From Glam to Social Awareness

Seriously. Tape goes on sale tons cheaper at back-to-school time than it does at Christmas. (Or at least if it goes on sale at Christmas, I just don’t see it!) So even though we’re back in school and done with the official list of supplies, we’re still on the lookout for great deals and great products.

I received a package of Back-to-School supplies from Staples which contained products like the Go Glam line and Zip-it…Literally. It confirmed my thought that back-to-school supplies really are multi-use supplies. They’re useful but they’re also fun and inventive. The Go Glam line is adorable and my girls immediately argued about who got what from the package. A bling stapler, calculator and pen. Neither of them currently needs a stapler yet they both wanted it. Why? Because it’s cute. For an older student, this line would make a statement about who they are.

The Zip-it…Literally bag was another item that we received.  It’s labeled as a pencil case but it’s big enough to use as a clutch purse.  But unzip it too far and you’ll end up one long zipper and no bag.  The zipper doesn’t just run across the top, it spirals around the entire thing… all the way to the bottom.  It’s a very creative looking bag that’s quirky and fun.

And speaking of fun “school” gear:  The Glam Rocks line is positively sparkling.  Is bling still an acceptable term in teen-speak?  Well, that’s what I would call these.  Buh-ling!   Calculators, pens and staplers that would fancy up the desk, locker or dorm room of any girl.  Not to be sexist but I’m pretty sure that line isn’t targeting young men.

While many kids these days are using electronic organizers to keep their schedules up-to-date, hand-written organizers are still very much in style. I listened the other night as the swim coach talked about the importance of team members keeping track of what they learned at practice. What specific strokes they did or what types of drills were recommended to correct deficiencies. She specifically said that writing it out in a journal helped the swimmers remember it all better.  Organizers like the one pictured here are available as part of the “DoSomething.org” line that’s sold at Staples. This you-can-do-it inspirational product is perfect. They look stylish while also being functional – For documenting homework assignments or sports notes – or both. They’re also beautiful enough for moms that prefer to keep a hard copy of their kids’ schedules.

There’s a lot available as part of the DoSomething-inspired line. I’ve always had a love for notebooks but composition notebooks have always caught my eye.  While the DaySpring line that I recently reviewed provides a niche for users looking for a religious theme, the DoSomething.org line focuses on being socially aware.  The organization recognizes the influence of our youth, harnesses the positive energy and interest in making a difference and encourages it.    Staples is even participating in Do Something 101, a School Supply Drive that runs through September 18th.  Seeing all the ads for discounted supplies and really want to take advantage but you just don’t need them.  Grab some stuff and drop it in the designated collection bin located at your local Staples store.  Twilight’s Nikki Reed is the spokesperson for that campaign.

Even the basic line of folders and notebooks at Staples look great.  Coordinated pieces to showcase the user’s personality.   The set that we received looks like a kaleidoscope in person and looks all pixelated when photographed.  Not because my camera couldn’t take a good picture but because it’s just a bunch of oversized boxes in various colors. I’m seriously considering telling the girls they can’t have that one because I want to carry it around when I’m doing blog stuff. It screams computer-geek.

We’re just over a week into our school year and we’ve already had two folders damaged by a water bottle that leaked in the backpack.  So if you think you’re done with all your back-to-school shopping, maybe pick up a few extras to have on hand ‘just in case.’  Stop by Staples (or Staples.com) and check out their vast array of Back-to-School supplies.

To make this great package even better, MomSelect on behalf of Staples has offered a $25 Staples gift card to one lucky SahmReviews.com reader.  Could you make use of it?  Want to enter for a chance to win? Here’s how:

The Prize: $25 Staples gift card

Participants –
…must provide a US shipping address
…must provide an email in the first comment, email me directly with an email address or have email accessible from their profile.
Sometime on September 4, 2010, a winner will be chosen at random from all valid comments left. Winner has 72 hours from posting/notification to respond. If winner cannot be contacted, I will move on to the next random selection.

How to enter:
For the first entry (required) –
(1) Subscribe to the SAHM Reviews feed via RSS or email
(2) Leave a comment on this post at SahmReviews.com letting me know what item at Staples is on your back-to-school list!

If you want to increase your chances of winning, here are some options to earn additional entries. Leave a comment for each additional entry –
— Three Entries: If you have a blog or website, add my button to your page. (Here’s the code:)
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— Three Entries: Publish a blog post regarding this contest and link back to it.
— One Entry (Daily): Follow SahmReviews on Twitter and Tweet this contest by clicking here or copying the following text:
“Checking out the back-to-school supplies @Staples. Trying to win a $25 gift card from @SahmReviews http://bit.ly/9GhoAd @MomSelectAmy” Comment with a link to your tweet.
— One Entry: “Like” SAHM Reviews on Facebook.
— One Entry: Follow SAHM Reviews using Google’s Friend Connect feature.
— One Entry (Each):  “Like” Staples on Facebook or Follow Staples on Twitter.  All I ask is that you post a note for them saying that SahmReviews.com sent you.

— One Entry (Each):  Be the first to post about this giveaway on an active (current) giveaway link-up or carnival. Leave a link to where I can find it.  Mr. Linky-style submissions should read “SAHM Reviews – $25 Staples Gift Card (Ends 9/4/10)”

— One Entry (Daily): Read any non-giveaway review here at SahmReviews.com and leave an appropriate comment on that post. Come back here and leave a comment stating which product/post you left a comment on.