You know what this means, right?
Need more Shoe Labels in time for school!
Thanks to our fan, Ella, for sending this in to us - we got a kick out of it!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
My first "Back-to-School"
Since my oldest child started school last year, I've been thinking a lot about what this very first "back-to-school" will mean. Let's face it, the train has left the proverbial station and has embarked on an 18-year journey, making the fact that she's growing up all too real. I wonder if my Mom felt the same.
As a kid, I remember back to school season fondly. Well, the shopping for school supplies and clothes was fun, but the end of summer... not so much. I remember the last week of August being bittersweet. I wanted summer to go on forever, but I also really missed seeing my friends every day. I hope my daughter feels the same. There's an amazing sense of renewal at back-to-school season that is exciting. A new grade to conquer; new friends to make; old friends to reconnect with.
And, while it's exciting for kids, it can also be a lot of work for parents. My to-do list is already crammed with tasks to prepare for the first week back. I'm not always the most organized person, but I am off to a good start. I have already started a list of items to purchase - some that need replacing or upgrading from last year (I don't think the weeny backpack will cut it in SK!), a few new outfits for her ever-growing body, and of course, our newest tradition that was started this same time last year... letting her pick out new labels. I thought we would have enough to last two years, but I've just about run out of every type - especially shoe and Stick-eez clothing labels, which are always the first to go in our house.
And so the back-to-school countdown begins. Here are some of my tips for a successful - and stress-free - season.
1. Take a wardrobe inventory
Spend an hour or so going through your child's clothing and have them try on anything that looks like it might not fit, come the fall. Make a list of what's needed and start shopping now to ensure size availability. Don't forget to check your child's shoes to see if they fit! Many a parent has been caught off guard when junior puts on last season's running shoes only to find he's grown out of them over the summer.
2. Buy school supplies sparingly
Call your child's school and ask if they have a suggested list of supplies for their grade/class (some do). If so, this will help keep unneeded purchases to a minimum. If not, stick to purchasing the basics for the first day back; here's a great list to get you started. School supplies aren't cheap, so save your money - anything that's still needed can be bought later.
3. Check coupon / deal websites before you shop
Sites like Retailmenot.com and Couponchief.com are a wealth of coupon codes and promotional offers, so don't forget to check them before heading out to shop. If you're not familiar with how they work, it's simple - type in the store name that you'll be visiting, hit "enter" and the website will list any available coupons (or online promo codes) for it. Better yet, do as much shopping as possible online and save your sanity!
4. Label everything
When I say everything, I mean everything! ;) There is no end to the number of things kids can lose... from pencil crayons and scissors to hoodies and shoes, it's a wonder anything is left at the end of the year. With over 40 designs and 17 fonts to choose from, there's something for everyone. My daughter, in particular, loves the fact that she can customize each kind of label and tag in her package with a different design and font - no other company has such a wide range of customization options. For kids with allergies, our wide range of Allergy Labels, Tags and Safety Wristbands are an excellent way of alerting your child's teachers to his or her allergy/ies, especially the first few weeks of being in a new class.
When ordering, don't forget our exclusive, optional (and FREE!) Found-it™ system - a must-have to help your kids' lost items get returned. If you need assistance placing an order or simply have a question that isn't answered on our website FAQ, our wonderful customer service team is available by email (info@oliverslabels.com), phone (1-800-398-2060) or online chat (button is on right side of website), so let us know if we can be of assistance! Or, if you're on Twitter, feel free to tweet us!
Happy back-to-school shopping!
As a kid, I remember back to school season fondly. Well, the shopping for school supplies and clothes was fun, but the end of summer... not so much. I remember the last week of August being bittersweet. I wanted summer to go on forever, but I also really missed seeing my friends every day. I hope my daughter feels the same. There's an amazing sense of renewal at back-to-school season that is exciting. A new grade to conquer; new friends to make; old friends to reconnect with.
