Summer is fleeting, back to school shopping season is upon us, and it seems as if this summer has just flown by. You are likely already hearing that end-of-summer commentary that is almost unanimous with children everywhere:

“But I don’t WANNA go to school!”

Hey, it’s normal! And if you think back to your summers as a child in grade school, you likely felt the same way. Which leads me to my next question – do you remember how exciting it was to receive that list of back to school supplies in the mail? How you started envisioning all of your brand new school gear and how you’d place it in your new desk? How you’d beg your mom for the shiniest, brightest, pack of markers in the aisle, knowing in your heart that these pencils would take your coolness factor up a notch in the eyes of your classmates?

Well, not much has changed when it comes to the love for all things “back to school shopping” – except for how much cooler the gear has gotten. And trust me, I’ve done the research. As a former teacher-turned-mommy, I have seen it all when it comes to the best in back to school supplies. From monogrammed backpacks to matching lunch bags, pencil cases, and beyond; the sky is the limit when it comes to garnering that back to school excitement if you've done the right back to school shopping.

The key though, is allowing your child to have a hand in picking out their new supplies. It’s a surefire way to reverse those end-of-summer blues.

Here is my list of favorites, from Nik Nak’s, an online children’s retailer with a knack for offering the best in back to school goods:

Let's talk about that monogrammed backpack again.

With your child’s initials or name emblazoned across their new backpack, they will walk into school with a sense of pride that can only be felt by having the coolest new carryall! Available in a bunch of colors and patterns, this kid’s backpack is an essential for back to school.

More back to school shopping inspiration on page 2...