It’s the moment Mom and Dad have anticipated all summer. Back to school! Time for the pools to close and the textbooks to open. Some students are excited to start; others need a nudge to get into the spirit. And there are many cool school supplies that can help. – In grade school, the supply list might call for crayons and colored pencils. Go up a few grades and it’s graphing calculators and compasses. Ouch. At least the Softgrip Compass from Fiskars has bright colors and a soft covering. And the metal tip is meant to provide more accuracy and control. Pencil included, available in several color combinations. $2.10 at Target, Ace Hardware or True Value stores.
– Consider it a compromise. If Junior agrees to a hand-me-down back pack, you’ll add on a Reef&Reed shoulder bag. These little bags are shaped like fish and can be clipped to a book bag. Among the six fish options are a scary shark, a friendly clownfish or a sleek purple tang. $35.95; call 914-293-3133 or go to ReefandReed.com.
– Add advanced biology plus trigonometry plus honors English and what do you get? As the parent, perhaps a bit of gratitude that you’re done with school. Give your student (or yourself) a sophisticated place to jot poetic thoughts. The Composition Book is a linen-bound, lined note book with a patterned cover. This 80-page book has perforated pages for easy tearing. Available in five colors, $10 at RussellandHazel.com or Greer, 1657 N. Wells St.
– Just a few years ago, your grade schooler loved her kitten folder. Sorry, those days are over. Get her a binder that won’t cause embarrassment. The Signature Pattern Binder from Russell + Hazel is a three-ring binder that holds up to 275 sheets. It’s made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials and the inside has a dry-erase board. Available in three color options, $24 at RussellandHazel.com or Greer, 1657 N. Wells St.
– Waiting for the bus. Waiting for the bell. Waiting for a ride home. School can have a lot of down time. If MP3 players are allowed on campus, kids can break the boredom with the help of a Five Star Sound Gear Accessory Case. This lightweight case has embedded speakers. It also has storage pockets for an MP3 player, cell phone, pens/pencils or calculator. $14.99, available in six color combos at Office Max, Office Depot or Staples stores.
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We’ve got spirit, how ’bout you?
The scent of markers, the sight of yet-to-be-nibbled pencils — back-to-school supplies still carry a nostalgic allure for many adults. Do you buy school supplies even if you’re not a kid? Do Mom and Dad stock up a secret stash for themselves even as they’re buying for the kids? Tell us about it at q@tribune.com; put SCHOOL in the subject line and watch for the article in Q.
