The days might not be getting much cooler, but summer is winding down and it’s that time again — back to school! Are you prepared? If not, you still have time. Consider these ideas to get you started.
Tech Talk: If your kids are old enough to tote a laptop to school, a monogrammed laptop sleeve lets them protect the gear and be trendy at the same time. $39, from Swagger. 2425 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. (919) 858-5884.
Resale: To stock up a new closet without breaking the bank, consider gently used items at Once Upon a Child. No matter what grade your kids are going back to, they’ll have plentiful options on the cheap. Sizes go from newborn up to boys’ 18/20 and girls’ 16.
Selection changes daily, but we recently spotted great items like a Speechless size 10 sundress with teal polka dots, $6.50, and boys’ size 14 Nautica khakis, $13. You can also earn cash by bringing in the stuff they’ve outgrown from last year! Once Upon a Child, 253 Grande Heights Drive, Cary. (919) 380-8768.
Double-Sleeve Tees: Casual and cute in a variety of colors, these perfect-for-fall T-shirts are big this year. Matching shoes, tights, hair bows, socks complete the outfit all in one spot. $11.99 (sale) to $16.95, at Crazy8. Cary Towne Center, Crabtree Valley Mall and Southpoint.
Accessorize: A wardrobe isn’t complete without accessories, but budgets might not leave much room for finishing touches. But you can let them go wild at Glitter. Younger girls will love the hair bows and headbands, and older ones will appreciate the selection of necklaces, earrings, rings and more. All jewelry accessories are $1, and items like purses and belts are also available. Cary Towne Center. 1105 Walnut St., Cary.
Don’t Forget Mom: Let keeping all your kids’ hectic schedules organized be a little bit easier this year with the momAgenda, complete with weekly and monthly views and space for mom and up to four kids. August 2011 through December 2012. $43.95 at paperbuzz at North Hills. 4209-125 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh. (919) 781-0351.