And, while it's exciting for kids, it can also be a lot of work for parents. My to-do list is already crammed with tasks to prepare for the first week back. I'm not always the most organized person, but I am off to a good start. I have already started a list of items to purchase - some that need replacing or upgrading from last year (I don't think the weeny backpack will cut it in SK!), a few new outfits for her ever-growing body, and of course, our newest tradition that was started this same time last year... letting her pick out new labels. I thought we would have enough to last two years, but I've just about run out of every type - especially shoe and Stick-eez clothing labels, which are always the first to go in our house.
And so the back-to-school countdown begins. Here are some of my tips for a successful - and stress-free - season.
1. Take a wardrobe inventory
Spend an hour or so going through your child's clothing and have them try on anything that looks like it might not fit, come the fall. Make a list of what's needed and start shopping now to ensure size availability. Don't forget to check your child's shoes to see if they fit! Many a parent has been caught off guard when junior puts on last season's running shoes only to find he's grown out of them over the summer.
2. Buy school supplies sparingly
Call your child's school and ask if they have a suggested list of supplies for their grade/class (some do). If so, this will help keep unneeded purchases to a minimum. If not, stick to purchasing the basics for the first day back; here's a great list to get you started. School supplies aren't cheap, so save your money - anything that's still needed can be bought later.
3. Check coupon / deal websites before you shop
Sites like Retailmenot.com and Couponchief.com are a wealth of coupon codes and promotional offers, so don't forget to check them before heading out to shop. If you're not familiar with how they work, it's simple - type in the store name that you'll be visiting, hit "enter" and the website will list any available coupons (or online promo codes) for it. Better yet, do as much shopping as possible online and save your sanity!
4. Label everything
When I say everything, I mean everything! ;) There is no end to the number of things kids can lose... from pencil crayons and scissors to hoodies and shoes, it's a wonder anything is left at the end of the year. With over 40 designs and 17 fonts to choose from, there's something for everyone. My daughter, in particular, loves the fact that she can customize each kind of label and tag in her package with a different design and font - no other company has such a wide range of customization options. For kids with allergies, our wide range of Allergy Labels, Tags and Safety Wristbands are an excellent way of alerting your child's teachers to his or her allergy/ies, especially the first few weeks of being in a new class.
When ordering, don't forget our exclusive, optional (and FREE!) Found-it™ system - a must-have to help your kids' lost items get returned. If you need assistance placing an order or simply have a question that isn't answered on our website FAQ, our wonderful customer service team is available by email (info@oliverslabels.com), phone (1-800-398-2060) or online chat (button is on right side of website), so let us know if we can be of assistance! Or, if you're on Twitter, feel free to tweet us!
Happy back-to-school shopping!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Ways To Beat The Summer Heat
We've had a hot spell here the past few weeks and, now that school's out, the days can be tough to fill with activities. Who wants to get active outside when it's so hot?
There are lots of fun ways to keep cool in the summer, so why not turn them into special events for the kids to look forward to on the hottest of days?
Simply grab a mason jar and write down your family's favorite fun summer activities onto strips of paper. You can make it as budget-friendly as you wish, determining in advance how many days each week you'll do a special activity, and what those activities will be. They can range from simple, stay-at-home activities, to more extravagant adventures.
Then check your local weather listings to find out which days are slated to be the hottest each week, and let your kid(s) choose an activity from the jar on each of those days.
Some ideas to get you started:
Have any other fun ideas? Comment below or share them on our Facebook page, Twitter or Google+ page. And, if you've got some more ice cream recipes or popsicle ideas, our Pinterest page is just the place to show 'em off!!
Here's to a fun-filled summer!
There are lots of fun ways to keep cool in the summer, so why not turn them into special events for the kids to look forward to on the hottest of days?
Simply grab a mason jar and write down your family's favorite fun summer activities onto strips of paper. You can make it as budget-friendly as you wish, determining in advance how many days each week you'll do a special activity, and what those activities will be. They can range from simple, stay-at-home activities, to more extravagant adventures.
Then check your local weather listings to find out which days are slated to be the hottest each week, and let your kid(s) choose an activity from the jar on each of those days.
