05 Kindergarten New Year Essentials Every Kid Needs
Starting Kindergarten is a huge milestone—an overwhelming one—for both kids and parents. Your little one could be bursting with excitement or feeling a bit nervous, being prepared with the right gear can add to a bit of the relief you’re seeking. As we head into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to check your child’s school supplies and make sure they’ve got everything they need for a smooth, confident start.
These are Marmalade Lion’s 5 Kindergarten New Year essentials every Aussie kid needs in their backpack.
1. A Comfy, Durable Kiddie Backpack
Let’s start with the most obvious (and most fashionable!) item—the backpack. You’ll want to find one that’s big enough to carry lunch, a drink bottle, spare clothes, a library book, and maybe a favourite soft toy or two. But not so big that your little one feels like they’re lugging around a suitcase.
Look for features like –
- Padded straps for little shoulders
- A front zip pocket for easy-to-reach snacks or tissues
- Waterproof or easy-to-clean material (you’ll thank yourself later)
Let your child help choose the design—dinosaurs, rainbows, their favourite character from Bluey, or something simple. It’s a great way to get them excited about school!
2. Labelled Lunchbox and Drink Bottle
Kindy kids burn a lot of energy running, playing, and learning. So, keeping them fuelled and hydrated is key. A sturdy, no-leak lunchbox with separate compartments will help keep their snacks and meals organised (and less likely to end up squished). Bentos are great because they separate everything neatly and kids love opening the little sections.
Make sure the drink bottle is easy for small hands to open and close. Something leak-proof is a must—especially if it’s going inside their backpack with books and clothes.
And this is the golden rule of Kindy – LABEL EVERYTHING. Seriously—everything. Kids are still learning to keep track of their things, and a clearly labelled lunchbox and bottle helps make sure they come back home each day.
3. Spare Clothes (Yes, Even Underwear!)
Accidents happen—and not just the toilet kind. There’s paint, mud, water play, and the occasional yoghurt explosion. That’s why it’s essential to pack a full set of spare clothes, including underwear and socks, in a plastic zip-lock or wet bag.
Choose comfy, easy-to-change pieces like elastic-waist shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. No tricky buttons or zips if possible—Kindy teachers will love you for it!
Pro tip – Pop a little note in your calendar to check the spares each term. Kids grow fast, and you don’t want your little one pulling on last season’s clothes that no longer fit.
4. SunSmart Hat
In Australia, we know how harsh the sun can be. Most schools have a “No Hat, No Play” policy, especially in Terms 1 and 4 when the UV index is high. A wide-brimmed or bucket-style hat is a must for outdoor play and sport.
Some schools offer uniform hats, but if not, choose one with –
- A wide brim all around
- Breathable fabric
- A chin strap if it’s likely to blow off in the wind
And yep—label it, too. You could have your kid’s name embroidered on. Hats are one of the first things to go missing at school. Bonus points if you buy two, so you always have a spare ready to go when one disappears (because it will).
5. Kindy-Friendly Stationery and Supplies
Most Kindy classrooms will supply the bulk of what kids need for learning, but it’s still handy to pack a few basic stationery items or classroom essentials if your school asks for them.
Think along the lines of –
- Large, triangular pencils or crayons that are easier for little fingers
- Glue sticks
- Blunt-tipped scissors
- A pencil case (simple and easy to open)
Check with your school for a supply list—some prefer parents to contribute items to a shared classroom stash. Either way, avoid anything too fancy or expensive. That glittery unicorn ruler might be a hit on Day 1, but don’t be surprised if it goes walkabout before the week’s over.
A Few Bonus Tips…
While the essentials above will set your child up beautifully, there are a couple of extra things you can do to make the Kindy transition smoother –
- Practice independence at home – Help your child learn to open containers, pack away their things, and ask for help when needed.
- Read books about starting school – Stories can help ease nerves and build excitement. “Starting School” by Jane Godwin is a lovely Australian option.
- Establish a routine – Mornings go a lot smoother when there’s a consistent rhythm (and less rushing!). Of course, the first day of kindergarten WON’T be a fight if you put your kid on school morning schedule for a month or two before Kindergarten begins.
Starting Kindergarten in the New Year is a big adventure. With these 5 essentials—a good backpack, labelled lunch and drink gear, spare clothes, a SunSmart hat, and a few supplies—you’re helping your child feel confident, comfy, and ready to learn.
And remember—don’t stress if you forget something on Day 1. There’s always tomorrow, and teachers understand that families are adjusting too. Give yourself a pat on the back—you’ve got this
