2022 as the ideal time to refresh and regroup. If your home is in need of some TLC, it’s time to stock up on simple organizing supplies that will make the new year great. From bulletin boards to utility carts, and label makers to school folders, this list has something for everyone.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


 

Mind Reader Supreme Snack Organizer

Offer your favorite students yummy treats and snacks with this carousel organizer that rotates a full 360-degree for easy access. Twelve slots on the top row are ideal for granola bars, nut packs and other small items while the bottom row is open for larger items like chip bags and maybe even some fresh fruit. 

Shop it on Amazon, $33

LapGear Designer Lap Desk 

When your student is doing homework or studying at home, keep her comfy with this lap desk. While the flat surface is perfect for writing assignments, this lap desk can still accommodate laptops up to 15.6,” and a built-in lip prevents it from sliding. The built-in cellphone holder keeps her phones upright and viewable, and the cushioned bottom conforms to her lap for extra stability. 

Find it on Amazon, $30.

Homecube Pencil Case Big Capacity Storage 

Made from durable oxford fabric, this pencil case can go through some things and remain in tip-top shape. Generously sized, this pencil case can hold up to 50-60 pens and pencils, and it’s even large enough to hold a graphing calculator for your older students. A detachable velcro organizer and mesh and velcro pockets also keep things neat and tidy. Kids can use case as an all in one organizer to store everything from pens, pencils, erasers, and other small items as well as headphones, charging cords and other small items. 

Choose from several color options on Amazon, $10

Magnetic Calendar for Refrigerator

Everyone has their weekly schedule on their devices, but how often do they check in with each other? To make things go smoothly and keep everyone in the loop, try this magnetic calendar. There’s plenty of space to record weekly activities, assignments and chores, and the note section is large enough to accommodate the ever-growing, ever-popular, shopping list. A super-strong magnet ensures that this calendar stays put, and the durable surface wipes clean with no ink-ghosting. Helpful hint: use a different colored marker for each member of the family! 

Available on Amazon, $19

U Brands Magnetic Dry Erase Board

A dry-erase bulletin board is a must-have for every busy family. Park it by a prime traffic area in your home, and you’ll see what we mean. Use this board for a helping hand to keep everyone informed and on-task. Leave notes for the family on the way out the door, reminders for assignments due, or have a spot to demonstrate adding fractions (should the need arise). 

For a companion to your dry erase board, try this set of dry erase markers. Packed with all the essentials, it has everything you need to maintain some order and organization including, four markers, an eraser, and a whiteboard cleaner spray. 

Find it on Amazon, $13

Plastic Envelopes Poly Envelopes

When the new year starts, there’s no doubt that there will be plenty of paperwork coming home too. Keep it organized with this set of punchy colored school folders. Made from durable PVC, these envelopes are almost guaranteed to make it through the school year intact, and they’re transparent so you and the kids can tell what’s inside. And to help you out, each one has a clear pocket for labeling. These folders are letter sized, sold in packs of 10 and if you or the kids don’t care for bright colors, there are clear envelopes available as well. 

Snag a bunch on Amazon for only $8

Post-it Super Sticky Notes

There are a million ways to use post-it notes, and really, the possibilities are endless. So when the new school year rolls around, use them for to-do lists, quick reminders, getting organized, and maybe even a sweet lunchbox note (or 10—no judgment). This collection of post-it notes includes 15 pads in assorted sizes and colors. 

Remind yourself to “add to cart” on Amazon, $13

2022 Planner - Academic Weekly & Monthly Planner with Tabs

Keep your child organized and teach her the essentials of time management with this cute academic planner. This planner runs from July 2020 through June 2021 (with 12 monthly tabs), so she’s covered for the whole school year. A durable cover and thick pages will keep the organizer intact, and she can choose from assorted sizes and colors. 

Find it on Amazon, $9

 

Gamenote Wooden Pen Holder

Keep pens, pencils, art supplies, and other small items in one spot with this bright and cheery wooden pen holder by Gamenote. This pen holder comes fully assembled, and six compartments keep your supplies organized and easily accessible

Available on Amazon, $24

Wall Closet Hanging Storage Bag

Give your little ones a place to stash their supplies when it’s time to clean up with these hanging storage bags. These organizers can be hung on any wall or door, and they fold up compactly for storage when not in use. Sold as a three-piece set, each one has three large pockets to stow pretty much anything.

