Back To School Guide 2015

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Today was the big day… my kids FINALLY headed back to school! This back-to-school guide features great new products sure to get your child off to the right start this year.

RokitBoost SwageU Bluetooth Headphones – My kids cannot live without their headphones! My oldest wears his every day listening to music to and from school. The design of these is unique in that it looks almost like a headband that you wear around your neck. The earbud is housed at the end and is held in magnetically, so no long cords to tangle. These rock!

These high-performance wireless headphones are designed to be worn around the neck, featuring a titanium alloy memory flex neck strap. Equipped with a Bluetooth V4.0 chipset to support Handsfree dialing. Backed by crystal-clear audio, the SwageU headset adds great depth to any music or content to which one is listening.

Available on Amazon. MSRP $50

Kleenex and Boxtops – Facial tissues are a staple supply for most classrooms; by purchasing Kleenex Brand facial tissue with Box Tops for Education, you can help provide other staples for the school. In fact, Kleenex is the only facial tissue brand that participates in the Box Tops for Education program. Each Box Top you send to your school’s representative earns ten cents for the school which may not sound like much but it adds up! At Walmart, you can find special packs of Kleenex facial tissue with even more Box Tops per bundle! Print an online coupon for Kleenex for $.50 off, or $.75 off when you share with three friends!

For more information visit Kleenex.com. Available on Amazon. Prices Vary

NetGear – AT&T Unite Express by NETGEAR (Prepaid) – Whether you’re working from the sidelines of your child’s soccer game or trying to write a paper in a “dead zone”— a mobile hotspot from AT&T and NETGEAR gives you the secure Internet access and is ideal for families, and students to share a single mobile data connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi devices. No contracts or reoccurring monthly fees. Just load it with data when you need it by purchasing data online or data cards available at most major retailers.

For more information visit NetGear.com. MSRP $80

French Toast Clothing – Having three kids who all need uniforms, finding ones that hold up to boys is no longer a challenge for me! I have been buying French Toast for almost 12 years now and have always been happy with the quality and their prices!

French Toast Official School Wear is America’s leading brand of school uniforms. The selection of uniform styles and sizes ranges from toddler sizes through young adult, French Toast carries over 6,000 individual colors, styles, and sizes in stock, all year round!

Only at French Toast can you check out their special online school guide – guaranteeing the exact colors and matches for the uniform for all participating schools.

For more information, visit FrenchToast.com. Also available on Amazon. Prices Vary

Special Offer: Sept 1-30, 2015: 20% Off Pants + Free Shipping on $99+! Use Coupon Code: QWPANT9

Blum School Gear Kits –  My son was excited when this arrived! It includes many of the products on his supply list, and the best part is that everything has a home in this case. The case itself is very sturdy and well made, I know it will last all year!

These kits include the most common supplies specified by teachers K-4, making shopping for school supplies easier and less expensive. The kits will also help students organize their supplies with specially designed storage areas, like a toolbox.

Made of durable Poly Fabric with Nylon trim, the kits are available in four designs and include 40 items most commonly required by teachers (based on a nationwide survey of required school supplies).

Available on Amazon. MSRP $19.99

TreeSmart EcoSmart Award Set –  These pencils are pretty cool, not only because they are eco-friendly but because you can see the newspaper print that covers them.

This set includes a 12 pack newspaper pencil set. pencil case, color pencil set, 2 mechanical pencils, and a 6″ newspaper/plastic ruler.  Pencil cases and mechanical pencils are made from reprocessed plastic, currency, or newspaper materials.

The pencils are crafted from recycled material in an eco-friendly environment. Whole newspaper sheets are rolled around high-quality No. 2 graphite. No toxic chemicals are used in manufacturing and the eraser tips are latex-free. A special adhesive formula binds the newsprint together into a cohesive core that is hard as wood. The pencils sharpen easily and last longer than wood pencils.

For more information visit TreeSmart.com. Available on Amazon. MSRP $15.95

RecoFit Compression Gear Full-Leg Compression Sleeves – My son has Osgood–Schlatter in his knees and after 3 months of very light activity, we were ready to try anything to help him get active and play sports again! These leg sleeves go from the top of his thigh to his ankle. They are lightweight and breathable but offer him the support he needs. He said that he will wear these during all his practices and games because he liked the way they gave his leg a squeeze!

Through technically advanced patterns and designs using carbon-infused high-performance fabric, they offer versatility and comfort. They are easily pulled on and off under sports clothing, before or after training or a race, and worn comfortably under clothing when sitting for long periods, such as while traveling. The leg sleeves support the calf muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings in a muscle zone-specific compressive design. The Resistex™ carbon fabric offers negative ionization, compression, moisture management, and ribbed massage for great performance and recovery benefits.

