back-to-school goodies

Everyone told me that it would happen this way. In what seems like a matter of days, almost six years have gone by and my daughter is ready to start elementary school next month. While part of me is sad and somewhat reflective about the head-spinning travel in time, the other part is excited to see how this next chapter will help shape and define her. Plus, I now have a legitimate reason to stock up on school supplies. Which, I admit, makes me borderline giddy. The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the feel of those crisp, white sheets inside a brand-new notebook, the squeak of new gym shoes—it all takes me back to a time when picking out a new backpack was the biggest decision I had to make all summer.

Now armed with the school’s required supply list, I’m ready to get down to business. Five sharpened pencils…check. But not just any pencils will do for my daughter! I plan to hook her up with some that are guaranteed to put a smile on her face (and a sweet smell up her nose) every time she pulls one out. Introducing….Smencils! Available in yummy scents like grape, cotton candy, watermelon and root beer,  these gourmet scented pencils are made from recyclabled newspaper. Me like.

Chew on this: a Smencil in bubblegum!

And, of course, she needs something to carry them in.

HamjArt's Motherly Love pencil case, $8, etsy.com

And the Backpack! I’m in love with these packs from Garnet Hill. They’re spacious and ergonomic (padded shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap). Did I mention they come in some adorable designs, too!? Check it…

Garnet Hill Backpack, $40, garnethill.com

When I grew up, we had a choice between a black or blue three-ring binder. Oooh, but now there are so many stylish options to consider! Like Russel+Hazel’s Signature Three-Ring. With a dry-erase interior, an attractive book-linen spine and a sturdy rubber band to keep it all secure, this might end up in mommy’s office instead. A feel-good bonus: they’re made with 100% post-consumer recycled content.

Russell + Hazel's Mixed Medium Signature 3-Ring Binder, $25, sortwithstyle.com

And since my girl’s gotta eat, I’m on the hunt for the perfect lunch box. This one might fit the bill. See how it’s designed so you can easily pack a diverse, well-balanced lunch for your kid? (Her actually eating it is another story.) Plus, it fits perfectly on little laps, and there’s nothing to throw away when lunch is done. Yeah, it may be a bit on the pricey side, but it’s made with stainless steel, so you know it’ll last.

Pottery Barn Kid's Planet Box, $60, potterybarnkids.com

And with all those runny noses that come with a new cold and flu season, I can’t forget about the tissue! Love this wallet pack from Kleenex. So very convenient.

Kleenex wallet pack in Fantasma Floral

What do you like most about the back-to-school season (besides that the kids will be out of your hair after a long summer!)? Also, where do you like to  shop for school supplies? C’mon, spill it!