Looking for Iron On Labels that last? Look no further! Our Iron On Labels are washing machine and dryer safe. No peeling, curling, or fading for years to come. And to top it all off, they’re super quick and easy to apply, making them perfect for anyone labelling their kid’s clothes for daycare or school.

Watch how easy it is to use our Iron On Labels!

Need more instruction? Not a problem! Follow this easy step-by-step guide:

Some extra tips:

• Use a larger sheet of parchment paper to cover the surface of the fabric so that the iron doesn’t cause any damage to the clothing.
• If you can’t get the hang of the iron, some of our customers say they find it easier to use a hair straightener to apply their labels.
• Applying the labels on a wooden chopping board offers a solid surface to allow you to press more firmly on the iron. 
• Avoid using the part of the iron that has steam holes. Instead use the flat part without holes to allow more heat to be applied.

Questions? Check out these FAQs.

The text is looking smudged or faded, what do I do?  

This may be due to the iron being too hot and melting the label OR because of the iron moving during application. Make sure to hold your iron 100% still, especially when you first put the iron over the label. If this doesn’t work, try turning the heat of the iron down and/or holding the iron over the label for a shorter time giving only short bursts of heat.

Why has my label come off in the wash?

This may be due to the iron’s heat not penetrating through to activate the adhesion of the label. Make sure the iron is hot enough, that the piece of fabric isn’t too thick and that you’ve held the iron on for long enough. You can go over the same label numerous times as long as you use the transfer paper. But be careful as overheating the label may cause it to melt. 

Another suggestion is to apply the labels on a wooden chopping board, as it offers a solid surface to allow you to press more firmly on the iron. You will need to apply the heat for less time if you are using this method, using the part of the iron that doesn’t have any steam holes to allow more heat to be applied.

What are the sheets of paper I got with my order used for? 

This is transfer (or parchment) paper and it is to be used when you iron the labels onto your clothing. If you run out or lose this paper, you can simply use good-quality parchment paper instead.

How will I know if my iron is at the correct temperature?   

The temperature and timing may differ depending on the type of fabric and make of iron, e.g. cotton will need a higher temperature with longer pressure and nylons will need a lower temperature with less pressure. We highly recommend that you test your clothing labels in an inconspicuous area before using all of your clothing labels. You can go over the labels as many times as needed if the temperature is not high enough initially.

Are Iron On Labels washing machine and clothes dryer safe?

Yes, as long as you’ve applied them correctly, our Iron On Labels will probably outlast the clothing itself. They’re that durable!

We recommend that you wait for at least 24 hours before putting the item into the washing machine or dryer to allow the fabric to completely adhere to the clothing labels. They can be put through washing machines and dryers without peeling off, even industrial-style machines that are used in boarding schools.

What fabrics can Iron On Labels be used on?

These Iron On Labels work best on fabrics that allow for irons, such as 100% cotton. We love to use them on school uniforms, hats, socks, underwear, towels, and even some swimwear (although this last one can be a little tricky to get right).

If your clothing doesn’t suit ironing try our Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels. You can read more about them HERE.

Where can I find Iron On Labels?

Our Iron On Labels can be purchased in an Iron On Labels Value Kit or by themselves in single-label packs. You can get small or large quantities to suit the amount of clothes you need to label.

The post How To Use Bright Star Kids’ Iron On Labels appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

Not a fan of Iron On Labels? That’s okay! They’re simply not for everyone. That’s exactly the reason why we designed these fuss-free & time-saving Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels. With these, you can label your kid’s clothes faster than ever before. As an added bonus, they’re washer and dryer friendly, guaranteeing they stay vibrant for years to come!

To use our Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels, simply peel, wrap and stick the labels to the clothes’ care tags and that’s it! No ironing needed. You can follow along with the Instructional Video below in real time to see how it’s done!

Watch how easy it is to use our Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels

As easy as one, two, three! To apply just…

Have you got any questions? Check out these FAQs.

What fabrics can Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels be used on?

