How to rock back to school like a celebrity

Elementary School

While this is one of the easier schooling transitions for parents and kids, it doesn't mean it should fall to the wayside. Hormones start younger and younger, and nail polish and deodorant push aside Barbie dolls and Superheros in what seems to be a blink of an eye.

Anyone with an older sibling, cousin, taller friend has gotten some form of hand-me-down along the way. Sometimes they are great fun, other times not so much. Fixing and updating those hand-me-downs can be a chore. Sometimes, it's just a favorite item that is worn from all the love. And patching isn't easy on those puffy items that are so popular, which is why NoSo Patches are an excellent option - for either a quick repair or fun personalization. They go on easily too. Just stick the patches on, then throw your gear in the dryer. The heat activates the adhesive, securing the patch in place.

Finding non-trademarked character backpacks for little ones is like finding a matching pair of socks when you are running late. Beatrix New York solves one of those problems (HINT: It's the bag) with their line of backpacks, lunchboxes, bento boxes and more! These products can be found in the homes of David & Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, Meg Ryan, Tobey Maguire, Elton John - just to name drop a few celebrities.

The bags aren't just pictures, but friends with a story for your child to love and adore as much as you love the Beatrix line. Did we mention machine washable?

The fidgets have to be one of the most frustrating experiences parents go through helping with homework. With so much focus on testing, and not enough time to play, it's easy for kids to get distracted after a long day of school. While parents know that redirection is what to do, after our own long days it's not always easy. And forget in the classroom! Imagine 30 distracted kids who refuse to sit still! Bouncy Bands has a solution that fits most desks and chairs.

Bouncy Bands are quiet and they don't distract others. Active students are more productive and spend more time on task when they can move. Students with short legs enjoy being able to rest their feet on the Bouncy Band instead of having them dangle all day. In addition, students who feel anxious when working enjoy being able to stretch their legs to release their anxiety while they work.

Actually, these sound great for a long day at the office too!

Freedom is a big give and take as children progress through elementary school. Allowing them to go down the block - or even around it - seems much more monumental than when we were kids. Offering a cell phone isn't always the answer between supervision and budget, so saying 'where are you' can get a bit complication. Motorola has a classic solution that is also budget friendly with their Talkabout T100 Series. These two-way radios have 22 channels and a half-mile range in suburban areas! Take them hiking, boating or camping and you get up to a 16-mile range. (3 AAA batteries required) 

Carpooling evolves to the next level with the need for booster seats. Checking your state's laws is very important. But so is being prepared to pick up or drop off a friend who also needs a booster. Fitting three in a row is hard, and trunk space can be limited. The BubbleBum booster is an inflatable, flat folding seat that is great for those unexpected passengers. It inflates by mouth in 20 seconds, so you won't hold up the carpool lane and has it's own storage bag. And for $29.95, it's also a great by for an easy to pack seat for trips.