The time has come to start thinking about shopping for back to school! Whether this is your first time or you’ve been around the block a few times already, at Mum Central, we want to make things as easy as possible and make back to school shopping a walk in the park!
Getting everything you need for a new school year can be time-consuming and costly; thankfully, our back-to-school guide aims to deliver some of the best deals on the best brands for back-to-school shopping. We’ve got all the goods – from backpacks to labels and everything in between. Take the stress out of buying for back-to-school – we’ve got you covered!
In addition to our top picks for the main items – lunch boxes, water bottles and backpacks, we’ve also got discounts for school shoes, school socks, labels, and even tutors.
TOP TIP: Always check your school’s uniform policy as most schools have very specific uniform requirements, including hair accessories, hats, jumpers and book bags. Many schools now also provide stationary as part of their school fees, saving not just time but money!
But regardless of where your kiddies attend school, they will need the basics. So, let’s start back-to-school shopping with our buying guide to back-to-school 2024.
Your Guide to Back to School Shopping
- Lunchbox
- Water bottle
- Backpack
- School shoes (some schools require black shoes only)
- 5 x pairs school socks
- 3 x school uniforms (at least)
- 1 x sports uniform (at least)
- School jumper
- 2 x School hats
- Hair accessories (many schools require either plain black or school colour accessories only)
- Stationery (may be provided by the school)
- Name labels
- Book bag or library bag (optional)
- Sports bag (optional)
- Laptop (optional or may be provided by the school)
14 of the Best Buys for Back-to-School Shopping 2024
1. LUNCH BOXES
b.box Kids Bento Lunch Boxes
RRP: $32.95
WHERE TO BUY: b.box
Kids love different choices throughout the day, which why the b.box bento lunchbox is such a popular choice for kids of all ages. These lunchboxes are designed for food flexibility at lunchtime, offering plenty of choices for a delicious and nutritious lunch.
Their lunchboxes feature a large compartment that fits a whole sandwich, which comes with a free gel cooler included to keep food fresher for longer. Or remove the sandwich tray and use for pasta or salads.
Two leak-proof lunchbox compartments secure runny foods like yoghurts or custards, while a handy slide and glide removable divider lets you customise the compartment sizes or remove entirely to fit a whole banana or wrap. The unique stretchy silicone seal also allows for whole fruits without the need to cut into smaller sizes.
Easy to open and great for encouraging independence, b.box bento lunchboxes are fun to use and designed with kids in mind. Available in a variety of colours, they’re made from PP and food-grade silicone while being free from nasties like BPS, PVC, BPA and Phthalates.
MontiiCo Bento Lunch Boxes
RRP: From $31.95
WHERE TO BUY: MontiiCo
One of the biggest names in lunch boxes is Little Lunch Box Co – which is now rebranded to MontiiCo. Expect the same great quality you know and love in these leakproof bento lunch boxes, but with fresh new patterns to match the rest of the amazing MontiiCo range.
Easy to pack and just as easy to clean, these bento boxes are ideal for kids of all ages and make lunchtime fun! The lunchbox range includes Bento Twos, Bento Threes, Bento Fives and the Bento Plus, so you can choose the right size for your child’s appetite. They also have a range of Bento accessories like Bento Cups and Dividers to craft an even prettier bento lunch every time.
All MontiiCo lunch boxes and lunch box accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning, plus leakproof* and lightweight. The leakproof compartments allow you to pack dry food next to wet food, such as yoghurt and dip, without the risk of spoiling. Expect your little ones to LOVE this amazing range of lunch boxes!
*The Bento lunch boxes are leakproof for wet foods like dips, yoghurts, and thick sauces. However, they’re not leakproof for liquids such as salad dressings, soup, or sauces.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER:Â SAVE: 10% OFF STOREWIDE CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: 10 FEBRUARY 2024
2. WATER BOTTLESÂ
b.box Insulated Drink Bottle 500ml
RRP: $35.95
WHERE TO BUY: b.box
When on the hunt for a drink bottle, you’ll want something that’s specially designed for kids and their many adventures! The b.box range of insulated drink bottles have been a tried and tested staple for years due to their extra durability (ideal for accidental bumps, knocks and drops) and insulating superpowers.