These labels are designed to stick to clothing tags. Tags with a nylon or polyester base work best! They’re perfect for school uniforms and hats, no iron needed! They are also perfect for brands or size labels that have a loop to thread these labels through.

How do I apply these Labels?

Applying these Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels is a breeze. You can follow along in real-time with the video at the top of this post! 

They apply easily to the care tags inside most clothing items. Simply sit the Wrap & Stick Clothing Label flat on the clothing’s care tag & fold the two outer sides behind, sticking them firmly on top of each other… kind of like our Wrap & Stick Clothing Label is giving your care tag a bear hug!

Can these Labels be used in my washing machine and clothes dryer?

Yes! Once they’ve been applied correctly, they can be put through washing machines and clothes dryers without peeling off, even industrial-style machines that are used in places like boarding schools.

How long will these Labels last?

These Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels are semi-permanent. When applied correctly, they will last for ages!

If you’re looking for a cotton or permanent clothing label, you’ll love our Iron On Labels that come in a variety of coordinated designs & match beautifully with our personalised school & daycare supplies. These can be found in almost all our Label Combo Packs!

What materials are the Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels made from?

Our Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels are produced on high-quality vinyl. They are waterproof and when the label is folded over itself around your care tag, they stay stuck. The adhesive on the back of these tags is designed to last in the washer & dryer.

If you’re looking for a cotton clothing label, you’ll love our Iron On Labels that come in a variety of coordinated designs & match beautifully with our Label Combo Packs!

I have an extra-large care tag, what can I do?

We now have Large Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels for extra large care tags! 

Alternatively, you can fold the clothing’s care tag in half, securing the label around like normal. As a third option, you can use 2 of the Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels, one on the back of the other so that there’s a good amount of vinyl adhering the 2 labels together. 

To follow along with these methods you can watch Instructional Video at the top of this blog post!  

How can I resize these Labels? 

For younger kids or smaller tags, these Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels can be easily cut to fit any sized care tags. You can watch our Instructional Video to see how to resize these labels.

Simply stick your Wrap & Stick Clothing Label to the care tag like normal, then trim the ends just a little to fit the tag. Make sure that the two sides still fold over each other & adhere to themselves before you cut. If you cut them too short, they may not have enough vinyl to adhere to on the other side.

Are these okay for kids with sensitive skin?  

If your child’s skin is sensitive to tags, you might like to try our Iron On Clothing Labels which merge with the fabric and are great for kids with sensitive skin.

Can these be applied straight to the clothing?      

These Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels are designed for clothing with tags. If your little ones don’t like tags or for items without clothing tags like socks, you will love our Iron On Clothing Labels instead.

Where can I buy Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels?

The Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels are featured in most of our Label Value Kits, or you can get them by themselves in single-label packs, great if you want to label a lot of clothing!

The post How To Use Bright Star Kids’ Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

Things You Can Fit Inside A Bright Star Kids Backpack 

Excited to pack your kids’ backpack with brandnew school supplies? Us, too! But before you can get to it, it all starts with the right choice of backpack. So if you’re looking for the cutest and the toughest, get your kids a Bright Star Kids backpack! 

Here’s why it’s awesome:

• Machine-washable
• Designed to last all year
• Comfy to wear and the straps adjust to suit little kids and adults
• The durable crocodile zips make it easy for kids to open and close
• With 3 compartments, it’s easy to keep lunches, books, and small items separate
• The handy mesh-side pocket makes it easy to access their Personalised Drink Bottle
• It has a super sturdy carry handle on top which makes it easy to grab their backpack in a hurry
• There’s a section in the rear compartment to store a device or folder
• Kids love it because they can personalise it with their name and a fun design

Image Credits: (L) @myloves.4u2c | (R) @thewalkerways

And if you’re wondering what you can actually fit into a Bright Star Kids Backpack, here are heaps:

• Books
• Notebooks, Notepads
• Clothes, hats
• Lunch Bag
• Bento Lunch Box
• Metal Drink Bottle
• School supplies like Pencils Cases, Coloured Pencil Tins, pencils, glue, sharpener, etc.

