Here are some tips for buying kids’ school shoes.

Tips for Buying Kids’ School Shoes:

Getting the right fit is crucial when buying school shoes. Poor-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even long-term foot problems. Here are some tips to ensure your child’s shoes fit correctly:

Toe Room:
There should be about a thumb’s width (approximately half an inch) between the end of the shoe and your child’s longest toe when standing up.

Width:
The shoe should comfortably hug the foot without being too tight or too loose. Ensure that there are no pressure points or areas where the shoe pinches.

Heel Fit:
The heel should fit snugly but not too tight. Your child should be able to walk comfortably without their heel slipping out of the shoe.

Flexibility:
The shoes should bend easily at the ball of the foot, allowing for natural movement when walking or running.

Comfort:
Let your child walk around in the shoes to see how they feel, and ask them to run, too; we all know new shoes go fast! They should not experience any rubbing or discomfort, especially around the toes or heels.

Sock Test:
Have your child try the shoes on with the socks they typically wear to school. This ensures a more accurate fit.

Remember, children’s feet can grow quickly, so checking the fit regularly throughout the school year is essential. It’s recommended that you check the fit of their shoes every 6-8 weeks.

Here is an example of an online tool for measuring your kid’s feet. This is especially helpful if you want to buy their shoes online!

Knowing When Your Kids’ Shoes Have Worn Out:

Shoes can wear out quickly with active kids, often before we even realize it. Knowing when it’s time to replace them is crucial for their comfort, safety, and foot health.  Here is how to identify when your kids’ shoes have seen better days.

Worn Outsoles:
The outsoles (the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground) are the first area to show signs of wear. Look for smooth or uneven tread patterns, especially in high-traffic areas like the heels and balls of the feet. If you notice significant wear, it’s time for new shoes, as worn-out outsoles can affect stability and grip. This is especially important with school shoes and gym shoes, as the tiled floor is often slippery.

Lack of Support:
Over time, the shoe’s midsole, which provides cushioning and support, can compress and lose its resilience. Press your thumb into the midsole; if it feels firm and bounces back, it’s still supportive. The shoes may no longer provide adequate support if they feel flat and offer little resistance. 

Visible Damage:
Check the shoes for any visible damage, such as tears, holes, or loose stitching. These issues not only compromise the shoe’s structural integrity but can also cause discomfort or injuries to your child’s feet. Velcro straps can become fluffy and may no longer stick, making the shoes dangerous if your kids feet slip out.

Foot Pain or Discomfort:
If your child complains of foot pain or discomfort, or if you notice any changes in their walking or running patterns, it could be a sign that their shoes are no longer providing adequate support or cushioning.

How to Avoid Lost Shoes: Yes, It Happens a Lot with Kids!

The easiest way to avoid lost shoes with kids is to label them! This is especially important when they have indoor/outdoor shoes, boots for changing weather, and shoes for sports or extracurriculars. Multiple shoes leave so many opportunities for them to get left behind and end up in the lost and found.  These shoe labels are waterproof, sweatproof, and super cute!  They’re fully customizable and stick into the insole of your kids’ shoes, making them easy to spot.

Plus, if your little one struggles to put their shoes on the right foot, these left-right preschool shoe labels are a great solution!  

The Importance of Properly Fitting Shoes in Kids

Ideally, children’s shoes should be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on how quickly they grow and how often they wear them. Here are some general guidelines:

Active Shoes:
Shoes worn for sports or daily outdoor activities may wear out faster than those worn indoors or for less active pursuits.

Comfort and Fit:
If your child complains of discomfort or if their shoes no longer fit properly, it’s time for a new pair, even if the shoes appear to be in good condition.

By staying vigilant and regularly checking your kids’ shoes for signs of wear, you can ensure they always have footwear that supports their growing feet. Investing in quality shoes and replacing them promptly when needed keeps your child comfortable and promotes healthy foot development. Remember these tips to navigate the world of children’s footwear confidently, knowing you’re providing the best for your little ones.

