I spend a lot of time researching products for our son because preschool gear gets a serious workout. Items are dropped, tossed, stepped on, chewed, filled with sand or dirt—you name it. For preschool, supplies need to be durable, easy for little hands to use, and practical for parents.
Below are our tried-and-true preschool essentials: lunchboxes and snack containers, water bottles, backpacks, clothing and shoes, and a few books to help with the transition to school. These are products we actually use and recommend because they hold up and simplify the day-to-day.
The Best Lunch Boxes For Preschoolers
Lunchbots Cinco
We love the Lunchbots Cinco for several reasons: it’s stainless steel (plastic-free), kids can open it themselves, and it’s dishwasher safe. The Cinco is roomy enough for a sandwich or leftovers plus a few sides. It even fits small dip cups and veggies comfortably.
Lunchbots Medium Quad
For snack-only days or younger kids who eat less, the Medium Quad is a great smaller option. It has four compartments and comes in even smaller sizes if you need them.
Lunchbots Uno
If your child prefers a sandwich, the Uno fits a standard sandwich perfectly—ideal for everyday lunches.
Lunchbots Lunch Bag
The Lunchbots lunch bag fits a bento box on the bottom and still leaves room at the top for extra snacks, utensils, and napkins. It’s a tidy solution for packing a full preschool lunch.
TAVVA Snack Containers
These stainless steel containers have leakproof silicone lids that are easy for kids to remove. The larger size is great for popcorn or bulkier snacks, the medium works well for fruit or trail mix, and the small size is perfect for dips or condiments.
TAVVA Dressing To-Go Containers
If you don’t want the whole set, these smaller dressing containers are sold separately. They’re ideal for ranch, ketchup, or other dips and fit nicely inside Lunchbots boxes.
Zip Top Snack Bag
Reusable silicone snack bags are a convenient backup. They’re the same size as a snack-size ziplock but washable and reusable, which cuts down on single-use waste.
Silicone Cupcake Liners
Use silicone cupcake liners to subdivide bento compartments. They add color and help picky or visual eaters distinguish foods more easily.
Ice Packs
Thin ice packs fit well inside Lunchbots bags and containers. Although labels may suggest a shorter cooling window, we’ve found good-quality thin packs can keep lunch cool all day.
Napkins
We send a small unpaper towel as a reusable napkin. It folds up neatly, washes well, and the colorful edge is fun for kids.
Lunch Box Utensils
Most days we include a small fork or spoon from our kitchen, but there are compact stainless steel utensil sets with silicone or hard cases available if you prefer a dedicated, sanitary option for school.
Our Favorite Kids Water Bottles
There’s no single perfect kids water bottle—preferences vary. We use three designs and each has strengths depending on your child’s needs.
YETI 12 Oz Kids Bottle
A compact, durable bottle with a sturdy handle and spout. It comes in many colors and keeps drinks cold for a long time—handy for long days.
Contigo Stainless Steel Autospout Bottle
This bottle uses a soft silicone straw many kids prefer. It’s well-insulated and a great size for little hands.
Owala Kids Water Bottle
Slightly larger than the others, this bottle is a good pick if you want to send more water. It’s compact, comes in fun colors, and stays cold for hours.
Small Backpack Options
Some preschools only require a lunchbox, but if you need a backpack, here are a couple of small, well-made options that work for toddlers and preschoolers.
Mini Kånken Water Resistant Backpack
We received a mini Kånken for our son and it’s held up beautifully. The size is kid-friendly—small enough for a child to carry but adjustable so an adult can wear it too. Note: it’s too small to fit the Lunchbots lunch bag mentioned earlier.
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
This backpack is slightly larger than the mini Kånken but still small enough for preschoolers. Several friends have used it and recommend its durability and simple design.
School Clothing & Shoes We Love
Kids are hard on clothes and shoes at school. These pieces have proven durable, easy to clean, and practical for active days.
Native Shoes
Native shoes are a favorite because they slip on easily, are simple to clean, and double as water-friendly shoes. They’re practical for playgrounds and messy days.
Bombas Socks
We like Bombas socks for school—comfortable and durable. The brand also donates a pair for each pair purchased, which we appreciate.
Note: We don’t have a single go-to sneaker recommendation because sneakers tend to wear out quickly regardless of price. For everyday play shoes, we often choose inexpensive pairs that we’re comfortable letting our son wear until they’re worn through.
Primary.com Basics
Primary basics are our go-to for school clothes. The pieces are soft, moveable, easy to wash, and come in many colors and neutrals—simple and reliable for daily wear.
Books To Prepare Kids for Preschool
Reading a few picture books about school can make the preschool transition easier. Here are titles we found helpful:
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney — This story addresses separation anxiety and shows that kids can enjoy school while still loving their parents.
King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Brantley-Newton — A joyful book that follows a boy through his first day of kindergarten and highlights everyday moments at school.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson — A playful look at the first day of school told from the school’s point of view, acknowledging jitters and excitement alike.
What are your must-have preschool supplies? I’d love to hear what has worked well for your family.