A definitive list of back to school (and sport) supplies, according to a parent of two.

The Christmas ham has been scoffed and the tree is already back in storage, which means our mental load as parents is already onto the next thing: the kids returning to school.                        

If, like mine, your kids have had a big growth spurt over the holidays, they’ll need new shoes and sporting gear along with the usual drink bottles and backpacks they seem to have outgrown (or lost) along the way. 

After spending way too much time at the shops in the lead-up to Christmas (I don’t care admit how many hours!), I like to get all my back to school purchases in the one spot. If it’s the only parenting hack I can pass onto the next, it’s to streamline, streamline, streamline. 

So I’m not traipsing around 17 different shops, my go-to on back to school supplies for the boys is rebel. It’s got a handy range of brands, great discounts for members and one-hour click and collect. Winning. 

Here are 22 of the back to school must-haves I recommend for primary or high school kids getting kitted out, ready for Term 1 and beyond. 

Kids Footwear

Asics Contend 7 Kids Running Shoes, $89.99.

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I’ve always opted for Asics kids shoes for my boys because they’re great quality and perfect for transitioning from the school yard to the tennis court. These particular running shoes are lightweight and breathable for the warm and wet La Niña weather ahead, all while being super comfy, shock-absorbing GEL technology underfoot. Being a black shoe, they’re school-uniform friendly for us, but can also be worn on weekends without looking too school-shoesy (yes, it’s a phrase).

Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 Kids Running Shoes, $69.99.

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Another great quality running shoe at an affordable price. Lightweight, durable, and with lots of comfy cushioning for kids who run and run... and run some more. 

My boys are notoriously hard on shoes and I’ve always found that their Adidas runners are worthy opponents, lasting right up until they grow out of them. 

Under Armour Assert 8 Uniform Kids Running Shoes, $69.99.

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If you prefer a leather runner for your kiddos, this Under Armour pair are my pick of the bunch. An ideal parents' pick due to the quality, price and durability!

They’re perfect if your school has a strict black shoe policy and will still look brand spankin’ after months of wear thanks to the solid rubber ‘buffers’ on the outsole. 

When they get grubby you can just wipe them down with a cloth and a spritz of leather cleaner. Easy. 

Special mentions also go to: Nike Varsity Leather Kids Running Shoes Black ($79.99) and Nike Revolution 6 Next Nature Running Shoes ($99.99).

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Senior Footwear

Nike Winflo 8 Running Shoes, $149.99.

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I'm well out of high school... but can I get these for myself for back to school season?! This pair is said to deliver running comfort no matter how far your feet are taking you. Returning to Nike's classic cushioning combination for forefoot and heel Zoom Air units, and Cushlon foam, they'll definitely help keep the spring in your kids' step.

New Balance 520 v7 Mens Running Shoes, $99.99.

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While my boys are yet to hit high school, they're already eyeing these runners for when they can fit them! Mixing lightweight mesh for breathability and synthetics for stability and durability, this shoes sits on a bed of EVA foam cushioning that delivers a softer more comfortable tread than previous versions. The rubber outsole feels is cut with flex grooves to allow a flexible and natural tread. 

Special mentions also go to: Nike Revolution 6 Next Nature Womens Running Shoes ($99.99) and adidas Fluidstreet 2.0 Mens Casual Shoes Black ($119.99). 

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Backpacks

Nike Hayward 2.0 Backpack, $49.99.

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We like to have one backpack for school and one backpack for after-school sports, just because kids seems to have ALL THE THINGS, like changes of clothing and socks, mouth guards, soccer shoes, studs, snacks... and the list doesn't seem to end.

My kids and I love the look of this pick for storing sports gear. Not just for looks: it’s also super functional. The large main compartment is great for sports clothes while the handy side pockets are perfect for water bottles and tennis balls. And when they're not using the backpack for sports stuff? It’s an ideal size for stay overs at the grandparents or friends' houses. 

Puma Phase Backpack, $29.99.

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The kids are loving the black and white options for school this year, aren't they! A slightly different but equally functional bag is this Puma Phase Backpack. It’s a great size for sports gear and overnighters at a great price point. No matter how much you stuff into this backpack it still sits comfortably on little shoulders and can be adjusted to your child’s height and shoulder width.

Special mentions also go to: Nike Youth Elemental Backpack ($39.99), Puma Phase Backpack ($29.99) and Nike Futura Dome Lunch Bag ($39.99).

Image: rebel/Mamamia.

Water bottles

Celsius Energize Squeeze 800ml Water Bottle, $9.99 ($7.49 when you buy two or more).

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If lost drink bottles were bricks, I could build a spacious double storey house. 

My kids have a knack for losing their drink bottles at school, sports grounds, parks and friend’s houses. At the beginning of each school year, I stock up on these Celsius Energize Squeeze Water Bottles which are leak proof, BPA free and large enough to keep the kids hydrated on the hottest of days. 

I love the translucent strip on the side of the bottle which shows the kids when they’re running low on H2O. And the fact there's a discount when buying two or more is an added bonus. 

Apparel

Nike Girls Swoosh Sports Bra, $29.99.

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Helping to keep her comfortable as she trains or plays, this Sports Bra is constructed with two layers on soft, smooth fabric to deliver maximum comfort and coverage. It's super comfortable too with flat seams, while the moisture-wicking fabric provides a sweat-free feel. 

While there are no young girls in my own house, I can see this being a handy choice for those transitioning in between a crop top to more supportive bras!

Celsius Kids Crew Socks, $9.99 ($7.49 when you buy two or more).

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Another item that tends to fall into a black hole in our house? Socks. Or as they’re often referred to in our house, sand bags. Given their tendency to disappear, I don’t want to spend a fortune on filling the kids sock drawer. So, these Celsius Kids Crew Socks are an affordable white sock for school and sport. At only $9.99 for a pack of four, they’re easy on the bank balance. 

Forget stinky feet at the end of the day because these socks are breathable enough to keep the kids’ feet cool and dry. They also stay up without digging in which is a top priority for my own fussy eight-year-old. 

Nike Legacy91 Tech Cap, $24.99.

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If your kids like to go matchy-matchy with their black Nike backpacks, this Nike Legacy91 Tech Cap is the perfect choice. The Dri-FIT technology keeps the sweat away and the adjustable hook and loop means the cap can adjust as their head grows – ideal from primary school into high school. 

Special mentions also go to: Speedo Girls Leisure Strappy One Piece Swimsuit ($29.99) and Speedo Kids Polyester Swim Cap Pink ($9.99).

Image: rebel/Mamamia.

If you’re getting prepped for the new school year, I hope this list has helped you (slightly) narrow down your shopping list! 

Here’s wishing our kids a happy and healthy year full of great memories in their gear. 

Find plenty more back to school supplies for 2022 online or in-store at rebel.

Feature Image: Supplied.