5 Quick And Easy Healthy Plant Based Back To School Breakfast Ideas

Busy school mornings call for a breakfast that's quick and easy to make. Check out these nourishing and healthy plant-based breakfast options made with ingredients you can feel good about.

The kids are going back to school soon, and the days of slow-moving mornings are over. Soon, it will be crazy busy mornings with the mad dash to get everyone out the door. From getting the kids up to getting them dressed, will there even be time for a healthy breakfast?

Before you start stocking up on boxes of sugary cereal and toaster pastries, take a look at these nourishing and healthy plant-based breakfast options made with ingredients you can feel good about. 

 All of the breakfast options below are plant-based, gluten-free, and loaded with protein. They are easy-to-make, grab-and-go breakfast options that you need to stock up on. The best part is that your kids will love the variety of delicious breakfast options. 

Most of the healthy breakfast options are shelf-stable, so they can be tossed into their backpack the night before. You can even make a breakfast cart with the items or keep them in the car. No longer will you have the stress of preparing breakfast on busy school days.

Quick And Easy Healthy Plant-Based Back-to-School Breakfast Ideas

1. English Muffins with Peanut Butter ~ This breakfast is easy to make. Simply spread peanut butter on a toasted English muffin. These delicious sandwiches can be made the night before or quickly in the morning. 

To make this breakfast gluten-free, reach for PACHA English muffins. These gluten-free English muffins are packed with nutrients and flavor and contain no binders, gums, or fillers. The sprouted buckwheat bread is made with two simple ingredients and is free of the top 8 food allergens.

My choice for delicious, healthy peanut butter is Peanut Butter & Co. These peanut butter spreads come in a wide variety of flavors. From plain to crunchy to chocolate and maple, they even have a peanut butter that is made with 100% peanuts. Peanut Butter & Co. is committed to using simple, honest ingredients. All of their products are made in the United States from USA-grown peanuts. 

2. Nugo Nutrition Bars ~ These delicious protein bars are drenched in dark chocolate. Your kids will think they are eating a candy bar, but you will know they are loaded with healthy ingredients.

 NuGo Bars are made with healthy ingredients. They contain no synthetic pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. There are no artificial ingredients or sweeteners – just pure plant-based nutrition made the way nature intended. They are certified vegan and gluten-free, contain 10g of protein, and are coated in real Dark Chocolate.

Nugo Bars are available in many delicious flavors. Some of my favorite flavors include the dark chocolate pretzel bar, the peanut butter cup bar, the mint chocolate, and the brownie. The mint chocolate Nugo bar tastes just like thin mint cookies. Nugo also has several organic flavors.

Get a variety box of 12 Nugo Bars for $15 with free shipping at Nugo Nutrition

3. Huel Complete Meals ~ You will love these grab-and-go complete meals from Huel. Huel is a convenient, nutritionally complete, plant-based meal replacement solution. Huel meals provide 27 essential vitamins & minerals, plus a 100% nutritionally complete balance of protein, essential fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. 

 Huel is a plant-based meal replacement solution that is more than a high-protein drink and is perfect for busy lifestyles. These ready-made meals come in a variety of flavors. The drinks come in two different protein options. Huel Black Edition contains 40 grams of protein, and the original Complete Meal contains 22 grams of protein.

Save $20 on any Huel order with code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL ~ through July 15, after that, my code takes off 15% on any size order

4. Orgain Protein Bars ~ These delicious protein bars taste like cookie dough and are loaded with healthy ingredients. The bars have 10 grams of plant-based protein and are perfect to stash in a backpack.

The Orgain protein bars are gluten-free and soy-free. Your kids will love all of the delicious flavors. From chocolate chip cookie dough to chocolate brownie to 2 peanut butter options, they are so good!

Check out this recipe for high-fiber breakfast bars

5. Don't forget the coffee!

As a mom, I know how crazy school mornings can be. As you are scrambling to get everyone to school, make sure to grab your breakfast from one of these healthy breakfast options and a cup of coffee.

