Odds are you or someone you love has just returned or is only days away from returning to school. (If you are one of the lucky few who do not start until after Labor Day, keep it to yourself.)
Every year there are new products that are considered “must haves” for the first day of school. These depend on your gender, your age and to a large extent your interests. (I cannot even begin to keep up.) Despite the current fads, a few products remain on the must-have list every year because of their eminent practicality.
Fortunately for all of us, just because something is practical does not mean that it has to be boring or made in another country.
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General Pencil Company – Made in Jersey City, New Jersey
Whether you need to solve a math problem or make a heartfelt (but not permanent) margin proclamation of your love for the cute guy in the next row, nothing beats the classic pencil.
General Pencil Company has been making pencils for over 5 generations. The company was founded by Edward Weissenborn, an inventor and machinist, in 1861. Weissenborn received 28 patents for improving machinery and processes related to the production of over 360 kinds of pencils. Today General Pencil Company is still family-owned.
The #580 Test Scoring Pencil (above, $19 for 3 dozen) is the perfect choice for filling in those little circles on standardized tests or completing crossword puzzles. Wherever you choose to use it, this pencil will leave an even, dark line.
Visit www.generalpencil.com.
Eraselet – Made in Hot Springs, Arkansas
To err is human. To fashionably erase your errors you need Eraselet.
Frustration turned to inspiration when savvy parents Kimberly and Brian Ricci designed an eraser that their elementary-aged children could not and would not loose.
The Eraselet is a equal parts fun and function. With 16 designs and 7 colors, everybody can find a statement-making eraser to wear.
The Eraslet is sold individually (above) for $1 per bracelet and in theme packs of 6 for $4.95. (Great news – orders over $3 ship for free!)
Visit www.eraselet.com.
Russell+Hazel - Made in US*
Until the day comes when the world is truly paperless (and I am not sure that I will ever be ready for that day), you are going to need a way to organize your paperwork. Why not choose an attractive one?
Russell+Hazel have designed their Signature 3-Ring Binder (above, $24 each) of 100% post-consumer recycled content with a linen spine. With 11 colors to choose from, you can have one for each subject. These 1-1/2″ binders hold up to 275 sheets of paper and are equipped with a substantial rubber band to secure the notebook and any unfilled papers. (I know I am not the only one who “forgets” to file!)
Still not impressed? The inside of the Signature 3-Ring Binder is rendered in a dry-erase material so you can doodle during class and then wipe away the evidence.
Love the design but need a smaller version? R+H makes the Mini Binder , a 1/2″ version that is only 7″x9″ in the same color palette for $16 each.
Visit www.russellandhazel.com.
*Unfortunately very few of Russell+Hazel’s items are made in the US but these notebooks are. Be sure to check carefully throughout their site for other “Made in USA” items.
Duluth Pack - Made in US
Perhaps the most abused of all school supplies. When it is not being overloaded with school-house essentials, it is being slammed in a locker, thrown in a car or used as shield. If you are going to ask this much of any object, you better buy one that can handle it.
Duluth’s Child’s Pack (above, $70) is made of 15-ounce canvas with leather flap straps and webbed-cotton shoulder straps. It comes in 12 colors and is guaranteed for life.
Wonder how they can make such a promise? Well, simple. Duluth’s products are built to withstand the elements. They are made for campers, kayakers, hunters, fishermen and yes, even children. If you are headed into the wild – be it Borneo or 3rd grade – this is the pack you want on your back.
Visit duluthpack.com.
The Container Store - Made in US*
If you are looking for a one-stop shopping experience, type “made in USA” into The Container Store’s search box. From there you will directed to dozens of great items – many of them back-to-school essentials like the 5 shown above.
- August to August Planner (left) – $16.95 each. Available in 4 colors. Each contains week and month-at-glance calendars.
- Scotch Magic Tape (second from left) – $1.79 per roll
- Paper Clip Dispenser & Clips (center) – $3.99 for either black or clear. Includes approximately 100 paper clips.
- Sweet Pea Letter-Size File Folders (second from right) – $5.99 for a pack of six – 2 of each pattern.
- Square Post It Label Pads (right) – $5.99 for 2 packs. Total of 75 labels.
Visit www.containerstore.com.
*Obviously The Container Store carries products that are not made in the US; however, their website is very searchable and they do a good job of noting which products are made in America.
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In the back-to-school spirit, the next 8 posts will be classroom-subject themed. Hope you enjoy.
Your feedback is always welcome.
Thanks for reading.
