It’s time to get to get together the school supplies, pack a lunch (or eight, depending on how many kids you have), sign the paperwork, and get those kids back to school. Get ready for the school season with this list that includes some of the best new products this year.
Clothing for School
CeCe Toppings are adorable and functional. Instead of wearing a long sleeved, button up shirt underneath sweaters kids can wear CeCe Toppings. It looks like you’re wearing a full shirt underneath, but it’s just a collar. Both of my daughters (ages 9 and 12) tried this on, and it fits both of them. There are plenty of different styles and designs from which to choose. They are made in the USA and of 100% cotton. It’s made well and is beautiful. My girls are now fighting over this one, so it’s a hit!
Clothing is an important part of back to school shopping. Each child should have enough clothes to go five days:
- 4 pairs of jeans
- 3 short sleeved shirts
- 3 long sleeved shirts
- 2 sweaters
- 2 pairs of gym pants
- 5 pairs of socks
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 1 nice dress outfit
Lunch Boxes and Drink Containers
Tupperware’s Retro Sandwich Keeper and Tumbler Set featuring Hello Kitty or Kung Fu Panda will keep sandwiches safe and drinks at the ready. They are dishwasher safe. Babble has two options for lunch boxes. One is a hard case that opens to reveal three sections – one for a sandwich, one for a snack, and the other for a water bottle that comes with it. The water bottle has a built-in filter for clean water every time. The other one is a soft case with the same water bottle.
Speaking of water bottles, Contigo has two that are perfect for back to school shopping. One is a small kids spill proof mug. You have to press a button to drink, and then it automatically seals when not in use. Another is a larger bottle with a handle, and even a storage compartment that can hold a key. Both are truly spill-proof.
Another great lunchbox is the Bright Bin. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe, free of BPA, PVC, lead, and Phthalates. You don’t need any plastic bags for this one, just add in all the food and you’re good to go. The top compartment will hold a sandwich, and the bottom compartment has three spots for fruit, veggies, and whatever else you want to pack. What you need:
- 1 lunchbox
- 1 drink container
- 1 snack container (Kushies snack containers are reusable and washable)
Studying Materials and Supplies
McGraw Hill Publishing has books to help prepare high school kids for their AP exams. The books include 5 Steps to AP Biology 2012-2013, 5 Steps to AP English Literature 2012-2013, and 5 Steps to AP Psychology 2012-2013. There are sample tests, study plans, and plenty of tips and advice. Help your high school student get the best scores she can on her AP exams with these prep books.
Most schools now send out a list of school supplies your child will need, but here’s a list of the basics in case you don’t receive one:
- Pencils
- Notebooks
- Binder
- Loose-Leaf paper
- Index cards
- Glue
- Tape
- Scissors
Backpacks
The Company Store has adorable backpacks and bags for school. One is a pink backpack with light pink ponies and flowers. The large pocket can hold three or more textbooks. A smaller front pocket is perfect for supplies. There’s a side pocket for a water bottle, and another with a snap front. There is even an MP3 player holder on the soft shoulder straps. This is a durable and strong backpack sure to last years. Check out the Spiketus Rex backpack for a super cool monster backpack.
Organization
Get organized with a Brother PT-1290 Home Office Label Maker. Label everything in style with stylish and deco pattern labels. Label school supplies, backpacks, lunchboxes, and more. In your home label drawers, toys, everything!
Go paperless with the NeatDesk Desktop Scanner and Digital Filing System. Simply place your papers, business cards, and receipts into the device and it scans it all for you. Eliminate paper clutter in your home. You can even create expense reports, PDF documents, and tax records. NeatDesk can send the information to TurboTax, Quicken, or another program for you. This is great for all of those papers your child brings home from school. Just add them to the scanner and get them all digitally organized. Where’s that field trip again? Just check your computer.
Sickness Preparation
Cold-EEZE can help reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold, which is nice when you need to get to work while your kid goes back to school healthy.
Get a flu shot and learn more about the flu at Faces of Influenza.
Bedding
The Company Store has a super cute Boho Patch sheet set and comforter. It’s made of 100% cotton. They also have a body pillow to snuggle up with while sleeping off all of that learning. You should have at least two sets of sheets, pillow cases, and comforters. Two sets are better so you can replace one set while the other is in the washer. Wash your sheets once a week.
Preparing for College
If you’ve got a kid heading off to college check out the “Make a List” section at Target online.
Back to school shopping is made easy with this shopping list and suggestions. Add your suggestions to the comment box below! Happy back to school season!
Nicky LaMarco - Nicky LaMarco writes articles, books and blogs. She's been published in a variety of media and has been writing since 2001.
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