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First Day Of Kindergarten…And The Fun Begins!

I’m not totally sure who was more nervous about my son going back to school, but honestly I think it was me. My son was nervous, but excited to don his school uniform, complete with jacket and tie, and head off to school on his first day. He returned home at the end of the day to point out in utter amazement that “everyone was wearing the same shirt as me! And tie!”

kindergartener

I told him it’s because he is so cool, and everyone wanted to look like him. As far as I’m concerned, he really is!

My son goes to a parochial school that requires a uniform, so he isn’t able to be creative with his clothes. Instead, he gets creative with his backpack and lunchbox. Kids get to show their sense of style with their back to school school gear when they have choices that feature their favorite hobbies or cartoons on backpacks and school supplies, so we include our boys in our Back To School shopping. They are going to wear the stuff, so they should love it.

And there are so many to choose from at Staples! My boys picked out animals and trains since that is what they love most:

back to school cool

My son loves educational (and non-educational) game apps and movies, so a Kindle Fire HDX 7″ 32GB is perfect for him (and all kids). In this day and age children are fluent in all things technology, and personally I love that. This Kindle Fire HDX works on Wifi and is smaller (great for his little hands) but it stores a lot with 32GB. It’s also the perfect size for me to pop into my purse and take along to bribe entertain them whenever we have to wait in an office, on line, etc and they are getting restless.

Win a Kindle Fire, Backpack and Lunchbox from Staples!

Staples wants your children to be prepared and happy for Back To School this year, so is giving a reader a Kindle Fire HD, any backpack of your choice up to $75 and any lunchbox up to $25. To enter to win, tell me a favorite memory of your child’s first day of school, and what backpack and lunchbox from Staples your child would love.

Good luck! 18+ US only, ends September 19th, 2014. Prize will be fulfilled by sponsor.

This is a partnered post.




  • Lisa Brown

    Favorite memory of my child’s back to school was kindergarten and she did not want to leave me, had a hard time getting her into class and detached from my leg 🙂 I like the High Sierra Swerve Backpack, Birds & Blossoms and the Hello Kitty Lunchbox in Mail.
    jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com

  • Sandy Klocinski

    Well obviously it was when I waved goodbye and realized that I was free to do as I pleased for 6 hours a day 5 days a week 9 months out of the year for the next 12 years – PRAISE THE LORD!

    SwissGear® Synergy Laptop Backpack, Black/Grey, 15.6″

    Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag, Blue

  • Cynthia Megill

    swissgear Synergy Laptop Backpack Black/Grey 15.6
    Natico Originals Two-Tone Insullated Lunch Bag, Blue

  • heather s

    How excited she was to show off her new clothes to her friends. High Sierra swerve backpack birds and blossons. Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Chandelier

  • Linda Kish

    First day of kindergarten I took the requisite pictures and followed him into the classroom. I had to meet the teacher and explain his quirks to her. Being special needs kid (before they ere recognized as such) I had some ‘splainin’ to do.
    SwissGear® Pegasus Laptop Backpack, Black/Blue, 17″
    Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Ebony

  • My son has loved kindergarten so far. His favorite part is recess!

  • HilLesha

    I’ll have to say that my favorite memory was when my son first started kindergarten since it was such a huge milestone. I couldn’t help but cry, though. 🙂

  • Lindsey Brevitt

    The first day of kindergarten was so tough! He loves it though

  • tracey byram

    Liz took her security blanket with her for her first day of school and then left it on the school bus. Liz would like the High Sierra Swerve Backpack, Birds & Blossoms and the Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Ebony

  • Sharon Kaminski

    The most memorable first day of school is when our child thought the first day he would be in first grade, the second day in second grade, etc. The backpack i would like is the Wenger SwissGear Maxxum 15.4″ Laptop Backpack. The lunch bag I would like is the Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack -Teal Floral.

  • Debra S

    hahah I just asked the one girl sitting right here- okay so what was your favorite memory ’bout back to school? She said… meeting the teacher! I KNEW her already and I was hoping I would get her and I did!
    She looked at the backpacks and said oooo I want that! When she saw their “Wild Thing” one.
    She said about the lunch tote.. Oh I don’t really care.. YOU pick. LOL I would pick a flowery one. Or the Teenage mutant ninja turtle one, give it to the boys in the family.

