Some schools across the country have already begun; in other parts of the country parents are scrambling to set-up child-care before and after school, sign up for activities and pick up last-minute school supplies. Here are a few essentials to start the school year on the right foot.
ion8 Water Bottles
I have been searching high and low for the perfect water bottle. I needed one that doesn’t leak and I think I found the winner in ion8. The award-winning design that enables opening it with one touch is really cool and I also like that the bottle is BPA and phthalate-free and can be used for both hot and cold drinks. The Pod, ($12.99) which holds 12 ounces, fits in lunchboxes and comes in 4 colors.
Name Bubbles
We’ve got (almost) all of the school supplies but now I have to worry about making sure my kids’ stuff doesn’t end up in the lost and found pile. From pencil boxes, to lunchboxes, winter hats and water bottles, everything gets a sticker with my kids’ name on it and that solves the “Mom, I lost it” problem. Name Bubbles are labels that you can design yourself and simply stick on your kids’ items to make sure nothing will get lost. I bought 72 small rectangle labels for $20.98, which is a really amazing deal! 72 labels can really stretch my dollar and designing them was fun and easy. They’re the perfect size for school supplies and other school items: small enough to fit but large enough to be noticeable.
OOLY School Supplies
If your kids are big fans of arts and crafts OOLY has you covered. OOLY has tons (and I mean TONS!) of dazzling markers, crayons and pens of all colors of the rainbow. My favorites: Lil Juicies Fruit Scented Erasers ($4.99) and Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens ($8.99). The gel pens are so cool! Writing with them is easy – the pen just glides, and if you sniff the paper you’ll get a whiff of bananas, pineapple or coconut. Best of all, they’re made out of plastic barrels and can be recyclable.
Arvar Backpack from Totto
With my oldest going into fifth grade, I realize she will have even more books, folders and workbooks to carry on her little back. The Arvar backpack from Totto ($44) is an ergonomic backpack that has cushioned straps for maximum comfort. It also features a laptop sleeve and a secret pocket (for notes from her friends?). It comes in black, blue or green.
I was not compensated for this post. I received samples.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for fourteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 10, 8 and 4) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.
The ion8 Water Bottles look nice. My son is on the Cross Country team at the school and is supposed to carry water with him wherever her goes. Plus, his school doesn’t have air conditioning!