Online - August 12, 2010

Old-School Finds for a New School Year

Back-to-School Essentials

You’re all for progress (add another notch to the growth chart). But even as things change, you find comfort in how much they stay the same.

To wit: our back-to-school list full of old-time faves (with 21st-century upgrades).

Serena & Lily’s new space-age, parka-inspired backpack ($118) is made of high-density, water-resistant nylon. With no-slip shoulder straps and easy-access pockets, it’s roomy enough to transition beyond the early learner years.

Sack the brown bag for a reusable organic cotton lunch bag ($19) from Fluf. The mealtime carryalls have plenty of room for a drink, sammie, and snack. Removable vinyl liners (BPA and phthalate free) make for quick cleanup.

There’s nothing better than a paper napkin note from mom, except for maybe an audio clip of her voice. Talkatoo’s mini digital recorders ($17) are packaged as lunch box and backpack charms. Just hold down the button to record and press to play back (“Love you! Eat your veggies”).

Your little luncher’s milk money stays safe in a Mally Designs change purse ($13). The pint-size pockets are creatively crafted from remnants of the company’s leather bibs.

If years of practice make perfect, it’s no wonder an old-school chalkboard set has achieved such excellence. The personal chalkboard (one side blank, the other a grid) comes with a box of colored chalk and a small eraser, so every lesson can start with a clean slate.

Looking for the perfect lunch box? Check out our photo gallery.

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Photos: Courtesy of Serena & Lily; Courtesy of Romp for Fluf; Courtesy of Mallybib; Courtesy of Olive Juice

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  Ecofriendly, Educational, Lunch