  • sandra

    they very first day of preschool and he was just so excited. he’d want the Wenger SwissGear Maxxum 15.4″ Laptop Backpack and the Blue Lunch Bag with Food Container

  • courtney b

    it was hugging my daughter before leaving her at school and i remember her sad scared nervous face but she was also excited! love that!! and i want the SwissGear® Synergy Laptop Backpack, Black/Grey, 15

  • David Balkin

    I can remember starting 7th grade hoping my crush at the time was in my class! Ah, those were the days. I’d love to have the Jansport Big Student backpack with Pink Pamsy Confetti Dots and the Fit & Fresh Newport Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack -Bright Paisley for my daughter.

  • My son cried on the first day of school and it was so sad. But, he enjoyed his first day and smiled every since. Also, I’m loving the Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag and the Jansport Big Student Backpack. Too cute!

  • e michelle

    i love the birds and blossoms backpack and the my lunch tote! my childs favorite memory is when he was big enough to ride his bike to school! I followed him in the car just in case he needed help!

  • Natalie

    My favorite memory was waiting with my daughter for her to take the bus for the first time! She would love to have the Jansport Big Student. Pink Pamsy Confetti Dots.

  • Heather B

    My daughter was so excited her first day of school to find out who her teacher was going to be! I would choose the High Sierra Loop Back Pack and the Blue Lunch Bag with food container.

  • stephanie macdonald

    My daughter would love a Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack and a Jansport Big Student in Pink Pamsy Confetti Dot! My best memory was on her first day of school she hugged ME and said I will be okay mama! <3 AWWW

  • clarissa

    it was great just to see my 10 year old go to school this year. He had Meningitis and encephalitis this summer but was out of the hospital and well enough to start school on time. He does have to do shorter days and is behind a bit but we will worry about catching up later

    backpack

    OGIO® Adrenaline Driven L-9, 17.3″ Computer Backpack, Blue Blockade

    Item: 458088 Model: 670233S
    lunchbox
    Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Zebra

  • TallulahJane

    My favorite memory is her pre-K year. She was so excited to go to school and play with other kids. It was so sweet.

    She would like the Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Zebra and the OGIO Stellar Back Pack.

  • Allyson Bossie

    My favorite memory of the first day of school was how excited he was to get on the school bus! We love the Airbac Curve Backpack, Green and the http://www.staples.com/J-World-Corey-Lunch-Bag-Star/product_WYF078276475479 for the lunchbox

  • Gina M

    My favorite memory was his first day of preschool, seeing my son with a backpack that was almost the size he was, so eager to go into his school with a huge smile on his face. I would love this lunchbox–http://www.staples.com/Cypress-Felicia-Insulated-Lunch-Bag-with-Metal-Handle-Black/product_WYF078276441407

    And this backpack–http://www.staples.com/Everest-Deluxe-Rolling-Backpack-Turquoise/product_WYF078276274816

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  • Wendy Hark

    My favorite memory of my son’s first day of school is how happy he was to meet his teacher and watching him run over to play with the other kids before class started
    Backpack would be: #580488 Jansport Digital Student Backpack Forge Gray 15″
    Lunch bag would be: Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with ice pack Hexagon # 959190

  • My mom and I went into Staples recently to get some less than exciting office supplies. I was blown away by how cute their selection is. I bought a couple rolls of patterned duct tape for my daughter just for fun. I’ll be taking the kiddos back to refill school supplies as needed throughout the year.

  • Brandon cerny

    I don’t have any children, but I have a nephew that would love a ninja turtles backpack!

  • Sherri J

    I remember my son’s first day of pre-K…he didn’t want to stay and for 4 weeks he would hide under the table and finally we convinced him it wasn’t so bad and he just blossomed.

    He would like the Reebok Big Gulp Laptop bag and the Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag in black.

  • Karen Gray

    My son is only one and a half right now, so we don’t have any school memories yet. And I’m certainly in no hurry to get there either! I totally understand now how people say that your kids grow up too fast. I love the Jansport Sockeye Navy Moonshie backpack. I always used Jansport backpacks as a kid, so I know how reliable they are. Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag, Blue is a cute and simple lunch bag, and it’s great that it’s insulated.

  • Nicole

    My favorite memory of my child’s first day of school, is when I sent my son off to his first day of school ever, he didn’t want me to leave, it was so cute. Being able to share a new beginning and step with my son was awesome. But now he is in first grade this year, and when I took him this year to school he didn’t even notice I was there or anything, he was totally independent, and a lot more social. It’s such a wonderful feeling as a mom to see how your kids grow through school. I would like the Licensed TMNT Dome Lunch Bag and the Airbac Curve backpack in green.

