Back-to-school is always an exciting time of year for students, teachers and parents. However, it can also cause some worry, and I think that’s especially true for 2021. Everyone is wondering if schools will remain in-person at this uncertain time in our history. I think it’s top of everyone’s minds to keep their kids safe. Here are a few of my “Back To School Essentials” or things on the top of my back-to-school shopping list for 2021. (And, I can’t believe my youngest is going to be a senior — but that’s another story)!
2021 Back-To-School-Shopping-List
Facemask Spray
Top of our list for Hudson, Wisconsin is a face-mask spray. Currently facemasks are optional in the Hudson School District; however, if cases continue to rise they will become mandatory. Wearing a mask for 8 hours straight can be uncomfortable, and my DIY facemask spray helps ease breathing, freshens breath and cools the skin. If need be, you can tailor your spray to fit your needs (sensitive skin or blemish prone-skin, for example). My basic recipe is to combine 1 T Witch Hazel, 10 drops Peppermint and 10 drops Bergamot essential oil in a 2 oz glass spray bottle and fill with water. Shake and spray the inside and outside of your mask every hour or so, and it really helps make mask-wearing comfortable.
Healthy Hand Sanitizer
I love the quote, “I like my products like I like my people, non-toxic”! I prefer doTERRA’s OnGuard hand sanitizer to any other I have tried. It contains doTERRA OnGuard Protective Blend essential oil, naturally derived ethyl alcohol and apple extract. This is perfect for when you can’t use soap and water to wash your hands, and the apple extract helps moisturize your hands. It is 99.9% effective at killing germs and bacteria, and I love the scent. I also love that it contains OnGuard Protective Blend, which we think of as immune support in a bottle at our house. We keep one in each backpack, purse, and car, as well as having one on each counter in our house. I send one to school with Danny, and also give one of these to his teacher.
Healthy Hand Sanitizer Wipes

OnGuard Hand Wipes
I was thrilled when doTERRA came out with OnGuard Hand Sanitizer wipes last year. Previously, I had tried to make my own, but these are MUCH more convenient. They come in a 20-pack or 50-pack. These OnGuard hand sanitizer wipes also contain OnGuard Protective Blend essential oil and ethyl alcohol. These are perfect to keep in your car, purse, desk and backpack. i like to use them not only for my hands, but also for cleaning screens and wiping up spills. These were not available last year, but I plan to send these to school with Danny and for his teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.
Essential Oil Study Helpers
Two of my favorite rollerballs to send to school are Motivate Touch and Intune Touch rollerball blends. Danny prefers Motivate Touch. They are both effective study helpers, and are pre-diluted for topical use. I like to put Motivate Touch in Danny’s backpack. He can apply to the back of his neck, or on his hands whenever he feels fidgety. Motivate Touch is designed to help prevent procrastination and help you feel motivated to complete your work (school or office). Intune is doTERRA’s focus blend and perfect for those who need a little help staying on task and concentrating on school work. I recommend you let your child smell them both, and choose the scent he or she prefers.
Essential Oil Stress Reducers
Two of my favorite essential oil blends to calm your nerves are Balance Grounding Blend and Adaptiv Calming Blend from doTERRA. They are both great choices for soothing nerves about starting school, test-taking or in any new situation. I like to put a drop in my hands, rub them together and cup and inhale. Again, I would let your child choose the oil they prefer, and apply it each morning before they leave for school.
Immune Support
We like to apply OnGuard Protective Blend essential oil to the bottoms of our feet each morning at breakfast. Using a little bit of oil daily is a great way to get the results you want (rather than applying a large amount when an issue arises). To keep our immune systems healthy, we like to use OnGuard on a daily basis. While I don’t typically send this to school, it’s technically a back-to-school item because we use it daily before school.
I hope you find this back-to-school list helpful for your family. If you are new to oils, I would recommend this starter kit in August 2021. It’s the perfect way to get everyone in your household ready to head back to school and back to work. It’s only available in August, and you will also earn 50 FREE doTERRA dollars with the purchase of this kit. It’s a really great deal, and I look forward to coaching you on your essential oil journey!
Hugs & Health – Michelle