School Paks. The Web site schoolpak.com allows parents to skip the in-store shopping entirely -- and the in-store whining, too. You can e-mail site administrators your school's supply list, and they will reply with a free quote. If you accept, the company will gather, package and mail your school supplies to you. A sample supply kit for a first-grader, for example, costs $25.94. Parents can also buy a homework supplies kit for $15-$20.
SafetyTats. Created by a mom to relieve stress in her life, these temporary stick-on tattoos are a fun way to make sure phone numbers, allergy information and other safety information is readily available should your child become lost. Perfect for school trips, the temporary tats cost around $29.95 for a pack of 30. You can purchase them at store.safetytat.com.
On Task On Time. The colorful On Task On Time timer turns morning and bedtime routines into a fun race against the clock. Once a routine of tasks is established, parents can load colorful task stickers onto the clock and start the timer. The stand-up timer also includes a small whiteboard, where parents can add special activities or reminders for that day. The timer costs about $50 and can be purchased at timelymatters.com.
Myself Belts. Sized for kids ages 2-10, the Myself Belts take mom and teacher out of the equation. The belts fasten with Velcro, making it easy for kids to use by themselves. They are available with designs like airplanes, hearts, trucks and traditional leather. You can find them at The Cuddly Hippo at MacArthur Mall in Norfolk ($15.95) or online at myselfbelts.com.
SAT Prep. The Princeton Review has created a SAT Vocab Challenge application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. The application helps students master 250 of the most frequently tested words on the SAT with four fast-paced games. $4.99, Apple application store on apple.com.
Stuck on You. These personalized back-to-school kits tag all of your child's supplies with his or her name. The Tools for School kit includes personalized colored pencils, pencils, markers, a sharpener, a pouch and scissors. The label kit includes vinyl labels for drink bottles, lunch boxes and musical instruments, clothing tattoos, shoe labels and bag tags. Both kits cost around $30, and can be purchased at stuckonyou.biz.
Citation: Splurge on This Fun Back-To-School-Gear. Baltimore Sun. Retreived on August 6, 2009 from http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/parenting/ bal-backtoschoolitems-0804,0,7886517.story