Here we go, back to the morning rush! While I'm always sad about the end of summer, I think we all crave a bit the return to routine that comes with heading back to school. I've pulled together some of my favorite items for the back to school season for the school-aged kids in our lives. Always good brands with environmental and ethical practices, and smaller women-owned brands and stores where possible. Enjoy!

 From top left:

• Blue Canvas Fitted Cap from Pulp Co - Organic cotton hat from a women-owned business that cares about the environment. This adorable piece would complete any outfit and shade your kid perfectly.
• Orcas Fawn T-shirt  - Our own t-shirt, designed by artist Tara Garofano, is in organic cotton and 5% of each sale goes to the Nature Conservancy.
• Metal bento box set - Forget the cutesy characters that kids will want to change in six months. Go with a metal bento box for a zero-waste lunch solution that can work for family travel too. 

• A Year of Forest School - This book will keep the woodsy, nature-loving spirit of summer alive throughout the year. Not just for homeschoolers, this book can help you keep afternoons and weekends filled with the outdoors. You can get this at most retailers, but we love Lil Bellies for their broad collection of goods for the nature lovers in your family. Also a wonderful woman-owned business.

• Charlie Pants - Our own favorite (that comes in a women's version, too) lets kids transition from Summer to Autumn easily. And always fairly made in organic cotton. 

• Bisgaard Kaare Boots - Made with vegetable tanned leather and a natural rubber soles, these boots meet our standard of being "hand-me-down ready." We love the Bisgaard shoes always last and still look great when passed on to the next kid. And this style is the perfect unfussy blend of classic and modern that we love.
• Dusty Blue Knee Socks - Pair these with our Nickie shorts for the perfect transitional outfit. These socks are sold by Darling Clementine, a lovely woman-owned shop that has a true heart. Owner Lindsay Meyer-Harley is the organizer of Still We Rise, a group that puts on auctions and other fundraisers for important causes in these fraught times, many of which we've participated in.
• Library card - No link needed here, just go to your neighborhood library and get out all the books your kids need for the week. Libraries are a great eco-friendly solution for the book lovers in your family, and they can be a great way to get to know your community. Many have lots of free events for kids and adults alike.

What are your back to school favorites?