Set your alarm to get up 10 minutes before you wake the kids. That is plenty of time to make yourself a healthy cup of coffee with Purity Organic coffee. Make sure to purchase a travel coffee mug to keep your coffee hot.

Purity coffee is a coffee that is crafted to have benefits that most other brands of coffee don't have. Benefits like more antioxidants, liver health, and even gut health. Purity is a coffee that has none of the bad items that are contained in most conventional coffee brands. 

Use code MOMKNOWSBEST at checkout and save 20% at Purity Coffee

Living Better With Chronic Skin Flares Through Ayurveda

 Ayurveda for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Natural Ways to Reduce Flares and Support Skin Health

Introduction

Living with hidradenitis suppurativa can feel exhausting in ways that are hard to explain. The pain, the drainage, the unpredictability, and honestly, the emotional weight of it all can slowly wear people down. Many patients end up searching late at night for anything that feels gentler, more sustainable, and less reactive than another short-term fix. This is where Ayurvedic solutions for hidradenitis suppurativa often enter the conversation, especially among people who want to understand their body instead of just fighting symptoms.

Ayurveda does not approach chronic skin inflammation as a random skin problem. It sees it as a signal, a kind of internal message. That idea alone can feel oddly relieving. Instead of asking “what cream stops this?”, the question becomes “why does my body keep doing this?”. That shift matters more than it seems at first glance.

Core idea explained

What it means in simple words

 At its core, the Ayurvedic view looks at long-term skin conditions as an imbalance that has built up over time. Heat, toxins, digestion issues, stress, hormones, lifestyle habits, they all quietly pile on. When the body can’t clear things properly, inflammation finds an outlet, often through the skin folds where friction and sweat already exist.

 Rather than chasing each flare, Ayurveda focuses on cooling the system, improving elimination, and calming tissues that are already overstimulated. It’s not fast, and it’s not dramatic. But many people find it more logical than constantly switching products or antibiotics that stop working.

Why people search for this topic

 People usually start exploring holistic care after years of trial and error. Recurring boils, scarring, embarrassment, missed work days, cancelled plans. Some are tired of side effects, others just want something they can actually maintain. Searches often include phrases like natural HS support, Ayurvedic treatment for chronic boils, or gut and skin connection. The underlying theme is the same: “I want fewer flares and more control.”

Ayurveda perspective

Ayurvedic principles involved

 In Ayurvedic terms, this condition is most often linked to aggravated Pitta, sometimes mixed with Kapha. Pitta brings heat, redness, and suppuration. Kapha adds thickness, blockage, and slow healing. When digestion (agni) is weak or overloaded, toxins called ama accumulate and circulate instead of being eliminated.

 Ayurveda aims to reduce internal heat, support liver and gut function, and gently detoxify without shocking the body. Herbs, routines, and food choices are selected to cool, cleanse, and stabilize rather than suppress. It’s subtle work, but that’s kind of the point.

Typical patterns people notice in real life

 Many patients notice flares after spicy food, alcohol, high-stress periods, poor sleep, or long days of sweating. Some connect it with hormonal cycles, weight changes, or digestive discomfort like bloating and constipation. These patterns are important clues, even if they feel messy or inconsistent at first. Ayurveda actually expects this kind of overlap; nothing is isolated.

Practical guidance

Daily routine tips

 Consistency matters more than intensity. Simple routines like waking up at the same time daily, gentle morning cleansing, and avoiding overheating can make a difference over weeks. Lukewarm showers instead of hot ones, loose breathable clothing, and careful hygiene without aggressive scrubbing are often recommended. Drying skin folds properly sounds basic, but many people skip it.

 Stress regulation is huge. Even 10 minutes of slow breathing, walking, or light stretching helps calm the nervous system, which in turn affects inflammation. It sounds indirect, but it works in quiet ways.

Food and lifestyle suggestions

 Ayurvedic nutrition for inflammatory skin conditions usually leans toward cooling, simple foods. Think cooked vegetables, bitter greens, whole grains, mung beans, pomegranate, and plenty of hydration. Reducing sugar, fried foods, excess dairy, and very spicy meals often helps.

