back-to-school Archives

August 6, 2020 by

While back-to-school will definitely be different this year, it’s important to make it as exciting and normal as we can for our kids, whether they are heading back to a physical campus, distance learning, pods or a hybrid of some kind. These recent NAPPA Award winners provide a great way to get the school spirit going.

Keep Positivity Going

Provide an uplifting daily message for your kiddos with these adorable Washaway Lunch Box Notes that will completely disappear each night! These personalized peel-and-stick labels will adhere to the outside of your kid’s lunch container every morning so you can write them a daily message. Once you’re done with it, the label will disintegrate quickly in water, whether you wash the lunch box by hand or in the dishwasher – no soaking or scrubbing required. Available in 8 adorable designs. $17.

A Fun Treat

Don’t pay a fortune on store-bought crustless sandwiches. Instead use your creativity and healthy ingredients to create fun snacks and meals. BWICHED Sandwich Cutter and Sealer by Savoychef is changing the way we eat a sandwich by creating a tool to make it more enjoyable. $17.99.

Get Organized

Get organized with Classroom Lineup Floor Decals and Classroom Name Tags from Mabel Label’s. The durable, non-slip floor stickers are a fun and useful addition to any classroom, whether you need to guide students where they should line up or where to sit. The strong material will adhere to most floors, including low pile carpet. Classroom Floor Decals are easy to apply, wipeable and removable when you’re finished with them. Available in 8 design choices and a wide variety of color options. $18.

The class name labels can be customized with up to 30 kids’ names so that teachers or parents can label individual items around the classroom or study area like kids’ cubbies, shelves, bins and more. The labels are super-durable and waterproof but are also removable at the end of the school year. Classroom Name Tags are a great tool for keeping students’ items organized and separated this school year and they help curb the spread of germs in the classroom Available in a wide array of color choices. $18.

The Easy Up Reusable Multi-Purpose Utility Hooks are super handy anywhere — at home or in the classroom. Infinitely versatile and made out of high-quality plastic, free from phthalates and BPA. Because of the arch shape and the gripping pins these hooks can be squeezed and released in any corner between wall and ceiling and easily removed without leaving noticeable marks, allowing for hassle-free hanging. $15.95

Add Some Style

This Pink Unicorn Backpack by JOJOOKIDS is bright and fun and features 3 easy-access compartments, 2 side elastic pockets for water bottles and adjustable padded shoulder straps. Great for kindergarten or elementary school. $35.

The Obersee Preschool Sparkle Backpack collection has a simple yet stylish design, perfect for kids who love glitter and glam. Features zippered insulated front pocket to keep lunch and snacks cool and a side pocket to hold a water bottle or thermos. Comes in 8 vibrant colors and make a grate tote for gymnasts, ballerinas, soccer players, and cheerleaders. The small, compact size is easy to carry for younger kids. $34.99.

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

August 7, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Kids will be heading back to school soon and we have some terrific NAPPA Award winners that are perfect for getting everyone organized and ready for a new school year.

Lucky Unicorn Lunch Box

Rule the playground with these washable insulated kids lunch boxes. The Lucky Unicorn Lunch Box features smart design details such as a removable insert for quick cleaning and a messenger/backpack strap for unburdened ease of movement. Kids will love writing their superhero name on the inside tag. Luck is on your side with this enchanting Unicorn, who’s always ready to take you on your next magical adventure. Available in other unique designs. $30

Back to School Label Packs

Mabel’s Labels is North America’s leading provider of waterproof, personalized labels for all the stuff kids lose at daycare, school and camp. These Back-to-School Label packs are durable and adorable. They are dishwasher and laundry safe and guaranteed to withstand the toughest conditions. They’re perfect for putting your child’s name on all of their things that leave the house, from shoes, clothing, and backpacks, to lunch containers and school supplies. Just peel and stick. Labels are made in Canada and the USA and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee and standard shipping is always free. $18.99 and up.

Tub Cubby Bath Toy Organizer

Get your toys and bath items organized and enjoy bath time fun with Tub Cubby Bath Toy Organizer. Tub Cubby’s quick dry, mold resistant mesh net is double stitched and guaranteed for life. The white mesh net bag easily mounts to any wall or tucks into a corner for maximum storage. Like a toy hammock, the air circulates through the basket keeping your kids toys dry. Older kids can use the Tub Cubby on a hanger like a shower caddy, in RVs, boats and laundry rooms to stay organized. Lock Tight Suction Hooks are great for smooth walls and the 3M Stickers are great for texture walls. $10.98.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.

March 13, 2019 by Elena Epstein

These recent NAPPA Award winning products provide great resources for families facing learning challenges.

