Busy Bee has covered the back packs and the lunch boxes and so now it’s time for a few of the special little extras that will brighten your child’s day or make that day go more smoothly!

Reusable Snack Bags

Recent years have brought many great choices to replace all of those plastic baggies that we add to kids’ lunch boxes everyday! There is sure to be one for everyone’s taste!

Lunch Skins

Sold in three sizes and in bright modern patterns! (Lunchskins, Reusable Sandwich Bags, on sale for $8.95) 

Lilly Pulitzer

Available in one standard sandwich size and a choice of three patterns! (Swoozies, Reusable Snack Sack, on sale for $9.95) 

Snack Taxi

Handcrafted in Massachusetts, these sandwich bags have a funky vibe and two choices:  owl or giraffe! (UncommonGoods, Snack Taxi, on sale for $9.00)

Fun Pencils

Ease the pain of homework with these stylish choices!

Lilly Pulitzer

(Lifeguard Press, Lilly Pulitzer Patterned Pencils, on sale for $9.95)

Kate Spade:

(Crane & Co., Kate Spade Pencils, on sale for $8.00)

Recycled Newspaper

(Barnes & Noble, Recycled Newspaper Pencils, on sale for $4.86)

Ticonderoga Hold Right

(Dixon, Ticonderoga “My Hold Right” Pencils, on sale for $6.28 – $29.54)

Jonathan Adler

(Lifeguard Press, Jonathan Adler Pencil, on sale for $8.95)

Dylan’s Candy Bar

(Lifeguard Press, Gummy Pencil Set, on sale for $10.95)

Water Bottles

Hatley

(Hatley, Kids’ Water Bottle, on sale for $11.99)

Lilly Pulitzer

(Swoozie’s, Child’s Water Bottle, on sale for $12.95)

Personalized Water Bottles from The Palm Gifts

(The Palm Gifts, Personalized Water Bottles, on sale for $20.00)

Nature Inspired from Uncommon Goods

(UncommonGoods, Stainless Steel Water Bottles, on sale for $9.99)

I hope that this post proves that sometimes it’s the small things that can make a big difference!  When it comes to getting your kids excited about a new school year, keep these ideas in mind!

You may also enjoy:

• Backpack Round Up, 2011
• Lilly Pulitzer Schools Supplies – Pretty and Preppy
• More Back to School Gifts
• Fun Ways to Prepare for and Celebrate Back to School

It’s that time again and how quickly it rolls around!  If your child is looking for a backpack that ‘s a bit more unique, take a look at these selections!  And don’t miss our Lunchbox Roundup!

For the Three to Seven Set

Zoo Packs by Skip Hop

This line of backpacks is really cute!  Sit down with your little one and have them choose their favorite animal from dozens of possibilities!  There are the expected dogs and frogs, as well as the more unexpected fox, penguin and bee! (Skip Hop,  Zoo Packs, $20)

Kiddie Play Packs by Ore Originals

Perfectly sized for the younger set, these simply designed backpacks are available in a wide variety of fabulous patterns, including a few with vintage appeal.  Coordinating lunch boxes are also sold at this site. (O.R.E.,  Kiddie Play Packs, $20)

Back Pack Buddies

Handcrafted from locally sourced, reclaimed wool, each one of these backpacks is one of a kind!  Choose from a dog or walrus design! (Uncommon Goods*, Backpack Buddies, $48)

For the Grade School Set

Backpacks and Messenger Bags from Four Peas – This website will be a great place to start your backpack search.  Kids can choose between a backpack or messenger bag style and then from a wide variety of patterns and designs:

(Four Peas, Save the Blue School Backpack, $35)

(Four Peas, Spunky Stripe Messenger Bag, $35)

Personalized Backpacks from Swoozies

Here’s your resource for the preppy, personalized backpacks!  There are bright backpacks for girls in hot pink, navy or lime green and chocolate brown or camo for boys.  (Swoozies, Personalized Tuff Stuff Camo Backpack, $19.95)

For the High School Set

Backpacks that Accommodate a Laptop – so many high school students are now carrying laptops along with their books that it makes sense to have one bag to accommodate both.  Here are some excellent options:

Laptop Backpacks For Girls  -

From preppy to indie, several fabulous patterns are offered from Vera Bradley. (Vera Bradley*, Laptop Backpack, $98)

Another terrific option for high school girls carrying a laptop along with their books is the Dakine Prom, offered in several patterns at Zappos.  (Zappos, Dakine Prom, $50, free shipping)

Laptop Backpacks For Guys –

Boys is high school will like The Dakine Mission Backpack’s quality, comfort and laptop sleeve.  Offered in a variety of patterns at Zappos.  (Zappos, Dakine Mission Backpack, $65)

This roomy and high quality backpack from Merrel has lots of zippered compartments and will accommodate a laptop. (Zappos, Merrel Avionic Commuter Laptop Backpack, $99)

Some Additional Fun Suggestions for Teen Girls:  my apologies to the guys, but there are just more options for the girls!