The post Kids’ School Shoes; Everything You Need to Know About Buying, Sizing, and Replacing Shoes appeared first on The Mabelhood.

…the joy of seeing your child run, explore, and get a little dirty in the great outdoors is an experience like no other!

It is critical to be well-prepared with the right gear and supplies for forest school. With the right items, the unique learning experience offered by the great outdoors will be more enjoyable for your kids.

Here’s a list of essentials to buy and pack for forest school:

Clothing Essentials Needed for Forest School:

Comfortable Clothes: Dress in layers suitable for the weather. Consider moisture-wicking materials. Soft clothing like sweatpants should be worn under waterproof pants. Thicker pants are good for keeping bugs away. Try to always buy moisture-wicking clothing and dress in layers. 

Tall socks: Always wear tall socks to help keep pesky ticks at bay! Pack LOTS of space socks for your kids to take with them each day. There is nothing worse than cold, wet feet!

Waterproof Jacket: This jacket protects from rain or wind. Depending on your climate, you may also need another layer of jacket for warmth.

Waterproof Pants: Keeps legs dry during wet weather or when sitting, crawling, and climbing on damp ground.

Sturdy Shoes or Boots: Closed-toe footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Make sure they’re fully waterproof and comfortable.

Hat: For the summer months, get a wide-brim, breathable material. Depending on where you live, you may need a hat for warmth on chilly mornings.

Gloves: If you live in a colder climate, you must stock up on your winter clothing. Neck warmers, hand warmers, hats, etc. 

Extra Clothes: Spare clothes for unexpected weather changes or if clothes get wet/muddy. It’s essential they have options, and always remember to provide layers!

Name labels! Don’t forget to label everything! Clothing can so easily get mix-up and left behind, but a name label can save you costly replacements! Here is a pack of waterproof clothing labels that will withstand the sweat, water, dirt and mud your kids will be putting them through, Plus, they’re laundry-safe!

Extra Supplies and gear needed for forest school:

Backpack: To carry all necessary items comfortably. Make sure it has extra compartments for organization and a quick access pocket for your water bottle.

Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a BPA-free water bottle. Don’t get something too heavy. And don’t forget to label it to avoid germy mix-ups with other kids!

Healthy Snacks: Energy-boosting snacks like fruits, nuts, or granola bars are great options to pack each day for your kids. The extra protein will be required based on how active they’ll be!

Packed Lunch: Nutritious meal for longer forest school sessions. We love bento-style boxes that offer a variety of compartments, which is especially good for picky eaters who like many options.

First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for treating minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. If your child has allergies, consider these labels to keep them safe! 

Sunscreen: It’s a no-brainer, even on cloudy days!

Insect Repellent: Keep bugs at bay during outdoor activities, especially when the season change and the pesky bugs come biting!

Notebook and Pen: For jotting down observations or taking notes during activities. Your particular school may provide these or have recommendations on the type they prefer.

Whistle: For emergencies or to gather attention, it’s essential.

Towel or Blanket: Useful for sitting during breaks or picnics, for wiping, for warmth – truly multifunctional! keep it very light and easy to pack.

Optional Forest School Supplies You May Want to Purchase:

Magnifying Glass: Explore small details in nature up close; kids love to see the details of bugs, moss, and other small items in nature.

Binoculars: Spot birds or other wildlife from a distance.

Field Guides: Identify plants, animals, or insects encountered during outdoor explorations. Depending on your school, these may be provided.

Camera: Capture memories or interesting finds; it’s an excellent way for kids to put together projects and record their findings.  

Remember, the specific items needed may vary depending on the school, the activities planned, the duration of the forest school session, and the local weather conditions.  

By ensuring you have these essentials, you’ll be ready to make the most of your forest school experience. Remember to check the specific requirements of your forest school program and tailor your packing list accordingly. With the right gear and supplies, your kids can focus on enjoying nature and all the learning opportunities it has to offer.

