v 4 issue 5: Back to School

Summer vacation has come to an end, and it’s time for the kids to go back to school. Whether your child is beginning preschool, kindergarten or elementary school, preparation will help make school go smoothly. We've packed this issue full of products your little one will adore for back-to-school!

Cover by Shannon Lott








1 Knick-knack, patty-whack get your bag a PakNak. PakNaks are the coolest little soft & rubbery charms used to decorate backpacks, lunch bags, or anything else you can think of. Start a collection today! Every adorable charm is super adhesive and easily interchangeable...no rings that little kiddos can't handle on their own. Each one has their own little story and we love them all.
PakNaks would like to extend a 15% discount to TTW readers. Enter code: TTW15 at checkout.

2 Snikiddy Snacks have a fantastic solution to your child’s craving for junk food. They are made with 100% organic ingredients so you will feel good about sending them off to school with a snack that you know will be eaten. These delicious delights come in everything from Grilled Cheese Puffs to Chocolate Chippers to satisfy the sweet tooth. Available in individual packets for perfect portion control.

3 No Norby Norway backpack is complete without a tag-a-long lunch bag of the same exceeding quality. A sweet embroidered design, detachable shoulder strap, and matching attachable change purse are a few of the delightful features. Each purchase includes a reusable thermos and sandwich container for simple lunch packing.

4 EM Tanner Designs is a great place to pick up personalized items with lots of style. This funky fireball lunchbox really lights our fire. No problems finding your lunchbox when it has your name written all over it and eye catching flames flying off the first initial like a hotrod.

5 This absolutely adorable plush backpack comes with a 12" stuffed monkey pet which tucks into a carrier when not in use. Kids can wear it on their back or use the telescopic handle to roll it along.Back to Basic Toys carries this simply sweet pack for only $29.99.

6 Send them off to school with a great attitude. Munchkin Designs offers this school rocks t-shirt. Preschoolers to 1st graders can let the teachers know school is the place they want to be. Choose from colors of green, pink, pool blue, and purple....or make it special by choosing your own colors for a few extra bucks.

7 Room Seven is a well-known children's clothing company based out of Europe. Girls will love this ever so girly backpack to get them off to school with classy style. Several correlating prints are combined to fashionably adorn a backpack with all the space needed for school supplies and the little extras a girl might need...(think extra sets of clothes for the preschoolers/they take up tons of space). Available at Littlejetset.com


Preparation will help make school go smoothly

The Elements of Kindergarten Readiness from Tessandtab.com

Social Kills:
Many parents believe that skills like counting and writing are the key factors in kindergarten readiness. However, The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that teachers say children with advanced social skills are more likely to have a successful kindergarten experience.

Academic Skills:
Starting early to prepare your child does not mean attempting to teach them kindergarten skills in preschool or at home. It just means ensuring that they have mastered these preschool skills.

Fine Motor Skills:
Over the next year, these skills will become second nature to your child. For now, you just need to make sure your child is familiar with the hand/eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills that are most useful.

What Teachers Expect:
• Share, take turns and listen
• Sit quietly in a circle for 10 - 15 minutes
• Use words to communicate
• Use the toilet by yourself
• Dress yourself (zip, button, fasten clothes and shoes)
• Follow simple directions
• Recite and recognize alphabet letters
• Know basic colors, shapes and numbers
• Use positional words (over, under, up, down)
• Print your first name
• Recite your address and phone number
• Properly hold a pencil
• Hold and use a pair of scissors
• Know how to use crayons and glue
• Assemble a 10-12 piece puzzle

What Parents Can Do:
Introduce your child to new social experiences by joining a play group, attending story hour at the local library and encouraging interaction with new friends. Keep a list of social activities that excite and frustrate your child and share this important information with the kindergarten teacher.

* Tessy & Tab offers two fabulous kits to get little ones ready for school. Preschoolers can start to get down with the basics through the Reading Club Starter Kit, and the Kindergarten Confidence Kit is made for those venturing on to bigger things. The Confidence Kit gives an in depth preview of what children and parents can expect from the upcoming year through a Parent's Guide, writing practice sheets, a poster, and a DVD featuring a real day at Kindergarten. Perfect to ease fear &/or prepare for a new school experience.


Showcase: Meringue Boutique
Meringue Boutique has made a name for themselves by carrying all of the women’s clothing lines worn by moms everywhere: designer denim from Seven for all Mankind and True Religion; tops and tees from Splendid, Michael Stars, Three Dots, etc.; and undergarments from favorites like Spanx, Yummie Tummie, and Hanky Panky.




However, Meringue is just as focused on the trends for children as they are for women. Meringue Boutique is equipped to meet all of your children’s clothing needs- from super-cute shower gifts to exceptional clothing for your own little one.




With fashionable brands like Petit Joie, Kingsley, Luna Luna, Hubcap, Splendid Littles, C&C California and all of the designer denim labels- your trendy tot will be set for back to school- with style! Meringue also carries a wide variety of diaper bags from in-demand lines like Petunia Pickle Bottom and Fleurville, besides maternity denim and tops.



Visit www.meringueboutique.com today!

Tot Trends Weekly readers can save an additional 10% on off all baby sale items. Use code: TOTS10 at checkout