  • amy

    This year was my favorite back to school. My son started first grade in a new school and I was able to drop him off, give him a hug, and send him in to start a new year. Last year I had to put him on the bus and it wasn’t the same. We like the nautica black two tone lunch bag and any of the jansport backpacks.

  • Such a handsome young man!

  • Elaina

    I think back to school is so hard from a parents perspective, but my favorite memory is having time to spend with my younger child while my oldest is in school.
    Choosing one style is so hard, but my daughter picked out these:
    J World Sunset Multi Pocket Rolling Backpack
    Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Zebra

  • grace gillette

    Walking my son to his pre-k and watching him make friends

  • Tiffany S

    Her favorite memory of the first day of school was going out for recess. She would love the high sierra loop backpack wild thing black.

  • Sara Duff

    The proud smiles! He’d love the JanSport Superbreak backpack and maybe the turtle lunchbox

  • He is so adorable! I’m glad he can still choose a little expression with his bag.

  • Natalie S

    My oldest son just started Kindergarten this year and my favorite memory was the night before school started and how nervous my little guy was – he was up several times throughout the night and I had to keep walking him back and telling him it was going to be a good day. Brings me back to my childhood 🙂 Would love the Pelican™ ProGear S105 Sport Laptop Backpack, Orange and the Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag, Blue. nlevdan3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

  • Kristin Schmidt

    My favorite memory is funny but not funny. My house is on a busy road, so the 1st day of school on his way home, my sons bus driver had to pass our house to turn around (so he’d be dropped off in our driveway instead of on the side of the busy road) My son started bawling his eyes out to a 5th grader next to him about how they forgot to drop him off. The bus driver had to explain why my son was crying after he got off the bus his first day of school. LOL! So sad he was scared, but so cute. What an awesome story to tell him. Zion says he likes the Reebok Razzel Dazzle Backpack and lunch box! 🙂

  • Sharon Schoepe

    My son would love the Neat Oh! Go Sport Basketball Backpack and Veggie Tales lunch box. My favorite memory of the first day of school was how very excited my kids were and still are

  • When my daughter started kindergarten she was the only kid who waved us away after dropping her off and said “you can go now, I’ll be fine, I’ll see you when school is over.” It was such a bitter sweet moment 🙂 I like the Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack -Teal Floral and the Caribee Yukon 15.4” Laptop Day Backpack; Navy

  • Carol Nine

    My favorite memory of my son’s first day at school was when he noticed that his best friend would be in his class. He was very thrilled to know someone at school the first day. We both love the Jansport Big Student Backpack in ZapGreen and the Blue Avocado Kids Cooper Lunch Bag Shark Attack.

  • Ah, he looks so handsome, Penelope! I remember my son going to his first day of Kindergarten like it was yesterday… he just started middle school this year. Sigh.

  • He is one dapper little dude in his uniform. Penelope, he’s gonna make some girls swoon in a few years. 😉

  • Donna Phillips

    granddaughter would love this!!

  • sandra williams

    My favorite memory is watching my son get on the school bus the first day of kindergarten. He left from his daycare with all his daycare friends. He was usually shy but as he boarded the bus he peeked around the door, smiled and got on board. (favorite backpack – Pelican™ ProGear S145 Sport Tablet Backpack, Black and favortite lunchbox – NMR Camouflage Lunch Box.) Thank you.

  • William Thim

    When my son started Kindergarten he was Thomas the Tank Engine fanatic. So his lunchbox, backpack and jean jacket were all Thomas.

  • linda h

    My favorite first day of school memory was DD’s first day of kindergarten. Her dad and I had recently separarated and I had made her back to school dress. Never had sewn anything before. It was an A-line with images of ABC’s, busses, numbers and giant red ric-rack. It was so awful but she loved it and thanked me for her special dress as she skipped into the school.

    AShe likes the swissgear synergy backpack and the fit and fresh retro luchbag with ice in damask

  • Joanne Schultz

    favorite memory – she was so excited to be going to school that she never looked back when I dropped her off. We like the Mobile Edge Orion ScanFast Backpack For 17.3″ Laptop, Black Item 212581
    Model MBLMEAWBP20, and Fit & Fresh Newport Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack -Bright Paisley Item 985077
    Model 377FF13.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • bianca roman

    my favorite moment was last year when my son started preschool. we were in the car driving to school and he saw a bus and said ‘momma i want to ride the bus from now on!’ he was trying to be so ‘big’ but it made me cry.

