Back to School Checklist for Vancouver Kids
The School Day Checklist
Everything Vancouver kids actually need for school and daycare, from waterproof gear to the right backpack. Perfect for September, and for the midyear restock.
School in Vancouver has its own rhythm. The first weeks of September still feel like summer, then the rain arrives right on schedule, the mornings get dark, and at least one rain boot from last year turns out to have a crack in the sole you did not notice until the first proper puddle.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten, moving up a grade, or heading to daycare for the first time, this is the checklist we put together for our own families and for every parent who asks us what their kid actually needs. Already back in class? It doubles as a midyear restock list.
Waterproof Is Not Optional
Kids spend time outside at school and daycare every day, whatever the weather. If they arrive soaked by 9am, the whole day is off.
Shop Mom's Pick · THERM
10K Waterproof Rainsuit
For the little ones still fully committed to puddle jumping as a lifestyle, a one piece suit is the easiest way to keep them dry from hood to toe.
Shop the Rainsuit
Reima
Lampi Rain Jacket
Built for Nordic weather, so Vancouver drizzle is easy.
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Calikids
Waterproof Rain Suit
Our top pick for daycare age kids.
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Calikids
Splash Pants
A spare pair for the cubby is always a good idea.
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Reima
Rainy Rain Hat
Keeps the rain off faces on the walk to school.
Shop nowSized for the School Day
A good backpack makes a real difference, and a cheap one makes itself known by November. For daycare, smaller is better. For grade school, look for padded straps and room for a lunch kit and water bottle.
Elliot's Pick · Herschel
Heritage Kids Backpack 20L
Our most asked about size for kindergarten through Grade 2. Not sure which size your child needs? Our Herschel size guide breaks it down by age.
Shop the 20L
Ready for Puddles & Dress Codes
Make sure there is about a centimetre of room at the toe and that the shoe closes securely. For uniform schools, our Adventure Soles shop on Granville Island carries Biomecanics, Geox and Stride Rite.
Shop Mom's Pick · Vessi
Weekend Waterproof Sneaker
Exceptional for Vancouver weather. The knit is waterproof, so wet sneakers at recess become a thing of the past. In big kid and little kid sizes.
Shop Vessi
“Buy the hat and gloves in pairs from the start. Trust us.”From the shop floor
Hot, Cold & Leakproof
If you invest in one thing this school year, make it a proper lunch container.
Shop Mom's Pick · OmieLife
OmieBox UP Bento Lunch Box
Keeps hot food hot and cold food cold in the same box, it is genuinely leakproof, and kids can open it themselves. You will not need to replace it for years.
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OmieLife
OmieBox Original
The original hot and cold bento for little eaters.
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OmieLife
OmieDip Two Pack
Leakproof cups for dips, sauces and yogurt.
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OmieLife
OmieSnacks Container
Snack time sorted for recess.
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Thermos
FUNtainer Water Bottle
An insulated bottle with a locking lid.
Shop nowWarm Even When Wet
For kids in outdoor programs or forest school, a wool base layer under everything is a genuine upgrade. Cotton against the skin in wet weather is miserable. Wool stays warm when wet and dries faster than you expect.
The Things That Go Missing
A warm hat and waterproof gloves are the two things most likely to vanish at school. Buy a backup pair of each from the start, and a set of mitten clips to keep them attached.
Come in for a fitting. Try on rain suits and get shoes properly fitted before you commit to a size. Find us on Granville Island, open daily 10am to 6pm, on Main Street in Riley Park, open daily 11am to 6pm, and at Adventure Soles on Granville Island. Shopping online? Our team is happy to help by email with any sizing question.
Frequently Asked
What does a kindergartener in Vancouver need for school?
A waterproof jacket or rain suit, rain boots, a backpack around 20L, a leakproof lunch kit, a water bottle, indoor shoes if the school asks for them, and a full change of clothes.
What size backpack should my child use?
Around 15L for daycare and preschool, 20L for kindergarten to Grade 2, and 26L for Grade 3 and up. Our Herschel size guide has more detail.
What is the best rain gear for Vancouver schools?
A fully waterproof jacket or one piece suit with sealed seams, plus splash pants for the younger ones. See our rain gear comparison.
Here's to a great school year.
Shop Mom · Little Treasures Kids