Every year, the back-to-school hustle brings a mix of dread and anticipation. For many parents, juggling full-time jobs with summer schedules for our little (and not-so-little) ones is enough to derail even the best-laid plans. But this seasonal shift also comes with a silver lining: a chance to reset, refresh, and—let’s be honest—shop.

At Mulberry Park Silks, we believe every new season deserves a thoughtful start. Back to school isn’t just for the kids; a parent deserves a little self-care too. That’s why we’ve curated this Back to School Shopping Guide with our favorite handpicked essentials—from healthy snacks (and the not-so-guilt-free treats) to wellness products that help keep us out of the doctor’s office. And of course, we’d be remiss not to highlight our ultimate beauty and wellness staple: 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcases and accessories. They’re our holy grail for healthy skin, shiny hair, and better sleep.

We pride ourselves on packing our shopping guides with everything you need to start the school year strong—so you can stress less and enjoy the little things (like brushing their hair before the bus arrives…haha).

High School and College Must-Haves

Silk Essentials for Beauty Routines: Scrunchies & Glam Bands

Whether you're heading into high school, starting college, or just trying to make your mornings feel less chaotic, a little luxury can go a long way. Our Silk Scrunchies and Glam Bands are the ultimate beauty tools for back-to-school routines—and they look as good as they feel.

The Glam Band keeps hair gently in place while you’re doing skincare or makeup, without creasing or tugging. And our bestselling Silk Scrunchies are designed to hold your hair without damage or the dreaded ponytail dent—perfect for all-day wear, gym class, or quick hair fixes between classes.

Made from 100% pure mulberry silk, these accessories are gentle on hair, help reduce frizz, and protect against breakage. It’s the kind of upgrade your routine didn’t know it needed.

🎀 Won’t leave creases or dents in hair
💆♀️ Gentle enough for daily use on all hair types
✨ Made from 100% mulberry silk
📚 Perfect for school mornings, gym bags, and skincare routines

Silk Pillowcases + Twin XL Sheets: Dorm Room Game-Changers

When it comes to setting up a dorm room, your bedding can make or break your comfort. Our 19 Momme Silk Pillowcases and 22 Momme Twin XL Fitted Sheets are here to make your college bed feel like a retreat—not a rough bunk.

Silk pillowcases aren’t just a luxury—they’re a secret weapon for clearer skin, shinier hair, and better sleep. Naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, they help prevent acne flare-ups and reduce friction that leads to frizz or breakage.

Pair it with our Twin XL Fitted Sheet, made to fit standard dorm beds and deliver the same antimicrobial, thermoregulating comfort from head to toe.

🛏️ Available in calming, dorm-ready colors
💆♀️ Reduces acne, frizz, and bedhead
❄️ Naturally cooling, breathable, and antimicrobial
📦 Dorm-size Twin XL available for easy fit

Snooze in Style: The Cashmere Sleep Socks That Feel Like a Hug

Back-to-school season means early mornings and earlier bedtimes—for everyone. Enter the Matouk Sleeping Socks: the ultimate cozy upgrade to your nighttime routine. Spun from 100% Scottish cashmere, these ribbed sleep socks are soft, breathable, and beautifully boxed for gifting. Even better? Sleeping in natural fiber socks like these can help regulate body temperature and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

Perfect for a college student settling into dorm life—or for Mom, who deserves a little self-care after that all day hustle—this luxe little indulgence makes school nights something to look forward to.

🧦 Fits Women’s sizes 6–10 and Men’s up to size 9
🎁 Includes a complimentary Matouk gift box
🌈 Available in timeless neutrals and bold seasonal shades
🌍 Made in Scotland

Shop now →Matouk Sleeping Socks at FL&B

Clean Starts Here: The Natural Body Care Brand Your Teen (and Dad) Will Obsess Over

Let’s face it—getting preteens and teens to care about hygiene can be a challenge. That’s why we’re all-in on Dr. Squatch, the natural body care brand that’s become a full-blown phenomenon in our households.

