Smart Start Family Essentials for Function + Fun

What are your first thoughts on school day mornings? Are you ready to conquer the day with a comprehensive, color-coded master schedule centrally posted, as well as digitally forwarded to all parties involved? Does morning chaos cause an uneasiness culminating in a grab-what-you-can mad dash out of the house most days? Hectic mornings are not the ideal way for your family to begin a productive day. As much as your schedule permits, planning out the next day during the evening before is a smart start to a smoother morning routine. Encourage your family to make sure to have assignments, projects, and notices completed, bookbags organized and packed, lunch bags or lunch money ready, and an outfit choice (or two) set aside. Chaos happens and we can only take a moment to breathe deeply before moving forward as calmly as possible. We're offering you a helping hand with our top choices of smart start family essentials for function + fun.

Thank you to the promotional teams for  for the courtesy of providing gratuitous product for editorial content purposes. This content may contain affiliate links.

Smart Start Family Essentials for Function + Fun

Gluten-Free Fave | XO Baking Co.

Our family bakes for fun, not because I'm an especially talented baker. We started off with a simple, pre-made Pancake Waffle Mix from XO Baking Co. for healthy breakfast (or dinner!) options. I know the bad rep gluten-free products get, often lacking the flavor and texture of wheat-based flour recipes. XO Baking Co. is made in a peanut-free facility and is the ONLY gluten-free flour made from a proprietary blend of cassava and organic coconut flour rather than commonly used bean and rice recipes. Also available on Amazon.

Snack Fave | Congo Tropicals Plantain Chips 

Plantains are sugar-free vegetables naturally grown in tropical climates. We choose Congo Tropicals Plantain Chips as a delicious and nutritious snack because they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and potassium, low in cholesterol, and a healthier alternative to other types of chips. Available on Amazon. 

Storage Fave | The Dearest Grey

Transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle has been a tremendous, earth-friendly accomplishment for our family. Beginning this year we're upgrading our food storage containers to reusable The Dearest Grey, food-grade silicone products that are all free of BPA, PVC, lead, and phthalates. I was not quite prepared to be amazed by a product line of freezer and microwave-safe, containers, also able to be placed in your dishwasher's top rack or oven up to 410° for quick food warming. Available on Amazon.

Reusable Fave | Smelly Proof Reusable Storage Bags

When space-saving and money-saving are important, Smelly Proof Reusable Storage Bags are the way to go. We no longer purchase single-use plastic products since these all-purpose bags are available in a variety of sizes, seal in freshness, are BPA-Free, odor-proof, FDA approved, and an eco-conscious choice. Available on Amazon.

Collapsible Fave | BraveJusticeKidsCo.

Amazon is my go-to for so many essential items, and I'm sure you may have added an item or 20 to your own cart, too. BraveJusticeKidsCo. Snack Attack Collapsible Silicone Snack Cup caught my attention as they stake their claim being the original design with plenty of imitators. I'm absolutely a fan of the durable, plastic-free cup which is collapsible for storage, has a no-slip handle, dust-proof lid and supports the brand's (and my) climate-friendly pledge. Here's your chance to support a small business started from the home of a disabled veteran and mompreneur. Available on Amazon.

Travel Fave | Creative QT Running Buddy Buddy Pouch

Our family is frequently on-the-go and organization is high-priority to managing busy schedules. I've discovered a travel hack from Creative QT for keeping your essentials both accessible and secure. When I am traveling, I keep my identification, cash, credit cards, cell phone and keys tucked away in my RunningBuddy Buddy Pouch. Using magnetic technology to attach a belt-less, clasp-less, RFID blocking, water-resistant pouch pocket. Unlike various sized waist packs, the Zip Buddy Pouch magnetic flaps are ideal for all to easily attach to waistbands. Made from durable, water-resistant fabrics, you'll be amazed by how easily you can carry and protect essentials. Available on Amazon.

Flipping Fave | Ultra Power Battle Game

There are times when it's best to go tech-free. My son and his friends have the best time playing, collecting, and trading with one another in Ultra Power Battle Game. Gear up with your battle bands (available in 72 different color combinations), then using their Ultra-Power Tokens to battle, players flip their tokens up high and the player with the highest score wins. We're talking about classic fun with an updated twist.  Enjoy screen-free fun, batteries not needed, no charging, no buzzing, no beeping. Available on Amazon.

Clean Fave | Dabble & Dollop

When it comes to the littles, there's no better way to get clean than with bath and body products with clean ingredients.  Dabble & Dollop  exclusively features mixable bath and body products that are safe for the whole family to use- from babies to adults. We adore their fragrant and fun collection, which is made in the USA and smells fruity fresh! Visit their Amazon Store.

Cuddly Fave | Tuck ’n Tails 

Change is inevitable, and we love that Tuck'n Tails are fun plush animals with a fluffy hair and tails. Change up the ways you play with it to either clip it on your bag, tuck it in to a little ball, or pull it's hair and tail out. Make a statement with your fave furry friends, ideal for 3 years of age and up. Available on Amazon.

As the owner of the digital content featured by Creative Learning Center Studios, I am compensated to provide my opinion on products, services, websites, and various other topics. This content may contain affiliate links. Even though, as the writer/owner of this content receiving compensation for posts or advertisements, I will always share my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. This website abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in the honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.