Getting ready for school requires a well-sized bag, an easy-to-use water bottle, a securely closing lunch box, and a few practical accessories. For children preparing for kindergarten, a kindergarten bag, indoor sandals, and a change of clothes are also on the list.

Odu offers a variety of school bags, kindergarten bags, and children's backpacks. The playful kindergarten backpacks from Little Dutch, Hello Hossy's models for younger children, Liewood's practical backpacks, and Konges Sløjd school bags offer options for different ages and daily routines.

When should we start preparing for school?

It's worth starting preparations for school a few weeks, or even a month, before the first day, as you don't need to buy everything at once. First, check what equipment from previous years can still be used, what might be inherited from a sibling, and make a list of what's missing. One day you can choose the school bag or kindergarten bag, later the water bottle and lunch box, and then check if the indoor sandals and change of clothes are still the right size.

Choosing together can help you get in the mood for the new period. A favorite color or pattern can mean a lot, especially for a child who is going to kindergarten or school for the first time.

Kindergarten bag for the first days of kindergarten

For the first days of kindergarten, it's worth choosing a kindergarten bag that is light, comfortable, and fits the child's size. A backpack that is too large can easily become uncomfortable, while one that is too small won't hold the necessary items.

A functional kindergarten bag:

• is easy to open and close;
• has adjustable shoulder straps;
• comfortably fits a water bottle;
• provides space for a small lunch box;
• is easily recognizable by the child;
• is lightweight even when empty.

Little Dutch kindergarten backpacks are available in various patterns in the ODU range. In addition to backpacks, matching gym bags, pencil cases, and cooler bags are also available, which can facilitate the coordination of equipment.

Among the Hello Hossy children's backpacks, there is also a model designed for ages 2–5. This size can be particularly interesting for children preparing for kindergarten or shorter trips.

Among the Liewood backpacks, there is also a model suitable for kindergarten-aged children. When choosing, always check the size of the backpack and whether the necessary daily items fit comfortably inside.

What should go in the kindergarten bag?

Kindergarten equipment lists may vary, so it's always worth checking the institution's information first. Generally, these items go into the kindergarten bag:

• water bottle;
• small children's lunch box, if needed;
• change of clothes;
• fabric bag;
• weather-appropriate accessory;
• a small favorite, if the kindergarten allows.

Mark all personal items with a name or the kindergarten symbol. The kindergarten bag, water bottle, indoor sandals, and change of clothes can easily get mixed up with similar items from other children.

School bag for starting school

The school bag is one of the most important items for starting school. In addition to appearance, it's worth considering the size, weight, adjustability of the shoulder straps, and internal organization.

Before choosing, think about the child's daily routine:

• Will they go to school on foot, by car, or by public transport?
• Do they have to bring their books home every day?
• Does it fit their pencil case and snack?
• Is there a separate place for the water bottle?
• Will they need a gym bag?
• Can they easily see the internal organization of the bag?

The Konges Sløjd Clover school bag is available in various patterns in the ODU range. Konges Sløjd – often searched for as Konges Slojd – is known for its playful, characteristic patterns. The brand's range also includes pencil cases and lunch bags that match the school bag.

The Liewood Johnny school bag offers an alternative for school-aged children, while the Liewood Andreas backpacks might be interesting for lighter daily gear or older kindergarten children. When choosing a particular model, the size and the child's daily load should always be the deciding factors.

In addition to Konges Sløjd and Liewood, it's worth checking out Odu's full range of bags and children's backpacks, as available models and patterns may change continuously.

Pencil case and gym bag on the back-to-school list

In addition to the right bag for starting school, a pencil case and gym bag may also be needed.

When choosing a pencil case, the most important thing is that the child can easily find and organize their stationery in it. Odu's range includes Konges Sløjd, Little Dutch, and Jeune Premier pencil cases.

The gym bag should be light, securely closing, and large enough for sports equipment. Little Dutch offers gym bags that match their backpack patterns, allowing for a coordinated back-to-school set.

Water bottle for starting school

The right water bottle is one of the most used items in kindergarten and school equipment. It's worth choosing a model that the child can open independently, closes securely, is easy to clean, and fits comfortably in the kindergarten bag or school bag.

