Many kids dread the end of summer break when school supply lists arrive in the mail and their sun drenched, carefree days come to a close. To soften the blow, parents can make supply shopping fun while thinking outside of the school box. We went window shopping and gathered 20 suggestions that cost $15 or less.
Hamburger Lunch Bag: $7.99
Although kids can't have fast food for school lunch, they can still make it fun. These funky lunch containers have insulated lining and a pouch to store tinier treats.
Available at Target locations including 1209 N. Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City. 770-282-2165, target.com.
Character Spiral Notebooks: $2.50 each
Add some character to class. Popular pop culture icons, including The Cat in the Hat, the Avengers and the beloved stars of "Frozen," grace the covers of these one-subject spiral notebooks. Each contains 70 pages.
Available at Target locations including 140 Woodstock Square Ave., Woodstock. 678-494-5307, target.com.
Zipit Monstar Pencil Case: $3.99
These pouches stay hungry for pencils. Available in a variety of colors and styles, it unzips and resembles a monstrous mouth. It includes three rings on the side for storing in a binder.
Available at Target locations including 6000 N. Point Parkway, Alpharetta 770-664-5395, target.com.
JalaPENo Pen: $8
Shaped like a mustachioed jalapeño pepper wearing a sombrero, this ink pen might just spice up any subject.
Available at Junkman's Daughter, 464 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com.
Doodlecase: $9
You can't help but doodle in class? Then do it on your pencil case. This cloth case not only stores smaller school supplies, but also allows you to draw your own colorful designs on it. It includes four marker pens: black, red, blue and green. When you get tired of your doodle, simply wash the case and start over.
Available at Junkman's Daughter, 464 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com.
Note to Self: $4.75
So your smartphone reminders aren't cutting it? You might want to try going old school with these jumbo reminder pads. Includes more than 50 sheets with unique check box categories with titles such as "brilliant idea" and "hopelessly random."
Available at Junkman's Daughter, 464 Moreland Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com.
Locker Mirror: $6.95
Just in case you need to check out yourself before class, this magnetic mirror hangs right on the inside of your locker door.
Available at Swoozie's locations including 5131 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 1015, Norcross. 770-263-6441, swoozies.com.
Monster Gel Pens: $8.95
If you keep losing your pens, it might be easier to keep track of them if they stick together. These do just that. With a cute monster character design on each cap, the monster's arms lock together with those found on the other pens. Each of the four pens have black ink.
Available at Swoozie's locations including 5131 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 1015, Norcross. 770-263-6441, swoozies.com.
Eraser Heads: $6.95
These erasers may resemble ball point pen caps, but they slide right on top of any old pencil. And they provide more rub than the average pencil eraser. Includes a set of 10 in a variety of colors.
Available at Swoozie's locations including 5131 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 1015, Norcross. 770-263-6441, swoozies.com.
Vera Bradley ID Case: $12
You have to keep that school ID on hand, so why not do it in style? Speaking of style, these cases come in various styles, including the Rio pattern (pictured). It features a zipper and a key chain clasp. You can also pick up a Vera Bradley lanyard ($12), if you'd like to wear it as a fashion accessory.
Available at Mori Luggage & Gifts, 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1030, Marietta. 678-560-9616, moriluggage.com.
Gold Glitter Three-Ring Binder: $5.99
Just in case you think you might lose your binder in the classroom shuffle, this one stands out in the crowd. It includes two pockets.
Available at Office Depot, 2126 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta. 770-493-6060, officedepot.com.
Cadoozles Mechanical Pencils: $11.99
This 28-pack of number two pencils might be enough for the entire school year. Each feature cute animal mugs including foxes, owls and raccoons.
Available at Office Depot, 2126 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta. 770-493-6060, officedepot.com.
Portfolio Folders: $1.50 each
Images of everything from reptiles to Ford Mustangs to kittens grace these folders with pockets. Some feature die-cut designs and three-ring holes.
Available at Office Depot, 2126 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta. 770-493-6060, officedepot.com.
Poster Kit: $14.99
Soon enough, it might be time to whip up a class project. This kit comes armed with stencils, large letter stickers, markers, colored pencils, glue stick, scissors and more. All you need is a poster board.
Available at Michaels, 4000 Lavista Road, Tucker. 678-280-1012, michaels.com.
Magnetic Bin: $5.99
With help from a magnet, these decorative bins, which come in a variety of styles, hang on the inside of a locker. They're the perfect size for holding pens, pencils and smaller school supplies.
Available at Michaels, 4000 Lavista Road, Tucker. 678-280-1012, michaels.com.
Utility Caddy: $3.99
Those in need of toting their school supplies may find what they need with this plastic caddy. It has one large compartment, two smaller ones and a carrying handle, allowing students to transport their stuff from one class to another.
Available at Michaels, 4000 Lavista Road, Tucker. 678-280-1012, michaels.com.
R2-D2 Lunch Tote: $14.95; sometimes on sale for $10
Everyone's favorite astromech droid from "Star Wars" comes immortalized as an insulated lunch tote. Check and see if all of the lunch totes, except for the “Frozen” ones, are still on sale for $10.
Disney Store, Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, 770-350-9790, disneystore.com.
Character Back Pack: $22.95; occasionally on sale for $15
Just like all of the lunch totes, sans the "Frozen" ones, Disney Store back packs have been on sale. The staff isn't sure how long the sale will last, but the kids may appreciate you spending the extra cash on packs featuring Minnie Mouse, various Disney princesses and Chewbacca from "Star Wars." The latter even includes a removable, Wookie-like hood.
Disney Store, Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, 770-350-9790, disneystore.com.
Character Supply Kits: $14.95
Disney-fied versions of school supplies, including scissors, rulers, erasers, pencils and more, come in an all-purpose package. "The Cars" kit, for instance, features 11 pieces.
Disney Store, Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, 770-350-9790, disneystore.com.
Character Flash Drive: $9.99
In the digital age, older students find themselves doing some of their school work on the computer. These flash drives, dolled up with images of Batman, Superman and Peanuts characters, hold as much as 8 gigabytes.
Walgreens, 585 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur. 404-292-8878 walgreens.com.
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