Back to carpools. Back to packed lunches. Days getting shorter. Look on the bright side. At least your tot is still young enough that you don’t have to worry about them ending up with a “poof” hairdo and a jail stay ala Snooki from “The Jersey Shore”.
Another bright spot: we scoured the stores and found some back to school gear that will make your transition as easy as ABC.
Acquire this super-cute Pyramid Messenger Bag by Rockinrobin before your fashion-obsessed tween hits the scene at school on her first day. (Various colors and styles available at Marcia’s Attic, 29 North Dean Street, Englewood;201-894-5701)
Be green and pickup re-usable sandwich bags from Lunchskins. These dishwasher safe, adorably patterned lunch bags are fun for your kid to use and good for the environment. Or grab a Flutterby laminated cotton canvas lunch sack from O.R.E. The fully insulated, wipe-clean bags come in funky designs like “you rock girl” and “prehistoric pals” and will have your tot psyched to check out what mama packed for lunch. (Both available at b. granola, 15 West Railroad Ave, Tenafly; 201-568-8855)
Check out the highly functional North Face “Jester” backpack, with mesh side and front pockets for any gear your youngster wants to tote to school: water bottles, baseballs and phones can all have their place. With enough capacity to fit all your teens’ binders and books, their bag will be packed before they can say “my dog ate my homework”. (Available at Bloomingdales, The Shops at Riverside)
Dabba Walla bags are the cutest new tot-packs to hit the scene. Ever wonder what a toddler really keeps in their backpack? We’ll bank on silly bands, stuffed animals and the occasional lollypop when they get lucky. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t carry something stylish. We love the penguin and doggie styles, made of colorful durable neoprene that will help them stand out in a crowd. Watch them smile every time they put it on! (Available at Blue Black, The Shops at Riverside)
Get out there, gear up and start the year off right.
You’ve got it in the bag.