Our Order Manager, Kassi, can confirm: her son is a certified Dr. Squatch stan. When he received a surprise box from his favorite brand, he was utterly mind blown in the best way (his words!)—and hasn’t stopped talking about it since. The scents? High-School Student-approved. The formulas? Parent-approved, especially since Dr. Squatch products score “Excellent” on the Yuka app, our go-to for checking toxicity and clean ingredient ratings.

From body wash to aluminum-free deodorant, lotion, and beyond—this is the upgrade every boy (and dad!) needs on their back-to-school supply list. (Yes, this counts as a supply). We’re currently loving Wood Barrel Bourbon, but honestly, you can’t go wrong.

🧼 Natural, non-toxic ingredients that actually work
🌿 Aluminum-free deodorant, clean body wash, lotion & more
👃 Scents that teens love—and dads steal
📱 Rated Excellent on the Yuka app
🎁 Makes an epic gift or surprise for your favorite guy-

Feel-Good Scents Without the Junk: Body Care You’ll Actually Want to Share

If you're hunting for safe, effective personal care that smells amazing and contains no harmful ingredients, meet Jukebox—the sister brand to Dr. Squatch that’s making waves with its clean, modern take on soaps, deodorants, and lotions.

Designed to be free of harsh ingredients and full of feel-good vibes, Jukebox is perfect for a middle school or high school student  just starting their skincare routine—or parents who want something fresh, safe, and non-toxic in their own bathroom, too.

Our personal obsession? The Lavender Fields Forever Lotion. It’s a dreamy blend of calming lavender and sweet pear that takes you on an intoxicating, spa-worthy escape. Soft, lightweight, and nourishing, this lotion has become a daily ritual we genuinely look forward to.

🧴 Deodorant, lotion, and soap—all clean, effective, and Yuka-approved
🌿 No sulfates, phthalates, aluminum, or other harmful chemicals
💜 Lavender Fields Forever = calm + fruity perfection
👦 Teen-friendly and adult-approved
📦 Available on Amazon & the Jukebox site for easy shopping

For The Littles (Pre K- Grammar School)

Cool Kicks for the Classroom Runway

From homeroom to recess, your kid’s shoes need to keep up—and look good doing it. These two standout picks from Just Shoes for Kids are absolute back to school essentials, delivering fashion, function, and serious playground cred.

👟Old Soles Girl’s Field Runner Casual Shoes
With a crisp Nacardo Blanco / Vanilla / Gold palette, these leather sneakers blend everyday comfort with a dash of sparkle. Easy-on elastic laces and a side zipper make mornings stress-free (because who has time to tie laces at 7 a.m.?). Zoe’s daughter wears these on repeat—and says they’re the comfiest in her closet.

🟢W6YZ Jet Vl-J Casual Shoes
Built for boys and girls, these Italian-designed sneakers feature a sporty camo sole with bold neon green accents that pop. A double hook-and-loop closure keeps things secure and fuss-free. Kendra’s son is modeling these—and we can confirm they’re a hit for both comfort and cool factor.

🎒 Both styles are imported, top-quality, and built to last
📦 Free shipping and easy returns from JustShoesForKids.com
❤️ Mom-founded, with 1% of profits donated to the ELIJA Foundation for Autism support

Pretty in Pink (and 8 Other Colors): Tidy Desks = Clear Minds

If you’ve got a student who’s obsessed with satisfying YouTube desk restocks, this one’s for them. The Annova Desk Organizing Tray is a chic, no-assembly-needed solution to transform even the messiest workspace into an aesthetic dream.

Zoe’s oldest daughter recently caught the organizing bug (thank you, algorithm), and she’s in love with this pink version—but it comes in nine colors, from soft pastels to sleek neutrals, so there’s something for every vibe. With six compartments and a sturdy alloy steel build, it’s great for pens, pencils, post-its… and doubles as a catch-all for everything from makeup to silverware.

Because let’s face it: organized kids = calmer parents.