The ABCs of Learning Issues

Available in both English and Spanish versions, The ABCs of Learning Issues is a practical guide to help parents understand common learning disabilities and behaviors they may observe at home and hear about from teachers. It offers effective teaching strategies for school and at home, provides a list of professionals who can assist in treating learning issues, and directs readers to Educational Alternatives’ website where they can ask the author confidential questions regarding their children. $39.99

SchKIDules 2-in-1 Home Bundle Visual Schedule

SchKIDules Home Bundle is a positive behavioral support for parents and kids to use together at home. This versatile product allows parents to display anything from simple “first-then” boards, to routines, to daily schedules, to reward charts and more. Kids use them for many reasons such as: simple communication, task execution, early learning, self-management and cooperation. Some children may rely on them more than others such as: kids with ADHD, Autism, NVLD, or visual learners. $42.99, ages: 3+

MobyMax Suite

MobyMax is designed to help kids with learning challenges. This suite of assistive technology innovations saves special education teachers valuable time with online assessments, grading and markup tools, easy and accurate diagnostics, IEP reporting, and real-time progress monitoring.

MobyMax offers the only complete and comprehensive K-8 curriculum for 27 subjects, including math, reading, phonics, language, vocabulary, spelling, writing, science, social studies, and state test prep. MobyMax is used in more than 82% of all K-8 schools in the United States with over 28 million students registered. Ages PreK-18 years.

October 29, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Now that our kids are back in school for a few months, the disorganization is beginning to settle in. So we thought, let’s gather some simple and practical tools to get back on track. We all know when your kids have an organized homework area and backpack, we’re all so much happier and less stressed!

Make a List

By creating checklists reminding your child what to bring with them and by helping them create to-do lists that break down their assignments for the week, we provide a terrific tool for our kids to easily tackle the stress of assignments. Psychology Today shows that making lists can even increase creativity and reduce anxiety. Making lists is a great first step to helping your child get organized.

Make sure your child has a designated study space

Learning does not stop in the classroom. Numerous studies have found that completing assignments in a study space that is consistent is crucial for maximum learning and information retention. Giving your child the freedom of personalizing their study space can make for a fun activity, and having the space can help keep them focused. Healthy learning habits begin at home, and creating an area where your child feels comfortable and productive is a perfect place to begin.

Keep a Planner

One of the best ways to stay organized in school is by keeping a planner. Studies have shown that keeping planners can even improve focus and memory. Writing down notes, assignments, and events all in one place can help your child easily navigate through their tasks. A way to get your child excited about using planners is by having them write down not just their assignments and tasks, but also the things they are excited for. Having a defined spot for keeping goals and assignments in check is a great way to help your child get organized.

Make Labels

Spending ample time searching for the right materials at home and school can be frustrating. By creating labels on drawers, backpacks, and other school related items, your child will have a much easier time finding the exact materials they need to be productive. Also, putting your child’s name on the things they take to school is crucial for making sure they come home with the same amount of materials they had when they left the house. One of our 2018 NAPPA Award winners are these great label packs from Mabel’s Labels.

Have them make their bed in the mornings

Making your bed is such a seemingly insignificant task that many of us feel isn’t worth doing. By completing this simple task in the morning though, it can motivate your child throughout the day. According to Navy Seal Vice Admiral William McRaven, having your child make their bed can give them a sense of accomplishment early in the morning, therefore stimulating them to complete more daily tasks and to stay organized. Also, coming home to a freshly made bed and clean room sets the tone for organization in other aspects of their life.

Help your child pack their backpack the night before

If you’re like us, you know the stress of rushing out for work while trying to help your child get ready for school. Preparing as much as you can the night before, whether it be a lunchbox, a backpack, or outfits for your little ones, will help decrease the amount of morning stress put on you and your family. Also, it helps your child be more prepared and organized throughout the day. It is much easier to remember every item needed for school when prepared the night before, so your child will not have to worry about missing anything during their day at school.

August 30, 2018 by

We have some new winners that are perfect for Back-to-School time!

Snoozie Mat

This easy-to-pack sleeping bag is ideal for school naps, sleepovers, and blanket forts. The Snoozie-Mat is machine washable and folds into backpack. You can take the Snoozie-Mat anywhere you want by simply rolling it up and carrying it on your back.
$38.95
Ages: 2 to 6 years

Norton Core

A security focused WiFi router that also looks stylish in your home. The device not only protects your home network from malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals, but also includes both network- and device-level (smartphones and tablets) Smart Parental Controls. These features allow parents to control what kids see and do across all their connected devices. The App is easy to use and can control your whole network. Parents can:

Set age appropriate content filters
Block unwanted websites
Manage screen time with daily limits
Pause the Internet – for an individual device or the entire household

$149.00
For Ages: parents with children under 15

Car Caché®

Great for the family car. It’s designed to hold your handbag so that it is accessible, upright, clean, and out of passengers’ way.
$19.99
Ages: All drivers

Our American Presidents – Their Lives and Legacies

Gives readers a concise look into all 44 Presidents of the United States. The book is easy to read and includes a listing of cabinet members from each presidency. Kids and parents will enjoy learning little known facts, the truth about many “presidential myths” and getting a glimpse into the presidents’ personal lives.
$29.95
Ages: For the entire family

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of NAPPA Awards, the longest running and most respected awards program in the industry, celebrating the best in family products for 28 years. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #PlayLearnConnect

August 14, 2018 by

For me, getting a locker was the most exciting part of middle school. Having my own space, no matter how small, felt mature, and it gave me a sense of responsibility. As the years went on though, having a locker became more of hassle than a perk because of how messy and unorganized it became. Here at NAPPA, we’ve discovered some great tips to share with your kids to keep their lockers organized, decorative and functional.

