Back To School Shopping Checklist

Back To School Shopping Checklist
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It’s that time of year again, when you need to start thinking about shopping for school supplies.

Shopping for school uniform during the summer holidays may be viewed by children as a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

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Shop online for as much as you can to make the process as painless as possible, and if you have to go to prescribed uniform shops aim for first thing in the morning and before the last week of the holidays to beat the crowds.

We’ve put together this checklist of everything your child will need for the school year ahead.

Uniform

If you haven’t been sent a uniform list by your child’s school, you can usually find it on the school’s website - but these rarely include quantities. (The first figure is based on twice weekly washing, the second is for those hoping to do just one wash a week, or for those whose child is prone to losing things!)

3 - 5 sweaters/cardigans/sweatshirts

3 - 5 polo shirts/shirts

3-4 trousers/shorts and/or skirts/pinafores

4 - 5 pairs of socks

1 pair of school shoes

1 tie (if needed)

1 school coat

1 ‘regulation’ blazer (if specified on the uniform list)

Check out our school uniform shopping guide for more advice on where to shop and what to buy.

PE kit

1 - 2 pairs of shorts

1-2 T-shirts

1-2 pairs of socks

1 swimming costume/trunks (if necessary)

1 pair of plimsolls

Bags

1 book bag (usually sold by the school)/rucksack

1 lunch box or bag

1 PE kit bag

Extras

Name labels and stickers. You’ll want to label everything from socks to calculators!

Pencil case with pencil, pen, coloured crayons, ruler, pencil sharpener and rubber (older children may also need a calculator)

Drinks bottle (if not included in lunch box)

Allergy-Free Lunches Safe For Back To School
Fish Sticks(01 of13)
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Kids love finger food, which is why these healthy, homemade fish sticks are sure to be a hit! This recipe is free from gluten, nuts, dairy and eggs and makes 30 to 35 fish sticks. That means you can freeze leftovers to pack at a later date!Get the recipe: Momables (credit:Momables)
Prosciutto & Egg Roll-Ups(02 of13)
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While you might think eating room temperature or cold eggs is gross, this recipe will change your mind! These prosciutto and egg roll-ups are not only tasty, but can be made in less than 15 minutes. If the kids don’t like prosciutto, try ham instead.Get the recipe: Nom Nom Paleo (credit:Nom Nom Paleo)
Dairy-Free Mac & Cheese(03 of13)
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Mac and cheese is a kid favourite, so let your dairy-free kids in on the fun with this lunch recipe! Get the recipe: Go Dairy Free (credit:Go Dairy Free)
Apple Wraps(04 of13)
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These ham and cheese apple wraps are just as good as they sound! They are so easy to make that even your kids can pack them themselves, and they are perfect for a gluten-free, nut-free lunch.Get the recipe: Momables (credit:Momables)
Cauliflower Nuggets(05 of13)
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For this recipe, the cauliflower is coated in gluten-free bread crumbs to accommodate those with allergies. This is a quick and easy lunch idea that the kids will love to dip!Get the recipe: Healthier Steps (credit:Healthier Steps)
Pancakes(06 of13)
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Having breakfast for lunch can be so much fun! This recipe is gluten, dairy and egg-free, making it the perfect allergy-friendly lunch for school. Get the recipe: Momables (credit:Momables)
Cauliflower Wraps(07 of13)
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Cauliflower is seriously handy! With this vegetable, you can make these easy wraps that boast no flour, no gluten and no starch. Fill the wraps with whatever ingredients your kids like.Get the recipe: Empowered Sustenance (credit:Empowered Sustenance)
Mini Corn Dog Muffins(08 of13)
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These delicious and filling corn dog muffins are gluten-free and make a fine alternative to a boring, old sandwich.Get the recipe: Iowa Girl Eats (credit:Iowa Girl Eats)
Apple Tuna Bites(09 of13)
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This simple lunch is surprisingly filling and fun to eat! They are also gluten-free and the apples add a fun twist to this classic recipe. Get the recipe: Eat Drink Love (credit:Eat Drink Love)
Mini Deep Dish Pizzas(10 of13)
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What kid can resist pizza? Make these and your child is sure to eat their lunch every time. Use gluten-free tortillas for kids with allergies. Get the recipe: Damn Delicious (credit:Damn Delicious)
Carrot Cake Oat Muffins(11 of13)
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These delicious carrot cake muffins are vegan and gluten-free. They are also extremely filling and full of fibre thanks to the oats. Pack these muffins for your kids, along with fruits and cheese for a well-rounded lunch. Get the recipe: Emilie Eats (credit:Emilie Eats)
Zucchini & Chicken Bites(12 of13)
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We love this version of chicken nuggets not only because it’s extremely healthy, but also because it’s gluten, grain and dairy-free. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak more veggies into your kid’s diet! Get the recipe: Hungry Cub (credit:Hungry Cub)
Chocolate Protein Balls(13 of13)
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These energy bites are a sweet addition to any allergy-free lunch. Made with chocolate and black beans, this recipe is free from peanuts, tree nuts and seeds.Get the recipe: Allergy Girl Eats (credit:Allergy Girl Eats)