🖇️ Six spacious compartments for smart sorting
🌈 Available in 9 stylish colors (we’re showing pink!)
🛠️ Alloy steel construction with anti-skid sponge pads
📦 No assembly required—just unbox and organize
🎨 Doubles as home storage for tools, cosmetics, crafts & more

🛠️ Alloy steel construction with anti-skid sponge pads

 

Cuddles With a Purpose: A Mindful Plushie That Teaches Calm Early

Teaching emotional wellness  and how to deal with big feelings can—and should—start young, and the Koala Plushie for Mental Health from Calmness Crew makes it both fun and comforting. This adorable, weighted koala isn't just a soft friend—it’s a guided mindfulness tool designed to support emotional regulation in children through breathing exercises, affirmations, and grounding techniques.

Kendra’s son’s Pre-K classroom has made this a daily staple—and we’re big fans of this proactive approach to mental health. Ryder affectionately named his Koala “Chilli,” a sweet nod to both the Bluey character and the calming sensation of finding his chill. With its gentle 3-lb weighted design and soothing voice guidance, the Koala helps little ones center themselves in a world that can sometimes feel a bit too big.

Plus, it includes a felt front panel for optional Velcro badges and personal information to make the experience even more personal. (That's where Chilli's name is spelled out, and feeling emojis can be added)

🐨 3 calming modes: breathing, affirmations, and grounding
🎧 Gentle voice guidance + soothing background music
⚖️ Weighted with 3 lbs of glass beads for sensory comfort
🎨 Designed by Kev Bayliss (Yes, was one of the original artists behind Diddy Kong, a beloved Nintendo character)
🧒 Great for ages 5+ and perfect for classrooms, quiet corners, or bedtime routines📦 No assembly required—just unbox and organize
🎨 Doubles as home storage for tools, cosmetics, crafts & more

Snack Like a Warrior: The Gluten-Free Mix That Fuels Every Kind of Busy

Let’s be real—back to school doesn’t just mean new school supplies and schedules. It also means snacks. And when you find one that’s gluten-free, grain-free, packed with goodness and actually delicious? That’s a win for the whole family.

We’re obsessed with BeeFree Warrior Mix, a chewy, crunchy, small-batch snack created by a Midwest mom on a mission. After her son Auggy was diagnosed with autism, she and her mother started making gluten-free treats in their kitchen—ones that could pass the taste test of a house full of teenage boys. Fast forward to today: BeeFree is a beloved nationwide brand, and their snacks are helping fuel warriors of all kinds.

Our pick? Bob’s Salted Caramel Warrior Mix. It’s sweet, salty, protein-packed, and perfect for tossing in a lunchbox, gym bag, or desk drawer. And with a clean ingredients list and no junky fillers, it’s one of those rare snacks you’ll feel good about packing in your child's lunchbox(or hoarding for yourself).

💪 Grain-free, gluten-free, and seriously addicting
🍯 Made in small batches with clean, simple ingredients
❤️ Founded by a mom, inspired by her son
👨👩👧👦 Supports jobs for adults with autism through BeeFree Bakes
⭐ Bob’s Salted Caramel is our family favorite

Little Explorer Approved: Travel the World Without Leaving Home

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to the same routine. With Global Sprouts, your child can explore the world through hands-on crafts, music, and storytelling—all from the comfort of your living room.

We’re especially loving The Australia Box, a curated cultural experience that’s as educational as it is fun. Kendra’s son, Ryder, has been diving into kangaroo puppets and clapsticks, and we can confirm: this box is a total hit. Designed for ages 2 and up (great for young elementary school aged kids), it helps build literacy, fine motor skills, and cultural awareness through thoughtful, screen-free play.

Perfect for after-school enrichment, rainy weekends, or gift-giving, Global Sprouts brings global learning to your doorstep—and makes it joyful.

🌍 Includes an interactive booklet, storybook, crafts, music & more
🦘 Features a kangaroo hand puppet, koala mask, and dot painting
📦 Ships fast (2–4 business days via USPS)
🧒 Loved by curious kids and their families—tested and approved by Ryder!
🎁 Makes a meaningful gift for little learners

No Fuss, All Function: Multivitamins They’ll Actually Take

Getting kids to eat their veggies? That’s a daily battle. Getting them to take vitamins? Usually just as hard—unless you’ve got Naked Nutrition Kids Multivitamin Gummies.