For the teen girl who’s looking for something a bit different, this St. Tropez Fushia French Market Basket will do the trick! (French Basketeer,  St. Tropez Fushia French Market Basket, $48)

Another out of the ordinary alternative is this monogrammed Navy and White Striped Canvas Tote from The Palm Gifts.  With easy to carry handles and reinforced seams, it makes a nice alternative backpack for teen girls. The tote comes in a variety of thread colors and may be personalized for free. (The Palm Gifts, Navy and White Striped Canvas Tote, $32)

A teen girl can’t go wrong with a classic LL Bean Tote Bag.  (LL Bean Boat and Tote Bag, size medium for $24.95)

Best of luck with important search for the perfect backpack for school!  Which one will you choose?!

* Busy Bee Lifestyle is an affiliate of Uncommon Goods and Vera Bradlely.

You may also enjoy:

• Lunch Box Round Up for Kids
• Lunch Box Round Up for Teens
• Pack a “Green” Lunch
• The A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s of Back to School Shopping
• Back To School Gift Guide
• Back to School Supplies for Moms
  
• Host a School Year’s Eve Party
• Have a Fun First Day of School
• Start a New Tradition for the First Day of School
• Clever Ideas for a Happy First Day of School
• French Toast Casserole for the First Day of School

 

If you’d like to build some excitement for that often dreaded first day of school, consider treating your student to a fun gift!  These suggestions range in price and include both the useful and the whimsical!

Silly Band T-Shirts

The silly band craze has branched out to t-shirts!  The t-shirts are available for both boys and girls and are covered with “rock” and “love” themed silly bands! ( From LikeWear Products, Silly Band T-Shirts, $24.95)

Unique School Supplies

Clever school supplies from Uncommon Goods* include:  Pebble Eraser Set -$15, Scented Eraser Rings – $15 (pictured) and Smens – $25, an update on scented pencils, smens are scented pens!

Personalized PJ’s

It might not be the night before Christmas, but there’s still plenty of excitement on the night before school begins!  Playful alphabet pj’s will start the year off right! (From Chasing Fireflies, Personalized PJs, $48)

Cardboard Schoolhouse

This sturdy cardboard playhouse modeled to look like a pint sized schoolhouse, is like giving two gifts in one!  First, there’s the decorating with all sorts of fun, reusable school themed decals and then a great place to play or cozy spot to read! (From Chasing Fireflies, Cardboard Schoolhouse, $68, School House Decals, $14))

p.s. this gift can be a gift that gives twice – pick up a package of Halloween themed decals and in October, turn the school house into a haunted house!

Memory and Keepsake Portfolio*

Buying this expandable portfolio to store artwork and other school keepsakes in September is brilliant!  In June, all of those prize possessions will be neatly contained in one spot!  (Lillian Vernon*, Expandable Portfolio Memories, $24.98, two for $19.98 each)

Adorable Naptime Mat

Perfect for the little ones who still nap at school or day care, this mat is easy to roll up and folds into a pocket when not needed!  A removable pillow is included and personalization is available! (From My Lil Cupcake Boutique, Naptime Mat, $29.95)

Tubular Greetings

These unique greetings arrive right in the mailbox and are clear plastic tubes filled with all sorts of themed fun things, including a version for Back to School brimming with great school supplies! (From Tubular Greetings, Back to School, $18)

You may also enjoy:

* it’s serendipty when the products we love are from the sponsors we love

Although the First Day of School may not be a traditional gift giving occasion, there are some really cute and fun gifts that will send your kids out the door or onto the bus with a smile!

T-Shirts:  the sayings on these shirts will have you laughing – not cringing!

From Chasing Fireflies

“My School (or Preschool or Kindergarten) is Cool, Chasing-fireflies.com” $30

“First Grade (or Second, Third or Fourth) is Cool,” $30

From Silly Wagon

“Kindergarten (or First Grade) Rocks!,” $48.95

Just for Fun

Personalized First Day of School Cones

Hailing back to a sweet German custom, these adorable cones from Chasing Fireflies arrive personalized and filled with all sorts of fun toys and games!  (Filled Girls Cone, Filled Boys Cone, available seasonally).  And if you’re feeling creative, purchase an empty cone from Magic Cabin and fill it with your own gift selections!  (Empty Traditional German School Cone, $7.98)*

And for more information about this charming tradition, take a look at Start a New Tradition for the First Day of School!