For more information, visit RecoFit.me. Available on Amazon. MSRP $75.95

Wildkin – My son is still enamored with all things that are camo. So, of course, he picked out the “official” Army backpack for school. This is an officially licensed U.S. Army bag, and the is made with the same digital camo worn by the U.S. Army.

Wildkin backpacks and lunch totes are the perfect essentials to get your student out the door with all of their stuff while expressing their own, individual style. With matching accessories available in most styles, kids can choose coordinating pieces or go for something completely different!

For more information, visit Wildkin.com. Available on Amazon. MSRP $39.99

BenBat GoVinci Line – These clever packs offer an outer display frame so your child’s artwork can show through.
My First Case is perfect to use as a child’s lunch box. The box becomes a page holder and work table for traveling fun. The inner dividers hold napkins and cutlery. Made with quality construction from wipe-clean materials. MSRP $19.99

“EVA Backpack” offers a hard front that can be used as a drawing table but a softer backside. The fully adjustable and padded straps provide extra comfort, while the safety reflectors on shoulder straps provide safety. MSRP $34.99

For more information, visit Ben-Bat.com. Available on Amazon.

Lexar JumpDrive S35 USB 3.0 Flash Drive – My oldest son is in high school and carries a flash drive on his lanyard since he uses it so often! The S35 comes in 4 sizes, from 16GB to 128 GB.

Lexar USB flash drives have a wide range of options for students and teachers who need to carry around large files, such as term papers, final semester projects, and more. As an added bonus, the drives are also great for storing large music and video files, which, let’s face it, is a top priority for techy-savvy kids – and adults!

For more information, visit Lexar.com. Available on Amazon. MSRP $41.99

Casio Scientific Calculator (fx-300ESPLUSBU) – All I can say is I am glad I do not have to figure this calculator out! This is one my son will be able to use during his junior through high school math classes.

Casio’s latest standard scientific calculator features a new Natural Textbook Display and improved math functionality. FX-300ES PLUS has been designed as the perfect choice for middle school through high school students learning General Math, Trigonometry, Statistics, Algebra I and II, Pre-Algebra, Geometry, and Physics.

For more information, visit CasioEducation.com. Available on Amazon. MSRP $12.99

The Monster Factory – VW Lunchbox and Pencil Case (Replicas of the 1965 Van Combi Kombi)

This cute lunchbox has a surfboard handle, is made of Oxford canvas, is fully insulated, and is very spacious. There is enough room for a water bottle, sandwich, snacks, and even a treat or two! MSRP $24.99

The pencil case is available in four colors and is also made of the same Oxford canvas. MSRP $11.99

Available on Amazon.

Staples Designed by Students Line – Staples worked with design education experts, and students from two middle schools and took them through the design process to get their take on what kinds of products would help make the school day easier.

Staples Designed by Students Super Folder: This multi-purpose folder includes storage areas, a zipper pouch, clear pockets for class schedules, a pencil sharpener, sticky notes, and a writing pad. ($12.99)

Designed by Students Big Pen Pencil Case: The Big Pen features interchangeable writing tips, zipper pockets for small accessories, a built-in pencil sharpener, and an extra-large eraser. ($8.99) 

Staples Teen Vogue Better Binder: Exclusive to Staples! Show your true colors by adding extra fashion and flair to this durable and convenient 1” or 1.5” binder with a rubberized spine to prevent splitting and strong easy-open rings. Inspired by Teen Vogue. ($8.99)

For more information visit Staples.com. Prices Vary

Sol Republic Relays Sport Headphones – My two older boys could not live without their headphones, even my third grader needs earbuds for school. And while the buds are tiny, it produces high-quality sound.

Relays Sport are water and sweat-resistant, and they won’t fall apart when working out. Relays are the world’s first In-Ear Headphones with FreeFlex Technology, the secure-fit system that requires no complicated parts. These offer a 3-button operation, with mic, music, and phone control.

For more information visit SolRepublic.com or Amazon. MSRP $49.99

Method Foaming Body Wash – You may be thinking, body wash in a back-to-school guide?! Well, yes, every morning when it’s time to shower, it is nice to smell a fragrance that perks me up and gets me ready for the day or at least the next hour that I spend getting the kiddos ready for school!