Get it on Amazon, $12

Umbra Buddy Wall Hooks

Umbra’s buddy wall hooks offer a unique and fun way to keep the kids’ stuff organized, accessible, and off the floor. Each pack comes with three ‘buddies’ that climb the walls in various positions, and each buddy can hold up to five pounds. Use buddy’s arms, legs, and head to hang coats, scarves, backpacks, and more.  

Available on Amazon, $20

mDesign Modern Plastic  Water Bottle Holder Stand 

Water bottles are totally necessary, but they tend to create a lot of clutter in pantries and cupboards. Reign it all in with these stackable water bottle organizers. Sold in packs of four, these racks can hold three bottles each, storing them horizontally for easy access and a quick grab. Use it to organize reusable bottles, sports, and soft drinks. These racks are BPA-free and shatter-resistant, and in case of spills, just clean them with mild soap and water.

Snag it on Amazon, $43

Drawer Storage

While junk drawers are a great catch-all for all small items, rifling through them to find the things you need can be a pain. Sort it out and get it organized with these plastic drawer storage organizers. Sold in a pack of 36, there's enough for every type of "junk" and for multiple drawers, too. Mix, match and assemble them any way you like, and if they get dirty, just wash with soap and water.

Available on Amazon, $26

DYMO Label Maker

Nothing says “organized” like a label maker, and Dymo’s label maker might be one of the best organizational tools ever. Use it to make labels for kids' school supplies, folders, and even pantry shelves and food items so everyone knows where to find the good stuff. With five font sizes, seven print styles, eight box styles, and 1- or 2-line printing, the possibilities are endless. 

Find it on Amazon, $30

 

SimpleHouseware Heavy-Duty 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart

Use this three-tier utility cart to maximizes your storage space and get organized. Store extra pens, glue, notepads and paper, and maybe save the top tier for quick grab-and-go after school snacks. This utility cart is on wheels, so set it up where you want and move it whenever you need to.

Available on Amazon, $41

Washi Tape Set

Use this washi tape set to liven up and personalize boring folders and papers. Kids can skip the scissors and tear it by hand and reposition whenever they want without ripping the paper. Plus, there’s no waxy coating, so they make great labels for kids because they can write on it and make it even more fun. Each roll is 15 feet long, so there’s plenty to go around. 

Grab this pack on Amazon, $7

Joseche Reusable Magnetic Cable Ties 

The biggest difference between school supplies 30 years ago and school supplies today is probably the number of cables kids have to manage. From cell phone chargers to laptop chargers, and myriad USB cables, cords are everywhere. Use these magnetic cable ties to cut down on the chaos and tidy things up. What’s more, these handy little helpers are magnetic, so they have plenty of uses around the house. Use them to tie off bags, hang notes on the fridge, and even to keep your keys in a safe spot. 

Find them on Amazon, $15

—Sharon Brandwein

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

 

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Do you have a major science lover? Chances are, they’re already big fans of Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist. Now they can take their love of the curious and smart girl to the next level.

West Elm has just dropped the WE x Netflix: Ada Twist collab and it’s everything you need to outfit your kiddos’ room in science style. With everything from doodle-patterned sheets and wallpaper, to a graph paper rug and supersized lap desk, kids will definitely be channeling their inner Ada.

Currently the collection is made up of 12 items, all available for pre-order. Prices range from $14.50 to $299 and include crib sheets, wallpaper, a rug, chair, lamp and more.

Look at this wallpaper!

West Elm

And this lamp!

West Elm

You can shop the entire line at westelmkids.com/adatwist.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of West Elm

 

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10 Kids’ Chair & Table Sets That Fit Every Space & Style

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Creating a family-friendly home that appeals to both parents and kids can be a challenge. But, if you have the room for it, a set of kids’ tables and chairs will give them a place to play and be creative, and you a place to keep all their stuff (and we know there’s a lot of that!). From Mid-Century inspired designs to classic 3-in-1 combo kids’ tables and chairs, there’s a size and style for every family. We found our favorites, so keep reading to see them all. 

Martha Stewart’s Living & Learning Rectangular Play Table

Wayfair

This table comes with a flat work surface that gives kids plenty of space to work, and with six fabric storage bins, there will be a place for everything when they’re done. The stools are included, and there’s even a spot for a paper roll. 

Buy it here, $450.

Amazon Basic Kids Wood Table and Chair Set

Amazon

Primary colors for the win! This set of four chairs and a table is perfect for a fun playroom. Made from solid wood, we also love the affordable price tag! 

Buy it here, $93.

