Help us spread the word by posting a Cool Mom Picks BTS button on your website or blog, and you'll be entered to win an awesome back-to-school prize package valued at $450! You could win: *$250 of Funky BUCK$ to spend at EMTanner Designs - tons of hip goodies from lunch boxes to backpacks to cool tees, all personalized just for you. *A $200 gift certificate to Moxie Kids - one of our top faves, with designers like Glug, Pink Chicken, and Tea Collection, plus decor and more. Just email us at contests@coolmompicks.com by 8/31 to let us know you've posted our button (include a link to your site so that we can come admire it!) and you'll be entered to win this fabulous back to school package! And in the meantime, go check out the selection at both EMTanner Designs and Moxie Kids and take advantage of the great discounts they're both offering to you, our CMP readers: EMTanner Designs - 20% off with code COOLMOM through 9/9 Moxie Kids - $10 off orders over $50 plus free shipping with code CPM10 through 8/31 (choose in-store pick up to receive free shipping)

The Coolest Backpacks and Bags Tip: Pockets are great for diaper bags, but too many on backpacks tend to slow down smaller kids. Stick with simpler styles and help them stay organized. *We're not sure which we love better: The new Skip Hop Zoo packs in cute animals like penguins and doggies--or the prices. Great for smaller kids not yet carrying folders or books. ($20, shown) *If you've got a girlie girl, the Dwell Studio Charlotte Backpack with matching pencil case is feminine, but without a spot of pink. ($65.99 at Oompa) *Organic cotton satchels from French designer Virgo are a cool choice for little kids not yet toting textbooks and full-size microscopes. They're fair trade too. (£30 from Lapin and Me, shown) *Another option are the girls' kinder bags from Australia's Cocoon Couture. They're like carring a pillowcase on your back - although the cutest pillowcase ever. ($58 at Arte Bebe) *Neoprene backpacks from Dabbawalla have mesh pockets on the inside for easy organization, and graphic, preschool-friendly designs on the outside like animals, a stoplight, or cars. ($42, shown) *Check out the adorable Vilac Astronaut Backpack for future Neil Armstrongs and Sally Rides. ($24.90 at Oliebollen) *If money's no object (money? What's that?) you have to take a look at the gorgeous pink Japanese Randosero bag which is all the rage in the land of the Yen. The price for you? A mere $399. (at Babesta, shown) *The Dante Beatrix Eco-Packs made of recycled bottles now come sized for little kids. Because you're never too young to wear your values on your sleeve. Or your back. ($46/56) *Even the coolest backpacks need a little bling, so snazz things up with the now eco-friendly Pak Naks ($3.99), the super cool Kamibashi String dolls ($10, shown), or the reflectors from Babesta($5). Stick one (or more) of these on your kid's lunchbox the first week of school and you're sure to be a hit, even if your lunch isn't. Arte Bebe - 15% off clothing and accessories with code COOLFALL through 9/30/09 Babesta - 15% off clothing and accessories with code CMP1509 through 10/1/09 Dante Beatrix - 15% rebate off any backpack and lunchbox purchased together with code COOLMOM15 through 12/31/09 Oliebollen - 15% off orders over $50 with code COOLMOM through 9/30/09 Oompa - 10% off, plus free shiping on orders over $65 with code CMPBTS through 9/30/09 Pak Nak - 20% off regular-price items with code PAK20