These gelatin-free, fruit-pectin–based gummies deliver well-rounded nutrition to help fill in the gaps of your child’s diet. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals in three tasty, natural flavors, they’re a win for both wellness and flavor. And trust us—Zoe’s daughters are tough critics when it comes to chewable vitamins, but these passed the taste test with flying colors (and zero bribery).

🍓 Made with fruit pectin, not gelatin
🌱 Clean formula with essential nutrients for growing kids
😋 Three kid-approved flavors—they actually like them!
🚫 No artificial dyes or fillers
🧒 Great for picky eaters and vitamin skeptics

RAWR-some Reading: A Dino-Fueled Back to School Adventure

If your little one is feeling nervous about the first day of the school, this laugh-out-loud picture book will turn jitters into giggles. In Oh No! Dinosaurs in My School by Timothy Knapman, one ordinary school day is completely turned upside down—because dinosaurs have taken over the classroom!

From gym class chaos to cafeteria catastrophes, kids will love spotting dinosaurs hiding on every page. Kendra’s 4-year-old son, Ryder, is currently obsessed with this book—he asks for it on repeat, and we happily oblige. With playful illustrations and silly surprises, it’s a back-to-school story that’s anything but boring. Along with the everyday pencil case and new lunch box, scoop up a copy of the perfect book to start the new school year!

📚 Hardcover picture book for ages 4 to 8
🦖 Spot-the-dino fun on every page
🎨 Illustrated by Sarah Warburton
👦 Kid-approved by Ryder (age 4!)
💡 A great way to ease school anxiety through humor and fun

Rainboots That Don't Weigh a Ton

🌧️ Rainy day? No problem! The Charley Tall Rain Boot keeps little feet dry, comfy, and ready for adventure. Made with Everywear® technology, these cuties are 60% lighter thanregular rain boots—perfect for splashing in puddles, tromping through mud, or even snowy playground fun. Fully waterproof, super flexible, and easy to pull on and off.

💛 Izzy-approved! Zoe’s 10-year-old says they’re so light she can run in them—a big win over her clunky old pair.

Uncommon Goods School Essentials

🐧 Zoe's daughters are obsessed with the Animal Bestie Insulated Food Container (Dinosaur, Cow, or Penguin) for keeping mac and cheese warm until lunch-no reheating needed. Durable, adorable, and built for cafeteria chaos. ⌚ Her 7-year-old is also loving the Time Teaching Elementary School Watch, especially the ✨🦋 sparkly butterfly style. Color-blocked hours and numbered minutes make learning to tell time fun, with a whimsical ⭐ second hand as the cherry on top.

For the Parents

Matcha That Means Business: Clean Energy for Back to School & Beyond

Back to school mornings just got an upgrade. Whether you're chasing drop-off deadlines, juggling work, or squeezing in a midday reset, Mantra Matcha is our new go-to for hydration, energy, and clean daily wellness this new school year.

Our team member, Helena, a true matcha aficionado, sampled both the Strawberry Lemon Matcha and the Super Premium Ceremonial Matcha—and gave both her seal of approval. She was thrilled to find zero fillers, additives, or junk ingredients—just clean, vibrant flavor in every sip. The Strawberry Lemon blend is light, refreshing, and packed with immune-boosting antioxidants (a must for this time of year), while the Ceremonial Matcha is smooth, pure, and energizing without the crash.

And yes, we’re a little obsessed with the included rainbow matcha spoon and electric frother that come with the starter kit—because making your matcha should feel as good as drinking it.

🍓 Strawberry Lemon Matcha — hydration, immune support, and real flavor
🍵 Ceremonial Grade Matcha — pure, organic, and packed with antioxidants
💚 No additives, no fillers, just clean superfood goodness
➕ Optional frother & scooper make mixing easy and fun
🚚 Fast shipping and up to 60% savings with subscriptions

Little Notes, Big Plans - Plum Paper Style

Zoe is obsessed with Plum Paper's adorable personalized notecards💌-especially the whimsical mushroom design 🍄-perfect for sending sweet notes to the teacher, bus driver, or a fellow parent during the year. And when it comes to keeping all the school chaos in check, their customizable planners are a total game-changer 📅🖊️. With layouts and covers you can tailor to your style, staying organized is suddenly fun (and way less overwhelming)!