Kids obviously love their Personalised Kids Backpacks! 

Image Credits: IG @ellorysworld   | IG @superduperfuntv

Because you can personalise them and coordinate all their school supplies in a super cute and fun design they’ll absolutely love!

Image Credits: IG @ellorysworld | IG @MummyWith5 | IG @thewalkerways

Choose from a fun range of designs for girls and boys!

Image Credits (L): IG @hanging.with.the.henrys

With cute personalised kids backpacks and other school essentials, your kids will definitely be excited to pack for school this season! 

Have You Shopped and Packed For Your Kids’ School Essentials Yet?

We’ve got Back To School Checklist Printable and Back To School Essentials articles to help you plan and pack in time for your kids’ school season. 

Want To Coordinate and Personalise Your Kids’ School Supplies?

Go all out! Personalise and coordinate all of their school stuff with our super cute School Name Labels. No matter how big or small, we’ve got every kind of label you’ll ever need. You can even match their name labels with their backpack, lunch bag, and drink bottle! The best part? These are all made in Australia and shipped super fast! Mums and kids love them!

The post Bright Star Kids: What To Pack In Your Kids’ Backpack appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

1. Get 9 different kinds of labels

This school labels kit has 200 school name labels for all of your school supplies! This value kit includes a collection of clothing name labels, book labels, and the most durable name tag stickers for all their school essentials. 

2. 100% Waterproof Labels

Check out this handy video that will explain everything you need to know.You’ll love how these waterproof labels will last in the dishwasher and in the washing machine & dryer!

 Image Credit: Instagram @little_miss_zoe_kate

5. No-Iron Clothing Labels

Hate ironing? Yep, we do, too, and so do thousands of our mums. That’s why we created these clever Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels. They’re super quick and easy to use. Completely foolproof and 100% fuss-free.

 Image Credits: Designer Round Shoe Label in Controller Design

7. Trusted by Parents

Don’t just take our word for it, there are over 700 reviews with parents raving about how much they love our School Labels Kit. 

8. Add Extra Details

No matter what we do, kids still lose things. Having too much fun can make kids forgetful! But that’s ok. Pop a telephone number onto your kids labels and it’ll help people to get in touch with you. Luckily it’s printed discreetly under the name so it’s not too obvious. 

You can also add a class name or an allergy, so it’s a handy little extra that’s free to use. Check out the video below to show you how you can add yours.

9. Build Your Kids’ Confidence

Having your kids’ names clearly printed on all of their belongings will help little ones to be confident about what belongs to them. It’s especially great for kids who are a little shy. Starting a new school can be pretty scary even for the most confident kid.

So what are you waiting for?! Personalise and coordinate all of their school stuff with our super cute school labels. 

Doing Back To School Shopping For School Essentials?

We’ve got these Back To School Checklist Printable and Back To School Essentials articles to help you plan and prep for your kids’ back to school season. 

Want To Get Our School Labels Kit?

Whether big or small, we’ve got every kind of label you’ll ever need. The best part? These are all made in Australia and shipped super fast! Mums and kids love them!

The post 9 Reasons Why You’ll Love Our School Labels Kit appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

Essential Back To School Supplies Australia Loves

What’s the best part about a new school year, you ask? Buying brand new back-to-school supplies, of course! From celebrating learning milestones with a fun, first day of school sign to getting a super cute personalised kids’ backpack that matches your little bub’s personality–check out these amazing back-to-school essentials your kids will love.

First Day Essentials

Make your kids’ first day even more memorable with a personalised First Day of School Sign. Don’t forget to snap some photos, so you can put them in your kids’ DIY Memory Book. Don’t forget to throw in a Personalised Face Mask to make their first day memorable–and safe!

Learning Essentials

Breeze through school with some learning essentials, so your little ones can have fun while discovering and learning at the same time. Whether it’s the alphabet, counting numbers, or teaching them life skills such as age-appropriate chores, a fun educational range of books, posters, and more are building blocks for a child’s development.