    I think my son would enjoy the Everest Double Compartment Backpack because he likes to take a lot of toys to school. and the Wildkin Olive Kids Out of this World Munch ‘n Lunch Bag

  • Rebecca Orr

    My favorite memory is actually of this year. He didn’t cry! He has cried for the first two years. But this year, going into second grade, he didn’t. I know it is because he is finally used to his school, the bus, his friends, and being away for 8 hours a day. The natico originals two tone Insulated lunch bag in black is stylish. The JanSport super break backpack in ombré floral is my favorite.

  • Jessica H.

    My favorite memory of my girls’ first day of school was that I was lucky enough to be there working at the school they were attending, so I could see them throughout the day and watch how excited but nervous they were. I loved it.

    From staples, we would love the High Sierra Loop Backpack, Wild Thing Black and the Fit & Fresh Newport Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack -Black & White Floral.

    Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!

  • Those bags are absolutely adorable. Love it!

  • Linda G.

    the first day of school is a exciting one at our house, I have always taken a picture on the morning of the first day!

  • Michelle S

    First day of school photos are the best memories! My child would like the High Sierra Loop backpack in Wild Thing Black, and the Fit and Fresh Venice Insulated designer lunch bag.

  • stacy

    I have no children in school at the moment, but I imagine that I will be happy and sad at the same time. I cannot wait to take the first day of school pictures! My favorite lunchbox is the Fit & Fresh Newport Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack -Black & White Floral and my favorite backpack is the Jansport Superbreak Backpack, Gray/Sprinkle Floral

  • elfette

    Forever-Collectibles-NCAA-Velcro-Lunch-Bag-Illinois
    J-World-Sundance-Rolling-Backpack

  • My memory isn’t necessarily a good one, but it’s one we won’t forget! It was my sons first day of 2nd grade, and he was NOT excited to go. We were at the bus stop and as soon as he saw the bus coming down the road, he started to get really upset. Crying, whining, and ended up getting so upset that he threw up! On the street! I wasn’t about to put him on the bus then! So we went back inside, had a good talk about it, and then I brought him to school. He never did it again. I don’t know what upset him that much, but he seemed to be totally over it the next day!

    Maybe he would’ve had a better start to the school year if he had the Airbac Groovy Backpack, Camo, and the Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag, Black!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  • Katie Rose

    My son upon entering 1st grade after a break from Kindergarten decided that we should do school always including summers because “that’s where we learn more!” which is apparently still pretty cool. I’m glad his teachers are instilling a love of learning! Orange is his favorite color so he might like the one from High Sierra.

  • Jamielee Kimball

    My Kindergarten memory is quite fresh in that my only child just started Kindergarten two weeks ago. In the morning, right before we left the house, she put her hand on my shoulder and said, “Don’t miss me too much mom, I’ll be back”. It was the saddest/happiest moment in my life.

    For the backpack, I would choose the Samsonite Vizair Laptop Backpack in Silver/Pink. I think this one would be good for my little one next year, and seems good enough quality to hold up for a while. For the lunchbag, I would choose the Cypress Botanica Insulated Lunch Bag with Metal Handle, because my little one likes it.

  • Dericka Buckels

    My favorite memory of my child’s first day of school is me dropping him off at school and him kissing me goodbye and saying have a great day to me. It really touched me. He would love the Jansport Big Student Backpack. I’m quite sure he’d like the Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag in blue.

  • we homeschool, and the best memory ever was when my first learned to read, with me, I taught her, I cried

  • My son’s first day of preschool was the most memorable. I cried, and he just waved and said, “Love you, see you later mommy!” He took it better than me. I like the Jansport All-Sport backpack and the Natico originals lunchbox.

  • and I would love the Natico Originals Insulated Cooler/Lunch Bag, Blue and the SwissGear® Pegasus Laptop Backpack, Black/Blue, 17″ but actually they all looked pretty great!

  • diane

    On my son’s first day of school he fell asleep on the bus on the way home. He was so used to taking naps still at home he just couldn’t stay awake on the ride!

    I would love this one Jansport Big Student. Pink Pamsy Confetti Dots

    and this one! Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Chandelier

  • Andrea

    My favorite back to school memory is when my son had to run back off the bus just to give me one last hug.

    I like the High Sierra Tactic Backpack, Charcoal/Orange/Ash and the Blue Lunch Bag with Food Container from Staples. Thanks!

  • My favorite memory was taking my nephew to pre school and him crying and grabbing my leg, i wanted to cry with him. And when I would go and pick him up the biggest hug and kiss and him saying Titi dont leave me ever again..

