back to school

Showing posts with label back to school. Show all posts

Personalized Pencil Pouch

I know it's a little late for back-to-school, but I love this "Elephant Pouch" Pencil Case I found at Etsy (it is also described as a possible EpiPen carrier, which I guess is a sign of the times). For just $10 this makes a very sweet handmade gift for a young (or even not-so-young) student. The entire A.E. Wilder Etsy shop is full of delightful hand-embroidered items, so check it out.

Serena & Lily Goes Puffy

Please don't think that I am in any way, shape, or form recommending that you spend $118 on a child's backpack (I'm not), but speaking of the puffy coat trend, check out these cool new puffer backpacks by Serena & Lily. Serena & Lily, a company you may know better for exquisite crib bedding, has branched out into other areas of home decor and now, some very cool gift items including these mod backpacks. They're dreamy to look at in their rainbow of colors; check them out here.

Bargain Alert: The Boys' Store

Via Twitter, I heard about an online shop called The Boys' Store that sells designer clothing for little guys' at big discounts. The selection is somewhat limited (and the site isn't particularly polished), but if you dig you'll find great pieces by brands like Mulberribush, Minibasix, and Wes & Willy. Right now, you can score this Wes & Willy Navy Pea Coat for just $19.50 (regularly $39; sizes 4-16). Plus I have an additional 30% off coupon code for you below, taking the price down to under $14. Score this and other bargains this Labor Day weekend at The Boys' Store.

Get 30% off your entire order this weekend with code "Aug2010" at The Boys' Store.

Step Up From Staples

Considering that I write a shopping blog about kids' products, I'm a little embarrassed that I bought my daughter the plainest folders imaginable at Staples less than 24 hours before school started. But, hey, we had already spent (gulp) $60 on everything on her 2nd grade school supply list and with SIXTEEN folders still left to go (16 folders for 2nd grade!) I am glad that we were at Staples where we got them all for just over $2. That being said, had I planned ahead more (and had a larger budget), I would have loved to have ordered her at least a few of these much groovier Personalized School Folders from our affiliate Frecklebox. At $4.95 apiece, they ain't cheap (at least compared to Staples), but for a special back-to-school treat, I think one or two are perfectly reasonable. And I like that Frecklebox has widened its range of designs (click here to see just a few)- the new "Tweety Peety", "Purple People Eater", and "Cars" are some of my favorites. So if you haven't crossed folders off that supply list yet, consider taking a look at Frecklebox.

CRUMBS for a Cause

If you live in NYC, you surely know about the deliciousness of CRUMBS cupcakes. I got an e-mail from CRUMBS about two new limited edition cupcakes introduced this week for back to school season- "The Big Apple" and "Pinkalicious" (pictured above). Each is available at CRUMBS stores for $4, but teachers will get a 20% discount now through Sunday, September 12th. And, a portion of the sale of the Pinkalicious cupcakes will benefit the Ink Well Foundation, a volunteer group of artists who work with children facing serious illness. Sweet on all counts. Stop in at NY locations of CRUMBS to participate.

Fall Fashion at Arte Bebe

I've been writing this blog for 3 years and there are several boutique sites that, without fail, serve up the best selection of stylish kids' clothing season after season. One of these is Arte Bebe, which is a go-to destination for finding trend-setting brands like Splendid, Neige, and Appaman. Here are some of my top picks for Fall 2010 clothing you can buy at Arte Bebe:

Appaman Metallic Silver Puffy Coat ($92). In case you haven't noticed, "puffy and shiny" is the new black (more on that in another post), and Appaman's puffy coat is the hottest piece of outerwear (SJP's son has this coat).

I hadn't heard of this brand before, but I'm digging Kapital K's Trapper Hat in Camo ($23 in 2-4; $26 in 5-8); you should check out the matching camo pants, too. I like the subtlety of the pattern.

A former Vera Wang designer makes the beautiful knit separates by Neige, like this thick Neige Anna Sweater Coat ($96 sizes 2-6; $100 size 7).