The Coolest Eco-Friendly Lunch Boxes and Bags Tip: Known carcinogens do not go well with bologna sandwiches. Check with the manufacturer of your kid's lunchbox to see if it contains PVC and if it does, toss it. *Dante Beatrix now makes adorable soft structured lunchboxes featuring graphic animals including our favorite, the hungry shark. ($34, shown) *Dabbawalla lunch bags are soft, safe, and so so cute. Plus? Washable. Hooray! ($30) *The sleek new "Stoh" lunch totes from MilkDot strike the perfect balance between soft and structured, and the insulated (but lead-free) interior provides some confidence with yogurt snacks or cheese. ($25, shown) *Toby + Rei bamboo and cotton lunch sacks are an eco-friendly step up from the brown bags. Plus, what kid doesn't love a robot on his lunch bag? ($19) *For a reusable lunch sack at a can't-beat-it price, check out the three styles from Kids Konserve - just $8. *Why pay for a licensed super hero design on a lunch tote when your kid can be his own super hero? We love the personalized superhero lunch totes from EMTanner Designs. The're insulated, too. ($34, shown) *If your kid is responsible enough to handle a bento-style lunchbox, Laptop Lunches now come in two very cute new styles. ($39.99) *Skip the plastic baggies for once and for all. Eco-friendly LunchBots stainless food storage containers are an excellent way to separate the sandwich from the nuts from the pretzels from the cookies. Um...we mean carrot sticks. ($12.95+, shown) *If all you need is a reusable sandwich bag, some of the nicest looking we've seen hail from 3 green moms. ($7.85+) *Before sending them off for the day, tuck one of Event 123's preprinted lunch box notes into their lunch bag or box and wish them luck on a spelling test or send them greetings from their beloved pet. We love that these ready-to-go notes can also be customized for your child. ($6.50 for 16 notes) If you want more room to pen little notes of love and encouragement, grab a set of Event 123's folded cards with matching envelopes. ($16 for 12 cards) Dante Beatrix - 15% rebate off any backpack and lunchbox purchased together with code COOLMOM15 through 12/31/09 EMTanner Designs - 20% off with code COOLMOM through 9/9/09 Kids Konserve - 15% off with code COOLPICKS through 9/30/09 LunchBots - 15% off with code CMP through 9/30/09 Toby and Rei - 15% off with code COOL MOM through 9/30/09

The Coolest Plaid, Plaid, and More Plaid Tip: If you haven't guessed, plaid is huuuuuge this season. Just to be sure not to pair it with too many other prints. What looks cute in catalogues often looks costume-y on real live children. *Who thought that lumberjack could be feminine? Well, Flowers for Zoe, for one, with this purple plaid dress. ($69 at Plum Denim shop, shown) *A buffalo plaid crop jacket has short sleeves so she doesn't have to leave it on the cubby hook outside of class. ($58 at Babesta) *Childish Clothing is doing the punk plaid pants thing for boys and we are loooooving the look. (on sale for $45) We also adore the button-down shirt in plaid, with teeny skull buttons and a skull on the pocket made out of studs. (on sale for $42, shown) *The lovely burgundy plaid coat from Ses Petites Mains is perfect for cool Fall weather that doesn't yet require a heavy jacket. ($54 on sale at Sparrow) *The black and red plaid mini skirt pretty much demands black leggings underneath. Just hold the fingerless lace gloves. ($39-43 at Psychobaby) You'll find the mass market version from The Children's Place in softer color combos. ($12.50) *Speaking of skirts, a pair of red plaid Francie Pants bloomers are a great way to keep girls on the monkey bars. ($16.50) *Knuckleheads has about the cutest little plaid pub cap we've seen - and they'd look just as cute on a girl. ($24, shown) *Converse reinvents their classic Chuck Taylors with plaid and we're loving it. ($32-38 at Psychobaby) *Small check tartan plaids make paticularly adorable girls' hair accessories and etsy is a great resource. We love the plaid single flower clippie from Celeste & Co ($2.95, shown), the simple tartan plaid mini clips from Day In Day Out ($3 for 2) and the red plaid scotty dog clip from Lauren & Co ($3.50). Pssst...if an etsy seller seems sold out, convo her and she'll make you another! Babesta - 15% off clothing and accessories with code CMP1509 through 10/1/09 Celeste & Co - 20% off plus a free Apple clip with purchase of 3 or more items with code BACK TO SCHOOL through 9/30/09 Francie Pants - 20% off with code CMPBTS20 through 9/30/09 Plum Denim - 20% off with code COOL4SCHOOL through 10/1/09 Psychobaby - 10% off at our partner through this link with code COOLMOM Sparrow - 50% off (whoo!), non-sale clothing toys and shoes with code COOLMOM50 through 8/31/09