Heading to traditional school? Check out this school supply list!

The post Your Complete Forest School Packing List: What to Buy and Pack appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Mabel’s Labels has been around for over 20 years and is the expert in kids’ name labels. This time of year, the Back-to-School label combos are one of the top items parents want to purchase. But where do you begin? We’ll break down the best school labels to make your back-to-school label shopping easier!

Firstly, Mabel’s School Combos have great features!

-100% satisfaction guarantee!
-Waterproof!
-Laundry safe!
-Dishwasher safe!
-Microwave safe!
-Free standard shipping on all orders!

The Ultimate Back-to-School Label Combo:  

40 Small Rectangle Labels
70 Tag Mates Stick on Clothing Labels
16 Round/Shoe Labels (That’s 8 pairs of shoes!)

This is a National Parenting Award Winner, for good reason!

Design your perfect labels. With over 60 cute icons, 8 different fonts and a variety of color palettes to select from, you’re sure to find labels that perfectly suit your kids’ style.

Buy this label pack if…
Your kids have a lot of school supplies, lunch boxes/ bags, and clothing that you want to ensure it returns home again!

The Little Kid School Combo:     

40 Small Rectangle Labels
70 Tag Mates Stick on Clothing Labels
16 Left-Right Match-up Shoe Labels (That’s 8 pairs of shoes!)

Parents of Little Kids heading to school for the first time really love this label pack! The left-right shoe labels make it easy for kids to a) find their shoes, but also b) put them on their correct feet! This feature is great, as kindergarteners are often left to put their own shoes and jackets on. You don’t want your kids spending the day in mixed-up shoes!

At this age, just seeing their name on labels helps them stay organized; often, their items are new, and it can be confusing what’s theirs, so labels help with name recognition but helps them stay organized. Seeing their name on things gives them a sense of pride in their stuff, and they’re more likely to care for it.

Buy this label pack if…
Your little one is just starting school and learning to put their shoes on. And if they need to label their clothing, school supplies and lunch items.

The Middle School Label Pack: 

40 Small Rectangle Labels
70 Tag Mates Stick on Clothing Labels
16 Round/Shoe Labels (That’s 8 pairs of shoes!)

Too cool for school? This may be the Label pack you need! These labels have all the same great labels included in the Ultimate, but in more mature designs to suit older kids and their stuff.

The designs include terrazzo, camo, tie-dye, geometric 90’s geometric, and so many funky, subtle, and trending designs that they can match to their water bottles, phone case and more.

The small labels included in this pack are great for chargers, electronics and other high-ticket items your tweens and teens are taking to school that you definitely don’t want going missing!

Buy this label pack if…  
Your kids are starting to get embarrassed to be with you, then this label pack is probably perfect. Let them select the labels based on what will match their stuff!

The Basic Back-to-School Label Pack: 

10 Large Rectangle Labels
16 Small Rectangle Labels
6 Shoe Labels (3 pairs)
21 Tag Mates Stick On Clothing Labels

Have labels left over from last year (one complaint Mabel’s Labels sometimes hears is that each pack has too many labels, can you have too much of a good thing??). The solution to this is this basic pack, a great way to top up your existing labels.

This pack comes in icon-free labels with a selection of 32 color palettes, so whichever existing label pack you have, you’ll be able to match the color and top up your labels easily!

If you’re looking for just a few labels, this product can be the perfect stand-alone product that still provides laundry-safe, waterproof, dishwasher-safe labels. This basic pack is intentionally short on labels, but it certainly doesn’t fall short on quality!

Buy this label pack if…  
You have some labels left over from last year and weren’t planning to buy another large pack, buuut you also may also run out; it’s the perfect solution to top-up your existing label pack so you don’t fall short.

Bag Tags: 

These plastic tags are perfect for identifying backpacks, gym bags and more. Pick a design to match your labels. The Mini Tags are great for pencil cases, lunch bags and boxes. The mini tags make great zipper pulls for when your little kids struggle with zips! So many parents chose to add these to their Little Kid Label Packs.

