Throughout the academic year, Melinda Giampietro, Options Founder/President, will share some of her favourite things in her monthly Founder’s Feature. Melinda loves reading, data, research, and following academic and adolescent news around the world.
Founders Back to School Hall of Fame
I love the New York Magazine’s The Strategist. It curates product recommendations across e-commerce sites. They recently released their Back to School Hall of Fame. I thought it would be fun to do the same and to round up all my favourite recommendations from over the years in one place. I own and use each of these daily.
1. Backpack = Patagonia Refugio Daypack
$115.00
Everyone in my family has one of these. It’s perfect for back to school due to its separate computer pouch, many places to stash things, and water bottle pockets on the outside.
2. Pencil Kit = Herschel Settlement Pencil Case
$25.00
My husband teases me that I am the only 50-something woman who carries a pencil kit. Mine is navy blue with white polka dots. This one is the perfect size.
3. Pencils = Ticonderoga
Always, always, always and only Ticonderoga pencils.
4. Highlighters = Bic Brite Liner Grip
$6.29
These are great for the JStory calendar below (see item #6). They don’t bleed through, and they aren’t too dark. I highlight all birthdays in purple. (I prefer pastel!)
5. Felt Pens = Papermate Flair Felt Tip Pens
$9.89
I started grading papers with these in my student teaching days, and I have used them ever since. So many fun colours and such a classic. They even make a specific periwinkle one, which is my favourite colour.
6. Planner = JStory Large Monthly Planner
$22.30
I give these to everyone I know. It’s old school and simple, and I like it that way. For over a decade, I have put a Don’t Stop Until Your Proud sticker on its cover.
7. Task Timer Clock = Yunbaoit Visual Timer
$17.99
If you don’t use one, you should. Here is a great article as to why they are helpful. I use mine daily.
8. Water Bottle = Yeti Rambler 532 ML Bottle
$42.00
I know many consider water bottles a fashion item. I do not. I’m a classic Yeti for hot and cold drinks. We even have custom Options Solutions ones!
9. Notebook Paper = Five Star Heavy Weight Refill Paper
$11.99
I like a really thick notebook paper. And while most things in life are now electronic, I always have this paper with me for mind mapping my over active brain and all its ideas.
10. Sanitizer Spray = Touchland
$14.00
Schools are germ factories. I like how slim this is. It fits easily in my purse and backpack, and there are so many good scents. I’m a Pure Lavendar fan.
Here’s the top 10 summary:
To read more Founder’s Features, check them out under the Options News category.
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