Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, August/September 2016.
PEEKABOO BEANS
Go for originality with the adorable collection from Canadian company Peekaboo Beans. High quality cotton is super comfy for kids. Boys and girls styles come in sizes 1–10. Available at peekaboobeans.com; Celebration Tee: $39; Long Embrace Leggings: $30
ME TO WE WATER BOTTLE
Every Me to We purchase gives back by providing a gift to Free the Children. Start with this eco-friendly water bottle, but keep an eye out for backpacks, binders and notebooks, too. Available at Staples $13
SHARPIE COLOR BURST MARKERS
The vivid ink of a Sharpie is permanent and water-resistant; perfect for school projects and labelling your supplies. Available at Walmart, Staples, Loblaws, Amazon.ca $37 (for a 24-pack)
DUCK TAPE
There are plenty of designs to choose from (puppies, rainbows, flowers), plus cork, chalkboard, dry erase...the list goes on. Add it to your craft bin. Available at Michael's $2-$6
TECH GEAR CANADIAN PRIDE PENCIL CASE
Show your Canadian pride with a maple leaf, moose or beaver. Available at Walmart $5
SKECHERS TWINKLE TOES SHUFFLES
These emoji-covered lace-ups actually have a zipper for little hands. And, like all Twinkle Toes shoes, the toes light up. Available at Skechers and Town Shoes $70
FISKARS MVP KIDS NON-STICK SCISSORS
These kid-safe scissors come in soccer, baseball, basketball and football print. Available at Staples $4.50
EPSON EXPRESSION ECOTANK PRINTER
This all-in-one printer features high-capacity, refillable ink tanks and comes with enough ink to print 4,000 colour pages and 6, 500 black pages (nearly two years worth!). Available at Best Buy, London Drugs, Epson.ca $400
MR. SKETCH TWISTABLE SCENTED CRAYONS
These sweet-smelling crayons never need sharpening and glide across paper smoothly (almost like lipstick, but without the smudging). Available at Walmart, Staples, Loblaws, Amazon.ca $7
THERMOS CHEWBACA LUNCH BAG
Fun, functional and...furry. May your lunch be with you! Available at Staples $20
VANS NINTENDO AUTHENTIC PRINCESS PEACH
Level up with these classic Vans in retro video game print. Look for Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros., too. Available at vans.ca, $65
WONDER WOMAN TRAVEL MUG BY ZAK
While you may not have the super strength or super speed of Wonder Woman, this insulated mug can help with the next best thing: coffee. Available at EB Games and Amazon.ca, $16