How to Decorate a Small Apartment

Getting back into the back-to-school groove can take some time, but planning and prep can make the whole thing a bit less bonkers. For starters, try dedicating one day every week to plan out the next week—Outfits, menus, shopping lists, extracurricular activity schedules, etc. And if meal prep is always a challenge, too, try these strategies to simplify things. Before you know it, you'll be the maven of mealtime!

Quick breakfast ideas for kids

For school-age families, breakfast on the go is too often the norm. Shortcuts must be taken, and ye shall not be judged. We've got you.
From single-serve brew cups for you, to granola bars, Pop Tarts, and cereal for the kids, you'll find tons of ways to pack your pantry with morning must-haves that will help get something in their bellies and out the door on time.
We carry all kinds of baking mixes for muffins and such, too. So, keep your pantry packed, and when you find a bit of time on a Sunday to mix up a batch for the coming week, get after it!

What to pack for school lunch

Keeping their packed lunches and snacks different every day can be easier than you think. At Big Lots, you’ll find plenty of multipacks and single-serve options like fruit cups, apple sauce, pudding cups, dried fruit snacks, and PB&J stuff, as well as single-serve milk and juices, Sunny D, Capri Sun, and more. You'll have mix-n-match possibilities for days! And of course, plastic bags to keep it all separate (and still edible by lunchtime!). You can do this!

After school snack ideas

How can you be their snacktime superhero? Of course keeping plenty of fresh fruit in plain sight is best. But all the lunch stuff on hand can help satisfy the after-school snack attack, too. Staples like pretzels, chips, cookies, apple sauce, pudding cups, their favorite dried fruit snacks, or anything with peanut butter (or maybe Nutella for a treat?).

Weekday dinner ideas

Flexibility and ease are the key to being a weekday dinner winner. Big Lots is your go-to for great dinnertime staples at great prices. Soups, sauces, and sides like mac-n-cheese or instant potatoes, plus pasta, rice, baking supplies, and more. You'll always find something that will help you make dinner special. And easy. And quick.

With all these great mealtime options, don’t forget the storage and organization! Big Lots has all kinds of options to keep your pantry packed, help leftovers last a little longer, and let lunches actually make it to lunchtime.