Some ideas to get you started:
- making homemade ice cream (you don't need an ice cream maker!) or popsicles
- hosting a Hawaiian-themed sprinkler party in the backyard, complete with homemade hula skirts and leis (don't wear them in the sprinkler, though!)
- a day of fun at a waterpark
- making homemade edible peanut butter play dough with your kids - a great, unexpected treat!
Have any other fun ideas? Comment below or share them on our Facebook page, Twitter or Google+ page. And, if you've got some more ice cream recipes or popsicle ideas, our Pinterest page is just the place to show 'em off!!
Here's to a fun-filled summer!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Summer Adventures
My "baby" isn't one any longer - she has leaped into the world of school trips, summer vacations and after-school play dates. For me, the start of this summer signifies her burgeoning independence, and it will be put to the test when she goes to full-day camp this summer. What a milestone! I'm excited for her and I know she will love it.
Camp plays such an integral role in helping children define themselves and build self-esteem. As a kid, I was lucky enough to go to camp a few summers in a row; they were some of the best times of my childhood. Camp was a place where great memories were made, friendships were nurtured and life lessons were learned. For my daughter, this summer is filled with the promise of new adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
Now all I need to do (aside from keeping tissues close at hand in case I get emotional), is to make sure she's prepared. Needless to say, we'll be ordering some new labels with Found-it on them for all her camp "must-haves" (water bottle, swimsuit, towel, shoes, etc), and she will customize them herself - picking her favorite design and font make her feel like a big kid, which she officially is now. There will be a few safety talks as well because, after all, she's only five... and five-year-olds need a lot of reminders! Last but not least, I will tell her to be herself, have fun and enjoy her first camp experience.
Whether you have a child heading off to camp for the first time this summer, or are a seasoned camp vet, all of us at Oliver's Labels wish you and your family a fun, safe camp season.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Father's Day DIY
It's almost Dad's big day and if you find yourself scrambling for a great gift, I've got a few crafty - yet memorable - ideas for you for kids of all ages!
Personalized Picasso
When my daughter was two, she made a special Father's Day present for my husband - a painting with her hand print on it that my husband cherishes to this day. It's such an easy and inexpensive project, yet it's sure to be treasured. Simply purchase a canvas at your local art supply store or dollar store (this is where I get mine... they have amazing canvases for only $1-2!), and set up a tray with assorted washable paint colors for your child to use; consider the use of a smock.
Tip: a plastic egg carton works great as a paint tray - it's the perfect size.
If you have a very young child doing this project and don't want the colors to end up turning into brown on the canvas, hand your child a clean brush every few minutes and gently instruct them to try a new color. Be sure to personalize their painting even more by adding a hand print to their masterpiece. It will be a great reminder just how small they were when they made this.
Want to make it even more special? Be sure to document the entire experience (photographs, video) and either print off a photo and slide it in the back of the canvas, or give Dad a DVD of the creative process. He's sure to treasure it!
Fimo Fingerprints
Every kid that has tried Fimo simply LOVES it. Know why? Because they get to immortalize their creations forever (via baking/hardening)! No matter the age(s) of your child(ren), you can create an amazing - and practical - gift for Dad using Fimo and a few other supplies found at art supply or dollar stores.
Key Chain
Supplies: Fimo, leather cord, split ring
Cut a rectangular piece of Fimo - any size you'd like your keychain to be - and make a hole using an awl or a very sharp pencil at one end of it (it must be big enough to accommodate two widths of leather cord). Next, have your child(ren) put their fingerprint(s) in it and bake per the instructions on the Fimo package; let cool. Cut a 6" piece of leather cord and fold in half around the split ring; put cut ends of the cord through the hole that you made in the Fimo; then, with both ends together, tie a simple knot at the end. (Feel free to experiment with other ways to attach the Fimo and split ring; jump rings also work well, in place of leather cord.)