 Lifestyle-wise, regular movement without excessive friction is preferred. Swimming, walking, or gentle yoga instead of high-heat workouts during flares. Overdoing “detox” trends can backfire; slow and steady is safer.

What to avoid

 One common mistake is mixing too many approaches at once. New herbs, supplements, diets, and skincare, all together, can confuse both the body and the person. Another issue is stopping conventional care abruptly. Ayurveda works best alongside medical guidance, not in rebellion against it. Also, picking random herbal remedies online without understanding one's constitution can worsen symptoms.

Safety and when to seek medical help

 Ayurveda is not a replacement for urgent medical care. If there is severe pain, fever, spreading redness, foul-smelling discharge, or signs of infection, medical evaluation is necessary. Surgical drainage, antibiotics, or imaging may still be required in certain cases, and that’s okay.

 People with diabetes, immune conditions, or those on long-term medications should be especially careful with herbal products. Always disclose what you’re using to your healthcare provider. Balanced care means knowing limits, not ignoring them. Ayurveda supports the body, but it’s not magic, and pretending otherwise helps no one.

Conclusion

 Chronic skin conditions demand patience, and honestly, a bit of self-compassion. Ayurvedic care offers a slower, deeper way of working with the body rather than constantly reacting to flares. Small daily choices, digestive support, and cooling routines can add up over time, even if progress feels uneven some weeks.

 If this perspective resonates, try starting with the basics, share this article with someone who might need it, and keep learning. Sustainable healing is rarely loud, but it can be real.

FAQs

Is Ayurveda effective for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Some people report fewer flares and better control, especially when lifestyle and diet are addressed consistently.

How long does it take to see results?

Usually weeks to months. Ayurveda focuses on long-term balance rather than quick symptom suppression.

Can Ayurveda replace antibiotics or surgery?

No. It works best as a complementary approach alongside medical care when needed.

Are Ayurvedic herbs safe?

Many are safe when used properly, but quality, dosage, and individual health matter a lot.

Does diet really affect skin flares?

For many people, yes. Heat-producing foods and sugar often worsen inflammation.

Can stress actually trigger flare-ups?

Absolutely. Stress affects hormones, immunity, and inflammation all at once.

Is this approach suitable for everyone?

Not always. Individual constitution, other illnesses, and medications must be considered first.

Can Technology Help Curb the Rise in Pool Drownings?

 

After decades of progress, drowning deaths across all age groups have been rising since 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 4,500 people died from drowning each year from 2020 to 2022, roughly 500 more annually than before the pandemic.

Several factors are believed to have contributed to the increase:

   + Public pool closures and reduced operating hours

   + Missed swim lessons during the pandemic

   + Lifeguard shortages across the country

   + Increased use of pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches

 Not every drowning incident is fatal. However, non-fatal drownings can leave survivors with permanent injuries. One of the most serious is brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen. Given that most pool drownings are preventable, safety experts are looking for new ways to reduce the risk.

How Is Artificial Intelligence Being Used to Prevent Pool Drownings?

 One of the newest tools is AI-powered drowning detection technology. These systems use cameras and computer vision to monitor swimmers in real time and alert lifeguards when someone may be in distress.

 Unlike a person watching from a pool deck, the system can continuously scan the entire pool. It identifies warning signs such as prolonged submersion, unusual movement patterns, or a swimmer who suddenly becomes motionless.

 When a potential emergency is detected, an alert is sent to lifeguards or pool staff. The goal is simple: reduce response times and help staff intervene before a situation becomes fatal.

Technology can also help address a reality many pool operators face. Lifeguard shortages remain a problem in many communities, and even the most attentive lifeguard can't watch every swimmer at every moment. Artificial intelligence gives staff another set of eyes focused on the water.

Why Isn't Drowning Detection Technology More Common?

 Most of these systems are currently found in commercial settings such as hotels, resorts, municipal pools, schools, and water parks.

 The biggest barriers to widespread public use are cost and implementation. Installing cameras, monitoring systems, and supporting equipment can be expensive, whether it’s for a hotel pool or a city-run aquatic center.