Buy these tags if…
Your kids have look-a-like backpacks that you don’t want to go missing!

School Uniform Label Pack:

This label pack is great if you have school uniform items that need labeling. Uniforms are great, but the look-a-like items make them easy to mix-up and go missing, so this label pack of Tag Mates and Shoe Labels will prevent that from happening.

Buy this Label pack if…
You have look-a-like uniform clothing that needs to be identified!

The Custom Clothing Stamp:  

A top seller! The quickest and easiest way to stamp clothing. This multi-award-winning product is a favorite with parents!

Pro tip: These are GREAT for labeling underwear for your little ones when you’re still potty training and need to take lots of pairs to daycare or kindergarten.

Tag Mates Stick On Clothing Labels:

Included in all combos, these little clothing labels are laundry-safe and loved by all! They are also known as mini labels and work great for identifying chargers and smaller items. Many parents like to add these to their order to use them in multiple ways!

When applying them to clothing tags, you must remember that they attach to the tag itself and not directly to the fabric. After applying, wait 24 hours before putting your items in the laundry.

Sending a little one off to daycare? Check here for what to pack and how to label it all!

The post How to Label for School: A Breakdown of the Top-selling Name Label Packs appeared first on The Mabelhood.

1) Buy only what you need.

Before buying everything you need, check with the teacher and request a supply list. Perhaps you don’t need to buy as much as you think. So save your money and only purchase what the teacher requests. If you’re eager to start, check out these School Supply Lists by Grade.

2) Bundle and buy in bulk.

Sometimes purchasing items together is cheaper than individually. If you find your kids don’t need everything in the bundle, you can pair up with friends who may consider an item swap! For example- this great back-to-school bundle

3) Shop on tax-free weekends

Sorry Canadian friends, this doesn’t work so well for us. Here is a list of the  tax-free weekends you’ll want to take advantage of if you live in the U.S.

4) Use cashback app

Cash back apps can be excellent ways to save. In Canada, our favorite is paymi. How it works, for example, is you make a purchase through Paymi and get 2% cash back on your purchase! You can purchase your Mabel’s Labels through paymi as well as other great Canadian brands like Mastermind, Indigo, and Owl Kids!

US customers, search out great US options like Honey or Retail Me Not for codes before shopping!

5) Groupon Deals!
Did you know that Groupon has a back-to-school category. It’s worth checking out!

6) Reach out for help
Contact the school district or school board and ask for direction on resources that can help. Like this one

7) Label your things!

Not only do teachers require your kids’ items to be labeled, but you’ll also thank yourself when their stuff comes home every day. There is nothing worse than buying a water bottle- then buying another a week later, after soccer practice, and so on. While you may think buying labels is an added expense, it really does save you re-buying over and over again. Check out these cost-effective label packs!

Plus, Mabel’s Labels has a 100% Satisfaction guarantee, so it’s no-risk shopping!

Also, they always have FREE SHIPPING!

8) Wait it out.
Often September  has amazing sales, on new clothing, school supplies and much more!

9) Buy second-hand 
Not only is buying second-hand more cost-effective, but it’s also way better for the environment! This tip works best for younger kids’ who aren’t so picky with what they wear.

Help if you can:  

Every kids deserves the same education. If you have the means, we encourage you to donate to your class if you can. Or perhaps use an organization like DonorsChoose. To donate supplies to and the organization will ensure that their going to places most in need.

Wishing you all a frugal back-to-school season!

The post Tips to Save Money on Back-To-School Supplies appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Another thing to keep in mind (for all USA residents) is to consider doing your shopping on tax-free weekends. A full list of tax-free school supply shopping weekends can be found here.

