Your go-to guide for everything you’ll need for your preschooler-to-be
Preschool is almost here! But the choices of tot-sized gear is frankly overwhelming. Have no fear! I’ve put together a list of backpacks, lunch boxes, change of clothes bags and water bottles for your favorite preschooler-to-be.
Everything on my preschool gear list has been recommended by other moms, is something I’ve purchased or has top-notch reviews.
Disclosure: One Little Small is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. I selected the products in this guide because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
Preschooler-sized Backpacks
Here’s what you need to know about little kid backpacks. The standard length for a preschooler-sized backpack is around 15 inches. This leaves enough space for a standard-sized folder, lunch or snack, and a change of clothes. It’s important that your preschooler can zip and unzip the backpack by themselves, and it’s super handy to have a side pocket to hold a water bottle. And if you’re on a budget, you’re in luck! All of my backpack picks are under $40.
One Little Small Pick
Wildkin 15 Inch Kids Backpack
This is the backpack we purchased for our little guy. Their reputation on quality first drew me to Wildkin, but I fell in love all the different patterns and designs. This backpack fits a full-sized folder, his lunch box and a change of clothes with room to spare, but it’s not too big on him. The straps and back are both padded, making this backpack pretty comfy.
VASCHY Preschool Backpack
VASCHY Preschool Backpack
Another cute 15 inch option, this VASCHY preschool backpack comes in a selection of cute prints and is water-resistant. I also liked how this backpack has an internal pocket to hold loose items.
Simple Modern Kids’ Fletcher Backpack, 7 Liter
Simple Modern Kids’ Fletcher Backpack in the 7 Liter size is the perfect size for your preschooler. I love how Simple Modern has a large selection of prints, including several licensed Disney prints.
Skip Hop Zoo Big Kid Backpack
This new version of the classic Skip Hop backpack can fit a full-sized folder and features a clear zippered pocket up front. This backpack also comes in a selection of zoo characters.
Smaller backpack options
Wildkin 12 Inch Kids Backpack
Wildkin 12 Inch Kids Backpack
Also from my no. 1 pick, Wildkin, is a smaller 12 inch backpack. This 12 inch option comes in the same print options as the 15 inch size, but is better suited for a toddler.
OREZI 12 Inch Kids Backpack
Another smaller backpack option is the OREZI 12 inch kids backpack. This toddler backpack comes in a variety of patterns, has two side pockets, and is made of water-resistant polyester.
For Lunch & Snacks
There are so many options when it comes to snack and mealtime for preschoolers. Some preschools will ask you to pack a lunch, and others will ask for just a snack. We opted for a bento box so my son could pack a variety of food and stocked up on our favorite reusable snack bags.
Bento Boxes
What’s great about a bento box for preschoolers is that they give you the option of including a variety of different foods within one container. Some bento boxes include sealed tight compartments, so you can include foods like yogurt, applesauce or a dip. Bento boxes are large enough for a preschooler lunch or just to offer a variety of snack options.
One Little Small Pick
Bentgo Kids Bento-Style Lunch Box
I love how the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box has 5 different sized compartments, is leakproof, and dishwasher safe. My hubs has the grown-up version of this lunch box, which made it a no-brainer when picking out a lunch box for our little guy.
Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box
This cool bento box option, also from Bentgo, has built-in removable ice pack. If your preschooler loves fruits, veggies and other chilled foods, the Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box is a great pick.
LunchBots Toddler Bento Box
If you love the idea of a bento box, but would rather avoid using something plastic, check out this option from LunchBots. The LunchBots Toddler Bento Box is stainless steel, has 4 compartments, and is dishwasher safe.
Lunch Bags
If a traditional lunch bag is more up your alley, check out these options below.
Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Bag
Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Bag
Bentgo also makes lunch bags if your preschooler isn’t into the bento-style lunch box. This lunch bag is insulated, has customizable straps, and comes in a selection of patterns. It also fits the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box.
PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box
PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch Box
This innovative lunch bag from PackIt has built-in cooling. You just pop the lunch bag in the freezer overnight, and it will keep food cool for hours the next day.
Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag
Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag
This insulated lunch bag from Wildkin comes in the same cute prints as their backpacks, which is perfect if you love a coordinating set. The Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag is BPA-free and fits most bento boxes.
Snack Bags
One Little Small Pick
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag
I made sure to stock up on our favorite reusable snack bags from Stasher ahead of preschool beginning, in case I need to pack an extra snack or two. Stasher bags are made of silicone, dishwasher safe and function just like your favorite plastic snack bag. We bought our first Stasher bags over a year ago, and now use them for everything.
Bumkins Sandwich and Snack Bags
Bumkins Sandwich and Snack Bags
Looking for a cuter snack bag option? Bumkins Sandwich and Snack Bags come in a variety of prints, use waterproof fabric, and are both dishwasher safe and machine washable.
For Water & Drinks
Simple Modern Disney Water Bottle
One Little Small Pick
Simple Modern Disney Water Bottle for Kids
I love how this Simple Modern water bottle is stainless steel, has a straw and flip-down spout, and is dishwasher safe. I opted for the 14oz size, which fits perfectly in the backpack’s side pocket. Simple Modern has a huge selection of Disney prints to choose from, which was a huge hit with my little guy.
Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle
Simple Modern Summit Water Bottle for Kids
The same Simple Modern water bottle also comes in a large selection of every day prints – and is a few dollars cheaper than the Disney version.
CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle
CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle
Another hugely popular water bottle for preschoolers is the CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle. This option is BPA free, easy to clean, and comes in a ton of print options.
Contigo Kids Water Bottle
Contigo Kids Water Bottle
We’ve had a Contigo Kids Water Bottle as our every day water bottle for over a year now, and it’s held up great! I opted to get my son a new water bottle just for preschool, but we still use this one when we go to the park. It’s leak-proof, easy to clean, and durable – and trust me on the durable part.
For Extra Clothes
Many preschools ask you to send an extra set of clothes with your little one to school. An easy way to keep everything together is to put the spare clothes in a wet dry bag. And that way you know whatever comes home on that first set of clothes will be nicely contained within the wet dry bag.
ALVABABY Wet Dry Bags (2pc set)
This set of wet dry bags from ALVABABY has 2 compartments, is made of waterproof fabric, and can hold a lot! These wet dry bags are perfect to repurpose for a day at the pool once school is out for the summer.
Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag
Another highly-rated wet dry bag is the Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag. This wet dry bag is also large, waterproof, and comes in a variety of prints – including several licensed prints.
Skip Hop Wet Dry Bag
Skip Hop Wet Dry Bag
The Skip Hop Wet Dry Bag came recommended by fellow mommas. This wet dry bag has a waterproof lining, different compartments for wet and dry clothes, and is machine washable.
I hope this guide helps you find everything you and your little preschooler need to start the school year off with a bang!