Lilly & River's Little Creator

Etsy

This beautiful table is has a chic but simple design and comes with not only a LEGO and DUPLO base but also a dry-erase surface, a center storage bag and two light-weight chairs. 

Buy it here, $180.

Mack & Milo’s Adalwen Kids 3-Piece Round Table and Chair Set

Wayfair

We love the mid-century design of this adorable kids’ table and chairs from Mack & Milo! The white tabletop pops against the gray and wood chairs. 

Buy it here, $178.

Delta Children’s Windsor Kids Table and Chair Set 

Ashley Furniture

Choose from a creamy gray or a cool aqua when buying this classic kids’ table and chair set. 

Buy it here, $132.

GobiDex 7-in-1 Activity Table

Amazon

Does your kiddo love LEGO? Check. Water play? Check. Snacks? Check! This 7-in-1 activity table has it all!  It comes in three different color schemes, and you can adjust the table legs as your kids grow. 

Buy it here, $73.

Crate & Kids Nesting Play Table and Chairs

Crate & Kids

If you are looking to minimize the space a set of a table and chairs will take up, this nesting table from Crate & Kids is ideal. Not only do the stools fit snugly into the table, but each one is also a storage unit. Choose it in white or charcoal. 

Buy it here, $400.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Table and Chairs

Melissa & Doug

If you want to go classic, go Melissa & Doug! Their kiddie table and chairs set comes in three different finishes, are tried and tested and can be assembled with ease. You can even order two additional chairs to complete your set. 

Buy it here, $162.

Montessori-Inspired Kids' Table

MontessoriHOUSEbed via Etsy

This beautiful Montessori-inspired wood play table is a play table, an eating space and a desk for toddlers. It comes in four different finishes, including black and white. 

Buy it here, $120.

Harriet Bee Calliandra Kids 2-Piece Outdoor Table and Chair 

Wayfair

Don’t forget your outdoor play space! Made from solid wood, this adorable picnic table comes with an umbrella. 

Buy it here, $134.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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It’s the worst when the last flower on your bouquet finally bites the dust and you have to toss them all in the trash. Well, thanks to Love Pop, you can enjoy this bouquet all year long!

Disney’s Hocus Pocus Spellbinding Bouquet ($26) starts out as a card fit for the Sanderson sisters, then unfolds into a purple and orange “floral” centerpiece. Above the purple vase and amidst the black vines lie the Sandersons holding the Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy next to a bottle of magical green life potion.

Once unfolded, The Hocus Pocus Spellbinding Bouquet measures 10.25 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide, making it the perfect size for your dining room table or your desk. Because it starts out as a card, shipping is also a breeze!

You can find this boo-tiful bouquet at lovepop.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of lovepop

 

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The summer swelter is nearing its end. Before your kids trade swimming for studying, you’ll need to stock up on the essentials (especially if you are remote learning this year). That’s where your fave Swedish retailer comes in. Along with the must-have meatballs and lingonberry sauce, an IKEA study table, IKEA desk and other school-ready picks can make the summer-to-school transition the best time of the year. Keep reading to see our favorites.

RÅSKOG Utility Cart

IKEA

Organize your child's workspace with the IKEA RÅSKOG utility cart ($29.99). Fill the bins with pens, pencils, paper and every other school supply your student needs. 

MÅLA Paper

IKEA

Make your child's crafting dreams come true with this assortment of rainbow hues ($4.99). The paper pack comes with different colors and different sizes too!

LUSTIGT Caddy

IKEA

Store your child's fave art supplies in IKEA's LUSTIGT craft caddy ($17.99). Not only can they keep crayons, markers and pens in the box, but there's also an A4-size paper storage tray in the bottom. 

MÖJLIGHET Headset and tablet stand

Tidy up those cords with this cute stand ($3.99) that comes in a variety of colors. 

VÄGGIS Noticeboard

IKEA

Forget about Pinterest for a moment. This noticeboard allows your child to pin their favorite artwork, reminders or anything else IRL. And it's only $5.99!

MICKE Desk

IKEA

The simple IKEA desk ($99.99) fits almost any room. Combine it with other IKEA units or keep it as is for a minimalist work station. 

NÄVLINGE LED wall/clamp spotlight

Let their work shine bright this school year with this clip-on lamp ($17.99).

STARTTID Pencil Case

IKEA

So you say your kiddos need something cute to carry their pencils in? This pick ($1.99) is an adorable option.

HEMNES Desk

IKEA

If your child needs more storage space, this HEMNES desk unit ($449) is ideal!