The Liewood water bottles, with their clean colors and playful designs, can be easily coordinated with various children's backpacks. A smaller, lighter water bottle might be practical for kindergarten, while a child going to school might need a larger capacity due to longer days.

In Odu's water bottle and lunch box range, in addition to Liewood and Konges Sløjd, 24Bottles products are also featured. When choosing, it's worth focusing primarily on the appropriate size, closure, and ease of use, rather than just the brand.

What kind of children's lunch box should it be?

A well-chosen children's lunch box can ease morning preparations and school meals.

The ideal lunch box:

• closes securely;
• the child can open it independently;
• is easy to clean;
• holds an appropriate portion;
• can be comfortably placed in the bag.

A partitioned children's lunch box can provide separate spaces for sandwiches, fruits, and smaller snacks. The Liewood lunch boxes and the Konges Sløjd lunch box sets allow for various arrangements.

For longer days, an insulated lunch bag or thermal snack bag might also be useful. Such accessories are also available in the Liewood and Konges Sløjd ranges.

Indoor sandals for daily kindergarten and school life

When choosing indoor sandals, comfort, proper size, and independent usability are the most important factors. Especially for kindergarten-aged children, it's worth choosing a type that the child can put on and take off without help.

Odu's sandal selection includes Liewood, Konges Sløjd, and Tornadora models. Whether a particular sandal is suitable for all-day indoor use should always be decided based on the specific model's design and the institution's expectations.

Also, mark the indoor sandals with a name or kindergarten symbol, and before starting school, check that there is still enough room for the child's feet.

Change of clothes in the kindergarten equipment

A change of clothes is particularly important when starting kindergarten. The package should include:

• underwear;
• socks;
• T-shirt or long-sleeved top;
• trousers or skirt;
• extra layer appropriate for the season.

For smaller children, even several changes of clothes may be needed. Check the clothes regularly, as children grow quickly, and different items may be needed as the weather changes.

Odu's children's clothing range includes comfortable, combinable pieces for various age groups.

Back-to-school checklist

In the last few days before school starts, it's worth reviewing the entire equipment again:

• The school bag or kindergarten bag is the right size.
• The shoulder straps are adjusted.
• The child can open the water bottle independently.
• The children's lunch box closes securely.
• All necessary stationery is in the pencil case.
• The gym bag is ready.
• The indoor sandals are the right size.
• The change of clothes is complete and suitable for the season.
• All personal items have a name or symbol.
• The first day's equipment was prepared the night before.

Frequently Asked Questions about Starting School

When should you start preparing for school?

It's advisable to start preparations for school in mid-summer, or at the latest two to three weeks before the first day. This allows enough time to calmly choose the bag, water bottle, lunch box, and other equipment.

What kind of bag is suitable for kindergarten?

For kindergarten, a light, child-sized kindergarten bag or a smaller children's backpack is recommended. Odu's range includes Little Dutch, Hello Hossy, Liewood, and Konges Sløjd backpacks.

What kind of school bag should we choose?

The school bag should match the child's size and daily routine. Comfortable wear, adjustable shoulder straps, and a clear internal organization are important.

What brands of children's backpacks are available in the Odu range?

Odu's children's backpack range includes models from Little Dutch, Hello Hossy, Liewood, and Konges Sløjd, among others. Each bag is designed for different ages and uses.

What should be put in the kindergarten bag?

The kindergarten bag usually contains a water bottle, a change of clothes, a fabric bag, sometimes a children's lunch box, and a small personal item.

Can different brands be combined?

Yes. A Little Dutch kindergarten bag, Liewood water bottle, or Konges Sløjd lunch box can be easily combined. The primary considerations when choosing should be size, usability, and the child's taste.

Starting school together, with less rushing

Starting school is a different experience for every child. Some are eagerly awaiting to go back to school, while others need more time to adjust. For children preparing to go to kindergarten, gradual preparation is just as important.

It's worth choosing the school bag, kindergarten bag, and accessories together, then creating a permanent spot at home for the next day's equipment. This makes it easier to find the water bottle, lunch box, gym bag, or change of clothes in the morning.

Our Odu back-to-school selection is coming soon. In the meantime, start putting together your own back-to-school list so that the first morning can begin with less rushing around.