Bookmark
Supplies: Fimo, leather cord
Follow the instructions as noted above (for keychain), only cut the Fimo larger (bookmark size) and finish the top off with a piece of leather cord folded in half, looped end through the hole in the top of the Fimo, and cut ends pulled through loop to form a sort of tassel.
I hope these inexpensive, last-minute, low-stress gift ideas help make this coming Father's Day a great one! And if you have any fabulous DIY gift ideas to share please comment below, post on our Facebook or Google+ pages, pin them on Pinterest (tag us so we can re-pin!), or tweet us. We would love to share your ideas with the rest of our fans!
Personalized Picasso
When my daughter was two, she made a special Father's Day present for my husband - a painting with her hand print on it that my husband cherishes to this day. It's such an easy and inexpensive project, yet it's sure to be treasured. Simply purchase a canvas at your local art supply store or dollar store (this is where I get mine... they have amazing canvases for only $1-2!), and set up a tray with assorted washable paint colors for your child to use; consider the use of a smock. Tip: a plastic egg carton works great as a paint tray - it's the perfect size.
If you have a very young child doing this project and don't want the colors to end up turning into brown on the canvas, hand your child a clean brush every few minutes and gently instruct them to try a new color. Be sure to personalize their painting even more by adding a hand print to their masterpiece. It will be a great reminder just how small they were when they made this.
Want to make it even more special? Be sure to document the entire experience (photographs, video) and either print off a photo and slide it in the back of the canvas, or give Dad a DVD of the creative process. He's sure to treasure it!
Fimo Fingerprints
Every kid that has tried Fimo simply LOVES it. Know why? Because they get to immortalize their creations forever (via baking/hardening)! No matter the age(s) of your child(ren), you can create an amazing - and practical - gift for Dad using Fimo and a few other supplies found at art supply or dollar stores.
Key Chain
Supplies: Fimo, leather cord, split ring
Cut a rectangular piece of Fimo - any size you'd like your keychain to be - and make a hole using an awl or a very sharp pencil at one end of it (it must be big enough to accommodate two widths of leather cord). Next, have your child(ren) put their fingerprint(s) in it and bake per the instructions on the Fimo package; let cool. Cut a 6" piece of leather cord and fold in half around the split ring; put cut ends of the cord through the hole that you made in the Fimo; then, with both ends together, tie a simple knot at the end. (Feel free to experiment with other ways to attach the Fimo and split ring; jump rings also work well, in place of leather cord.)
Bookmark
Supplies: Fimo, leather cord
Follow the instructions as noted above (for keychain), only cut the Fimo larger (bookmark size) and finish the top off with a piece of leather cord folded in half, looped end through the hole in the top of the Fimo, and cut ends pulled through loop to form a sort of tassel.
I hope these inexpensive, last-minute, low-stress gift ideas help make this coming Father's Day a great one! And if you have any fabulous DIY gift ideas to share please comment below, post on our Facebook or Google+ pages, pin them on Pinterest (tag us so we can re-pin!), or tweet us. We would love to share your ideas with the rest of our fans!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Just in time for Summer Camp...
We know how busy this time of year can be, with the end of the school year approaching and the start of summer activities, camp, and trying to keep your kids occupied for two months.
If you child is going to camp - be it day camp or overnight camp - it's wise to label all of their items. With all of the fun they're sure to have, keeping track of their stuff isn't going to be high on their list! So, we've got a fabulous promotion just for you... but only for a limited time.
Order our Camp Package for only $38.99 (a $58.99 value!) - our biggest and best pack of labels and tags, sure to cover all your camp-labelling needs!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and join our Google+ circles to stay in the know about all our contests and promotions!
If you child is going to camp - be it day camp or overnight camp - it's wise to label all of their items. With all of the fun they're sure to have, keeping track of their stuff isn't going to be high on their list! So, we've got a fabulous promotion just for you... but only for a limited time.
Order our Camp Package for only $38.99 (a $58.99 value!) - our biggest and best pack of labels and tags, sure to cover all your camp-labelling needs!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and join our Google+ circles to stay in the know about all our contests and promotions!
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