Back to School time may elicit moans and groans from some kids, but it's easy to turn those jeers into cheers with a little help from Bergen County shops and boutiques. While glue sticks and solid folders probably won't get you the excited reaction you hope for, these fun and cheerful back-to-school products will add some spirit to schooltime and have them eager for the first day.
Personalized Pencil Case and Notebook Take the ordinary composition book and clear pencil case found in your child's school supply list up a notch with a little personalization from The Paint Tube in Englewood. Choose from any number of themes and designs and receive a hand-painted, customized product that is sure to be a stand-out. Customized composition books, alphabet wipe boards and more are available.
Best Bentos What's on the outside of your child's lunch container is sometimes just as important as what's on the inside. Kick lunchtime up a notch with a fun and decorative Bento Lunch Box from Denny's in Paramus. Choose from a variety of designs including a rainbow, hamburger, gaming controller and avocado, from Top Trendz and Good Banana. Bento boxes are a great way to compartmentalize your child's lunch, while its hard exterior will keep items crumb-free.
Watch It Make sure your kids get to where the need to be, when they need to be there, by letting them design their own watch. Watchitude Marker Watch, found at Reform Kids in Cresskill, lets kids color and design their own watch so they can not only practice telling time (and be on-time), but do it in style. Plus, with a washable band, you won't have to worry about any mess.
Matching Packs The easiest way to let you kid personalize their school supplies? It starts with the perfect backpack, which lets your child express their personal style. Find matching backpacks and lunch bags at Ginger N' Cream Kids in Westwood, which offers options in puffer material for added comfort and style, as well as puffer pop-it backpacks and lunch bags, so kids can entertain themselves while they wait for the bell to ring.
Stylish Straps Let them jazz up their backpack and other school essentials with Beadstein's handmade tassel charms, which can easily attach to any hook or zipper to add "charm" and interest to an ordinary bag. Or for older kids, snag one of Beadstein's Phone Charm's to go around their wrist during after-school outings with friends, so you never have to worry about hearing your kids say "I can't find my phone" again.
Cool Kicks Perhaps the most important item your kid sports every day? Sneakers, of course. Start the school year off on the right foot with a pair of sneakers from one of Bergen's kid shoe shops. At The Ridgewood Bootery and The Closter Bootery, find the latest trends for kids, from bright high tops and tie dye to the latest Nikes. Or, stop by Private Room in Westwood now through August for a range of sneakers and a back to school sale.