Labelling Essentials

Did you know that 62% of lost Items are never found again? That’s why labelling your kids’ items is an absolute must! Invest in great quality personalised name labels and stop replacing lost items throughout the year. Label every single item your kid owns. No more germy mix-ups or rummaging in the lost property box. They’re perfect for kids in daycare, preschool, or school. 

School Lunch Essentials

A cute and coordinated bento lunch box and drink bottle suits all your yummy recipes for snacks and healthy lunches. Slip them into a lunch bag, so you can pack them without mess and worries! 

Backpack Essentials

We all know kids can be a bit rough with their stuff. That’s why these tough machine-washable School Backpacks should be on your back-to-school checklist. You can even personalise your child’s backpack with their name, initials, or their favourite saying, so it’s super easy to spot in the classroom, playground, or during field trips. Coordinate their backpacks with the rest of their school essentials so it’s easy to spot them. 

Accessorise your little bubs’ spanking new backpacks with our popular Bag Tags that feature a great range of designs specially personalised with their name for easy identification. Amongst a sea of schoolbags, your kids can easily grab theirs as soon as that bell rings. 

Doing Back To School Shopping For School Essentials?

We’ve got Back To School Checklist Printable and Back To School Essentials to help you plan and prep in time for your kids’ school season. 

Want Fun & Cute Personalised School Supplies For Your Kids?

Go all out and personalise and coordinate all of their school stuff with our super cute school labels. No matter how big or small, we’ve got every kind of label you’ll ever need. The best part? These are all made in Australia and shipped super fast! Mums and kids love them!

The post Shopping For Back To School Supplies appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

Top 20 Bright Star Kids Back To School Supplies

Back to School season will be here before we know it! So we’ve put together this extensive back-to-school checklist to get all your ducks are in a row before the kids’ first day at school.

1. Name Labels

Did you know that 62% of lost Items are never found again? That’s why labelling your kids’ items is an absolute must! Invest in great quality waterproof Name Labels and stop replacing lost items throughout the year. Label it all and never lose a thing.

2. Tiny Pencil Labels

These Tiny Pencil Labels fit on literally everrrrythiiiiing. From stationery, cables, chargers, lunch boxes, drink bottles and lids, laptops, tablets, to daycare items–stick these versatile labels on absolutely everything, big or small. 

3. Bag Tags

Our popular Bag Tags feature our great range of designs specially personalised with your child’s name for easy identification. Amongst a sea of schoolbags, your kids can easily grab theirs as soon as that bell rings. 

4. Plain Labels Value Kit

Looking for super versatile name labels? These Plain Name Labels feature your name in the colour and font of your choice with any background colour you like. They’re perfect to use as back-to-school name labels for adults, teenagers, or as plain school labels for the littles.

5. Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels

If you’re not a fan of ironing, you’ll find these Wrap & Stick Clothing Labels an absolute game-changer. It will make labeling uniforms, hats, and so much more, fast and super easy. Just wrap, stick, and snip, and you’re all done!

6. Lunch Bags

Customised with your child’s name with heaps of adorable designs to choose from, these Lunch Bags are sure to stand out in a crowd. Insulated to ensure food stays fresh, these lunch bags also feature a sturdy crocodile style zip which is easy for little fingers to use. 

7. Iron On Clothing Labels

Ever have your child return home with someone else’s jacket? Say no to germy mix-ups with these tough Iron On Clothing Labels.  They’re great for uniforms, hats, jackets, socks, and so much more! Once ironed on, these labels stay stuck for years and years.

8. Bento Lunch Boxes

Make back-to-school lunches extra fun with Bright Star Kids‘ personalised Bento Lunch Box. The 3 compartments inside are perfect for storing sandwiches, snacks, and more! Made from sturdy plastic, and with 4 closure clips, these bento boxes are designed to endure the rough and tumble of school life. 

8. School Backpacks

We all know kids can be a bit rough with their stuff. That’s why these tough machine-washable School Backpacks should be on your back to school checklist! You can even personalise your child’s backpack with their name, initials, or their favourite saying, so it’s super easy to spot in the classroom, playground, or during field trips.

