The Paddington Back-to-School Checklist for Every Little Adventure
A new school term is the beginning of a brand new adventure!
There are lessons to learn, stories to discover and friends to meet, not to mention a school bag to pack.
Whether your young explorer is preparing for their very first day or returning after a summer of adventures, a little organisation can make the morning feel much less muddled. From a dependable backpack to something good to read, here are the school essentials worth checking before setting off.
Before The Bell: Choose the right school bag
Every school-day adventure begins with a good backpack.
When choosing one, look for enough room to carry everyday essentials without it feeling too bulky. Comfortable, adjustable shoulder straps are helpful, while separate pockets make it easier to keep smaller belongings from disappearing beneath books and jumpers.
The Paddington Red & Blue Arch Backpack is a cheerful choice for younger explorers. Its spacious main compartment and front zipped pocket offer plenty of room for stationery, reading books and other school-day necessities.
First Lesson: Pack pens, pencils and bright ideas
A well-stocked pencil case helps children feel prepared for lessons, creative projects and any particularly important doodles.
Individual school requirements may vary, but useful stationery essentials often include:
Pencils ✏️
Pens 🖋️
A Rubber or Eraser 🧽
A Pencil Sharpener ✐
Coloured Pencils 🖍️
A Ruler 📏
A Notebook 📒
The Essential Paddington A5 Notebook & Pen provides a handy place for notes, lists, sketches and bright ideas. For an extra writing essential, the Paddington Lost & Found Ballpoint Pen brings a little movie-inspired charm to their pencil case.
It is always worth checking the school’s stationery list before packing, as younger children may have many of these supplies provided in the classroom.
Break Time: Remember something to drink
School days can be busy, so a reusable water bottle deserves a place near the top of the checklist. Choose a bottle that is suitable for your children to carry and easy for them to open and close independently.
The Summer Edit Water Bottle brings Paddington charm to every refreshment break and is ready to accompany young explorers from the first lesson through to home time. It's also equipped with double wall layering for hot or cold temperature regulating function.
Water is usually a safer choice than marmalade, particularly where school bags and exercise books are concerned.
Layer Up: For cooler days
The new school term often brings cooler mornings and rather unpredictable weather, so an extra layer of clothing can be especially useful.
Made from a soft cotton blend, the ‘Red, White & Bear’ Kids Hoodie helps keep little explorers cosy on the journey to school, at break time or on weekend adventures. Featuring exclusive Paddington artwork on the front and back, it brings a playful finishing touch to an everyday outfit.
Choose the right size for comfortable layering and their favourite colour of course!
Story Time: Bring a good book
A favourite book can be a wonderful school-bag companion. It may be needed for classroom reading, a quiet moment during the day or simply something enjoyable to open on the journey home.
From classic Paddington stories to colourful picture books and activity titles, there are plenty of adventures for readers of different ages to enjoy. When choosing a book, check the recommended reading age and look for a format your child can hold and read comfortably.
The 'I Love Books Bookmark' helps young readers keep their place without folding the corner of the page. After all, even the most exciting adventure can wait politely until tomorrow.
Explore the Paddington Books Collection to find a story for the new term.
Extra Special: Add a personal touch
School bags can look surprisingly alike when they are lined up together. Adding a distinctive keyring or badge can help children recognise their belongings more easily while giving their bag a little personality.
A favourite Paddington keyring or badge makes a charming finishing touch.
Home Time: Get ready for tomorrow
A quick school bag check in the evening can help make the following morning feel calmer.
Remove old papers and empty food containers, return stationery to the pencil case and check whether any letters need to be given to a grown-up. Then look at the next day’s timetable for books, homework, sports kit or other special items.
Water bottles and fresh snacks are best added in the morning, but everything else can be packed and waiting by the door.
Paddington would probably agree that being prepared is very useful, especially when breakfast has taken slightly longer than expected.
The Complete Back-To-School Checklist
Before setting off, check that their school bag contains:
- A comfortable, clearly labelled backpack
- A pencil case
- Pens and pencils
- A rubber, sharpener and ruler
- Coloured pencils, if required
- A notebook
- A filled water bottle
- A reading book
- A bookmark
- Homework or school letters
- A jumper or raincoat for changeable weather
- A snack or packed lunch, where required
- Any additional items requested by the school
With a well-packed bag, a curious mind and the very best of manners, every school day has the makings of a rather wonderful adventure.
Ready for the new term?
Discover Paddington backpacks, stationery, books, water bottles and charming finishing touches in our Back to School Collection.
Back To School FAQs
What should children pack in their school bag?
Everyday school-bag essentials may include a pencil case, stationery, notebook, reading book, water bottle, homework and weather-appropriate clothing. Packed lunches, snacks, sports kits and other items will depend on the child’s timetable and school requirements.
It is always best to check guidance from the school before the beginning of term.
What stationery does a child need for school?
Common school stationery includes pencils, pens, a rubber, pencil sharpener, ruler and coloured pencils. A notebook can also be helpful for notes, lists and creative ideas.
Requirements vary according to the child’s age and school, and some classroom stationery may already be provided.
How do you choose a backpack for school?
Look for a backpack that is appropriately sized for the child, comfortable to carry and spacious enough for their everyday essentials. Adjustable shoulder straps and separate compartments can make the bag easier to organise.
The backpack should not feel overly heavy once packed, so it is worth removing anything that is not needed that day.
How can children make their school bag easy to recognise?
A distinctive keyring, badge or luggage tag can help children identify their own school bag. A name label can also be placed securely inside it.
How can you prepare a school bag the night before?
Start by removing old papers, empty containers and anything that will not be needed the next day. Check the timetable, pack the correct books and homework, and return stationery to the pencil case.
Leave the packed bag somewhere easy to remember, then add fresh food and a filled water bottle in the morning.
Read more exciting Paddington news and latest gift guides from Paddington's adventures in our Paddington blog page.