The Coolest Stripey Clothes Tip: That whole "vertical stripes elongate" thing? Eh, forget it. They're kids. They'll look adorable in anything. *Your first stop for this season's stripey trend has to be Polarn O. Pyret, which is bringing its adorable trademark striped clothing from Sweden to our own shores this year. We're pretty crazy about the timeless designs coupled with incredible quality that's meant to last through multiple wearers. (Right now find clothes up to 66% off) *As long as we're talking Swedes, check out Vincent's Leo Shoes which have all the benefits of a sneaker only a whole lot cooler. ($47.95, shown) *Sailor chic is hot for fall and the Daily Tea navy raglan tee makes a simple fashion statement on dry land. ($21 at Moxie Kids) *This Catimini labo boy shirt gives you the illusion of the layers without actually having to deal with, or worse, wash two shirts. ($52 at Forest & Zoe, shown) *With a sweet gathered neckline and a simple bow, the Tiny Stripes Tunic and Leggings set from Splendid reminds us that girls don't have to wear pink to look completely adorable. ($59 at Plum Denim) *And don't forget how great stripey accessories can be. Myself Belts in navy stripes or pink stripes are not only adorable, they're made for preschoolers just learning to get those pants up and down by themselves ($14.95, shown). *Stock up on hair clips from Ribbies Clippies in an array of fun stripes ($5). And you can't go wrong with the Me Too stripey tights - perfect for under a swingy fall dress. ($19.90 at Oliebollen, shown) Forest and Zoe - 15% off orders over $100 plus free shipping, exclusions apply, with code COOLMOM15 through 9/30/09 Plum Denim - 20% off with code COOL4SCHOOL through 10/1/09 Moxie Kids - $10 off orders over $50 plus free shipping with code CPM10 through 8/31/09 (choose in-store pick up to receive free shipping) Myself Belts - 10% off with code COOL through 9/30/09 Oliebollen - 15% off orders over $50 with code COOLMOM through 9/30/09 Vincent Shoes - 15% off non-sale items at our partner through this link with code COOLMOM Polarn O. Pyret - 30% off non-sale items, plus free shipping on orders $100+ with code COOLMOM through 9/30/09

The Coolest 80's Rock Tees Tip: If you want your kids looking more hipster than heinous, skip the 80's "theme" tees and go for the actual band shirts. *Little Dudes Only has a cool selection of one-of-kind upcycled rocker tees featuring icons from the Smiths to Duran Duran. ($26-43, shown) *The Descendents I Don't Wanna Grow Up Tee is the most appropriate kid's tee since "No Sleep Til Brooklyn." ($10.95 at Little Ruler, shown) *"Born in the USA" as a slogan is a little dorky on a kids' tee, but when it's a raglan with the actual Bruce Springsteen album cover from Rowdy Sprout it's pretty darn cool. ($38 at Moxie Kids) *Reckon remains one of our favorite early Cool Mom Picks, with his gods and goddesses of pop culture like Debbie Harry (shown) and the more unexpected Pat Benatar silkscreened on cool kids tees. ($12 and up) He also does custom orders. *Sandbox Threads will custom-print Joe Strummer and friends on their Clash tee for kids. ($18) Because really, isn't "I fought the law and the law won" a great lesson for kids to learn early? *Baby Wit always has cool rock-inspired gear for kids. We love the Cheap Trick tee which won't make the teachers as uncomfortable as um, the Circle Jerks tee. ($24, shown) *Psychobaby has loads of cool 80's rock tees; we're partial to Sourpuss' pink Ramones tee ($23, shown) and the classic black Run DMC top. ($21) *We all agree that the rocking Amplified Kids Guns N Roses tee is perfect for that sweet child of yours (heh). (£18.00 at SugarBullets) Baby Wit - 10% off orders over $75 plus free domestic shipping with code COOLMOMPICKS09 through 9/30/09 Little Dudes Only - 15% off with code COOL through 9/30/09 Moxie Kids - $10 off orders over $50 plus free shipping with code CPM10 through 8/31/09 (choose in-store pick up to receive free shipping) Psychobaby - 10% off at our partner through this link with code COOLMOM Sandbox Threads - 15% off with code BACK2SCHOOL through 9/30/09

The Coolest Shoes for Social or Monkey Bar Climbing Tip: Feet expand in the summer. Better to choose pairs that are the teeniest bit loose now than the teeniest bit tight if you want them to make it through September. *See Kai Run is always one of our first stops for cool kids' kicks with flexible souls and sturdy leather uppers. This season? We're loving the Elliot bowling shoe style for boys (shown) and the Brenna t-straps for girls. ($40) *When your kid has outgrown Kai, step up to the Eleven collection of shoes - same excellent workmanship, bigger footprints. The Caper and Casota styles are like sneakers, only cooler, and the whole new fall collection will hit their website August 18.($50) *Foul-weather footwear is a must for back to school shopping, and Sweden's Vincent Shoes always does a bang-up job on affordable rainboots. We love the classic styling of Vincent's fisherman boots for preppy puddle jumping. ($33.05, shown) *Also from Sweden, check out Polarn O. Pyret's striped rainboots in bold navy or red. ($28) *The new fall shoes from Livie and Luca (shown) are fabulous, and keep checking back as they add swanky styles that last more beautifully than pretty much any kids' shoes we've ever seen. ($45) *For something more fresh and fun to keep those tootsies dry, we are digging the cool guitar rainboots from Chooka. These give new meaning to singing in the rain. ($38 at Babesta) *Splurge alert: The adorable Grey Paris Winter Rain Boots with the umbrella motif. ($80 at West Village Kids.) *We love the idea that classic styles are being reinterpreted for kids this year, like the Keds saddle shoe sneaker, in a fresh white and navy combo. ($30 at Stride Rite) *We can't imagine anything cuter on a little boy than a pair of good old-fashioned you-know-what-kicking Frye engineer boots for kids. Black is classic but boy we love the brown. ($139 at Zappos, shown) Babesta - 15% off clothing and accessories with code CMP1509 through 10/1/09 Livie and Luca - 10% off with code CMP10OFF through 9/30/09 Eleven Collection - 15% off with code CMP09 through9/20/09 Polarn O. Pyret - 30% off non-sale items, plus free shipping on orders $100+ with code COOLMOM through 9/30/09 Vincent Shoes - 15% off non-sale items at our partner through this link with code COOLMOM West Village Kids - Free shipping on orders over $75 with code SEPTCMP through 9/30/09