Method foaming body wash’s ergonomic bottle pumps out luxurious foamy lather, combining naturally derived moisturizers such as vitamin E to clean, hydrate, and soften skin. It also brings Method’s signature pop of color to the shower with four fresh fragrances: cucumber mint (green), ruby orange (orange), sea mist (blue), and water flower (pink).

For more information visit MethodHome.com or Amazon. MSRP $4.99

NewerTech Power2U Dual USB Wall Outlet – How clever is this, a wall outlet that also lets you charge your devices! No more hunting around to find a power adaptor when you need a charge. This easy-to-install outlet would come in handy in your dorm!

The Power2U features two traditional 15 amp power outlets, plus two USB ports delivering an additional 2.5 amps via the USB ports, making the wall outlets “today ready” for charging the increasing numbers of mobile devices.

Patented design prevents “plug barriers” to enable charging/powering up to four iPads, iPhones, Android tablets and phones, MP3 players, GPS, digital cameras, and other USB 2.0/1.1 devices simultaneously without requiring a bulky adapter.

For more information visit NewerTech.com or Amazon. MSRP $29.95

Crayola – It wouldn’t be a back-to-school list without Crayola!

New from Crayola is the “My Color Is” line which includes 8 different writing instruments in one color. You get a Color Sticks Colored Pencil, Dry Erase Crayon, Short Colored Pencil, Mini-Twistables Crayon, Pip-Squeaks Skinnies Marker, Pip-Squeaks Marker, Window Crayon, and a Twistables Slick Stix.

Available 8 different colors: Pink, Purple, Green, Blue, Orange, Black, Red, and Yellow.

For more information visit Crayola.com or Amazon. MSRP $4.99

Pilot Pens – My older boys love the FriXion pens, they are a must for back to school!

FriXion Clicker – This is a completely new kind of erasable pen! It writes smooth and erases clean, is available in 8 vibrant colors and the unique thermo-sensitive ink was developed by ink scientists in Japan!

FriXion Light Pastels – Features soft, soothing, sophisticated highlighter colors designed to emphasize what you want without fluorescent pigments, and erase cleanly!

FriXion Light – Highlights Bright, and erases clean! Highlight and erase repeatedly without damaging books or documents. The unique thermo-sensitive ink formula disappears with erasing friction and the brilliant fluorescent ink colors bring instant recall to important information.

Bottle-2-Pen (B2P) –  The world’s first pen made from recycled bottles! Pilot manufactures B2P gel ink pens from 89% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Pilots B2P pens write smoothly, have vibrant inks are, and are 100% refillable.

Acroball PureWhite – Features striking color block grips layered on a glossy white barrel available with black ink. Available in 7 different fashionable color accents.

In addition to being a must-have BTS tool, this is a great pen with an even greater cause! Pilot is partnering with national non-profit STOMP Out Bullying and Disney XD to encourage freedom of expression and to help erase bullying in schools. Pilot is donating a minimum of $125,000 to Stomp Out Bullying during Back to School 2015 and 2016.  If FriXion– the pen that is part of the ‘Erase Bullying Campaign’ – sells more than is forecast during back to school 2015, Pilot will provide an additional donation to Stomp Out Bullying to help provide even more educational programs and support. 

For more information visit PilotPen.us or Amazon. Prices Vary

SinfulColors: A Class Act – I never wore colored nail polish until I started receiving products from SinfulColors. I love the fresh and funky colors that come out each season. I find myself changing my nails every week!

Dusty pastels and pops of color come in a demi-matte finish that feels soft yet looks striking and is deserving of nothing but straight A’s. Denim blues and ready-to-burst brights capture an effortlessly cool and rebellious vibe while shimmering silvers, purples, and teals with eye-catching 3D glitters look just as chic during a night out on the town as they do in class the next day. 27 new shades.

For more information visit SinfulColors.com or Amazon. MSRP $2

BIC – I bet you have at least 1 BIC product at home or in the office. I am a pen junkie, so I love seeing all the newest products that come out for back to school!

Xtra Fun Ultra Solid Break Resistant #2 Pencils – These fun two-tones color barrels features ultra-solid, break-resistant leads and erasing that are made easy with latex-free erasers.
Xtra-Craze Pencils – Colorful fun in designer colors and patterns. This #2 mechanical pencil is always sharp and does not smudge.

Atlantis Ultra Comfort – The extra soft silicone grip conforms to your hand.

Cristal Style + Pen – This clever variation on the Classic BIC Cristal Ballpoint pen incorporates a stylus for all your touch-screen devices.

Brite Liner Erasable Highlighter – Edit highlights fast with the highlighting and erasing ink tips. The super-bright fluorescent ink allows a broad line for highlighting and a fine line for underlining.

