This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks on behalf of Newell Brands, but my opinions are my own.
I’ve found that if there is an excuse for my kids to delay or avoid doing their homework, they will. Last week, it was “I can’t find a pencil.” This was quickly followed by “I can’t find a sharpener.” The pencil, by the way, is mechanical. Organization and the right tools are homework staples in our home. In fact, I specifically sought out the best back to school supplies to ensure that my kids are well-equipped to tackle homework, projects and other school-related assignments.
My kids are still at that age where going back to school is exciting. But the reality of homework quickly sets in, and sometimes kids need a bit of inspiration to fuel their creativity and show them that learning really can be fun. I have two very different children. One is artistic and nurturing…the other analytical and reflective. What this means is that while my son is busy tackling science projects, my daughter is drawing quietly.
Must-Have Back-to-School Supplies and Tips
To help prepare my kids for the new school year, we have a desk set up with their Must-Have School Supplies. A white board helps my kids stay focused on the most important tasks while a tumbler allows them to move around with their pens and pencils if they begin to get antsy at their desk. Having everything my kids need, minimizes distractions and interruptions during homework time, resulting in less homework battles and more productivity.
Use a White Board For Important Tasks and Deadlines
The last thing I want to hear when I pick up my kids from school is that they have a major project due…tomorrow. Particularly when said project requires a trip to our local craft store and we have yet to eat dinner. Pick up a small white board and keep EXPO Dry Erase Markers with Ink Indicator on-hand to write down due dates and to-do lists. The clear ink barrel makes it easy to keep an eye on ink supply. There is no greater satisfaction than checking off items on that list (or even better, erasing them!).
Use a Jar to Store Pens, Pencils, Markers, and Crayons
My kids will typically start their homework at their desk. But restlessness inevitably sets in and my kids begin to move around. Having a jar with essentials like Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens makes it easy for kids to move around with their essential school supplies. By the way, these gel pens are awesome! They are available in 14 vibrant colors and dry 3 times faster to minimize smearing.
Create a Craft Supply Center
I currently 4 packs of construction paper because as a mom to a school-aged child newbie, I failed to organize my kids’ craft supplies. Every time they needed supplies for a school project, I would head to our local craft store in a frenzy to purchase what they needed (this compelled the introduction of the white board). In the rush to get said project finished, I would double up on craft supplies we already had stashed away. These days, we have a dedicated craft supply center, and each compartment is labeled so that we all know whether or not to buy yellow paint, popsicle sticks or glue. Speaking of glue, we’re recently added Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue to our craft supply center. Ideal for new glue users, it comes out purple but dries clear. For older kids working on school projects, Elmer’s Re-Stick Glue Stick is the answer to all of those “oopsies” and “second guesses.” Kids can easily adjust where they are sticking items for presentations and projects for up to 5 minutes before a permanent bond forms.
As I mentioned earlier, my daughter is artistic and prefers painting and coloring over technology. I also added Sharpie Art Pens, Mr. Sketch Scented Twistable Crayons, and Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils to our art supply center to inspire some creative fun. My kids particularly love the smell of Mr. Sketch’s Scented Crayons and Pencils and I appreciate that the brand’s twist design eliminates the need for sharpening and subsequent pencil shavings around the base of my trash can.
Keep Lunch Essentials In One Location
I wanted to throw a small party when my kids reached the age where they could make their own lunch. Not only has this made mornings less hectic, it frees me up to focus on ensuring the necessities are accomplished. Since my daughter cannot reach our cupboards, I decided to re-arrange where I store their lunch essentials. We have a dedicated shelf in our kitchen for lunch boxes, thermoses, water bottles, and reusable containers. We recently added Rubbermaid’s BRILLIANCE food storage containers and Contigo’s AUTOSEAL Water Bottles and Mugs to our lunch essentials. Rubbermaid’s food storage containers are 100% leak-proof and ideal for snacks and other prepared meals. Contigo’s AUTOSEAL Chug Water Bottle makes it easy for my kids to stay hydrated throughout their school day. This bottle includes a sturdy carry handle and only requires one-handed use.
