This week has been all about Back to School at our house. On Monday and Tuesday we shopped for school supplies. We went in shifts — middle school kids first and elementary kids next. I pretended not to be shocked that a graphing calculator costs well over $100. : ) On Wednesday, we started the clothes shopping because it’s nice to have something new to wear the first day of school. This morning, we took Oscar to his Kindergarten screening (he didn’t stop talking the entire time). This evening is the welcome back picnic at the elementary school. Tomorrow Ralph and Maude will visit the middle school to pick up their class schedules and we’ll decorate their lockers. I have my Mabel’s Labels at the ready and have been putting name stickers on everything in sight.
Monday is the first day of school. (!)
I think the best part of this time of year is the new school supplies. Binders, notebooks, box after box of pencils, backpacks, glue sticks, markers and crayons. My favorite purchase so far is this composition notebook we found at Staples. I know it doesn’t show well in the photo, but the background is metallic! How about you? Any great school supply finds this year?
P.S. — Next week, the house will be much more quiet and I will be relieved that all the school preparations are completed. Of course, I’ll also be weepy and emotional and sad to see the summer end so soon. Parenting = Sigh.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
As a teacher I found this post to be absolutely terrifying because that means I have to go back soon too!!! I think I’m more excited to go supplies/clothing shopping as a teacher than I was as a kid (if that’s possible).
In New York we don’t go back until after Labor Day but we work through the end of June. When does school end in CO?
I loved that about school in New York — the after Labor Day start. I wish that all across the country, school was out at Memorial Day and started after Labor Day. But I know that’s not the case.
Here in Colorado we got out very early this year. Mid May.
You first turned me on to Mabel’s Labels and I LOVE them!!! They are the best idea ever so thanks!
My daughter starts kindergarten the week after Labor Day. The school policy is that parents provide $40 towards supplies, and the teachers buy them. Though I was a bit disappointed that I don’t get to shop, I think its a good idea all around. I do heart shopping for fall clothes though!
I heart the $1 Crayola Markers at Target every August. I treat myself to a new set each year. I’m an art teacher who loves to draw with them, grade with them, etc. etc.
PS. Post idea: I’d love some teacher wardrobe ideas. I was just thinking of the posts you did of yr kids outfits. Maybe I should try myself…
I love the excitement of new beginnings that accompanies going back to school. My older kids started back last week. I hope your kids have a great first day!
Love that comp book! Going to Staples to pick one up for myself.
I love new planners & notebooks & binders in beautiful bright colors!
Oh and pens. I love new packs of colored pens.
Of course I’m getting ready for college not middle school :)
That’s the Techno collection from Studio C by Carolina Pad! We’ve got loads more where that came from! Check us out online at http://www.carolinapadstore.com to shop!
I love school supplies season and how it starts off the Autumn with such a wonderful, new beginnings feeling! Every year I am reminded of You’ve Got Mail’s quote:
“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address…”
I don’t live in New York, but Autumn and School Supplies season go hand in hand. Love it!
I’ve always loved http://www.stubbypencilstudio.com & http://www.clementineart.com for school and art supplies.
I agree…autumn and school supplies go hand in hand. And I love that quote from You’ve Got Mail, too!
I had forgotten about that You’ve Got Mail quote! Now I’m in the mood to watch that movie. If I only I still owned a VCR…
Wow, that’s alot of running around! I’m sure it will feel quiet to just have two at home. My 7 year old just got an opinion about what his school supplies look like, so I guess I’ll have to pick some things out for myself as well this year…
I love new school supplies! I always buy the colorful mead composition notebooks for my lesson plans. It makes me feel fun and stylish on even the toughest days in the classroom!
Vanessa M: I always think of that quote too! Love that movie. I wish we had more of an “Autumn,” in CA.
School supplies were always my favorite part of going back to school and i love the idea of getting my daughters supplied. Such a fun ritual and a good way to gear up mentally and emotionally as well as literally!
Name labels are the best! My MIL gave me retro, iron on ones with our last name on it left over from the 60′s and 70′s. I love using them for my boys and thinking about how those same labels adorned the jackets, backpacks, etc of their Dad, Aunts, and Uncles 30+ years ago. Also great that it is last name only since I’m all about hand me downs and carefully storing the things my 4 year old hasn’t completely wrecked for his baby brother.
Can’t wait to see the school clothes posts!
Mabel fan here too! Especially love that she’s in Canada – cheap shipping! LOL
Here in Canada we start after Labour Day but we’re already getting ready. Uniforms, supplies- all that stuff. I absolutely love this time of year.
I am so excited, this is our first year of elementary school, as our big guy starts kindergarten in september.
school supplies were my favourite thing to shop for when i was in school, and it still gets me super excited now!! my one complaint this year is that my son’s school requires us to buy very specific, generic supplies up until grade 2, so as not to cause any conflict or upset over some kids having different supplies than others. while i understand the reason, i really wish I could buy him eco-friendly, unique, even handmade supplies. i’ll just have to wait a few years!
I used to love shopping for new school supplies – there is something about a brand new notebook. I’m 31 and I still love them!
oh heck yes! those calculators are expensive especially when they lose them and you need to keep buying them! use a diamond tip to label that one…
I love composition notebooks, for myself.
Wow- Monday??
I’ve been whining about having ‘only’ 11 more days of summer!!
We shopped for clothes/shoes this week, a new desk ($20 at Ikea!!!!!!!!!!!!) for my 7th grade son- with all of the accessories- lamp, trash can, chair, etc. He sorta outgrew his tiny table and tiny chair that he’s been using! :(
Supplies- this weekend! I am totally going to get that comp. notebook- love it!!
Our school supplies are bought and then communally used. bummer. there’s no real purpose in buying something amazingly amazing…unless you want the entire 2nd grade to fight over it.
Thanks for the link to Mabel’s Labels!!! Love them and can’t wait to buy! These will come in handy not only for school, but also when my daughter goes from our house to her dad’s. Clothes get shuffled around so much it is hard to keep track of which house they belong to. Hope you and your family had a great summer and got enough popsicles ;)!
I hope you will share your school clothes fashion shoots soon. I always get ideas for my kids clothes since 3 of yours are about the same age as mine. I love your style!
My favorite discovery for new school supplies this year is Eco-Kids. It’s this tiny mom-run/founded company that makes all natural, environmentally friendly art supplies for kids. Besides the fact that I love buying new school supplies and art supplies (bonus points when I get to buy them both at the same time!), it feels great to buy from an eco-company.
So, my new favorite discovery for new school supplies this year is Eco-Kids. It’s this tiny mom-run/founded company that makes all natural, environmentally friendly art supplies for kids. Besides the fact that I love buying new school supplies and art supplies (bonus points when I get to buy them both at the same time!), it feels great to buy from an eco-company.
My daughter is starting Kindergarten and I am having the hardest time finding a decent non-character backpack. There are lots of cute preschool size backpacks but I need a small or large size to fit school papers in. Any ideas?