Refilling the Pencil Cup

Eliza Clark
August 22, 2012

Going back to school can be a tricky transition. It’s not easy to generate enthusiasm for a change from summer freedom to the four walls of a classroom. Books, spelling worksheets, and math problems can seem poor companions compared to seashells, sand, lakes, and forests.

But back to school the kids must go, and pretty soon they’ll be immersed in their friends and routines, and excited about various projects (we hope!). It’s getting over the initial reluctance that’s the trick.

For some kids, a few new stationery supplies are just what it takes to get them excited about a fresh start in school. For parents who are also smitten with stationery, shopping for cute kids’ school supplies is a reason to love back-to-school days.

Just look, for instance at the offerings from the Stubby Pencil Studio. We love their beautiful, simple, eco-friendly pens and pencils of all descriptions (including “Snifty” scented pens, and fluorescent highlighter pencils), not to mention their soy-based crayons. The notebooks have pleasing designs and are made exclusively from recycled paper.

Another great source of environmentally friendly notebooks, planners and all manner of paper goods is Ecojot. Our kids are especially fond of their sketchbooks. This jellyfish cover design is irresistible.

Once you’ve got your paper and pencils, the next thing you need is, of course, a cool pencil case. Welcome to CoolPencilCase.com, naturally, and discover the incredible creativity that goes into the design of pencil cases. A pencil case in the shape of a shoe? You got it. Animal designs? Yes. If your child can dream it up, there’s a good chance it exists. Or if you’re hoping to find something simpler, we also like the well made pencil cases from Crocodile Creek. 

Isn’t a freshly stocked, well organized backpack a joy to behold? Doesn’t the very idea make you want to go back to school?