July 27th, 2011 
(Photo Credit: www.dealio.com)
I enjoy summer more than any other season. What could be better than sleeping in, sunshine and spending care free days at the pool? My inner clock is starting to tick a bit though. I ignore it at first, but that little nudge eventually sends me running to my calendar. Only five weeks until it’s time to go back to school! How can it be? We were just starting to relax and have fun!
I have not been a student in nearly 20 years, but I still get that back to school feeling. I feel apprehensive at first, but when I begin to think of all the shopping opportunities to prepare for the upcoming school year I can’t help but get excited! It’s true, I’ve been this way since I was a child. Now I’m a grown-up with a credit card and an unbridled passion for online treasure hunts.
Each school requests their standard list of school supplies. We are talking about the fun stuff though – the must have super cool back packs, lunch boxes, binders and more. Every child should be excited to go back to school. Being armed with the latest and greatest school supplies can help students feel confident and prepared.
Personalized notebook by Frecklebox (Photo Credit: www.frecklebox.com)
One of my favorite sites for back to school cool this year includes Frecklebox offers coordinating personalized school supplies like folders, clip boards and book marks that would be appropriate for children and teens. They even have site word pads and flashcards for Kindergartners.
Pottery Barn Kids seems to be the gold standard for backpacks. Providing lots of extra features like, laptop and mp3 pockets as well as lunch bag clips, there is something for everyone. The site even displays a great video about how to choose the right backpack according to your child’s size and activities.
I recently discovered Pea Pod Announcements. At first glance it looks like a site only for stationery, which in itself is fabulous. Don’t miss the back to school section for note totes, planners and lap desks. If you are a Lilly lover like me, you’ll go crazy for the selection of calendars, lunch totes and more. For more cool school supplies check out The Pink Monogram, Carolina Pad Store, and The Organized Parent. I’d love to hear from readers if you know of others.
Part of the back to school experience is shopping together with your child. I typically spend a little time on my own filling an online shopping cart with my personal favorites. Later, I show my girls the selections and let them choose. This way, everyone wins.
I am fortunate to be able to shower my girls with the school supplies they need. I hope you are too. If you are able to share with others by donating learning essentials to schools and organizations you could change a child’s future. Often it’s the little things that make an impact on a child’s self-esteem. Make going back to school a positive experience for your own children and others. Every student can make a stylish successful start to a new school year.
