With safety being a priority for returning students, here’s a look at back-to-school essentials that keep it fun, while keeping it clean
With August coming to an end and the back-to-school season fast-approaching, we are finding ourselves working out the safest way to send our kids back into the classrooms.
Even though this academic year has emerged with the added uncertainty of balancing studies between home and school, the famed shopping spree and the excitement of packing up your trendy bags and pencil cases can still be a part of this new adventure.
Here’s a list of items to keep your kids’ enthusiasm running high, with the combined thrill of picking up a fun, new accessory – face masks.
Pack it up
Looking for a bag that features your child’s favourite colours and favourite cartoon personalities? Marks & Spencer has you covered.
From characters of the jungle to hues of the galaxy that guarantee the utmost level of comfort, you can trust that the bag has your child’s back – from AED 110 – 140.
Does a Thomas the Tank Engine lunchbox sound appealing? Sure. But what about a Thomas the Tank Engine lunchbox with Thinsulate™ Technology and wipe-clean lining, to keep the food fresh and sanitized for AED 110? Now that’s convincing.
Label away
Free yourself of label duty with this permanent laundry pen from Marks & Spencer. For AED 55, get creative with your school labels without having to worry about losing them, or the names fading away. Accompanied by a set of 50 iron-on name tapes, this writing will withstand washing up to 60°C, and permanently bonds to any fabric.
Crystal-infused water bottle
Crystals have taken over the online shopping industry with everyone wanting to bask in their healing power, or give their room an enchanting spin. Prickly Pear has not only combined the two but given you the opportunity to carry it with you to school.
Stay in budget, on trend and fully hydrated with this pretty water bottle for just AED 110.
Hydro-trends
Big brood at home? Rainbow coloured water bottles by Eggs & Soldiers means no more ‘mum, that’s mine!‘ dramas during the morning rush, as there’s a hue for every member of the family. Get the set for AED 139.
And if you’re trying to make more eco-friendly choices as the new semester starts, then checking out Eggs & Soldiers’s entire collection should be on your priority list. The eco-conscious store specialises in natural and sustainable products that also happen to be very practical for busy parents.
Rocking Reebok
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, one of the most exciting parts (for parents) is spotting a good offer. Well, from the 14th – 31st August 2020, you can nab a AED 50 voucher from Rebook when you spend over AED 200. Full license to spent it on something for you, instead.
But back to the little ones…
Set the tone with the the most fashionable yet practical school gear and clothing, including a cool new bag – the Classics Foundation backpack – which features an internal laptop compartment perfect for the digital-focused year ahead.
Shop the new collection before the offer runs out at The Dubai Mall, Dubai and The Galleria, Al Maryah, Abu Dhabi.
Safety first
One item on all our priority lists is the face mask. With more and more options making their way onto shopping catalogues, here are some options you’ll have no trouble adding to your shopping cart.
The newly-designed face coverings from the collaborated collection between One Good Thing, Emirates Environmental Group and Goumbook offer five colours of double-layered, breathable, machine-washable cotton, with soft material loops around the ears, an additional velcro neck strap to prevent the falling of the mask, and even name tags – for AED 120.
And each time a certain amount of school masks are purchased, one indigenous tree will be planted in the name of the school.
Another eco-epic collaboration is between Eggs & Soldiers and One Good Thing. With two available options for a pack of four for AED 99.75, protect your kids with vibrant designs and the best intentions.
Dress to impress
Our little ones need to both look smart but feel comfortable when we drop them at the gates, and Marks & Spencer’s new collection achieves just that. Each item is cleverly designed survive more washes, so messy play isn’t off the cards.
From pleated skirts to smart shirts, enjoy affordable options without compromising on quality.
Go for a traditional, crisp white shirt starting from AED 90, pleated dresses from AED 100, or new shoes from just AED 45.
The collection includes clever innovations, such as StainAway™ – a unique fabric treatment which works to release stains – on the shirts, and two-pack trousers and pinafores, as well as the StayNEW™ technology, which makes the rich cotton cardigans and three-pack unisex polos maintain their rich-ness for longer.
Looking to shop for your home as well? Here are the best interior sales happening right now.
By Samira Banat