 These high costs and limited availability impact the consumer market. It’s why most residential pools don’t have these drowning detection tools. Many backyard pools still rely primarily on supervision, fencing, alarms, and other traditional safety measures. This is noteworthy because many child drowning incidents occur in residential pools rather than public facilities.

Can Technology Replace Lifeguards and Adult Supervision?

 No. Drowning detection technology should be seen as one layer of protection, not a replacement for pool lifeguards, parents, caregivers, or swim instructors.

 Preventing pool accidents requires multiple safeguards working together, including:

   + Active adult supervision

   + Accessible swim lessons

   + Pool fencing and self-latching gates

   + CPR training

   + Lifeguards where possible

   + Technology designed to identify emergencies quickly

What’s on the Horizon for Pool Safety Technology?

 Researchers are developing wearable devices that may one day help detect distress in the water. At the same time, many communities are pushing for additional funding to improve public pool facilities, expand swim lesson programs, and address ongoing lifeguard shortages.

 As drowning incidents continue to rise nationwide, technology is becoming an important part of the conversation. But experts agree that preventing pool drownings will require a layered approach that combines technology, supervision, education, and proven safety measures.

 Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm explains what to do in a worst-case scenario. “A drowning accident can change a family’s life forever. If a loved one suffered serious injuries or died, it’s important to contact an experienced pool accident attorney immediately. They can explain your rights and legal options.”

7 Warning Signs Your Home May Need a Termite Inspection

 

Most homeowners don't think much about termites until they discover expensive damage. 

 Unfortunately, that's often how termite infestations work. These insects are sometimes called "silent destroyers" because they can spend months (or even years) feeding on wood behind walls, beneath floors, or inside support beams before obvious signs appear.

 The good news is that termites usually leave clues if you know what to look for. Spotting those warning signs early gives you the chance to schedule a professional termite inspection before minor damage turns into major repairs.

Here are seven signs your home may need a closer look.

1. You See Flying Termites or Discarded Wings

 One of the first visible signs of termite activity is a swarm of winged termites, often called swarmers.

 These reproductive termites leave an established colony to start new ones, usually during warm, humid weather. Homeowners often notice them gathering around windows, doors, light fixtures, or other sources of light.

 After landing, swarmers shed their wings. If you find small piles of identical, translucent wings on window sills, near exterior doors, or around your garage, don't ignore them.

 While seeing swarmers outdoors doesn't automatically mean your home has termites, spotting them inside is a much stronger warning sign. It often means a colony is already nearby (or even inside your home), and it's time to schedule a professional termite inspection.

2. Mud Tubes Around Your Foundation

 Subterranean termites spend much of their lives underground, but they still need access to wood above the soil. To travel safely, they build narrow mud tubes that protect them from predators and help maintain the moisture they need to survive.

These pencil-sized tunnels commonly appear:

   ~ Along foundation walls

   ~ Inside crawl spaces

   ~ Around garages

   ~ Near exterior walls

   ~ Under decks or porches

Even if the tubes appear abandoned, they shouldn't be ignored, since they may point to previous termite activity or indicate a colony is still active nearby.

3. Wood Sounds Hollow or Feels Weak

 Unlike many other pests, termites eat wood from the inside out. The surface often remains intact, making damage difficult to notice until it's fairly advanced. A piece of trim or a support beam may look perfectly normal while the inside has been hollowed out.

 If you gently tap exposed wood and hear a hollow sound, it's worth investigating further. You might also notice wood that feels soft under pressure, splinters easily, or begins to crumble around the edges.

 These changes can affect everything from hardwood floors and baseboards to window frames, cabinets, and structural supports.

 Because termite damage often stays hidden for so long, hollow wood deserves prompt attention before structural repairs become necessary.

4. Paint Is Bubbling or Doors and Windows Suddenly Stick

 When paint bubbles or starts peeling, most homeowners assume there's a moisture problem.

 Sometimes that's true, but termites can create similar symptoms.