Kindergarten supply list:

Commonly found on Kindergarten School Supply Pack Lists:

Pack of Crayola crayons
Pack of markers
Pencil grip
Pack of paper
Dry-erase markers
pack of construction paper
1 box of large ziplock bags
2 Boxes of tissues
2- Glue stick
1- Liquid Glue
2- Two pocket Folders
5” Fiskars Kids Scissors
Clorox wipes
Large old shirt to be used as a smock during messy play
2 – Playdoh (the teacher may request certain colors based on their last name)

Be prepared to replenish the supplies during the year if needed. Sometimes the teacher may request that these items not be labelled individually as they’ll be used communally in the classroom.

Kindergarten Personal items needed: (these items will be required to be labelled)

Headphones (not earbuds or Bluetooth)
Change of clothing (pants, top, sweater)
Socks and underwear
Chapstick
Hand sanitizer
Indoor Shoes
Backpack – no wheels.
Lunch bag or lunchbox
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen

The best name labels for kindergarten:

Our top pick for kindergarten kids is the Little Kids School Combo. It includes all the labels you’ll need for supplies and personal items (water bottle, lunch box etc). Plus, the left-right shoe labels which help teach your littles independence when putting their shoes on! This label pack comes in a wide variety of cute designs your kids will love!

Elementary school supply list:

24 Sharpened #2 Pencils (pre-sharpened)
Eraser
1x blunt 5″ Scissors
24ct. Crayola Crayons
1 pack of colored pencils
Pencil sharpener
Washable markers (8 pack)
5 Plastic Pocket Folders
4oz School glue
Glue sticks
Pencil case or plastic school box (8.5 x 5.5)
2 x 1” Hardback Vinyl Binder
2 boxes of Kleenex Tissues
1 x 4 pack Chisel Tip Dry Erase Markers
5 Plastic Pocket Folders
2 composition notebook
1 box resealable sandwich bags
1 pair of headphones (no earbuds or Bluetooth)

Elementary school Personal items: (these items will be required to be labelled)

Headphones (not earbuds or Bluetooth)
Change of clothing (pants, top, sweater)
Gym shoes / indoor shoes
Chapstick
Hand sanitizer
Backpack – no wheels.
Lunch bag or lunchbox
Reusable water bottle

The best name labels for elementary school students:

This age has a lot of school items, clothing and personal items at school and coming back and forth each day. They’re also still too young and excitable to be able to remember to pack their stuff and make sure they’ve got everything, so teachers highly recommend the Ultimate Back-to-School Label Pack. This pack has the greatest number of labels you’ll need, all waterproof, dishwasher, and laundry safe!  It’s a best-seller and highly recommended!

Middle School supply list:

24 Sharpened #2 Pencils  (pre-sharpened)
Eraser
1 Sharp 5″ Scissors
1 x pack of black or blue pens
1 pack of colored pencils
Pencil sharpener
Pencil case or plastic school box (8.5 x 5.5)
2 x 1” Hardback vinyl binder
1 x 4 pack chisel tip dry erase markers
5 x 1” three-ring binders
5 packs of subject dividers
2 composition notebook
Index cards
Ruler
Protractor
Agenda/ day planner
Calculator
Loose leaf paper (be prepared to replenish as needed)
Graph paper
1 x Ream of computer paper

Laptop – before making a large purchase, check in with your school or teacher for further specifications.

Middle school/ high school personal items:

Combination lock & locker mirror
Hand sanitizer
Gym shoes
Sanitary items (even if you girls don’t yet need them, provide them with a pouch with a few items if they or a friend does)
Backpack/ water bottle

The best label pack for middle school students:

The Middle School Label Pack has everything you’ll need to label all the items needed by older kids, but the designs and patterns are geared more toward more mature kids. They’ll be sure to find a style that suits them, from tie-dye, camo, terrazzo, geometric… there are many cool designs to choose from!
This list should give you an idea of the items you may be required to purchase, always check in with your teacher for anything specific or any additional items.  Here are some tips on how to save you on your back-to-school shopping! Happy shopping! 

