Let’s be honest: a kid’s life is an endless parade of backpacks, lunch boxes, and random gear. One moment, they’re racing to school; the next, they’re off to their after-school program, soccer practice, or dance class. With all that hustle and bustle, it’s no wonder that items get lost and swapped more often than their socks in the laundry. Enter the unsung hero of the parenting world: Name Labels; Perfect for Busy Families
The Case for Name Labels
We’ve all been there: your child’s water bottle goes missing. The search commences, panic sets in, and you are in a chaotic hunt on an already stressful morning. If only there was a way to ensure every item always comes back home each night! This is where name labels swoop in to save the day! When every item is labeled, there’s less chance of their stuff getting lost in the shuffle, accidentally swapped with another child’s belongings, or gone completely – making for another costly replacement!
Name labels aren’t just a luxury but a necessity for busy families. A simple label with your child’s name (and maybe a cute design) can make all the difference. They help teachers, aftercare providers, coaches, and even other parents return misplaced items quickly, keeping everyone’s day a bit less chaotic.
Plus, unlabeled items (we’re looking at your water bottles!) are so easy to mix up and can lead to an accidental germy swap, making endless fights against colds and flu even harder!
Labeling Tips: Make It Easy and Fun!
Get Creative with Designs:
Name Labels are anything but boring, especially at Mabel’s Labels! Let your child pick out designs they love. Whether they’re into dinosaurs, unicorns, sports, or video games, choosing a fun design makes the process more enjoyable and ensures their stuff stands out. Plus, it gives them a sense of pride over their belonging and makes them want to be more accountable for their items.
Mabel’s Labels also has a wide variety of color palettes and designs for older kids, too, if your kids prefer a more mature style. With such a wide variety of options, you will find something they love and can easily match their backpacks, lunch bags, and school supplies.
Choose Durable Name Labels:
Kids’ gear experiences spills, scuffs, and general wear and tear. Opt for durable labels that can withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle. Look for high-quality labels that are waterproof, dishwasher-safe, and laundry-safe—labels that will stay stuck!
Your name labels must survive the rough and tumble of everyday kid life, from a long day at school to after-school programming and home again!
Label Everything for School:
It might seem excessive, but when in doubt, label it out. Every item that leaves the house should have a name label, from lunch boxes to water bottles, shoes to jackets, and all those costly school supplies. The more items are labeled, the easier it is to get them back if they go missing.
Involve the Kids in The Process:
Turning labeling into an activity can be a fun experience and can help your kids get excited about school! Let your child help stick the labels on their items. It’s a way for them to feel involved and gives them a sense of responsibility for their belongings. Plus, it can make them more likely to take care of their stuff if they’ve had a hand in personalizing it!
Use Multiple Types of Labels:
Not all items are created equal. A T-shirt will need a different label than a lunch box, their treasured pencil will require something different than their gym shoes. To make sure you have all the labels you need, aim to get a variety pack. This way, you have what you need no matter what you’re labeling.
Mabel’s Labels School Combo packs make it easy to have a variety of labels you’ll need! The top choice with most families is the Ultimate Back-to-School Combo. These labels will last you all year, and you’ll be shocked at how well they stay stuck. They usually outlast the item they’re stuck to!
So, next time you’re gearing up for a busy week of school and after-school activities, take a moment to label those items. Trust us—in the future, you will thank yourself for avoiding the stress of lost items and costly, time-consuming repurchases. Happy labeling!
This blog post is written in partnership with the experts at Kids & Company.
Select Kids & Company locations offer School-Age Programming for children ages 5-12 (Grades 1–6).Programming is run by trusted educators who are focused on each child’s unique developmental needs through a combination of fun and educational programming. As with our child care offering, we offer flexible schedules and prepared lunches and snacks as part of our School-Age Programs. Our School-Age programs include Before and After School Care, School Break Care and Summer Camp.