Use a locker shelf

A great first step to keeping your locker organized and hassle free.

Visit your locker at least once a day

Lockers are great for easing your backpack load throughout the day and visiting your locker gives you an incentive and opportunity to keep it clean since nobody likes to open a messy locker.

Don’t make your locker a trash can

Lockers can go from storage units to trash cans in a matter of weeks. Make sure to empty out any unwanted trash at the end of each day.

Personalize it

Putting up photos, posters, artwork and magnets provide a great incentive to keep lockers clean and organized. And it’s a great way to express creativity.

Keep a place for reminders

Lockers are great places to keep small whiteboards or notebooks where you can write reminders for yourself throughout the school year. Writing down which materials you need for each class can make visiting your locker a breeze, and writing to-do lists for the week can help you keep up with your assignments.

#backtoschool #PlayLearnConnect #kids #school #organize

August 14, 2018 by

We have some great products for your back-to-school shopping list!

500+ Sight Words Flash Cards Bundle Kit

Think Tank Scholar Sight Words Flashcards help children learn and practice reading the most common words found in a children’s book. Comes in a set of 500 basic words designed to make learning fun for young learners with a non-distracting design and large bold print that helps students automatically recognize words. The flash cards are made from high quality card stock with a smooth laminated coating and rounded edges for easy sorting and handling. Each pack comes with 100+ sight words to help prepare students from grades Pre-K through 3rd grade. Each pack comes with a sequence of six teaching techniques and six fun educational games for kids.
$28.95
For kids 3-9

Back to School Label Packs

Milo & Gabby Toddler Animal Shaped Backpack

The adorable Milo & Gabby friends are now on-the-go. The Milo & Gabby Animal-shaped Toddler Backpacks are perfectly sized for young kids and fully insulated. They are brought to life with 3-D details, including soft stuffed tails. Take Lola, Dylan, Tom or Lucy with you anywhere to carry your toys, snacks and lunch. Features detachable safety strap for freedom on excursions, reflective trim detail for extra safety during dark, cloudy and/or rainy outings, front chest strap to keep shoulder straps in place and 3-D air mesh padded adjustable shoulder straps and backboard for breathable cushioned comfort.
$38.00
For kids 18 months-4 years

Petit Collage Back to School Bundle

The Petit Collage backpacks and lunch boxes come in a variety of fun designs and are eco-friendly. The wipeable cotton canvas exterior is coated with a protective, solvent-free biodegradable laminate made from sugar cane. The 12 oz. lightweight stainless-steel bottle is vacuum insulated keeping drinks cold for 12 hours. The backpack features a side mesh exterior pocket which fits the matching water bottle perfectly and the lunch box is easily wiped clean of crumbs and leaks. They are all BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free. This Back-to-School Bundle is perfect to start off a new school year.
$65.00
For kids 3+

Bento Value Pack

Packing healthy school lunches just got a little easier with the Bento Value Pack by Stuck on You. Your kids will especially love the personal touch of a cute design and their name. The Bento Value Pack comes with everything you need to pack healthy school lunches — personalized Bento Box, insulated Lunch Cooler Bag designed to perfectly fit into the Bento Box.
$59.95
For the entire family

Tot Cot® Daycare/Preschool Nap Mat

As kids get ready for daycare or preschool, The Tot Cot is a cozy and convenient alternative to the “pillow and blanket” required for families to bring. Includes a pillow, sewn-in-fleece blanket and a slim quilted lining. Easy to roll up with handle to carry. Elastic bands secure the nap mat to daycare cots and mats. Comes with a secret pocket to tuck in your child’s best pal from home. Comes in a variety of fun patterns.
$40.00
For kids 2-4

Nalgene Grip and Gulp with Cover

When on the go, the Nalgene Grip and Gulp with Cover is a perfect way to keep your kids hydrated. As with all things Nalgene, the bottle is incredibly durable to drop or toss in a backpack or diaper bag, BPA- and BPS-free and dishwasher safe. Leak-proof and durable “sippy”12-ounce bottle for toddlers with a germ sleeve that pops on and off! Made in the USA (Rochester NY).
$11.99
For kids 12 months to 5 years

#PlayLearnConnect with #NAPPAAwards