Our Must Haves For September

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Just because you've crossed nearly every last notebook and set of colored pencils off your back-to-school shopping list, it doesn't mean you are done gathering supplies this year. With the start of September, consider more than what belongs in your kids' backpacks and stock up on essentials for when they're home. Whether it's quality bedding to help them get a good night's sleep, personalized books that keep them engaged, or clever bowls that make dinner time fun, you'll be glad you threw these last few items into your shopping cart.

01
BuddyPhones

BuddyPhones

Study after study show that our kids are experiencing hearing loss because they're listening to music and movies too loudly. BuddyPhones ($25 each) limit volume to 85 decibels — a safe level for kids' ears— but do so in a way that won't leave kids swapping out the headphones for their parents' earbuds. Each set comes with five sets of stickers so kids can customize their headphones, and, perhaps most exciting, each set comes with a built-in audio splitter so up to four kids can plug in to watch the same movie or hear the same music simultaneously. Genius!

— Rebecca Gruber, Moms editorial director

02
Emily & Meritt Collection at Pottery Barn Teen

Emily & Meritt Collection at Pottery Barn Teen

This collection is a blogger's dream — everything is gold and beautiful — and I think most moms will want things out of this collection for their home decor, let alone for their teen's room! The line has some really timeless pieces like the heart sheet sets and a ladder book shelf, and some quirky purchases — like a unicorn head or a lamp with duck feet — that take a tween room to a teen room with a little bit of gold dipping and fun. My personal favorites? These critter pillows ($39 each) with gold sequins — they might actually inspire your teenager to want to make their bed in the morning!

— Alessia Santoro, Moms assistant editor

03
My Natural Raccoon Eco Bowl

My Natural Raccoon Eco Bowl

So often, the most adorable children's cups and bowls are also the most impractical – with function taking a backseat to an eye-catching design. But the My Natural feeding line offers the best of both. The brand's Eco Bowl ($10) features an ergonomically correct, environmentally sound design that children will also love to eat from, thanks to subtle ear ridges that keep spoons in place, a slip-resistant base in the form of feet, and a unique spill-proof front that's made to look like a fox, owl, or raccoon.

— Kate Schweitzer, Moms editor

04
Lost My Name Book

Lost My Name Book

This personalized storybook ($30) is truly special. Rather than having their name slotted into pre-made spaces like in other personalized books, this story is completely different for every kid, based on the letters of their name. In the story a little girl or boy wakes to find they cannot remember their name, and must go on a magical adventure to find out what it is. When ordering, you choose whether the book is for a boy or a girl, and then type in their name so that the story is randomized based on the letters. This book helps children learn their letters, what their name looks like, and how to spell it — not to mention, they get to go on a special journey to find it.

— AS

05
SoapSox

SoapSox

For some babies, bath time is the best time. For others, well, not so much. Try to make bath time more fun with SoapSox ($15), which come in a variety of animals — shark, dolphin, hippo, and more — and make washing up a more bearable experience. The gentle terrycloth material is ideal for sensitive baby skin, and the animals make getting soapy seem more novelty. If your child loves their SoapSox, it can be put in the dryer and loved as a stuffed animal during the day, then be a friend who can get ready for and experience bath time with your tot.

— AS

06
FabKids Glitter Oxfords

FabKids Glitter Oxfords

School starting means new shoes for the new year, and what better way to make an entrance into school than with these sparkly glitter oxfords ($27, originally $34). They're perfect for a first-day-of-school outfit, and even better for sprucing up comfy Fall and Winter outfits as the school year rolls on.

— AS

07
Madly Wish Diamond Print Crib Sheet

Madly Wish Diamond Print Crib Sheet

Looking for a little bling for your baby, without spending a fortune? This whimsical-yet-glam Madly Wish pink diamond crib sheet ($75) might not be the real deal, but with the brand's commitment to keeping all products handmade in the US, it'll definitely be a baby girl's best friend.

— KS

08
Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa Book

Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa Book

The Llama Llama series has already sold more than 9.4 million books over the years. To say it's a favorite bedtime series among the preschool set is an understatement. But the series takes a new turn this month with the release of Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa ($11, originally $18). When Llama Llama goes to his grandparents' house for his first sleepover, everything doesn't go quite as planned. Upon realizing that he forgot his beloved lovey at bedtime, Llama Llama's grandparents must do some quick thinking to soothe him. A great story of comfort and love, the latest Llama Llama book is sure to become a bedtime regular.

— RG

09
Of One Sea Hoodie

Of One Sea Hoodie

I love everything about the new Of One Sea surf line out of Hawaii. Founded by Maryam Fortuna, whom you may recognize from her popular Milk Friendly blog, the line is full of gender-neutral pieces — many of which feature the company's sweet logo — that stand out from the sea of traditional finds on the school pick-up line. Among my favorites is the lightweight zip up hoodie ($30), which is perfect for chilly Fall mornings. As for the brand's name? It comes from a traditional Hawaiian song: "We are drops of one ocean, we are waves of one sea."

— RG

10
Lakeshore Learning Gear Builders

Lakeshore Learning Gear Builders

Toys that inspire creativity and imagination are my absolute favorite. These gear builders ($22, originally $28) are great for exploring different possibilities, learning about reactions, and using creativity. Your child will likely never build the same setup twice, meaning a unique experience every time she plays with them, which will make it less likely to end up in a dusty, not-played-with box under the couch.

— AS

11
Hoppi Box

Hoppi Box

Since subscription services are all the rage for adults, why not consider one for your tot? The Hoppi Box ($75 for one box, $264 for four boxes/year) is a toy subscription for your little one that nurtures their development. The high quality, age-appropriate toys will be suited for your child's stage of development, encouraging motor, cognitive, and social skills along the way. This box will definitely help some parents to avoid making meaningless purchases in the toy aisle — we've all been there.

— AS

12
Marni Jersey

Marni Jersey

Wanting to go big with your kid's back-to-school wardrobe? Look no further than Petit Maison Chic, an ecommerce site specializing in luxury children’s wear. We've scoured the inventory, which includes the likes of Fendi, Stella McCartney, and Versace, and felt that this Marni jersey with ribbed collar ($259) might be perfect for Picture Day.

— KS