Bee Clean, Bee Nourished, Bee Ready

When it comes to keeping clean and moisturized for the new school year  (hello, germs), we’re extra picky about what goes on our family's skin. That’s why we hand-tested the entire Beessential line—yes, every foaming hand soap, lotion, and lip balm—and now we’re completely hooked.

These small-batch body care products are made with incredibly natural ingredients and rank high on the clean, non-toxic scale. They’re gentle enough for kids, nourishing for adults, and don’t skimp on performance. The Sweet Orange foaming hand soap is an absolute standout—zesty, fresh, intoxicating scent.

From lunchbox spills to post-practice cleanups, this is one clean beauty brand we love for the whole family.

🍊 Sweet Orange = our favorite scent
🌱 Made with natural, non-toxic ingredients
🧼 Hand soaps foam beautifully and rinse clean
💛 Child and parent friendly
🐝 Family-run and bee-friendly

A+ for Adorable: These Hand-Decorated School Cookies Make the Sweetest Surprise

Looking for the perfect back-to-school treat? Whether you're sending love to a new kindergartner, a homesick college freshman, or a favorite teacher, Laura’s Cookies School Days Collection from Dorothy Lane Market is the ultimate feel-good gift.

Each made-to-order cookie is handcrafted from scratch with real butter, eggs, and vanilla—no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Once baked, they’re topped with signature almond-flavored icing and hand-decorated in sparkly crayon and apple shapes that are almost too cute to eat (but don’t worry, we did—our warehouse team devoured them).

Thoughtful, nostalgic, and beautifully wrapped, these cookies are a sweet way to say “you’ve got this” as the school year begins.

🍎 Includes 12 hand-decorated sugar cookies (crayons & apples)
🧁 Pre-wrapped so they are lunch box ready.
✨ Sparkly, whimsical, and teacher- or student-approved
📦 Stays moist in sealed wrapping for up to two weeks
⏳ Note: These are made to order and can take up to 7 days

Bugs Be Gone: A Clean, Scent-Free Repellent That Actually Works

Mosquitoes don’t care that it’s back to school season—but thankfully, EarthKind’s Stay Away® Unscented Mosquito Repellent does. Made with CDC-recommended picaridin and zero harsh fragrances, this skin-friendly spray keeps pests away without the greasy feel or overwhelming scent of traditional bug sprays.

We’re huge fans of this naturally effective formula, especially the genius card-shaped travel bottle that fits easily in your pocket, purse, or sports bag. It’s a must-have for hiking, camping, or surviving high school bleachers during fall evening sports season (trust us—this is peak parenting prep).

🦟 14-hour protection from mosquitoes and ticks
🌿 Scent-free, non-sticky, water-resistant, and non-flammable
👶 Safe for kids and pregnancy when used as directed
💼 Slim, travel-size bottle is perfect for on-the-go
💯 Guaranteed 100% effective or your money back

No More “Under the Tongue”: A Fast, Fuss-Free Thermometer That Actually Works

Sick days are inevitable—but temperature checks shouldn’t be a battle. That’s why we love theiHealth No-Touch Infrared Forehead Thermometer—a medical-grade, ultra-accurate device that gives fast readings in just one second, without the discomfort of traditional thermometers.

Our order managerKassi swears by it for her high schooler, who refuses to sit still with a thermometer under his tongue. She’s tried plenty of no-touch options, but this is the first affordable one that’s truly accurate—and reliable enough for the whole family.

Whether you're checking for fevers, testing bath water, or even monitoring food temp, this smart, 3-in-1 thermometer is a household essential—especially during back-to-school cold and flu season.

🌡️ Medical-grade accuracy with 0.1°F/°C resolution
👩👦 No-touch reading in 1 second—great for squirmy kids & teens
📱 3-in-1 design: measures body, water, food, and more
💾 Stores 40 temperature readings with mute mode & auto shut-off
🔋 Comes with batteries, dust cover & easy-to-read color-coded screen