10. Small Drink Bottle

Get your kids this Personalised Small Drink Bottle, and stop their drink bottles from getting lost in the playground. The screw-top lid stays attached to the bottle, making it easy to use and tricky to lose. 

11. First Day Signs

Celebrate milestones as they happen! This First Day Sign is such a clever way to celebrate all of your kid’s First Day milestones as they grow. Personalised with your kid’s name on a design they’ll love, you can write on it with a Dry Erase Marker and wipe it clean to use for years and years to come.

12. Pencil Cases

The perfect size for school tables, these Personalised Pencil Cases can hold all of your child’s school supplies. The durable fabric and zip mean they can easily be washed in the washing machine, ensuring they look great year-round! 

13. Colouring Pencil Tins

Help your kids uncover their inner Picasso with this cute Personalised Colouring Pencil Tin. Each tin comes with 10 Colouring Pencils that are the perfect starting set for young children. Whether your child is just starting out or is an experienced artist, these pencils make a great gift for drawing.

14. Mini Bag Tags

Help your kids identify their pencil case, lunch bag, or library bag with these super cute Mini Bag Tags. Add their name to hundreds of cute design options. You’re going to love the look of these on all of those smaller items your kids take to school and daycare.

15. Drawstring Bags

Our Drawstring Bags are super versatile! Perfect to use as a library bag, or for swimming or sports activities. Made from durable canvas material and with lined pockets, these bags will keep library books safe as well as keep damp swimwear and towels separate from other items.

16. Tote Library Bag

Here’s another back-to-school essential your kids should have: A clean and crisp Tote Library Bag that’s super easy to fit into your kid’s school bag and is quick to wash. Choose from loads of cute designs and add your kid’s name in a font you love!

17. Masks

Saying no to germs is easy with these super cute Face Masks that feature their name alongside designs they’ll love. Made from a soft, breathable polyester fabric, these Face Masks are also reusable, machine washable, and the fabric ear loops come with an adjustable slide that makes it easy to fit it snugly to most sized faces.

18. Family Planner

Keep your school year organised and never miss an excursion or mufti day. A Family Planner makes it so much easier to remember meetings, school events, or what you’ll be making for dinner on Tuesday night when they’re laid out at a week’s glance.

19. Routine Chart

Create achievable Back to School routines with a Routine Chart. It will help the kids to know what they’re meant to be doing throughout the day. The easy visuals on this toddler Routine Chart make it perfect for kids of all ages to follow. You can even personalise it with their names, too!

20. Reward Chart

Encouraging good behavior is so much easier said than done, so here are our Reward Charts to the rescue. These work super well if you are starting to work out a disciplined routine for your kids like eating their dinner, doing their chores, or learning how to use the potty. 

Preparing Your Kids Back To School Essentials?

We’d love to help you prepare before it starts to get crazy! We’ve got a Free Downloadable Back To School Checklist to make sure you’ve got everything ready for your kids. Check out our 7 Busy Parent Back To School Hacks for super easy tips to help you keep calm and prep ahead!

Searching For Fun & Cute Personalised School Supplies?

Don’t lose any of your little ones’ school supplies with our school name labels. We have heaps of different name labels that can go on lunch boxes, drink bottles, pencil labels, socks, and so much more! They’re waterproof and stay stuck all year, so they last and last and last. Our selection of iron on clothing labels has saved thousands of mums from having to replace school clothes and uniform items. The best part? They’re Made to Order For You in Australia and shipped super fast. Mums and kids love them!

The post 20 Back To School Essentials appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

Back to School Checklist

It’s almost back to school supplies shopping season again! Whether your little one is starting school for the first time or going back to school for a new school year, our Back To School Checklist takes the stress out of school preparation!

Scroll to the bottom of this page to download your free checklist. 

