Their School Essentials Their Own
With Dinkleboo's personalised back-to-school supplies, you can add your child's name to backpacks, lunch bags, drink bottles, pencil cases and more.
You take care of the school list; they can help choose a favourite design.