Lastly, Splendid has another hit with this just-right-for-autumn Orange-and- Navy Stripe Thermal Hoodie ($52/$54; sizes 2-6X). Arte Bebe sent this for S. and I am hooked (so is he). He is sensitive to some fabrics and styles, but Splendid's thermal tees are luxuriously soft and comfortably. Note that they run a bit small- order a size up if in doubt.

There's lots more, with new products arriving all the time (oh, and you know those 3 Sprouts Wall Organizers I mentioned a little while ago? You can buy those here too).

Shopping for back-to-school clothes? Get 10% off any clothing purchased at Arte Bebe now through October 15th, 2010 with code "MMMFALL". Coupon applies to clothing purchases only.

Hugs and Kisses at School

Oh, I love these "Ruby" shoes from See Kai Run. Super cute for a first day of preschool. The red leather rubber-soled shoes have black piping and straps with hook-and-loop velcro closure. Insanely adorable. Sizes 3-9, $40 at See Kai Run.

MyMomShops Giveaway, BlogHer Swag Part 1: Mabel's Labels

As promised, I have some BlogHer '10 swag to share with you.

First up, I've got two (2) gift certificates which each entitle one winner to a FREE pack of Mabel's Labels' famous Colourful Label Out Loud Sticky Labels (retail value $21). These are Mabel's newest designs in bright, fun colors and new designs; my own kids got these for camp these past summer and they worked great on everything from clothing to water bottles to shoes (your pack will include an assortment of different shape and size labels). Perfect for back-to-school season.

Here's the thing. These gift certificates are valid through tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 31st) only. So I'm conducting this giveaway quickly, and a little differently. Please read the rules below carefully.

To enter this contest:

1) Please leave a comment below (click on "comments") indicating what your favorite product is from Mabel's Labels is.
2) You may leave up to THREE entries- one regular entry (as described above), one entry indicating that you have tweeted this giveaway (please leave your Twitter name), and one entry indicating that you have blogged about this giveaway (please provide a link). You MUST include a valid e-mail address or I can not contact you with the gift certificate code if you win!
3) The two winners will be chosen randomly.
4) This giveaway is open to U.S. AND Canadian residents. Yippee!!!
5) You must enter by 12 midnight tonight, EST. A winner will be announced (and notified) at 8am tomorrow morning, August 31st. Then you must use your gift certificate by midnight EST that same night. Got it? Good!

Good luck!!!

Back-to-School at Layla Grayce

Our affiliate Layla Grayce is running a special on all of its Back to School products (see coupon code below). This includes Skip Hop's popular new "Owl" design for its toddler backpack, which I've spotted in a bunch of fall magazines. Love this one. The toddler packs are the perfect size for preschoolers (10 x 11.5") and are completely BPA-Free, Phthalate-free, and PVC Free. There's a matching lunchpack, too, if you can stand the cuteness. Order one for $20 at Layla Grayce.

Enjoy a 10% discount on all back-to-school items at Layla Grayce with code "BACK4FALL" now through August 31st.

Want More Children's Place Coupons?

I have more coupons for The Children's Place, where I just ordered S. these cool metro lace-up sneakers ($22.50) that are selling out fast. I have four coupons left (each one gives you 15% off any online order, no minimum order necessary, through midnight tonight only), so if you want one please e-mail me with "coupon" in the subject line ASAP.

Note: if you plan to spend $50 or more on one order, use the coupon codes currently on The Children's Place homepage instead, which will give you even bigger discounts, up to 30% off.

Handmade/Indie Back to School Finds

Just popping in from vacation to encourage you to check out my guest post today at Indie Fixx, a wonderful blog that I have long admired that features all beautiful things handmade and indie. I blogged for Indie Fixx about some great independent back-to-school finds for the younger set. Check it out.

I'll be back to regular posting next Monday, with a fun giveaway (actually, several) of BlogHer '10 swag. In the meantime, I'm posting some awesome end-of-summer and early-fall coupon codes and such on Twitter, so you can get your fix there.