OBERGET / BLYSKÄR Desk Chair with Pad

IKEA

Now that your child has a desk, she needs somewhere to sit. The OBERGET / BLYSKÄR chair ($34.99) is easy on your back-to-school budget, adjustable and cute! Comes with different colored pads to match your decor.

FLISAT Desk

IKEA

With three different heights, this children's desk ($79.99) is an adjustable option your kiddo will enjoy for years to come. 

VIMUND Desk Chair

IKEA

Kids can get comfy in this ergonomic junior chair ($69.99). 

KUNGSFORS Magnetic Clip

IKEA

The KUNGSFORS clip ($4.99 for three) is perfect for organizing your child's school papers, artwork or other papers. Or use them to leave little reminder notes behind!

MÅLA Chalk

IKEA

Little artists will get a kick out of these bold colors. Your child will get nine pieces of chalk in a pack for $2!

MÅLA Colored Pencils

IKEA

If your pint-sized Picasso is all about drawing, this 10 piece pack ($4.99) has a rainbow of colors to create with. 

TJENA Desk Organizer

IKEA

Keep your kiddo's desk clear with this organizer ($4.99). 

 

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: IKEA

 

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Back-to-school time is always a perfect time to get nostalgic about your own days in the classroom, but things have changed a lot since you were the one sitting behind the desk. From hand-operated (gasp!) pencil sharpeners to everyone’s favorite folders, scroll down to re-discover some of the school supplies you probably couldn’t live without.

Tavets via Instagram

Trapper Keepers helped you stay organized. But it was the outside design that stole the show. 

Jessica Lucia via Flickr

Scented markers made your papers smell delicious. Lucky for kids everywhere, they're still going strong and available anywhere school supplies are sold.

Gabby Cullen

Pencil sharpeners had to be operated by hand.

eBay

You put trolls on your pencils way before Poppy and Branch were cool. 

eBay

You kept your papers in the whimsical yet slightly psychedelic Lisa Frank folders. Buy this vintage gem at eBay

Amazon

You hoped Kissing Potion lip gloss really worked. You can still find it on Amazon!

Wikimedia Images via Pixabay

You loved your Walkman...and the mixed tapes your friends made for it! 

eBay

You loved when your teacher rewarded good grades with Scratch And Sniff Stickers on your test papers. 

Isriya Paireepairit via Flickr

You used a tape recorder and had to hit rewind...a lot.

Mac231 via Pixabay

Remember when all your information came from the Encyclopedia instead of Google or Alexa? 

Erol Ahmed via Unsplash

And in order to find exactly which Encylopedia you needed, there was the ever-handy card catalog. 

Wikimedia Commons

Learning to spell was fun with Speak & Spell. And then E.T. used one and sealed its fate as a classic '80s relic. 

saskboy via Flickr

Avoiding dysentery and watching out for thieves along the Oregon Trail was all part of the educational fun.

Christopher Sessums via Flickr

Overhead projectors with their erasable transparency sheets have long been retired to make way for projectors that connect to laptops and tablets.

Michael Coghlan via Flickr

Rainy day movies meant rolling the AV cart out and popping in a VHS for recess time. 

 

eBay

Bento boxes with Instagrammable food art have replaced plastic lunch boxes packed with fruit roll ups and gummy sharks (don't forget your matching Thermos!). 

Pixabay

Long before the magical cloud existed, these bad boys were all the storage you needed—as long as you didn’t lose them.

 

Ebay

The original fidget spinners! Your Tamagotchi wasn't exactly a classroom essential, but at recess, the first thing you did was feed your digital pet. 

 

—Sher Warkentin with Melissa Heckscher

Featured image: Vishwanatha Srinivasan via Pixabay

 

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With more and more people continuing to work, study, and stay at home these days, it’s more important than ever to make your home your sanctuary–a space that invites peace and flow. Here are 6 ways to create good vibes in your space:

1. Plan It Out 
Use a weekly planner to plan out your days each week. These can be store-bought planners or even bullet journals you design yourself. It should be easy and practical for you. Plan out each day’s tasks, weekly meal plan, a self care routine, and maybe even a motivational quote or theme for the week.

2. Think inside the Box
Don’t allow papers to pile up and become an unmanageable mess. Use boxes or bins that fit with your room’s aesthetic to help with paperwork storage. Make the bins easily accessible and keep documents separated within the bin if needed.