The triple-layer insulation on these 500ml drink bottles keeps liquids cool for up to 15 hours and warm for up to 8 hours. Kids will love the soft silicone straw top, perfect for free-flow drinking in the schoolyard or sipping on the go. The push button opening encourages independence too – we all want that! To close, simply click the lid back in place for no-fuss, leak-free schoolbags.
Not only are they easy to use, but these drink bottles are built to last. We love the robust, integrated carry handle, making it a breeze for kids to carry their bottles! To clean, simply remove all parts and pop them into the dishwasher (top rack only).
MontiiCo FUSION Drink Bottles
RRP: From $34.90
WHERE TO BUY: MontiiCo
A water bottle that’s as unique as your child … meet MontiiCo’s new FUSION Range! This exciting range allows you to custom-build your drink bottle in various sizes and endless colour combinations, with your option of lid and accessories!
You can mix ‘n’ match colours and styles, whether it’s the screw-on Flask Lid, or their best-selling Sipper Lid with a handy tab to allow for flip ’n’ sip one-handed drinking on the go. You can even purchase a Smoothie Lid to turn your bottle into a Smoothie Cup – the ultimate multi-purpose product.
MontiiCo bottles are dishwasher safe, keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, are BPA-Free and are built tough from stainless steel. Plus, they come with an awesome warranty and several sizes too. Choose from 350ml, 475ml, 700ml, 1 Litre and 1.5 Litre size bottles. Keep the kids hydrated and healthy with a water bottle that they can customise any way they like.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 10% OFF STOREWIDE CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: 10 FEBRUARY 2024
3. SCHOOL BAGS
The Custom Co Personalised Kids Backpacks
RRP: $79.00
WHERE TO BUY: The Custom Co
Elevate your little one’s school experience with a back-to-school backpack that’s both practical and uniquely theirs. The Custom Co personalised backpacks are a unique, stylish and functional companion for your child’s daily adventures.
Designed to last for years on end, they’re sure to help build excitement for the year ahead while giving you the functionality and reliability you need to depend on. Featuring adjustable padded straps for comfort, a front zipper pocket for quick access, and a side drink bottle holder for convenience, this backpack is designed to make life easier for kids on the go.
A kaleidoscope of colours and patterns awaits with Custom Co’s personalised bags! Their collection ranges from ballet shoes to flamingos, construction, sports, mermaids and more. Elevate the uniqueness by adding your child’s name to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that’s as special as they are. Surprise them with a design picked by you, or create a memorable moment by inviting them to select the design that captures their heart.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER:Â SAVE: 10% OFF STOREWIDE CODE: MUMCENTRAL
Caribee Helium 30L Backpack
RRP: $89.95
WHERE TO BUY: Caribee
Sleek and stylish, the Caribee Helium 30L Backpack is the perfect choice for older kids. Caribee is well known for its top-quality products, and the Helium is built to last! Boasting a three-year warranty, the Caribee Helium backpack offers enough space to satisfy even the biggest of packers. Not only great for school, these backpacks are ideal for all adventures, from weekend trips to sporting events and sleepovers.
The Helium comes with a padded outer shell to protect its A4-sized main compartment, plus a laptop and tablet sleeve to ensure expensive technology stays safe and secure. The front pocket features a handy organiser panel, taking care of a phone and keys easily. Plus, the carry handle, padded Action Back Extreme harness system, and twin bottle side pockets round this design out nicely, ensuring comfort, convenience and functionality.
Comfortable, tasteful and perfect for tweens, teens and even adults, this really is the perfect backpack for the transition to high school.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: FREE: CARIBEE PENCIL CASE WITH: EVERY HELIUM BACKPACK EXPIRY: 1 FEBRUARY 2024
MontiiCo Backpacks
RRP:$69.95
WHERE TO BUY: MontiiCo
Lightweight, durable and most importantly, machine washable, MontiiCo backpacks are a back-to-school staple. These beautifully designed bags will take them from the schoolyard to the skate park and onto slumber parties and beyond with ease. Best of all, they have the ability to hold all of their necessities and accessories and flexibility to adapt to more than just the school yard.
One of the things we love about MontiiCo backpacks is their large capacity, ample enough to hold all their stuff with ease! Featuring three generous zip-up sections and a padded inside sleeve for laptops, these backpacks also feature two large side pockets, made extra deep to hold water bottles securely.