 As termites feed inside walls and wooden framing, they weaken the wood beneath the surface. Over time, this can cause trim to warp, paint to blister, and doors or windows to become difficult to open or close.

These changes happen gradually, so they're easy to blame on humidity, aging, or normal settling.

 If sticky doors, warped trim, or bubbling paint appear alongside other warning signs, it's worth considering termite activity as a possible cause instead of assuming it's simply an older house showing its age.

5. You Find Tiny Pellet-Like Droppings

Not every termite leaves visible waste, but drywood termites do. As they tunnel through wood, they push their waste out through small openings, leaving behind tiny piles of termite droppings, known as frass. These pellets often resemble coarse sawdust, coffee grounds, or small wood-colored grains.

Homeowners commonly find frass:

   ~ Along baseboards

   ~ Beneath windows

   ~ Around door frames

   ~ Near wooden furniture

   ~ Under exposed beams

Unlike ordinary dust, these piles tend to reappear after being cleaned away. Whether you're dealing with drywood termites or subterranean termites, unusual debris around wooden structures should never be dismissed.

6. Moisture Problems Around Your Home

 Termites thrive where moisture is readily available. Leaking pipes, clogged gutters, poor drainage, damp crawl spaces, and excess humidity all create conditions that make wood more attractive to termites. Moisture-softened wood is easier for them to invade, allowing colonies to establish themselves more quickly.

Pay particular attention to areas that naturally collect moisture, including:

   ~Bathrooms

   ~ Kitchens

   ~ Laundry rooms

   ~ Basements

   ~ Crawl spaces

   ~ Around your home's foundation

Fixing leaks, improving drainage, and reducing humidity won't eliminate termites on their own, but these simple maintenance steps are some of the most effective long-term termite prevention strategies.

7. You're Seeing Other Wood-Damaging Pests

 Sometimes termites aren't the first pests to appear. Homes with moisture problems or aging wood may also attract carpenter ants, which tunnel through wood to build nests rather than eat it. You may also notice increased activity from rodents, including mice and rats, especially if damaged wood or small structural gaps provide easy entry points.

 While these pests behave differently, they often point to the same underlying issues: excess moisture, deteriorating wood, or openings around your home's exterior.

 If you're dealing with recurring pest infestations, it's worth having the property evaluated by a professional pest control company. An inspection can identify whether termites, carpenter ants, rodents, or multiple pests are contributing to the problem and recommend the right treatment for each.

Don't Wait Until the Damage Is Obvious

 One of the biggest challenges with termites is that they rarely make their presence obvious until significant damage has already occurred. That's why paying attention to small warning signs matters.

 Flying termites, discarded wings, mud tubes, hollow wood, bubbling paint, termite droppings, and ongoing moisture problems can all point to hidden termite activity. Catching an infestation early gives you the best chance of protecting your home's structure while avoiding much larger repair bills later.

 If you've noticed any of these warning signs, don't wait to see if they get worse. A professional termite inspection can identify problems that aren't visible from the surface, giving you confidence that your home (and your family's biggest investment) is properly protected.

Save Money On Protein Powder

 Love the convenience of protein powder and looking to save money? I have tried many protein powder brands, and these are the ones that made my list of the best protein powders to purchase. 

Consuming enough protein can be hard, and using protein powder is smart. Finding the protein powder to fit your needs and taste can be a challenge, but I am here to help you. I have discovered discount codes for many of the popular brands of protein powder. These codes will save you money! 

I have personally tried most of these brands, and they are good brands of protein powder. The protein powder brands not only taste delicious, but they are also made with clean ingredients. 

Huel Complete

Huel is plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free. This protein contains between 15 and 40 grams of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is complete nutrition in a delicious, ready-to-drink meal. It is available in many flavors.
 

 Huel has a wide variety of protein meals. From ready-to-drink meals to powder meals to protein bars, this plant-based protein is great for affordable meals on the go.

~  Use code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL to save $20  on all Huel products through July 15, after that, my code takes off 15% on any size order

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Nuzest Clean Lean

Nuzest is an allergy-friendly, simple-ingredient protein. Nuzest is plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free. It is low-carb and available in many flavors.