Don’t forget to check out our Back to School Shopping Tips:

1. Buy quality school essential items online. 

Everyone loves a bargain, but it’s not really saving if you have to keep spending small amounts over and over again each time something breaks. Choose good quality and buy them early so you can save more! Skip those long lines and shop online.

Get your kid’s school essentials from Bright Star Kids. We offer a 100% happiness guarantee. Our philosophy is that your kids’ stuff should last all year, so that you don’t have to keep replacing items that just don’t last. Signing up for promo newsletters is the perfect way to ensure you don’t miss out on any mid-year promotions. 

2. Label everything!

Heaps of kids head to school with the same pencil cases, lunch bags, stationery, and backpacks that it’s super easy for things to get mixed up or lost. Using name labels for lunch boxes, drink bottles, and even uniforms is the easiest way to make sure you say goodbye to lost property or germy mix-ups!

3. Personalise It!

Create super cute personalised kids name labels and stick them onto all of your kids’ belongings. Coordinating them with other school supplies with a cute design in their favourite colour is a nice touch, too! They’ll feel extra special when all of their things have their name on them.

Have trouble downloading?

This can happen if you have an ad-blocker installed, please disable the blocker on this page so that the printable can open in a new window for you to download. If you’re still having issues, please contact hello@brightstarkids.com.au and our friendly customer service team will be more than happy to help!

Need More Tips on How To Easily Prepare Your Kids for School?

Make sure to read about our School Morning Routine Tips and How To Make Friends in School. So your kids can easily transition back to school and have a great time. 

Looking for Cute and Fun Personalised School Supplies?

You’ll love our range of super cute school name labels. We have heaps of different name labels that can go on lunch boxes, drink bottles, pencil labels, socks, and so much more! They’re waterproof and stay stuck all year, so they last and last and last. We’ve also got a selection of iron on clothing labels that has saved thousands of mums from having to replace school clothes and uniform items. The best part? They’re Made to Order For You in Australia and shipped super fast. Mums and kids love them!

The post Back to School Checklist – Free Printable appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

10 First Day of School Traditions: Celebrate Your Little One’s First Day of School!

It’s that time of year again when we have to start getting ready for a new school year. How do you make going back to school fun for the littles? Do you have any first day of school traditions? Here is a list of 10 first day of school traditions for kids to enjoy.

1. All About Me

Download and print this lovely ‘All About Me‘ memory keeper for your child to fill out on their first day of school. Compile them together for your kids to enjoy looking back at and seeing what they were like and how they have changed (or not!).

2. First Day of School Photos

Remember their first day of school with a sign that shows their age/year and what they would like to be when they grow up. Take lots of photos to capture their first day. Collect their yearly photos and create a milestone memory box. 

3. School-Ready Books

Leading up to the first day of school, especially if your child is going into Kindergarten or Year 1, reading some first day of school books might help them get ready for their big day.

4. Friendship Game

The Friendship Game is a cute idea to try on shy kids. Use a pillbox to fill with some treats and the incentive to get those treats. When they come home, they can tell you what they achieved that day, whether it was smiling at someone or saying hello to someone they didn’t know. They can then choose their reward from the treat box.

5. Secret Banana Message

Using a toothpick or something sharp, write a secret message on your child’s banana. By the time they go to eat it, the secret message will appear. Finding a surprise in their lunchbox might make going back to school easier.

6. Mini Schultüte

This is a German tradition where kids get a cone filled with treats and back-to-school items. It’s literally the sweetest first day of school gift!

7. Lunch Box Printable Notes

Download these cute printable lunch box notes to add some fun and extra love to your child’s lunchbox. Those fruit faces are adorable, aren’t they?!

8. Set up a Homework Station

Spend part of the school holidays planning and setting up an area where your kids can do their homework. Or surprise them by setting up a homework station while they are at school on the first day. 

9. Make a Fun & Healthy Breakfast

Get your kids ready for their first day of school with a healthy yet fun breakfast like this Oatmeal Owl.

10. Back to School Celebration Cake

Surprise your kids when they come back from school with a First Day of School party! You can download and print these cute cake toppers to put on top of your cake or cupcakes and celebrate finishing their first day of school.