For more information visit BicWorld.com or Amazon. Prices Vary

TuckTails – Have you ever bent over only to feel a draft on your backside? You know you have! Tucktails is a cami tank top with a long backside so you can tuck it into your pants so you don’t “accidentally” expose your backside. I was surprised by how extremely smooth and soft these tanks are. I got a size larger than what I need and it is not clingy and the “tail” goes all the way down my bottom, so there is no chance of it coming untucked!

They are machine washable, durable, and thin enough to wear under work clothes. It doesn’t shrink, stretch or fade, and it is made in the USA. Available in girls, ladies, and plus size. Made from Nylon and Spandex.

For more information visit TuckTails.com. MSRP Starting at 24

Shower WOW – You know how hard it is to wake the kids up and get them ready for school but with Shower WOW, that process just got a little bit easier! This LED rainbow shower head transforms normal, drab showers into a mini shower party!

Powered by water pressure, Shower WOW has a universal fit with a high-quality chrome finish to match any décor.  It’s easy and quick to install. Remove your existing shower head, replace it with Shower WOW and turn on the faucet to shower a cascade of colors. The Shower WOW bathroom accessory will brighten any toddler to teenager’s back-to-school routine.

Available on Amazon. MSRP $14.95

alternaVites Kids – I’ll be honest, my kids do not eat the most well-rounded (or recommended) meals on just about any given day. That is why they have been taking vitamins since they were wee little ones.

This alternative to gummies or chalky chewables, can be poured directly on the tongue where it melts in the mouth (like a pixie stick) or mixed into drinks or foods. alternaVites Kids contains 17 essential vitamins and minerals specially formulated for children ages 4 and up. Available in Strawberry Bubble Gum and Raspberry Cotton Candy.
They contains 0 grams of sugar (free of aspartame and high fructose corn syrup), are Gluten- free, contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, or preservatives, is vegetarian, has no GMO ingredients and contains no egg, milk, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish or shellfish.

For more information visit AlternaVites.com or Amazon. MSRP $15.95/for 30 pack

Nonni’s THINaddictives – My father-in-law makes the best biscotti, the only problem is that they are like 2000 calories because of all the butter and chocolate! These THINaddictives are a great alternative as they are just a thinner, smaller version packed with real almonds and ingredients.

These are easy to take on the go in convenient portion-packs and made with real, wholesome ingredients. With a variety of flavors, including Pistachio, Cranberry, and Cinnamon Raisin. 

Averaging 100-calories or less, it’s easy for kids and parents to love these delicious treats made with real ingredients, including fruit and California almonds. They are low-fat, low-carb and contain 3 grams of protein per serving, which makes them also ideal as an after-school snack – helping keep hunger away between meals. 

For more information visit Nonnis.com or Amazon. MSRP $4

YummySnack Bars – These bars are supposed to taste like their candy counterpart but my kids weren’t fooled. These healthy versions are gluten-free and contain only 8 grams of sugar (and no starch), are high in fiber, and contain 100 mg of Omega 3s.

YummySnack Bars are the “better-than-candy” bars. They’re made of wholesome, real-food ingredients like flaxseed, almond butter, coconut, natural peanut butter and cocoa! They do not contain hydrogenated oils, trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial flavors or preservatives of any kind.

YummySnack Bars are available in six flavors: Peppermint, Brownie, Coconut, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate.

For more information visit Amazon. MSRP Around $2.00 per bar

Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter – If your child’s school has a no nut policy, then No-Nut Butter is for you!

Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter is a peanut-butter alternative made from naturally sweet and “nutty” tasting yellow peas, but without a trace of peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, or soy.  

Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butters are produced in a nut-free facility and are all natural, soy-free, gluten-free, and contain no high fructose corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils, and no artificial colors or flavors.

Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter is available in two varieties, Sneaky Chef Smooth No-Nut Butter and Sneaky Chef Chocolate.

For more information visit TheSneakyChef.com or Amazon. MSRP Around $10

noosa Finest Yoghurt – Just released are two new flavors from noosa ‘Australian’ yoghurt that come in 4oz snack pack sizes, perfect for kids’ lunch boxes!

Pumpkin, originally released as a limited-time offering, proved so popular that it will become available year-round beginning this summer. And the all-new Cranberry Apple, the perfect combination of sweet and tart.

These two flavors along with Blueberry and Tart Cherry are available in 4-ounce 4-packs.
For more information visit NoosaYogurt.com or Amazon.