It’s that time of year where parents rejoice that the kids are finally heading back to school. But first comes the shopping. For us in private schools, we don’t get to embark on the wild BTS clothing shopping sprees, so we indulge in the more refined. The supplies. It seems that back to school is torturous to every parent in their own way, but in 2018, there are a lot more innovative and practical items than we had back in the 80s. Here’s a few current upgrades you’ll want to add to your BTS list (and can easily shop from your couch and avoid the crowds while binging on Netflix!)
1. A planner for mom
Mom needs some new stuff, too. And nothing will save the day like a good planner. Not only will this help you organize all those little league games and PTA meetings, but it’s sort of therapeutic (and pretty!) to organize it as well. You can also accessorize with JOANN getting lot of stickers, gratitude and to-do list inserts and even grocery and expense lists for the week to track more than all those steps you’re adding up chasing the kids. Bonus- these happy planners also double as gratitude journals with positive notes to keep you going through those hard weeks.
Where to get it: JOANN, $11-$25
2. Backpacks
There is always a need for a new backpack – and school just gives us an excuse to indulge. Kids are hard on them so you’re lucky if one lasts the entire year aways, but these new cool ones from Fenrici are durable and also have tons of different pockets and components to shove everything from pencils to paper airplanes inside. They also have empowering names – like ours, Confidence and all come with a special message inside.
Bonus – these Fenrici backpacks donate 5% of all sales to the education and research of pediatric rare diseases. So you’re giving back a little when you get.
Where to get it: Fenrici, $63 on sale for $35
3. Water bottle
Water bottles may seem a dime a dozen, but finding one that’s durable, sanitary and also spill proof for messy hands can be challenging. We’re currently loving this adaptable Drynk bottle from Vaya that allows you to sip or gulp (or share with friends!). It’s a great addition to the soccer field sidelines to share drinks without germs.
Where to find it: Vaya, $41 (use code DrynkWithFootball to receive an extra 15% off!)
4. Printer
Funny, but we’ve actually lived without a printer for a few years. It’s not that strange – it’s 2018 and most things are digital and the little things I can just print in the office in the city. That is until you get a school-aged child. Then you’re printing left and right – field trip release forms, doctor forms, homework, research… the list goes on. Luckily this new cartridge-free Expression ET-2750 EcoTank printer from Epson has TWO YEARS worth of ink inside. This EcoTank printer will save you around $1500, so it’s a damn good investment.
Where to find it: Target, $250 Use code ECOTANKMOMTRENDS2018 to receive 2-day shipping through September 3.
5. Pretty lunches are so 2017
Put down the cookie cutters and the camera and sticky notes. Six-year olds just like what they like and they don’t need it to look like unicorns and penguins. Plus you want to save that extra hour of sleep to look like a unicorn (not a penguin) at school drop-off. Stop making your life harder. There are tons of delicious, organic and sneaky veggie brands out there that you can pop into a lunchbox in five minutes. Plus, the kids are guaranteed to eat them. What is in our fridge/freezer at all times? The Chicken Sticks from Kidfresh and organic, whole milk strawberry yogurt tubes from Stonyfield.
Where to find it: Kidfresh and Stonyfield (I get both at Freshdirect but both are available at most major grocers) $3-7
Giveaway
GET YOUR OWN LADIES! Enter to win here and get your own BTS pack to kick-off the year right. Includes:
- your own happy planner set
- Fenrici backpack
- Vaya water bottle
- coupons for Stonyfield and Kidfresh