Need Some Back To School Tips and Hacks?

Check out our tips for a stress-free school morning routine! You’ll love our amazing back-to-school hacks for busy parents. These should help you breeze through the crazy back-to-school days!

Looking For Personalised Labels for Back To School Essentials?

We’ve got super cute school name labels for all your back-to-school supplies! You’ll love our different name labels that can go on lunch bags, drink bottles, pencil labels, socks, and so much more! They’re waterproof and stay stuck all year, so they last and last and last. We’ve even got iron-on clothing labels that have saved thousands of mums from having to replace school clothes and uniform items. The best part? They’re Made to Order For You in Australia and shipped super fast. Mums and kids love them!

The post 10 First Day of School Traditions appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

7 Back to School Hacks for Busy Parents

Here are 7 back-to-school hacks to help your family transition back to the school groove. No need to feel stressed and overwhelmed, busy mum! We’ve got you covered. 

1. Freeze sandwiches in advance.

Freezing sandwiches is an absolute life-saver when you’re a busy parent. There’s nothing worse than racing around in the morning trying to get everyone ready and you’ve still got to pack lunches. Save money and avoid sending the kids to school with a lunch order.

But how do you make a freezable sandwich? Click here for a guide on what works and what to avoid.

Busy Parent Hack: Pop your frozen sandwiches the night before in these incredible wrap-free lunch boxes for school and daycare.

2. Prep dinners ahead of time.

We don’t know about you, but frantically deciding what your kids’ dinner will be every single night is not our idea of a good time. Since you’re going to be deciding what to make for lunch every single day, why not plan ahead by doing some meal prep?

Busy Parent Hack: Use a meal planner. Not only will you save time; you’ll also save money by making sure none of the food you buy goes to waste.

3. Order online.

Save yourself time and make online shopping your new best friend: Online shopping! It has been such a revelation to Susan of Working Moms Against Guilt. With just a few clicks, she is able to purchase all her back-to-school essentials and have them delivered right to her door. No more traffic and long lines! Plus most of the items are cheaper compared to physical shops. 

Busy Parent Hack: Buy all your personalised school supplies online at Bright Star Kids. The kids will have fun choosing their own designs!

4. Label your kid’s belongings.

Don’t you hate it when your kid loses their stuff at school? Not only is it such a waste of money, but it also disrupts their learning schedule especially if they lose something vital for homework or a project.

Busy Parent Hack: Label absolutely everything–clothes included! These wrap and stick clothing labels are the best. They are so easy to use and are waterproof, washer, and dryer safe! You can even match your kids’ personalities with different cute designs and colours.

5. Create a fun homework station.

Nothing helps get that homework done like a quiet, clutter-free area that is all their own.  No need for a total makeover. Get inspired with this mum’s cute DIY Homework station idea you can create for your kids. Just remember: an organised station keeps them focused, too!

Busy Parent Hack: Use a jumbo chalkboard panel for your homework station. Place it a little lower where your little one can reach it so they can write some notes or draw on it too! Allowing your kids to do this teaches them to be creative and responsible at the same time. You can also leave them an encouraging note on the board as well. 

6. Give teachers some love.

Get to know your kids’ teachers. Be kind and establish open communication with them. This will give you the ability to get their perspective on your kids’ progress.

Busy Parent Hack: Don’t forget to thank them at the end of the year for all that they’ve done. Give them personalised teacher gifts to will make their day!

7. Make their first day of school memorable.

Kids can often be nervous for their first day. Make it fun and memorable with a first day of school sign. Take heaps of creative photos with it for their memory book. It’s not only fun but it also keeps the jitters away. 

Looking for Back To School Lunch Recipes?

Check out our 16 Cute Food and Lunch Box Ideas Ideas. Make sure to pack them with our Free Lunch Box Printable notes to make happy school meals for your kids. 

Need Personalised School Supplies?

