New pencils are nice, but let’s be honest—kids light up for gadgets they can wear, lunch boxes that feel like treasure chests, and tools that make their favorite stories come alive. Whether you’re packing backpacks, labeling everything that moves, or prepping for that first-day drop-off, this guide rounds up the kind of gear that makes going back to school feel like gearing up for an adventure. These products are smart, screen-free (mostly), and surprisingly fun. Bonus: they might just make mornings easier.
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Birgit Sund on August 5, 2025
Every August, Texas families get a break from state and local sales taxes on essential back-to-school purchases. This year, Tax-Free Weekend runs from Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, offering savings of up to 8.25% on qualifying items. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, understanding the rules can help you stretch your budget and make smart choices.
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Birgit Sund on August 4, 2025
Kindergarten graduation is a thrilling milestone for your little one, signaling the end of their early educational journey and the start of new adventures. What better way to commemorate this achievement than with a special and one-of-a-kind gift?
Say goodbye to typical crafts and games because we've compiled a list of 12 fun and extraordinary graduation gift ideas that are guaranteed to bring a smile to their faces. So, let's dive in and discover that perfect present!
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Birgit Sund on May 7, 2025
Hello there, fellow parents! It's that time of the year again – the first day of school is just around the corner. The backpacks are packed, lunch boxes are ready, and excitement is bubbling in the air. What better way to capture this precious moment than with a first day of school sign? Let's make those first day memories last a lifetime!
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Birgit Sund on August 7, 2024
Kindergarten round-ups are in full swing. Does your little one start Kindergarten this fall? Are you a first-time Kindergarten parent and a bit nervous of what’s about to come?
In the following guest post, Angela Kendall, author of the critically acclaimed book “A New Day: Kindergarten Is Here", provides tips on how to have a great kindergarten experience:
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Birgit Sund on April 17, 2023
Is your child anxious about going back to school after a long summer break or nervous about starting school for the first time? The following books will help your kids ease the transition (back) to school, calm the jitters, and get them excited about school. Read on for details.
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Birgit Sund on July 29, 2022
Y’all, we did a thing! We published a book. A book your kiddos will love.
The 'My Friends and I' book is a perfect little surprise for the upcoming First Day of School for your Preschooler, Elementary School or Middle School student and is also a great way to break the ice and get to know everybody in class!
The book captures memories of the young book owners and 39 friends, classmates, teachers, coaches, family members, or any other person in their lives.
Your child and their friends will answer questions like: What is your favorite food? What do you like to do in your free time? What songs do you like to listen to? What books do you like to read? What do you want to be when you grow up?
A picture box allows them to insert a picture of themselves or to draw a picture of their own.
We're super excited and are giving away 3 copies of the book and have 15% off promo code for all Live Grow Play Austin friends. Read on for details and a sneak peak of the book .
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Birgit Sund on July 20, 2022
The average costs for school supplies every year is $35 which creates an extra burden for already challenged families as well as for teachers, who often spend their own money buying missing supplies for their classrooms and students.
In order to ease the burden of both families and teachers, school districts that are continuously facing tighter budgets, are trying to outsource the financial obligation by requesting that parents help provide these supplies.
Here is a list of Back-to-School Programs and School-Supply Drives in and around Austin.
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Birgit Sund on July 13, 2022
Hard to believe, but school starts in a couple of weeks! In case you're looking for a backpack or a lunchbox for your little ones, check out the super versatile backpacks and lunchboxes from Wanderwild.
Read more about Wanderwild and enter for a chance to win your own Wanderwild lunchbox!
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Birgit Sund on August 2, 2021
Back in March, we couldn’t really prepare for remote learning, since nobody knew what to expect and what to prepare for. This time around it is different. I know exactly how to get ready and what to stock up on. Here’s my Back to Virtual-School List:
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Birgit Sund on August 4, 2020