What to Pick up This Weekend - Back to School Edition

It’s August and that means back to school sales are in your face and on your mind!  I love the start of a new school year.  When I was a teacher, the thought of a fresh start and a new group of kids was so exciting.  It was the possibilities of what we could accomplish together and the opportunity we were being given to impact young lives that got me ready to start the new year.  As a mom, it’s the same reason.  I’m excited to see what unfolds for my kids this year.  When they were little, I had this feeling of not wanting them to grow up and stay small and cute and precious.  But what I’ve found out is that cute and precious can come in a bigger package.  Big kids are just as fun and adorable to watch grow and make new discoveries as little kids are.  So when it’s time for back to school, I don’t get too emotional over their new grade or their new teachers.  I get excited to watch their possibilities unfold.  And, if I’m being honest, I’ve had enough refereeing the arguing and providing non-stop snacks and entertainment and the answering of, “But there’s nothing to do!!!”  I mean, really, you just had a snack 10 minutes ago.  You are not hungry! You just need to go back to school!

I love back to school shopping for these three reasons:

One, I love to shop.  It doesn’t really matter what it’s for, but give me an excuse that I MUST shop for something, and I’m there, especially if bargain hunting is involved. 

Two, who doesn’t love buying new crayons and pencils and markers and rulers and notebooks?!  Give me a fresh new notebook and a brand new box of crayons and I’m a happy girl.  Oh wait, I mean my kids are happy.  Haha!

And the third reason is that I know how incredibly fortunate we are that our kids even need back to school supplies and that we are able to provide them.  All over this world, there are kids (girls especially) begging for an education.  We live in a place that school is the expectation.  It’s not that way for so many children all over the world.  So, I count my lucky stars that my kids need those markers and that I can buy them, when so many others are struggling to gather the necessary supplies and still others aren’t going to school at all.  (Oh and don’t comment that the supply lists are too long – I was a teacher, remember.  They’re not too long.  Teachers only ask for what's necessary to provide your child with a well-rounded education.  If you think they are, go spend a year as a teacher and watch how much of your salary is spent on your classroom and not your own family.  That's my two cents anyway.)

Here’s some of the fun things we’ve picked up for back to school 2015!

 

I love Vera Bradley backpacks, lunch kits, and totes.  They’re durable, well made, and can be tossed in the washing machine.  If you’re not too picky about the pattern, check for an outlet store near you.  The one near us had backpacks this week for $39.  Unfortunately, 7^th grade calls for pickiness over patterns and the backpack being just right.  Sophie opted for this new pattern and the matching planner.

This planner is perfect for a jr. high or high school student.  It’s laid out in a school year format and has both month pages and day pages to keep track of all of her commitments and

homework in one notebook.

Both available at verabradley.com and at many local retailers

The new Toms lace-ups are super-duper comfortable.  They’re more padded in the sole than previous Toms we’ve bought and will keep feet comfy all day.  We opted for this chambray polka-dot pattern that will go with literally everything!

Available at Toms.com from $36 and up

Neff Daily sunglasses are uber cool for back to school.  We picked up this pair in Colorado, but they’re available at neffheadwear.com.  UVA and UVB protection with style. From $20

I’ve talked about May Books in the past.  There’s so many ways to customize and personalize these little notebooks with sewn bindings.  I keep several of them going at once with notes, to do lists, and more.  Order at maydesigns.com, around $20

What have you picked up that will make for a cool back to school?