The Coolest Eco-Friendly School Supplies Tip: Being eco-friendly isn't just about buying organic. Teach kids to use both sides of the paper and to take care of their art supplies by doing those boring things like putting the caps back on markers or lids on paints. *We always love Ecojot's 100% recycled supplies like their adorable children's sketchpads, ($8 from Monkeygrass, shown) the whales design sketchpads, ($7 at Giggle) and the oversized workbooks. ($11.50 from Delight.com) *Upcycling fans will appreciate the Juice Pouch Backpack made by the amazing Terracycle out of all those non-biodegradable drink pouches. Has to be seen to be believed. ($11.99 at Shop Only Green) *Along the same lines, we think the Jungle Juice Aprons from DoyBags are so amazing, each one made out of the same non-biodegradable foil juice bags. ($19.95 at Stubby Pencil Studio) *The organic, fair trade pencil cases have adorable French illustrations on the outside - and hopefully greener supplies on the inside? (£10.95 at Lapin & Me, shown) *One of our eco favorites that bears repeating: non-toxic glue stick from Coccoina which smells like marzipan, not chemicals. ($4.50 at See Jane Work) *We always love Stubby Pencil Studio's array of eco-friendly school supply for kids, and this year they've introduced us to O'BON wildlife pencils made entirely of recycled newspapers. ($5.95/10, shown) *Not all eco-pencils are found in boutiques. Office Depot carries the PaperMate EarthWrite recycled #2 pencils in boxes of 48. ($6.99) *If your kid is of pen-using age, check out the compostable pens made from plant resin, not plastic. Send them back when you're done. ($23/case of 50 at ReMark) *When you've finally ditched the juice box for the more eco--and wallet--friendly reusable bottles, take your pick from among our favorites: Sigg water bottles and sippies ($17.95+ at Reusable Bags), Kleen Kanteens ($12.60+ at Nubius Organics), and the brand new, and very adorable, EcoUsable Water Bottles with wider necks to accomodate ice cubes. ($10.99 at Celery Street, shown) Celery Street - 15% off with code COOLMOM15 through exp 9/30/09 MonkeyGrass - 15% off with code COOLMOM through 9/30/09 Nubius Organics - 15% off with code ECO15 through 9/30 Stubby Pencil Studio - Free Smart Smencil with any order with code CMP-Fall09 through 10/15/09

The Coolest Early Season Outerwear Tip: When the weather goes from 60 to 80 in a day, layers are your friend. *If you're looking for the one cool splurgy item for your little rock star, check out the Kingsley's Instrumohawk Hoodie, which presumably blends instruments and...mohawks? Not cheap but their stuff wears just beautifully. ($78 at Shop Genes, shown) *The Japanese stying in Tea Collection's fall styles for kids is lending itself to some really cool stuff like the Edo Firefighter Pullover ($55 at Tea, shown) and the Tokyo Striped Hoodie which is pretty great looking in its simplicity. ($37 at Oliebollen) *Only those kids with bona fide hipster credentials (and you totally know who you are) can get away with the outrageous 70's-inspired retro windbeaker in bright blue from Japanese brand BooFooWoo. ($59 at Babesta) *Pullovers don't always have to be casual playground wear. Behold the gorgeous Taiyou Hoodie. ($25, shown) *The flowy pale pink cloud cardigan from Appaman is a stylish step up from a hoodie for girls. ($39 at Psychobaby) *Kate Quinn's organic sweater zip-up in lovely solid colors combines the best of a knit sweater with the zippers kids love. (Now 50% off at $34) *Appaman's modern take on the vintage puffy vest, especially in a showy yellow, will be much appreciated the day the first cool wind surprises you in the morning. ($52 at Psychobaby, shown) *Skateboard lover or not, the Wes and Willy Striped hoodie with the cool red lining rocks. ($36.25 at Juvie Shop). Babesta - 15% off clothing and accessories with code CMP1509 through 10/1/09 Juvie - 10% off with code CMP10 through 9/30/09 Oliebollen - 15% off orders over $50 with code COOLMOM through 9/30/09 Psychobaby - 10% off at our partner through this link with code COOLMOM