  • My favorite memory of my daughter heading to school was her excitement to be a “big girl”. My daughter would love the Fit and Fresh Venice lunchbox and the High Sierra Swerve backpack in purple.

  • Elaina K.

    My favorite memory is the talks we have on the way to school. They are always full of questions from my preschooler and the one on one time is important to us both.

    J World Sunset Multi Pocket Rolling Backpack
    Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Zebra

  • I remember putting my son on the bus for his first day of Kindergarten – he looked soo tiny walking up those big steps. I was so thankful both of his big sisters rode the bus with him. My last baby going away to school – I will NEVER forget it!

    My son would love this lunch bag (it would even fit his afternoon snack and bottle of water in it!)
    http://www.staples.com/Natico-Originals-Two-Tone-Insulated-Lunch-Bag-Black/product_1199429

    and this skater bookbag would definitely be something he would pick!
    http://www.staples.com/Airbac-Skater-Backpack/product_SS2091784

  • My youngest son was very excited his first day of school and never cared what he wore to school when he was younger. This year at 13 was the first year he was really concerned about how he was dressed and how he looked. I realized this year how quickly he has grown up.

    I think my son would love the Samsonite Vizair Laptop Backpack, in Black.

  • My children are still in the preschool age, but I remember bawling the first day I dropped my oldest off at daycare. I’m sure I’ll be the same way with school.

  • My favorite memory was when my little boy pulled on his backpack and said “Let’s get this over with.”
    Backpack/ Jansport big kids backpack
    Lunchbox : Natico Originals Two-Tone Insulated Lunch Bag, Blue

  • When my daughter was like “okay you can leave now”. It made me sad but she was totally ready!!

    J World Cornelia Campus Backpack my son would love

  • My favorite memory of my son first day of school was when he was eagerly waiting for the bus and seemed so shy.

  • Heather

    Fit and fresh Venice lunchbox and the polka dotbackpack

  • I remember her getting off the bus and looking like she was ten years older. And, then I cried!

    Backpack: Jansport Big Student. Pink Pamsy Confetti Dots
    Lunchbox: Fit & Fresh Venice Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack – Chandelier

  • I loved first days of school, all of them, but one of my favorites was this year, when we decided to homeschool! I did take 1st day of school photos, and I also bought school supplies (even backpacks) because we often pack up our stuff and go to the park for school! SwissGear® Pegasus Laptop Backpack, Black/Blue, 17″
    Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack

  • I never realized how many backpacks there were to choose from! My little dude loves those that carry laptops, so he’d want the Samsung Xenonite backpack…but he’s pretty basic with lunch sacks, he likes the Kraft lunch bags in plain!

  • We homeschool, but first day of co-op is a big deal for us. My son and daughter literally got up an hour early and danced all over the house asking, “Is it time? Is it time?” They love it. My daughter would love the J World Sundance Rolling Backpack; Pink and my son would love the Natico Originals Insulated Cooler/Lunch Bag, Red .

  • I loved being able to walk my son into his first day of Kindergarten last year and watch him sit at his desk. He was so excited! I love this backpack – http://www.staples.com/High-Sierra-Loop-Baypack-Royal-Cobalt-Black-Chartruese/product_161685

    and this lunchbox – http://www.staples.com/Natico-Originals-Two-Tone-Insulated-Lunch-Bag-Blue/product_1199428

  • My kids have almost been late to school multiple times on the first day because they were so into getting their “1st Day of School PIctures”. I love their enthusiasm…even if it is just their enthusiasm for how cute they are! 😉

    Love the Jansport Big Student. Pink Pamsy Confetti Dots backpack. My daughter would love this!

    Can I pretend my 16 year old would love the Fit & Fresh Downtown Insulated Designer Lunch Bag with Ice Pack in Ebony and keep it for myself? My 19 year old would love this one, but she graduated!

  • First day of school memory I have was when my first was entering 3rd grade. It was the first time he went into public school which was big for me. I remember counting down until I could see him again. Now it is getting easier as kids enter school. One left that isn’t in school and I think he will be the hardest. My 17 yr old I think would love the SOLO® Vintage Collection Leather Laptop Backpack, Espresso, 15.6″ and the Natico Originals-Insulated-Cooler-Lunch-Bag-Black

  • My daughter started Kindergarten this year. It was so fun seeing her so excited for the new experience. Mornings are rough but we are getting better every day with it. For a backpack, she would love the Jansport Pink Pamsy Confetti Dots.