Monogrammed Water Bottles

Garnet Hill helps the planet with personalized water bottles!  These aluminum bottles are durable and lightweight, sporting either a name or initial and include two different screw tops and a carabiner. (Personalized Aluminum Water Bottle, $29)

Pocket Caddies

This is a terrific organizational tool for kids from Garnet Hill!  This tote, in four bright patterns, features six outside pockets, a removable four-compartment divider and nylon handles is just perfect for corralling pencils, crayons, tape, staplers and so much more!  Personalization will make this gift even more special!  (Pocket Caddy, $38)

Animal Alarm Clock

Start their mornings off on a good foot with these alarm clocks in either pink pig or white dog, feature posable limbs and a friendly face! (Animal Alarm Clock, $14.95)*

String Dolls Back Pack Charms

No back pack is complete without an assortment of key chains and baubles hanging from the zipper!  Pick up a funky and funny addition from Kamibashi – these string dolls depict famous historical figures and impart their inspiration to your kids!  There’s Vincent (VanGogh) for creative genius, Marie Antoinette (so they can have their cake and eat it too!), Shakespeare (to help kids find their voice) and so many more! (String Dolls, $10 Each)

Lap Desks

Room It Up has a terrific assortment of lap desks for boys and girls with colorful, easy to clean plastic tops and cotton bottoms.  With this gift, you can encourage homework wherever your kids find themselves! (Lap Desk, $28*)

Desk Raft

I love this cute item modeled after a pirate ship! Haba’s clever raft will add organization and fun to your son’s desk! (Haba Corsario Desk Raft, $32.99)

Robot Pencil Sharpener

Make a dull task something for the kids to fight over!  This funny robot winds up when you sharpen a pencil and then walks across the table!  Pencil shavings collect in his head! (Robot Pencil Sharpener, The Organized Parent, $7.95)*

Back to School Movies

My kids love adding to their DVD collection and a school themed movie might be just the thing for an older child!  Remember some of these “vintage” releases?

• Dead Poets Society (PG)
• Freaky Friday 2003 Edition, (PG)
• Mr. Holland’s Opus (PG)
• Never Been Kissed (PG-13)
• Akeelah and the Bee (PG)
• Sky High (Widescreen Edition – PG)
• Legally Blonde (PG-13)

Consider wrapping up one of these gifts and placing it next to your child’s breakfast plate on the first day of school! Lucky you when your child greets the new school year with a grin instead of a groan!

You may also enjoy:

• Clever Ideas for the First Day of School
• Host a School Year’s Eve Party
• Preparing for the First Day of School
• Pack a “Green” Lunch
• Have a Fabulous First Day of School
• Back to School with Vera Bradley
• Back to School Supplies for Moms
• Pretty and Preppy School Supplies from Lilly Pulitzer

It’s serendipity when the products we love are from the sponsors we love!

Summer Reading for Kids!

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to make sure that our children are busy and entertained while school is out!  In my house, I start each summer with high hopes that once a day we’ll have a “quiet reading” time when the kids and I explore the pages of fabulous novels.  And of course, the reality is that I can barely get them to read the two or three books required by their schools!

Finding Great Books for Children

My new thought is that maybe I just need better books to offer!  The lists provided by schools tend to be the same from year to year without a lot of updated selections.  But recently, I found a great website, sponsored by publisher Simon and Schuster which focuses on new releases for children, dividing the titles by both age and grade.  This is not to say that the classics aren’t well represented, but there are hundreds of book suggestions released in 2010 alone!

Consider Forming a Parent/Child Book Group

Another nice feature of this site are the many titles with reading group guides.  Summer is the perfect time to form a parent/child book group!  My daughter and I participated in a book group for years and found the experience exceptional on many levels.  Here are some easy online resources:

• Parent/Child Book Group – For advice on forming a book group involving your children, take a look at Busy Bee’s article on How to Grow a Great Book Group
• Reading Suggestions – Simon and Schuster’s extensive list of Reading Suggestions for Children
• Reading Group Guides – Simon and Schuster’s list of Books with Reading Group Guides.  (Once you are on this webpage, click on the grade level that you are interested in – for example, Grades 7 to 8.  From there, you can select to browse only those books with Reading Group Guides!)

Some Specific Reading Recommendations!

Here are some stand out titles, each with a reading group guide, that might intrigue your children this summer:

Grades K- 3

• The Brothers Kennedy
• Sonya Sotomayor:  A Judge Grows in the Bronx

Grades 4-6

• The Shadow Children
• The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

Grades 7-8

• Out of My Mind
• A Million Shades of Gray

Grades 9 – 12

• Beneath My Mother’s Feet
• Anything But Typical

I hope that these suggestions are helpful and that this summer bring us all some quiet reading time!