Ready for adventures for kids of all ages, MontiiCo backpacks are extra durable with thick, padded and adjustable shoulder straps and an easy carry handle. There’s also a sewn-in name label and a handy carabiner attachment hidden inside the front pocket to keep everything safe and avoid lost items.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 10% OFF STOREWIDE CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: 10 FEBRUARY 2024
Caribee Obingo 28L Backpack
RRP: $69.99
WHERE TO BUY: Rebel Sport
Another excellent choice for an all-purpose backpack with the versatility to go from the schoolyard to day trips is the Obingo 28L by Caribee. Made from heavy-duty abrasion-resistant material, the Obingo will withstand everyday wear and tear and is designed to last them years and years.
With a modern design and multiple pockets for keeping everything close at hand, Obingo also features a padded laptop sleeve, multiple pockets to keep things easy accessible, and a front pocket organiser panel to keep them organised throughout the day.
Not only can Obingo easily carry their school books and equipment, but it’s also incredibly comfortable and compact too. Featuring Caribee’s famous Action Back Extreme harness system, we are sure the journey to and from school will be made in comfort and style. Plus, Obingo’s simple yet sleek design is easy on the eye, and we all know how important that is when we’re buying for our teens!
4. SCHOOL NAME LABELSÂ
Label Kingdom
RRP: From $9.95
WHERE TO BUY: Label Kingdom
We cannot begin to stress just how important name labels are when it comes to getting ready for back to school! Not only do they make it easy to keep track of all your child’s items, but they also help build excitement for your kids and their return to school. The Kids’ Name Labels from Label Kingdom allow you to personalise your child’s belongings, including school accessories, books, equipment and clothing. Â
Fun and vibrant, Label Kingdom name labels are designed to withstand the rigours of daily life, ensuring your child’s belongings are never lost or mistaken for others. Plus, they’re easy to apply, making them a hassle-free solution for parents. Choose from several different patterns and styles in both large and small formats, iron-on clothes labels, name dots or name squares.
Label Kingdom also sells bag tags and school accessories, including display folders, pencil cases and book bags. Shop the sale and save on all your name labelling needs – the more you buy, the more you save!
5. SCHOOL SHOESÂ
Apex from Ascent Footwear
RRP: $150
WHERE TO BUY: Ascent Footwear
Kids spend more than 1,500 hours each year in their school shoes running, jumping, and playing on all types of surfaces. So it comes as no surprise that having a decent pair of school shoes is pretty important.
When it comes to school shoes, Ascent Footwear is a leading force in delivering comfort, support and durability. Built using sports shoe technology, their school shoes are endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and made to adhere to standard school uniform policies.
Kids are tough on their footwear, so the Apex is built to last. Featuring a durable, hard-wearing outsole & specially dyed full-grain leather to help avoid scuffing, the Apex is perfect for little ones who are always on the run. With cushioning & support technology that helps to absorb impact and reduce fatigue, this best-selling style is truly a sports shoe in disguise! Ascent has plenty of school shoes to choose from too, including cross-trainers, Mary Janes and every other style under the sun in various sizes, widths, colours and toe shapes. You can also choose from lace-ups, buckles or easy-to-use hook-and-loop fasteners for our littlies who aren’t quite ready to tie their own shoelaces.
Shop online at Ascent and take advantage of free shipping, free returns and buy now, pay later with ZipPay. Ascent shoes are also available in-store at The Athlete’s Foot and other speciality retailers.
6. SCHOOL TUTOR
Learnmate
RRP: From $30 per hour
WHERE TO BUY: http://learnmate.com.au
If you’re looking for a little extra school support this year, whether to overcome learning challenges, or in preparing for important exams, or a particular ATAR score, allow us to introduce you to Learnmate. Priding itself on being more than just a tutoring platform, Learnmate is a community of passionate educators who are matched with students to foster a love for learning and drive academic excellence.
Learnmate’s expansive network includes 600 tutors nationwide, offering both online or in-person tutoring services. Each tutor has their own profile so that families can select one that suits their needs, with each tutor setting their own hourly rates and availability. Best of all, rates start as low as $30 per hour.