Nuzest is a three-ingredient protein powder made with clean ingredients. My favorite way to use Nuzest protein is in recipes. If you follow a gluten-free diet, Nuzest protein can be used in place of flour. Check out this delicious protein pancake recipe and other delicious recipes made with Nuzest.

~ Use code MOMKNOWSBEST15 to save 15% off any Nuzest product

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Nugo Nutrition

Nugo has delicious protein bars that taste so good and plant-based protein powder. The protein bars come in a variety of flavors. All of the protein bars are gluten-free, and many are dairy-free.

Nugo Bars are available in many delicious flavors. Some of my favorite flavors include the dark chocolate pretzel bar, the peanut butter cup bar, the mint chocolate, and the brownie. The mint chocolate Nugo bar tastes just like thin mint cookies. Nugo also has several organic flavors. The Nugo variety box has an assortment of flavors and is a great way to discover your favorite flavor.

 
~ Click on this link to try a box of 12 protein bars for 50% off ~ https://nugonutrition.com/momknowsbest

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Orgain Protein

Orgain has a wide variety of types of plant-based protein in many delicious flavors. The protein is gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. Orgain also has delicious plant-based protein bars that taste like cookie dough.

If you are looking for variety, Orgain has plenty of flavors of protein powder. From flavors like chocolate and vanilla to seasonal flavors to protein powder with greens, you will find what you are looking for.

~ Use code TARAPITTMAN to save 25% on any Orgain Product 

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Redmond Salt

 Redmond is known for their mineral salt, but they recently introduced a whey-based protein powder. While I have not tasted Roots protein, I am allergic to dairy; it is a quality protein made with simple ingredients.

The coupon code below can be used on any product that Redmond makes. From the best mineral salt to hydration drinks to even toothpaste, check out the variety of products on their website.

~ Use code MOMKNOWSBEST to save 15% off any Redmond product 

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PB&Co Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a great source of protein. For those who love peanut butter, PB&Co has many delicious flavors of peanut butter. They also have peanut butter powder.

My favorite flavor of peanut butter is the Bee's Knees. Other delicious Peanut Butter & Co flavors include Mighty Maple, Chocolate, Crunchy, and even one made with 100% peanuts.

~ Save 10% on any PB&Co product 

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Check out all the brands and save money on protein. Click on the links to see the products that they sell and apply the discount codes to save $$$$. Happy shopping!

Dorm Room Items That College Kids Want

  Do you have a kid heading off to college this year? As a mom of two college kids, I know these are the dorm room items they want. Keep reading to discover the best college dorm room essentials.

 Sending your child off to college can be stressful, especially when they are going to another state. From paying for college to helping them pack, it can be quite overwhelming. You want the best for your child and want to furnish the dorm with all the college dorm room essentials. You are ready to go shopping for the dorm room items, but have no clue what to purchase.

 My best advice for dorm room shopping is to buy the essentials from a basic college dorm room shopping list and wait on the other items. The other items can be sent to them later from places like Amazon and Walmart. Also, remember that what you bring to the school has to come back every summer or be stored at a storage facility. 

College Rooms are Small

 College dorm rooms are not that big, so less is best. Most dorm rooms come with furniture items like a bed, desk and chair, dresser, bookshelf, side table, and closet. Also, keep in mind that most dorm buildings have a kitchen with a microwave. While I do recommend purchasing a small fridge for the dorm room and a coffee maker, all other cooking appliances are a waste of money. 

If you have to rent a uhaul for your child's dorm room packing list, they are bringing too much!

Dorm Room Essentials That College Kids Want

These are some of the items that made the list for my son's college packing list. They are items that his older brother recommended, based on his college experience from last year. My boys will be attending the same college as freshmen and sophomores. 

1. Mattress Topper with Straps

 Dorm room mattresses are not the best to sleep on, as most are uncomfortable. A twin XL mattress topper is a must for the dorm room. Sleep is important, and your child needs a comfortable bed. A mattress topper will make any hard mattress feel more comfortable. When shopping for a topper for a mattress for a dorm bed, do not go cheap. The cheaper ones will not last all four years. 

