Good Housekeeping Reviews Back-to-School Products and Supplies
Sept. 1, 2010— -- It's that time again, and kids – big ones or little ones – are heading back to school.
Carolyn Forte of the Good Housekeeping Institute appeared on "Good Morning America" this morning to talk about some of the institute's favorite products for your children, whether they're heading to kindergarten or college.
Click HERE to visit Good Housekeeping and see their full list of recommended products, along with their reviews.
Below you can find some of their top picks, by category:
Lunch Boxes
A good lunch is key, and it's important to make sure your child's lunch includes an ice pack to perishables stay safe. Perishables can only stay unrefrigerated for about two hours before they become unsafe, so refrigerate drinks, and freeze sandwiches overnight. If that's too much trouble, click HERE for Good Housekeeping's list of healthy foods that don't need to be refrigerated.
Portable External Hard Drives
School nowadays means computers and space for schoolwork may compete with your child's audio and video files. Get them some more digital room.
Backpacks
The Good Housekeeping Institute tested 32 backpacks for durability, practicality and comfort. Before you buy any backpacks for your children, make sure it fits them correctly. You can tell if it's the right fit if the base of the pack rests comfortably against your child's lower back.
Tablet Computers
These cutting-edge items are taking the market by storm. Chances are, your child would love to walk into class and take notes on one of these. If you're thinking of getting one, the institute thinks these are a good bet.
Laptop-Ready Messenger Bags
Protect your child's pricey laptop with a specially designed messenger bag that's practical and stylish.
Cupcake Carriers
The institute's picks for your kids' tasty treats!
Dorm Bedding
College dorm beds are usually extra-long twin size, to accommodate taller students. The institute tested 17 college dorm sheet sets to see which ones didn't pill, shrink, fade, rip or lose their softness.
Alarm Clocks
Thirty-three clocks were put to the test. These combine form, function and versatility.
Thermal Coffee Mugs
If your older child dashes out with tea or coffee in a mug, you'll be interested in this list. More than 50 mugs were tested.