Classy Stuff: 8 Back to School Products

Sighted yesterday in a store window display: Two child-size mannequins wearing backpacks and baseball caps. All dressed up for back to school.

Even if we're not ready, and even if there's still lots of summer left, the big yellow bus is on its way. At least when the time comes for buying school supplies and packing lunches, it's nice to know that the creative community has lots to offer. Let's take a look.

Bring summer colors into the classroom with these tie-dyed Converse shoes. They're available in child and adult sizes, from Billie Beans.

We all know a certain someone who won't eat their apple after it gets a couple of bruises in their lunch box, right? Well, no more excuses with the Ninja Apple Cozy, a cute, crocheted cocoon for fruit, by Natalya1905.

Labeling kids' school supplies is important but inconvenient. One way to make it fun and get the kids involved is to let them label their own stuff with personalized stickers like these from Scribbling Club.

How about a cool new backpack for young cycling enthusiasts, like this one from Rainbowswirlz. It comes in grey and pink.

These days it's all about litterless lunches (for kids and parents). Tupperware containers can take up lots of cupboard space, while fabric pouches like these from Kathi's Kreations are a compact alternative.

Lots of us parents work on reading with our kids, and these cards by Amy Kuhlcox may help with the process.

Along the same lines are these vintage-style alphabet flashcards by Pretty Little Studio.

Back to school isn't just for kids, it's for college students, too. Here's a nice laptop bag from R2SD.