The 2010 Back to School Shopping Guide

Lunchboxes have come a long way from the printed tin boxes of our own youth. We're pretty sure our picks will score some awards for coolest kid in the cafeteria.

union jack lunch bag $30 at dabbawalla	red scooter lunchbox $29.95 at soyoung mother	star wars lunch bags $22 at pottery barn kids
insulated lunchbags $13 at skiphop	sparrow lunchbox $36 at my sweet muffin	french bull lunch tote $22 at builtnyc
punch buggy lunch tote $23.99 from little packrats	monogrammed lunchbox $14.95 at l.l.bean	custom lunchbox system $21.95+ at yubo

Preschoolers need backpacks that are just the right size for that little blankie and half a sandwich. Besides, you don't want to get a backpack that weighs more than they do. We've found some of this season's cutest pint-sized packs for your pint-sized cuties.

dinosaur backpack $42 at beatrix ny	vintage flyer backpack $40 from dabbawalla	reversible satchel $29.95 from apple and bee
checked mini yakpak backpack $16.99 at funky shop	personalized backpack $55 at em tanner	velvet star backpack $30 at ebags

We sure know how picky big kids can be. Our awesome alternatives to the mainstream backpacks will let even the most particular kiddo express themselves in style.

robot backpack $52 at beatrix ny	reflective critter pack $30.36 at l.l.bean	crumpler backpack $50 at ebags
paul frank backpack $12 at target.com	gray biker $35 at four peas	kids’ messenger with backpack straps $49 at fleurville

We find when you invest a little in reusable bags, napkins, and utensils, you end up saving a whole lot in the long run. Plus it puts an end to eco-inspired Baggie Guilt. Yes that’s the medical term.

shinzi katoh bentos $18+ at my sweet muffin	bambu utensils for kids $8 at branch home	organic cotton kids napkins $16/5 at mika+bu
kids' cold packs $6 at pottery barn kids	custom sigg bottle $24+ at cafe press	reusable snack sack $9.95 at itzy ritzy
telefresh lunch kit $2.99, $3.99 at the container store	crocodile creek insulated food jar $15 at cattiwampus	lunchbots container $12.99+up at lunchbots
personalized snack sack $7.50 at bleuroo	personalized stainless water bottle $19.00 at pottery barn kids	cleanwell natural hand-sanitizer $3 at greeno bambino

Whether it's getting yourself organized, or giving your kiddos an extra educational boost, these iPhone apps are a must-download for back-to-school. Or yet another reason to put an iPhone on your shopping list.

to help coordinate with spouses and sitters hunny do free at itunes	to share calendars yadahome family organizer free at itunes	to track chores without stickers ireward chart free at itunes
to sneak in one more page kindle for iphone free at amazon	to keep you busy in the carpool line words with friends $2.99 at itunes	to see what kids are texting about lrn the lingo $.99 at itunes
to help with phonics abc pocket phonics $.99 at itunes	to teach basic letter writing letter writer oceans $.99 at itunes	to teach telling time jungle time $.99 at itunes
to help with early math and reading teach me: kindergarten $.99 at itunes	to help with geography geowalk 3d world factbook $.99 at itunes	to make math fun kid calc 7-in-1 math fun $.99 at itunes

Denim has gone from cool to hot this season, so you'll want to be sure your kid's wardrobe is stocked with America's favorite fabric, now making an appearance on clothes from head to toe.

super skinny jeans $17.50 at old navy	hickory stripe denim vest $39 at tea collection	little boys’ trucker jacket (and for girls) $44 at levis
appaman denim hoodie $63 at psychobaby	denim leggings with heart kneepads $24 from zupers	pleated denim skirt on sale for $31.80 at ses petites mains
denim mary janes $52 at artebebe	terry unisex “jeans” for sensitive dressers $30 at soft clothing	flipside hat $17 at cat in an apron

We're pretty sure that reading is always cool, so here are a few fun tools to help make sure it stays that way, whether they're reading board books or Balzac.

clip-on book light $12.44 at amazon	miss rhonda’s readers $19.95 at amazon	quail book plates $4.50 at boygirlparty
ecotots bedside book caddy $100 at modern nursery	brain quest workbooks $12.95 from workman	readeez learn-to-read dvd $15 at readeez
personalized book plate stamp $15 at scribbling club	3 shelf bookrack $99 at pottery barn kids	magnetic fabric bookmark $6 at bonistudio

We're all for making a statement with shoes, and these swanky sneakers add that special finishing touch to a back-to-school wardrobe without sacrificing comfort.

dr seuss chuck taylors $35+ at converse	vincent "luke" shoes $23.45 on sale at vincent	old skool vans $35 at zappos
camper kids $75 at zappos	keen polar bear shoes $40 from piperlime	lacoste for kids $45 at zappos
fair trade veja sneakers on sale for $68 at nonchalant mom	black sparkle keds $35 at stride rite	simple kids satire sneaker $42 at zappos

We love that purple is the color for Fall, whether you've got girls or boys. Use it as a great neutral alternative to brown and black, or just to add a little punch of color to your back-to-school basics.

purple vans $35 at zappos	retro puffy vest $55 at psychobaby	handmade hair clip $10 at chloe in style
buckle beanie $33 at two seaside babes	lilac boot $75 at hunter	rugby stripe tunic top $26.50 at gap
skull backpack $26.50 at gap	birdie scarf $14.99 on sale at oliebollen	leggings $8.50 or 2/$12 at old navy
plaid tie $17 at baby by stevie	smocked skirt $14.50 at old navy	hooded dress top $38 at boden usa

Every kid needs one special little splurge that helps show off his or her personal style, even if it's not on the official school supply list.

japanese pencil cases $12.95 at japanistic	kids' reusable tote $15 at kamibashi	recycled pencils $3.50/12 at earthzone
build your own 3d notebook $9.99+ at snapily	recorded message backpack charm $16.99 at talkatoo	smens scented pens $12.95 at stubby pencil studio
personalized portable photo album £13.99 at memolio	woodland animals pencil case $18 from pocket carnival (ships from australia)	planetary sketch book $7.95 at stubby pencil studio
iron-on patch $6.95 at japanistic	monster coin purse $13 from zomb	microscope necklace $12 at shanalogic

As moms ourselves, we know that sometimes it's the little things that make the difference between a success and a disaster. Here's what we rely on to keep our sanity during this busy season.

clothing labels with designer patterns 100 minis/ $19.99 at oliver's labels	hp photosmart printer $157.95 at amazon	lunchbox love notes $3.99 from say please
lil davinci frames $27.95 at amazon	sandwich cutters from lunch punch $16/4 at amazon	my lunch box: 50 recipes to take to school $11.53 at amazon
allergy alert labels $18.50 from mabel’s labels	storage boxes $11.99 on sale at the container store	"sniff, I can't believe my baby is starting school" box of tissues $various at alice