We’ve got super cute school name labels for all your back-to-school supplies! You’ll love our different name labels that can go on lunch bags, drink bottles, pencils, socks, and so much more! They’re waterproof and stay stuck all year, so they last and last and last. We’ve even got iron-on clothing labels that have saved thousands of mums from having to replace school clothes and uniform items. The best part? They’re Made to Order For You in Australia and shipped super fast. Mums and kids love them!

The post 7 Back to School Hacks for Busy Parents appeared first on Bright Star Kids.

10 Back To School Activities Around The World

Have you ever been curious about the different back-to-school activities and traditions all over the world? Here’s a look at what the first day of school is like in different countries all over the globe and some back-to-school activities you might like to add to your own school traditions! 

Germany

The first day of school in Germany is always a huge event because they have no preschool. German kids receive schultüte, which roughly translates to “school bag.” But these are no ordinary school bags! They are giant cones filled with school supplies, toys, and candies! Talk about a sweet treat!

France

If most kids had their way, I am pretty sure they would want to study in France! French schools have one of the shortest academic years in the world. They devote 2 hours to lunch (I wonder how big their lunch bags are!) and have Wednesdays off! They do, however, still have to go to school for half the day on Saturday. But still!

Brazil

Brazilian schools return in February – just like us in Australia! Prices of school supplies like colouring pencils sometimes rise by as much as 500%! That is why some mums stock up on school goodies as early as 6 months before school starts.

Japan

Japanese children also receive a special bag on their first day of school just like German kids. They receive a sturdy backpack called randoseru. These durable bags are handed down from one family member to another. These bags also typically carry the children’s first packed lunch of the school year, which typically consists of gohan (rice) and quail eggs. The Japanese believe that this tradition brings good luck. Traditionally, boys carry black-coloured randoserus and girls carry red ones. Today, these bags come in different styles and colours.

Russia

September 1 marks the first day of school in Russia. This day is also known as “Knowledge and Skills Day”. Russian schoolchildren typically have flower bouquets for their teachers and they get a balloon in return.

The first bell is a tradition where one of the youngest girls in school is hoisted upon the shoulders of one of the oldest boys to parade around the students as she rings the first bell of the school year.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, children aged seven years old start their education with Tyl Ashar or the “Initiation to Education” day. Parents cook large feasts of lamb, other treats, and sweet desserts to mark this ceremony. Kazakh children also recite their Jety-ata (seven generations of grandfathers) from memory to honour their ancestors.

India

Pravesanothsavam is the first day of school in India. Special presents for the children mark this occasion. Aside from school essentials, umbrellas are popular gifts because the first day of class normally comes in the monsoon months.

Italy

Schools in Italy do not require uniforms, except for children in kindergarten. They wear a work apron called grembiule. Boys usually wear a blue and white checked apron and girls wear pink and red checked ones. In primary schools, the colour of the aprons changes to deep blue.

Netherlands

Bakfietsen or cargo bikes are a popular eco-friendly way to go around town in the Netherlands. You will frequently see these bikes transporting children to school as the first day rolls around.  

USA

The US marks the first day of school with first-day photos! Kids typically wear their brand new first day of school outfits, holding signs of the grades they are starting written on it. Pinterest has a lot of first-day picture ideas if you’re looking for some inspiration.

Want to Share Your Own Back To School Tradition?

Post your back-to-school tradition photos and tag us on Facebook and Instagram. We might just feature them on our blog. 

Looking for Back To School Tips?

Read about our busy parent back-to-school hacks. We also got Back To School Essentials you can get online so you can stay organised and  stress-free.

Organising Your Kids Back To School Essentials?

Don’t lose any of your kids’ school supplies with our name labels. They are easy to use and looks very stylish! They are perfect for labelling pencils, lunch boxes, activity books, water bottles, and many more! Being 100% waterproof they’re safe to use on most containers in dishwashers, sterilisers, microwaves, and freezers. The best part? These are all made for you in Australia and shipped super fast! You’re going to love them!

The post 10 Back To School Activities Around The World appeared first on Bright Star Kids.