Back to School Checklist for Vancouver Kids
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Back to school season in Vancouver has its own particular rhythm. The air is still warm enough for short sleeves in early September, but by the middle of the month the rain is reliably here, the mornings are dark earlier than anyone is ready for, 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 into a new grade, or heading to daycare for the first time, this is the checklist we put together for our own families and for the parents who come into Little Treasures Kids every August asking us the same question: what does my kid actually need?
Rain Gear
In Vancouver, waterproof outerwear is not optional. Kids spend time outside at school and daycare every single day regardless of weather, and if they arrive soaked by 9am the whole day is off. A waterproof jacket with sealed seams is essential. Waterproof pants or a full splash suit are equally important for the younger ones who are still fully committed to puddle jumping as a lifestyle.
We carry Reima, THERM, and Calikids. Reima is Finnish and genuinely built for Nordic weather, so Vancouver drizzle is not a problem. THERM is great for active kids who need a more relaxed fit with maximum range of motion. Calikids is our top pick for daycare age kids because it is easy for staff to get on and off quickly during those hectic transitions.
Browse our rain gear collection
The Right Backpack
A good backpack makes a real difference and a cheap one makes itself known by November. For school age kids, look for a structured back panel, padded shoulder straps, and a sternum strap if they are carrying a full lunch kit and water bottle daily. For younger daycare kids, 8 to 10 litres is plenty. For grade school, 18 litres and up handles most days comfortably.
We carry Deuter and Uninni at Little Treasures Kids. Deuter is built for years of serious use. Uninni has prints that kids absolutely love, which matters a lot when you are trying to get a four-year-old to school on time.
Shoes That Can Handle the Commute
Kids' feet grow fast and school shoes take a serious beating. Whatever you buy, make sure there is about a centimetre of room at the toe and that the shoe closes securely. For daycare, slip-ons are convenient. For school, particularly if there is a uniform requirement, a hook and loop or lace closure gives a better fit throughout the day.
For school uniform shoes, our Adventure Soles location on Granville Island carries Biomecanics, Geox, Garvalin, and Stride Rite. For everyday school use, Vessi is exceptional for Vancouver weather since the knit is 100 percent waterproof. We also carry Native Shoes for indoor use and Skechers for an easy everyday option.
School uniform shoes at Adventure Soles
A Lunch Kit Worth Keeping
If you invest in one thing this school year, make it a proper lunch container. We love the OmieBox because it keeps hot food hot and cold food cold in the same box, it is genuinely leakproof, and kids can open it themselves. Pair it with a good insulated water bottle and you will not replace either for years.
Extra Clothes and Base Layers
Daycare parents especially know this rule: always send a full change of clothes and pack two if you can. Our Everyday Good Value collection has soft basics in multipacks priced for buying doubles without stress.
For kids in outdoor programs or forest school, wool or bamboo base layers under everything are a genuine upgrade. Cotton against the skin in wet weather is miserable. Wool stays warm even when wet and dries faster than you expect.
Accessories Worth Buying in Pairs
A warm hat and waterproof gloves are the two things most likely to go missing at school. Buy at least one backup pair of each from the start. We carry Kombi accessories, which are well made and priced reasonably enough that losing a mitten is a minor inconvenience rather than a crisis.
Come In Before the Rush
Both Little Treasures Kids locations are fully stocked for back to school through August and September. Come in for a proper shoe fitting at Adventure Soles, or try on rain suits before you commit to a size. If you are shopping online, our team is happy to help by email with any sizing questions.
Little Treasures Kids on Granville Island, Main and 29th, and Adventure Soles on Granville Island. See you soon.