In the Loop: Groovy Gear

Author: Kristen De Deyn Kirk

All that homework, all those tests, and now, finally, it's time to take a break: School is over! Let's start summer right by thanking teachers and students alike (especially those students who live in your house) with little gifts they can use to have fun and relax.

"Studying" Oceanography

Your favorite teacher can pretend she's doing research for this fall's science class when she heads to the beach, but she'll do what most grown women want to do in the sand: Spread out a towel, rub on some sunscreen, and read. Set her up with a towel from Target ($10), Rachael Ray's Everyday ($4.99) and Neutrogena's top protection ($7.09), all wrapped in a colorful ribbon from Hancock Fabric, Great Bridge Shopping Center ($2.09.)

Picture this

My boy has worked hard this year, but on more than a few occasions, I've seen drawings on the side of his homework and comic strips on extra sheets of paper in his notebook. If you can't beat 'em...I figure I might as well join him in his love of drawing, and encourage it, since schools don't have much time for art class these days. His end-of-school gift is a drawing kit with instructions ($24.99) and some supplies and lots and lots of paper ($4.99). At Michael's.

Hair we go

After a year of straightening hair almost every day, my daughter is experimenting with new looks and fun styles. This InStyle special-edition magazine ($4.99), the yellow hair extension ($2 at Party City) and clips ($4.50 at Target) should give her lots of options for at least a few days this summer.

Source: Tidewater Parent Magazine