The Coolest Lunchbox Treats Tip: It's not a bad idea to get in the habit of checking labels for high-fructose corn syrup. All things being equal, better to feed your kids snacks without it than with it. *When the sanctimommy brigade is staring at your kid's chips, assure them that they're wholegrain organic Popalongs from the progressive Revolution Foods. (shown) *Another great crunchy snack you can feel better about come from Popchips which have half the fat of fried potato chips, no transfats and no cholesterol. *With Salba Smart your kids think they're getting tortilla chips, when really they're getting calcium, iron, and Omega-3s. Also tortilla chips. *When you're all about preparing lunches from scratch (and bless you!) iLunchbox is a great resource for healthy recipes. *CMP reader favorite lunch-helper books include Lunch Lessons and the Vegan Lunch Box Cookbook, which is definitely not just for vegans. Plus every recipe is tested and approved by a 6 year-old. *Also check out the wonderful Vegan Lunch Box Blog (from which we grabbed this beautiful photo). *If you're feeding a sweet tooth but want to ease up on the junkier stuff, our kids are all fans of Annie's Organic Fruit Chews which are packed with vitamin C, and look like cute bunnies instead of cute cartoon characters. Also keep an eye out for the new organic gummy snacks from mom-run Tasty Baby which are guaranteed delicious. *Go Go Squeez Applesauce (shown) hails from France, and they know a little something about great foods--even those in fun squeeze packs. Our kids heartily agree. *Party time at school? When you're on classroom snack duty--and there are allergies in the class--some of our favorite goodies come from Divvies (oh the cupcakes!), decorated sugar cookies from Cookies...for me? and the inexpensive boxed variety from Home Free which are great to keep around in a pinch. Divvies - 15% off with code COOL through 9/30/09

The Coolest Mama Sanity-Savers Tip: Get organized before the school year starts. Make a home for all the art projects, school supplies, and homework that will be flooding your abode before you know it. *The store at Mommytracked is always a good resource for organizing help, like the clever Doorganizer to keep you from forgetting your keys, phone and permission slip. If not your head. ($14.99, shown) *For those of us who like to keep track of life with a pencil instead of a stylus, MomAgenda's new 2009-2010 planners are here and there's a reason they're beloved by our readers. ($40 and up, shown) *Whomi makes a smart color-coded family wall calendar for tracking events through December '10. ($13.99) *We also love MomAgenda's new School Years Books to help you remember the milestones you forget to write down after they're out of diapers. ($24.95) *The new Alice delivery service helps you cross shopping for toilet paper and dish soap off your list since it actually reminds you when you're running low--plus delivery is totally free. *If meal planning sounds like one more thing on an already full plate, the Relish meal planning service is a lifesaver. (about $7/month) *Organizing class gifts, PTA meetings, after school clubs and more becomes way easier with the help of Big Tent. And it's totally 100% freeeee! *If you've got a kid with allergies, the personalized allergy labels from Label Daddy are a godsend. ($17.50/pack of 20, shown) *CMP fave Mabel's Labels personalized labels help insure your kid's spare underwear and sippy cups actually make it home with them. ($39) *The stretchy personalized bands from Bumpy Name are made just to fit around sippy cups and water bottles and kids love them. ($12+ for set of 4) *Of course the best way to keep from doing too much? Make someone else do it. Get thyself The Chore Board, stat. ($14.99, shown) Alice - $10 credit after spending $50 on site, at our partner via this link Label Daddy - 15% off with code CMP through 9/30/09 MomAgenda - 10% off at our partner through this link with code COOLMOM Mommytracked - 20% off with code CMP20 through 12/31/09 Relish - Free silicone spoonula from Crate & Barrel ($14.95 value) with 6 or 12 month subscription with code CMP through 3/1/10 Whomi - 15% off with code BSG09, one-time only