Personalized Masterpieces

My friend Cathe at Feterie e-mailed to tell me about this great back-to-school product that the shop has just introduced. It's a Retro School Drawing Pad. Each standard-sized drawing pad has 53 sheets printed with your little one's name at the bottom in practice "dots" style, so they can sign each masterpiece that they create. It's a gift that will keep giving...just think of all the finished products you can send along to the grandparents! It costs $25.50 (includes personalization) at Feterie.

Bargain Alert: Lillian Vernon Kids' School Box

These new personalized "school boxes" caught my eye in the latest Lillian Vernon catalog. While they don't contain everything that even my 2nd grader needs, they are a fun add-on gift or back-to-school treat for any young student. The sturdy hardboard box with elastic loop closure contains lots of goodies like mini colored pencils, a glue stick, rounded safety scissors, an eraser, and a 2-in1 stencil with ruler. And, as with most kids' products at Lillian Vernon, personalization is free. It's a bargain at $6.49 (was $12.98) so stock up on a few for birthday gifts, or even holiday gifts far in advance.

Psst! Enjoy Back to School Savings at Lillian Vernon; get 10% off orders of $40+, or 15% off orders of $50+ with code "720850100". Offer expires August 31st.

Mr. Argyle

I've bought S. some cute shoes from Gymboree in the past; while they aren't super great quality for everyday shoes, they are fun for special occasions or to match a particular outfit. When these catchy Argyle Slip-On Sneakers ($20, sizes 9-2) go on sale further, I'll probably scoop up a pair for him. Check out the new Rock 'n Roll 101 boys' clothing collection if you want to see the matching outfits.

Fall 2010 Preview: Boys' Clothing Picks

Last week I presented some of my top picks for Fall 2010 girls' fashion. This week, it's the boys' turn. Here are some threads that caught my eye:

Boys' Cotton Striped Rugby ($50; sizes 2-7) at Polo.com:

Appaman Knit DJ Hats (pre-order for $27; sizes 12-24mos to 7-14 years) at Arte Bebe :

Glug Boys Corduroy Pants (pre-order for $44; sizes 2-8) at Moxie Kids:

Pieced Puffer Vest ($32.75; sizes 6-12mos to 4T/5T) at Gymboree:

LL Bean Deluxe Book Pack (temporarily on sale for $31.96; reduced from $39.95) at LL Bean:

Adidas Infant Tracksuit (on sale temporarily for $29.90, reduced from $45; size 9-24 mos) at Nordstrom:

Little Boys' V-Neck Sweater Vest and Painter Jeans Outfit (Vest $16.50; jeans $11; sneakers $16.50; backpack $15.40) at Old Navy:

Boys' Microfleece Half-Zip Pullover ($38, European sizes 80-160) at Hanna Andersson:

Cork Print Hoodie ($60; sizes 2T-7) at little maven by Tori Spelling:

Plaid Woven Shirt ($14.50, sizes 6-9mos to 4T) at The Children's Place:

Appaman Skater Blue Puffy Down Coat ($95; size 12mos-7 years) at Psycho Baby:

Science Tees and Cargo Pants (Tees $26, 2T-14; Microfiber Cargo Pants 2T-14) by Mulberribush for CWD Kids:

Winter Water Factory Toolbox Hoodie (pre-order for $50, sizes 2T-6) at Black Wagon:

Car Double Sleeve One Piece ($24.75; sizes 0-3mos to 18-24 mos) at Gymboree:

For Writing (De)Compositions

R. has a school supply list a mile long for when she starts 2nd grade (2nd grade!!) this September. It includes several composition books. I wonder if she'd go for this cool, retro-style "Decomposition Notebook" which I spotted in-store at Kate's Paperie. It's made from 100% recycled paper with bio-gas derived energy, and, of course it's standard sized and college ruled. Love that faux-woodgrain cover and old-fashioned font. If you're in school supply mode already, check it out (it costs just $5) online at Dream in Plastic.

p.s. There are a couple of other Decomposition Notebooks online at Kate's Paperie, too, but they priced them higher- $9.