3. Bring Nature Indoors
Plants produce oxygen so it’s important to have at least one live plant in your workspace. Houseplants like philodendron or succulents are great since they don’t need to be watered regularly. They add a great pop of green and keep the room feeling fresh. You could also have fresh cut flowers in a vase, but keep in mind that they would need to be replaced every week or so. A more economical solution could be realistic faux flowers in a simple white vase or jug.

4. Create a Meditation Space
Meditation has proven health benefits, such as a reduction in anxiety. It also promotes clear thinking. Having a space to meditate, first thing in the morning if possible, is a wonderful way to start your day off on the right foot. This could be as simple as a corner near a sunny window or space in the middle of the floor.

5. A Soft Place to Land
For those days when work gets to be too much, taking a break from the computer or desk is much needed. If you have a small sofa or even a comfortable chair to move to during breaks, it will keep you from being tempted to turn back to the computer while trying to relax.

6. White Noise May Eliminate Distraction
If you are one of those people who likes to have background noise while working, consider having white noise such as birds singing, ocean waves, or even coffee shop background noise playing while you work. Sometimes having some noise can blend into the background while keeping distracting thoughts at bay.

This post originally appeared on The Haute Mommy Handbook.

Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.

 

As a parent, you’re constantly busy. So when it comes time to get that Amazon return back in the mail so you don’t miss your return window, you need all the help you can get.

Now you don’t have to make a separate trip to the post office––just head to Whole Foods. The Amazon-owned grocery store will now handle your returns free of charge.

photo: Julie Clopper via iStock

Before heading out for your grocery run, start your return on Amazon’s Online Return Center. Choose your local Whole Foods Market (not all items or ZIP codes may be eligible for returns for now), then get your QR code ready from your email.

Then grab your return items and head to the store where you can find the Customer Service desk or Pickup & Return kiosk. You can leave the boxes at home––Whole Foods will package, label and ship for you!

Returns, you’ve got nothing on us!

––Karly Wood

 

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Everything—and everyone—is awesome! Today the LEGO Group announced a new rainbow set that celebrates the world’s diversity. Inspired by the rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, it features 11 unique monochrome figures with individual colors and hairstyles.

The 346 piece set, “Everyone is Awesome” will go on sale Jun. 1, just in time for Pride Month. You can buy it online at LEGO.com or at LEGO stores for $34.99. Once completed, it’s the perfect size for a desk or window display, to bring a colorful pop to life every day.

Set designer Matthew Ashton, Vice President, Design said: “I wanted to create a model that symbolizes inclusivity and celebrates everyone, no matter how they identify or who they love. Everyone is unique, and with a little more love, acceptance and understanding in the world, we can all feel more free to be our true awesome selves!”

The LEGO brand’s commitment to diversity goes far beyond the release of a new set. The LEGO Group partners with Workplace Pride, Stonewall and Open for Business to collaborate on strategies supporting employees who identify as LGBTQIA+, as well as allies. And the company supports Diversity Role Models, a UK-based charity which educates children on inclusivity and empathy.

It’s been a good month for LEGO releases. Buy this new set and build on with pride!

––Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of LEGO

 

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In a dream world, you’d get paid to be a mom. And if you did, new data from Salary.com finds that you’d be making a fair market salary of $184,820, based on an average of 106 (!) hours of work a week. Of course, that doesn’t take hazard pay or retirement into account.

Those hours worked are up from 96.5 hours a week pre-pandemic and 75% of moms report putting in even more time––117 hours a week to be exact. With the additional burden of schooling and working at home, the most time-consuming and expanded roles reported were Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (the role that makes sure everyone else is following the plan).

For the past two decades, Salary.com has surveyed tens of thousands of stay-at-home moms and working moms to determine the value of the job if it was paid fairly. Moms report their work profile across 20+ roles that make up the most time-consuming tasks from chauffeur, to CFO, to cook and more. Salary.com analyzes the hours spent and assigns an hourly wage rate to each role.

“In a year like no other, moms went to extraordinary lengths to keep things together on the home front, working, on average, 15.1 hours per day, seven days a week,” said Mary Crogan, Vice President of Marketing at Salary.com. “That’s an incredible workload, and one that encompasses everything from C-level responsibilities, to help desk manager, to teacher. It’s fitting that their salary value continues to rise, nearing the upper echelons of Corporate America.”

Of course, mom life doesn’t actually bring in a paycheck because no amount of money could compensate when the work you do is invaluable. But the next time someone downplays your role in the household, just remember you can tie a dollar amount to your hard work—and there’s data to prove it.

—Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Salary.com

 

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