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Back-to-School Gear
We're not saying summer's over, but we are saying it's time to start thinking about getting ready for school days again. We've rounded up all the best in backpacks, lunch bags, water bottles and other school essentials that moms and kids will love.
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Littlelife Toddler Runabout Daysack
Safe travel planning doesn't have to end with your summer vacation. A well-made backpack with detachable harness for the wild things in your life will schlep their stuff and keep them safe.
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Pieke Backpack
Since they have the opposable digits, we're pretty sure bona fide monkeys would give this hip Esthex-designed backpack the thumbs up, too. Roomy enough inside for necessities, including snacks, stuffies and sippy cups.
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Big Bos Backpack
Everyone needs to carry their share of the load—although somehow mothers end up hauling most of it. Deglingos' line of adorable backpacks are perfect for preschool days and include adjustable straps, Velcro enclosures and are machine washable too.
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O3 Kids Cooler Backpack
We know there are two sides to every story (including who smeared the chocolate on your duvet). In the case of this backpack, there are two sides to consider as well. The front of this smart all-in-one pack serves as an insulated lunch cooler, while the back remains a storage spot for the usual books, folders and more.
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Ecogear Palila II Backpack
By now they should know their ABCs, but do they know about RPET? We didn't either until we learned that Ecogear's backpack series included non-toxic material made of strong recycled polyethylene terephthalate (aka water bottles), reflective piping and ergo-padded shoulder straps. Sounds A+ to us.
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Optari Backpack
A little personality goes a long way, in people and in packs. Case in point—this water-resistant backpack. Available in four bright colours, this pack allows kids to customize the outside with their own charms and fobs (sold separately) and from a practical perspective, it fits all their necessary gear.
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Junior Backpack
We ‘borrow' from our kids all the time (those uneaten Oreos from lunch, for example). So it's not a stretch to imagine wanting weekend borrowing privileges of their boldly beautiful, roomy, canvas backpack with collapsible lunch pack that can be stored inside or carried separately. Canada's SoYoung does it so right, once again.
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Beatrix NY Lunch Box
They had us at ‘machine washable.' But the ample space for snacks, included nametag and the punchy characters make this popular line of lunch boxes (also in boy styles) a winner, anywhere.
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PACKIT Cooler Lunch Bag
We love it when someone does most of the work for us. PACKIT makes it possible for easy prep during the morning rush. Pop this in the freezer overnight, pack up their food inside the next morning and keep everything fresh for up to 10 hours. Cool.
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Mountainsmith The Takeout Cooler Bag
It's not just your organic goji berries causing your grocery bill to spike each month. For kids who eat a ton, and therefore need as much to take to school, MEC's cooler bag can pack enough hunger satiating food into a relatively small space, so they're not starving all day long.
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Hi Snack Pack
Out of sight, out of mind? Not when it comes to sending them to school with sweet litter-less snack packs that send the right message to someone you love.
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Fun Kins Cloth Napkins
By lunchtime, we're usually wiped. After lunch, our kids need to be. Send them off with an eco and absorbent napkin/placemat set, especially for kids who might actually use them. You'll save on paper napkin waste and minimize messy hands and mouths.
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Wean Tubs
We're intelligent, eco-minded and experienced at shopping (especially the latter), so why has it been so hard to find food storage systems that are green, and fit what we need? Wean Tubs fit the carrots and wraps and whatever else won't be coaxed into small storage cubes or spheres.
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Happy Face Cutlery
During snack time or lunchtime, whenever utensils are needed, these tiny happy-go-lucky helpers will (literally) bring a smile to their face.
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Create Your Kid! Water Bottles
If you've ever had to sort through the lost and found depository of a school/arena, you'll know why it's worth taking every step to clearly identify their items. Personalize it as much as possible and perhaps you'll never again have to go deep diving into the nether regions of a cluttered bin.
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Contigo Autoseal Kids Stainless Steel Scout Cup
It's tough to guarantee the cool factor (we have the hairstyle history to prove it), but these stainless steel kid-sized water bottles do just that. 100% spill and leak proof thanks to their Autoseal feature, phthalate- and PVC-free they are insulated and guaranteed to keep liquids cold for up to seven hours.
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Back-to-School Breakfast Guide
These back-to-school breakfast recipes for kids are healthy, unique and a great start to their day.