I can’t believe summer is almost over and we’re already deep into the back-to-school season. My daughter starts kindergarten this year, so this is my first real BTS checklist, and I decided to skip the Target run entirely. Instead, I curated a list of mom-owned brands I actually love and think are worth your cart.
Every single item on this list was built by a mom who ran into a problem (an allergy, a cold every week, a kid who lost seventeen water bottles in one semester) and instead of just complaining about it, she made the thing that didn’t exist yet.
So here’s the list of mom-founded brands that make back-to-school a little easier, plus a few favorites for you because, let’s be honest, you’re part of the morning routine too.
Supplies
Bubblegum Market: lunch notes and colorful school supplies that will actually make your kids excited to do homework
Erin Condren: colorful planners and calendars to keep everyone mostly on schedule
Joy Creative Shop: the cutest thank you cards and gift tags for teachers
Bags & labels
Little Chicken: personalize and design your own backpack, denim jacket, and lunchboxes
Fluf: eco-conscious backpacks
Mabel’s Labels: labels for literally every item your kid goes to school with
Yumbox: for the kid who wants everything packed in one lunchbox
The Charmish Shop: custom charms for backpacks to add some personality
CharCharms: not a mom, but a student who wanted to add some extra style to her water bottles
Wellness
Beekeeper’s Naturals: holistic remedies for back-to-school germ season created by Carly Kremer
Babo Botanicals: all natural sunscreen for recess time
DojoCare: turn the after school bath-time battle into a foam party
Clothes
Spilled Milk: editorial-feeling kids’ style you wish came in your size
Milk Teeth: bold, colorful, un-boring kidswear, founded by two former fashion executives who wanted better options
Minimalist Folk Co.: hand-screen-printed kids tees and clothing
Primary: no-fuss kids’ basics that make getting dressed less stressful
Sunny Mini Store: hand-crafted designs, small-batch knit-wear made in New Zealand
Polkadot England: chic pajamas sets for pajama day and every cozy morning in-between. made on heritage knitting mills in England
Shoes
Ten Little: sturdy shoes for the littlest students
StyleChild: fashion-forward sneakers
Bisgaard: danish, handmade, natural-material shoes
Accessories
Babiators: kids’ sunglasses perfect for recess
Super Smalls: playful jewelry and hair accessories
Mimi & Lula: hair accessories that survive an entire school day
Little Words Project: confidence bracelets for the first-day nerves
Just for moms: Look Together-ish in 60 Seconds
Because apparently we’re expected to look like functioning adults at drop-off after surviving 17 meltdowns all before 8am. These women-led brands make the morning routine a little easier.
The Bar: i practically live in these oversized sweatshirts
Beyond Yoga: the softest buttery leggings you’ll get in every color
Tower 28 Beauty: the look alive trio; tinted moisturizer, lip jelly, mascara by Amy Liu
Saie: fake a vacation with this clean beauty cream bronzer From the Saie Office
Rare Beauty: the “i definitely have my life together” liquid blush by Rare Beauty
Kosas: brightening concealer for when your baby was up six times but your coworkers don't need to know.
Bookmark this one. Restack it. Share it. Send it to the group chat. However you get through the next few weeks of first-day chaos, at least now you know exactly where to put your money.
Tell me your favorite mom-owned brands below 👇
THANK YOU! Sooooo many cute shops 🥰