Win It! One of you will win a #BestOfBackToSchool Prize Pack. This prize pack will include the following:
- Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue
- Elmer’s Re-Stick Glue Stick
- Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Travel Mug
- Contigo AUTOSEAL Chug Water Bottle
- Brilliance Lunch
- EXPO Dry Erase Markers with Ink Indicator
- Sharpie Clear View Highlighters
- Sharpie Art Pens
- Mr. Sketch Scented Twistable Crayons
- Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils
- Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens
To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter form and leave a comment with the product you are most excited about using this school year. Comments will close on September 19th, 2017 at 11:59 PM PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
- Like Water for Chocolate at Segerstrom Center for the Arts - March 24, 2023
Elena says
I am excited to use Sharpie pens
snowlark2 says
I’m most excited to use the Paper Mate Ink Joy gel pens.
Jackie says
I’m most excited about the Brilliance Lunch container.
Stephanie Phelps says
I am excited to use the Brilliance Lunch. Actually all of them so nice thank you for the chance!
Jennifer Rote says
I’m excited about the Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils.
Janet W. says
I’m excited to use the Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils this school year with my grandsons!
shelly peterson says
I’m excited to use the Rubbermaid Brilliance and the Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils.
Heather Dawn says
I want to use the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue and the Sharpie Art Set!
Kristie says
I’m excited about the Contigo AUTOSEAL Chug Water Bottle!!
D Schmidt says
All look great but I think the Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Travel Mug!
Deb Moretti says
The Brilliance lunch. I have to make 4 every day.
nannypanpan01 says
I love sharpies
Lauren says
I like Mr. Sketch products.
jeepingeos says
I would love to try the Contigo AUTOSEAL Chug Water Bottles.
Laurajj says
Oh the Mr Sketch Scented Crayons look so neat! We love their markers, but have never seen their crayons before. So neat!
Kelly D says
I am excited about the Contigo AUTOSEAL Chug Water Bottle.
Melissa Storms says
I really want to try put the Contigo cups. We have gone through many water bottles/cups in this house and have not found one we really love yet.
jeremy mclaughlin says
The chug water bottle.
jjohnson46 says
I’m most excited to use the Sharpie’s!
Kristen says
I’m excited for the Contigo mug.
Laurie Nykaza says
I’m most excited to use the Paper Mate Ink Joy gel pens love the colors.
teeanderson99isme says
I am most excited to use Mr Sketch scented markers.
susan says
I’m most excited about the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens ~ now that my little one is not so little, I can see the value of some good pens!
Sarah Hayes says
Im excited about the sharpie art pens
gracefulcoffee says
The gel pens!
latanya t says
the Brilliance Lunch
Terry says
I am most excited about trying the PaperMate Ink Joy product.
Tracy Shafer says
The sharpie art pens
Brandy Graham says
The scented color pencils.
Jacquelyn Cannon says
I am excited about the Mr. Sketch Scented Twistable Crayons!
Cynthia C says
I am excited to try the Brilliance lunch container.
Cheryl says
I’m most excited about using the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens.
Julie Bickham says
It would be the Sharpies. I love Sharpie products.
Crystal F says
I think my youngest daughter would enjoy the scented colored pencils.Thank you!
cyndi br says
the sharpie art pens
clumsycruiser says
I’m excited to use the Sharpie Art Pens. I love that they come in different tip styles now.
Jen R says
I am most excited by the Contigo AUTOSEAL Chug Water Bottle. Contigo products are always great quality.
nafeza2526 says
I like the Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils.
paula peterson says
I think my daughter would be mom excited to get the Candy pop makers.
Linda G. says
I am excited to use the Mr Sketch Scented Crayons. I know my grandson would really like these.
kathypease says
I would be excited about the sharpies
Jennifer H. says
I would like to try the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue.
John H. says
•Mr. Sketch Scented Twistable Crayons
Lisa Pecora says
I am most excited for the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens
Jessica W. says
I’m most excited about using the Rubbermaid Brilliance lunch!
Jessica Staley says
papermate ink gel pens
buttmuffin says
scented pencils sound awesome!
Richard Hicks says
Excited to use the Sharpie Clear View Highlighters
Tracie Cooper says
I am most excited about the PaperMate flair pens!
Dana Matthews says
I’m most excited to try the Mr. Sketch products!
Buddy Garrett says
I am excited about using the Sharpie Clear View highliters.
tridingermckee says
I am most excited to use the Mr. Sketch Scented Colored Pencils
Jillian Too says
I’m excited about the Contigo AUTOSEAL West Loop Travel Mug.
Sand says
I’m excited about the Sharpie Art Pens.
Meme says
I’m excited about the sharpie art pens and the whole package
Nicole Lancaster says
I am most excited to use the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue this school year.
AEKZ2 says
We’re excited for the Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens