A New Way To Get Schooled
We know that by now some of you may have already done your school shopping, or may even be back in school as we speak. But we also know that there are those late shoppers (like moi) who are trying to make their summer last by swimming and lounging instead of schlepping to the big box store to check off the to-do's. How about some alternatives to the same old same old? Your kids will love these fresh ideas, and you'll love the fact that these online stores will have stock (unlike that empty back to school aisle you are likely to see at the store). Check this out:
Basic Needs
Get the basics covered in one shot, and all while saving the planet, with this Green Apple Earth Friendly School Pack [$28] from Red Apple School Supply. Getting things taken care of quickly and eco-minded-ly is my bag baby. This set includes:
1 Green Apple 2" three-ring binder made of recycled paper w/re-usable hardware
1 recycled 3-subject notebook, college rule
1 package recycled binder filler paper, 100 sheets, college rule
1 Oxford 100% recycled paper 2 pocket portfolio
1 pack of Green Apple #2 pencils, 10 count
1 Green Apple retractable ballpoint pen, medium black, made from recycled components
1 Green Apple biodegradable jumbo highlighter pencil
1 Green Apple ruler made from recycled yellow pages and plastic
Stuck On You
Pick up a non-toxic gel glue instead of that usual yuckiness we're all so familiar with, by snagging an O'Glue by Itoya. You can even use it when the kids aren't looking, as it's archival safe and acid free.
Write For Life
Looking for those special triangular pencils to help with the fine motor and writing skills? Look no further than the Stubby Pencil Studio, whose eco-minded products make this mama swoon. Their 12-pack of ergonomic triangle shaped pencils [$4] are made in Spain from reforested wood, and they even throw in a natural rubber eraser made in France. Loved by students of every age.
Keepin Track Of It All
Don't forget to grab something for the younger set to keep track of all their new writing bits and bobbles. This Rocket Pencil Case made in Germany by Haba (found at Oompa Toys $17) meets all the needs of my young adventurers. There are multiple tiny zippered pouches perfect for paper clips, erasers or that special tiny find from inside the couch cushions. The see through top means you'll always know what's hiding inside.
Express Yourself
Once everyone comes home from all that reading and writing, help them let off some steam with some creative expression. The quickest (and cleanest) way to do this is by simple coloring, but you can punch up the color extravaganza by using something fun and funky like these Recycled Rainbow Crayons [$5]. Depending on where you put crayon to paper, you get a plethora of color options to give you that splash of expression you and your kids long for.
Perfect Saver
Students and parents alike need a place to store all those homework assignments, scanned in projects and pictures from special days at school. This Cruzer 2G flash drive by SanDisk [$15] is the perfect solution for stylish peeps looking to keep their stored items close at hand.
Now Presenting: Lunch
We have kids with special diets, so I'm always looking for ways to make their lunches more fun and appetizing. I'm a long time fan of bento presentation of food, and this adorable Merry Mouton 2 Tier Bento Box by I Love Bento [$20] is the perfect way to send each individual food in style. There is a divider between the two tiers, and the latch keeps things all together.
Keepin Your Cool
We'll need something to put that Bento Box in to keep it chilled, so this Fleurville Kid's Lunch Pack [$32] does just the trick. Environmentally conscious, Mod look, fabulous features, all things that mom loves and kids dig into. My chances of having my son come home with most of his lunch eaten just went up.
Pack It Up, Pack It In
Get everything wrapped up and ready to go with the latest from Land's End. Their Cordura StudyHaul Backpack [$35] has been tested at our house all summer, so we can tell you that not only did it outlast the rugged travels across country, on airplanes and at the beach, but it's numerous pockets and wide open top made it the most desired bag in our house. Everyone was scrambling for it, even mom and dad. It's comfortable and even has a MP3 pouch and cord port so you'll never been tune-less.
Win it!
We're giving away a Land's End Study Haul Backpack loaded with school supplies. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with School as your subject. Giveaway ends 08.25.08
-Arianne