With a commitment to quality, affordability, and transparency in tutoring, Learnmate also provides 1:1 tutoring with a custom-built platform that allows for seamless scheduling, payments, and communication between tutors, students and parents. Learnmate is ideal for students who just need a bit of extra help to achieve thier goals right through to those who are feeling really challenged.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: $10 CREDIT FOR NEW CUSTOMERS HOW: COMPLETE ONE LESSON CODE: N/A
7. OTHER BACK TO SCHOOL ITEMS
dot on a sock
RRP: From $9 per pair
WHERE TO BUY: dot on a sock
Never lose the sock battle again. Thanks to the ingenious minds at dot on a sock, school socks now come colour-coded by size so you can sort and find your kids’ socks easily. Best of all – the kids can too!
The fun visual prompt of the coloured dot on the sole of each sock makes it easy for all family members to identify and pair their socks quickly. Not only will it mean fewer single socks, but it’ll also empower even the littlest family member with the ability to find a matching pair of socks in the morning.
The dot on a sock range comes in various sizes and colours, including white and grey, and crew cut or ankle length. They are also designed to last, featuring soft, undetectable seams and extra padding in the sole. We also love that their socks suit kids with sensory needs too, so you can say goodbye to the bump-in-the-sock dilemmas! Pick up a pair for every child in the household and get your school socks sorted. Plus, the more you buy, the more you save, so check them out!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: $10 OFF 1ST ORDER STARTER/REFILL SOCK PACKS CODE: MUMCENTRAL EXPIRY: N/A
Pocket Hearts
RRP: $24.95
WHERE TO BUY: Pocket Hearts
Perhaps one of the most valuable items we’ve come across in our search for back-to-school 2024 is Pocket Hearts. These adorable little calming crystals are the perfect size for little pockets and will be your child’s best friend, especially when dealing with the overwhelming feelings of starting school or being away from mum and dad more than they’re used to.
Pocket Hearts are calming crystals used to promote mindfulness and self-regulation, and are especially popular with children. They act as a little sidekick that your child can safely and discreetly carry around with them all day to help tackle their big emotions. There are plenty of Pocket Hearts to choose from, including  Tiger’s Eye for bravery, Rose Quartz for love and Green Adventurine for luck.
Every magical Pocket Friend is designed to help your little one overcome any obstacle, reduce anxiety, achieve any goal, and unleash their inner superpowers. They are powerful tools that can help your kids with self-regulation, understand their big emotions, and help them make the transition into a new school year.
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 15% OFF CODE: MUMCENTRAL
First and Last Day of School Milestone Chalkboard
RRP: From $39.95
WHERE TO BUY: Mikki and Me
The start of a new school year is exciting for them, but it’s also a big milestone for us parents! Commemorate and celebrate your little one’s first and last day of school with these durable, reusable and double-sided chalkboards. They really are the perfect prop for creating beautiful first-day memories.
Mikki and Me’s Milestone Chalkboard is slightly larger than an A4 page, featuring the First Day of School on one side and the Last Day of School on the reverse side. Choose from a variety of colours, including Bright, Pastel, Bubblegum and Citrus. You can also add different liquid chalk pens to your bundle to create really colourful boards.
One chalkboard for all the kids – and the perfect way to capture this exciting milestone and keep track of just how much they’ve changed over the years. What a fun and functional product for back to school!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 10% OFF FULL PRICED PRODUCTS CODE: MUMCENTRAL
Organic & Plant-Based OLOE® ShakeÂ
RRP: $59.40 for a 12 pack
WHERE TO BUY: OLOE®
A great addition to any lunch box is the delicious and nutritious OLOE® Shake. The organic kids’ shake is an Aussie-first that tastes like a smooth and creamy coconut milkshake. Yum! It’s also lunchbox-friendly, picky-eater approved and allergen-friendly.Pop one in the lunch box to ensure your little ones are getting what they need throughout the day.
OLOE shakes have up to 70% less sugar per serving than the market-leading liquid breakfast drink and are free from dairy, gluten, peanuts, soy and eggs. Each shake also delivers more than 40% RDI* of essential nutrients – a healthy addition to lunchboxes every day of the week – giving parents that much-needed peace of mind!
The OLOE Shake comes in three delicious flavours – chocolate, strawberry and vanilla and is a convenient, mess-free super snack that even fussy eaters will love. We think you’ll agree that the OLOE Shake makes a great addition to any lunch box!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE: 10% STOREWIDE CODE: MUMCENTRAL10 EXPIRY: 15 FEBRUARY 2024
This has been another sponsored roundup editorial, where we handpick and collaborate with brands we genuinely admire to bring you the latest trends. If you’re interested in being a part of our future editions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