 Another must for buying a mattress topper is to make sure it has straps. Most college mattresses are encased in vinyl, so the straps will keep the topper from moving around. This is the mattress topper that we bought. 

Purchase the twin XL mattress here

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2.  Bed Organizer Caddy

College kids are always connected to their phones, and many of them use their phones as an alarm. So my son wanted something to attach to the bed for his phone. So a bed organizer caddy was a good option for his phone, especially since he was going to have his bed lofted.

This is the bedside storage bag that my older son bought last year. This bed organizer was super easy to attach to the bed and has many pockets in different sizes. 

Purchase the bedside storage bag here

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3. Shower Tote

 Most college dorms have shared bathrooms down the hall from the dorm room. So kids will need to bring all their personal care items with them when they take showers or get ready for bed. Having a shower tote to carry all of their items is a must. Look for one that can hold several bottles and other items. Look for one that has drainage holes.

 My son liked this 2-in-1 Shower Caddy as it had several compartments and a removable mini caddy. It allowed him to carry everything he needed for his bathroom trips. 

Purchase the Shower Tote here

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4. Hanging Closet Organizer

College dorms lack storage space for clothes and shoes. So a hanging closet organizer is a must for dorm rooms. Look for one that folds up for easy transportation to college. While those wooden cube storage organizers are nice, they can be too big to fit in the car to take to college move-in day. 

 This closet hanging storage allows you to have more space in your closet. It has six shelf units that can hold items like clothes, shoes, and more. I like that it folds up when not in use for easy storage. If space allows, buy two of these organizers for maximum storage. 

Purchase the Hanging Closet Organizer here 

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5. Storage Containers

Storage containers are perfect for college dorms. They can be used for packing and for dorm room storage. These containers can store out-of-season clothes, snacks, and extra personal care items.

These Clear Storage Bins with Latching Lids are perfect for college dorm packing and storage. Having clear bins makes it easy to see what is inside the storage containers. Having stackable storage containers is also a must for space-saving in the dorm room. These 71-quart storage totes are perfect for storing clothes, snacks, and more. Make sure to buy durable plastic containers, as these will get a lot of use in the dorm room.

Purchase the Storage Containers here

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6.  Laundry Detergent Sheets

Your students will have to start doing their own laundry at college, so send them off to college with plenty of laundry detergent. Make laundry day easier by packing laundry sheets. That way, they don't have to lug around a heavy detergent bottle.

 I like CLEARALIF laundry detergent sheets as they are eco-friendly & hypoallergenic. They also come in a variety of natural scents like orange and wild mint. They do a great job of cleaning and are affordable. 

Purchase the Laundry Detergent Sheets here 

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7. Laundry Dropps

 Another great option for laundry is these laundry detergent drops. They take up little storage space in the dorm room and are easy to carry to the laundry room. 

Dropps are available in many formulas and scents, including unscented. They are eco-friendly and are powerful on stains and odors. Their proprietary blend of five enzymes is formulated to penetrate fabrics and target specific stains.

Purchase the Laundry Dropps here. Use Code MKB20 to save 20%

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8. Huel Instant Meals

There may be times when your college kid is too busy with homework and doesn't have time to visit the cafeteria for a meal. The cafeteria may even be closed when hunger strikes. So make sure to pack complete meals that they can quickly make at any time of day.

Huel has many options for complete meals that can be made in under 5 minutes. From a hot and savory meal, cups that just need hot water, to delicious meal replacement drinks, Huel is a complete meal that is loaded with plenty of protein and nutrition. 

Huel is a complete meal that is loaded with vegan protein and perfect for when you are pressed for time. These delicious meals come in a huge variety of flavors.

Save $20 on all Huel Products with code MOMKNOWSBESTHUEL through July 15. After that, my code takes off 15% on any size order

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9. Nugo Protein Bars

After a long night of staying up late studying, college kids may oversleep and not have time for breakfast before class. Send them to college with plenty of nutritious grab-and-go breakfast items. Make sure that they are shelf-stable.