The post School Supply Checklist by Grade appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Having two toddlers of my own, I used to find my kitchen closet full of different kinds of bottles, struggling to find the perfect one for each of them individually. While many of the bottles were brutally rejected by them, we eventually found a good fit for their respective needs. To help other moms going through a similar struggle, here are 5 things to consider when choosing a water bottle for kids this summer.

The Opening and Closing Style of the Lid: 

Bottles come with different ways to open the lid, and you would not want your child to avoid drinking water because opening it is a struggle for them. My younger daughter has low muscle tone and struggles a little with her fine motor skills, so I noticed that bottles with a bigger, softer and clickable push button to open the lid of the bottle works better for her.  

Bottles that require her to pull down the lever result in her getting frustrated. Something like the Thermos Funtainer Bottle works better for her than something like the Yeti Rambler Jr., only for this reason.

The Thermos Funtainer is easy to use, as she can easily close it when she is done. It produces a snapping sound upon closing that signals her that it’s securely closed to avoid leaking in her bag.   

The Material of the Bottle: 

My elder daughter, who is six years old, prefers using the Yeti over Thermos because she likes her drinks very cold. The Yeti bottles have double-walled vacuum insulation that helps keep the water cold throughout the day.  

The sturdy material has been working for us well because my daughter tends to drop her bottle a lot and has even cracked some when dropped hard. The Yeti Rambler Jr., however, has withstood many great falls without so much as a scratch!

Straw/ Sport Top/Wide-Mouthed:

My daughters’ pediatrician recommended encouraging her to use the straw to help her with her oral muscles. Therefore, she is much more comfortable now with drinking from straw bottles, over sport tops or wide-mouthed bottles. 

The water from the wide-mouthed bottle almost always spills on her while drinking, so a straw has always worked better for us. While choosing a bottle for your child, make sure that you check that they are comfortable with the kind of top it has. Some bottles require the child to pull on the straw very hard for the bottle to extract water, which can result in frustration, so that a wide-mouthed bottle might suit them better, like the CamelBak Chute Mag. However, these types of bottles only work well for children comfortable with water flow from the wide mouth.  

It is also important to check the material of the bottle’s straw before purchasing it. Some kids mindlessly chew on the silicone or plastic straw and can completely bite it off. The hard spout, therefore, worked better for this. 

The Size and Weight of the Bottle: 

As parents, we often think that the more water, the better! However, bigger bottles are often difficult to carry for children. They are difficult to attach to the side of their bag, resulting in them tripping over (I’ve seen it happen many times!) 

Finding a lightweight bottle with an optimum amount of water is a struggle. However, if you have a child who drinks a lot of water throughout the day, it is worth checking out the Takeya Actives Kids Insulated water bottle. The stainless-steel bottle comes in 12- and 14-ounce sizes, which is a little more than what most other water bottles hold and is also easy to manage by the children. 

How Easy It Is To Clean The Bottles:

A significant thing to look out for when purchasing a water bottle for your child is how easy it is to keep it clean. Bottles such as the Yeti Rambler Jr., Camelbak Eddy Kids Bottle and Thermos Funtainer Bottle are dishwasher safe, and their parts can easily be pulled apart to clean them. 

However, the Takeya Actives Kids water bottle is not dishwasher safe, so this might be a pain for some families.  

With so many options and various products available in the market, choosing the right bottle for your child can get overwhelming. 

However, keeping their personality and habits in mind while shopping will help reduce the risk of picking up the wrong one and avoid costly repurchases. It also helps to make your child practice drinking from the bottle at home so they are comfortable with it when they have to use it alone. Every child has different needs, and you will surely be able to find the one that checks off all their requirements.  

Don’t forget to label all your water bottles! Mabel’s Labels are all waterproof and dishwasher safe. They’ll help avoid lost bottles and the repurchases you’ve worked so hard to avoid. Plus, they come in several shapes, sizes and designs to suit your kids! 

Are you prepping for summer camp season? Check out this list of everything you’ll need! 

The post 5 things to consider when choosing a water bottle for kids. appeared first on The Mabelhood.