My son loves Nugo Dark Chocolate Nutrition Bars for on-the-go breakfast meals. His favorite flavors are the dark chocolate pretzel and the dark chocolate peanut butter cup. These bars are loaded with protein and other healthy nutrients. The bars are gluten-free and vegan. 

Purchase 12 Nugo Bars for $15 with free shipping 

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10. Collapsible Laundry Hamper

Your child will need a hamper for dirty clothes. Make sure to purchase one that is lightweight with carry straps. This will make it easier for them to bring the dirty clothes to the laundry room. 

I purchased a collapsible laundry hamper for my son. That way, it took up very little space in the car, and it will be easier to store during the summer. This hamper folds up flat when not in use and is durable. The hamper also stands upright when it is empty. The outside is waterproof to prevent moisture from seeping out. It comes in a variety of colors.

Purchase the Collapsible Laundry Hamper here 

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11. Large S Hanging Metal Hooks

Dorm rooms have limited space and storage. My son used large S hooks on the edge of his bed to hang up his backpack and bath towel. 

 These large S hooks have many practicle uses for storage and organization. From hanging up clothes to bags, your child will find many uses for them. They can be used in the closet or over the bed rail.

Purchase the Large S Hanging Metal Hooks here 

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12. Body Wipes

 Disposable wipes always come in handy when away from home. From face wipes to potty wipes, these are a must-have for college students.

Natracare has a line of wipes that are designed for sensitive skin. The wipes are organic and made with natural ingredients. From wipes for makeup removal to safe-to-flush wipes for the potty, the wipes are made from cotton and chlorine-free paper.

Purchase the Natracare Wipes here

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13. Laptop Docking Station Stand

 A laptop stand will help college kids keep their desks organized and provide extra space, while helping them do their homework. My son loves this portable 11-in-1 USB-C laptop docking station.

This portable 11-in-1 USB-C laptop docking station can be used at many levels and has many ports to plug in many different devices. It is lightweight and folds up into the included carry pouch. When folded, it fits perfectly into a backpack, so it can be used while attending classes or traveling. The docking station stand effortlessly supports most laptops up to 40 lbs without any bounce or wobble.

Purchase the Laptop Docking Station Stand here 

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14. Nori Steam Iron

There will be times when your student will need to iron their clothes. For my boys, they have several events that require a suit and tie. These are networking events, and they need to make a good impression. Storing an iron and an ironing board in a dorm room is not ideal. Sure, the floor may have an iron that they can borrow, but it may be hard to come by.

The Nori Steam Iron is the perfect dorm room item. This compact steamer is a clothes iron with a steamer that delivers quick, convenient wrinkle care without the hassle of a bulky ironing board. This space-saving iron that can be stored easily in a drawer. It weighs only 1.4 pounds and measures 14 inches. It is ideal for quick touch-ups and light wrinkle removal on everyday fabrics, curtains, and hanging garments.

The Nori heats up quickly and has 6 fabric settings. It can be used with or without steam. The built-in garment steamer for clothes provides up to 10 minutes of continuous steam.

Purchase the Nori Steam Iron here

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15. Heavy-Duty Blue Moving Bags

Now that you have purchased everything for the dorm room, it needs to be packed. My favorite item for making packing so simple is using heavy-duty moving bags. These blue packing bags make packing a breeze, and they can also be used for traveling.

So many people love the large blue ikea bags for traveling, and I have found ones that are comparable online. These are great for those who don't live near an ikea store. I bought a 4-pack for my son for move-out dorm day, and he found them to be useful for storing his dorm room items. He even used one bag for his checked luggage on the airline trip home from college.

Purchase the Heavy-Duty Blue Moving bags here

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 These are just some of the many items that my son is bringing to school with him. Other items that need to be on the college packing list are first aid supplies, cold medicine, school supplies, a desk lamp, chargers, and so much more. My advice to parents is not to overpack. If they forgot something, you can always send it to them from one of the many online shopping services.

What college dorm essentials would you add to this list?