It’s that rare time of year in which your kid’s backpack looks pristine and their lunch box can easily be found. The days are coming in which said backpack will have a questionable ink stain on the bottom and twisted straps. Your kid’s lunch box will go missing each morning around 7am—possibly because they hope you’ll rescue them with a mid-day Chickfila delivery.

While new cute backpacks and lunch bags are essential for the start of a new school year, so are back to school outfits, back to school reusable snack bags, and back to school confidence. 

When we were younger, we learned the value of a great first impression. 

By choosing cute backpacks and cool back to school clothes for your kids, you’re setting them up for success that spans the entire school year. It’s the bounce in their step, the sparkle in their eye, the outgoing “hi” in first period—all easier to access when they feel like they look amazing.

Your kids will put their best foot forward with a little help from the back to school shoes (Milo Boots & Mary Janes recommended) they love and a backpack that fields too many compliments to pack into it. Empowering them to pick out the sustainably-sourced outfits and back to school gear that jumps out at them is a fantastic way to send them into their best school year yet. 

Milo Boot // Scalloped Mary Jane // Miriam T-Strap // Willie High Top 

We’ve compiled the back to school essentials that we consider A+ confidence boosts. Grab your kids and look through these fun options or surprise them with the picks you know they’ll love. 

*Already started back to school? It’s not too late to give your kids a pep talk through eco-conscious school backpacks and lunch bags! What a fun pick-me-up to receive after a tiring first week or two. Snag their new favorite school outfit today to support your little learner. 

Backpacks for School

Did you know it’s cool to be kind to the earth for our kiddos? Several of us discovered this truth well into adulthood, but the next generation is starting from an eco-conscious mindset. BTW, it’s also cool to customize. 

These durable poly canvas backpacks with adjustable padded shoulder straps offer the best of both worlds! Pick out six patches to customize your school bag. It’s fun and functional—no more wondering which unicorn backpack belongs to your daughter. With a range of color pops and patches, you’ll create a personality-infused school backpack. 

 Pop Colorblock Customizable Backpack // Groovy Check Customizable Backpack // Blue Camo Customizable Backpack

For a more classic look, go with Fluf’s organic durable B Pack, made with 100% certified organic cotton canvas. It features a 15’” laptop pocket so your high schoolers (or your kindergarteners—it is 2023) can keep their computer close-by. Fluf checks all the boxes when it comes to backpacks for teens with their socially responsible, minimal aesthetic bag. 

Yellow B Pack // Mid Blue B Pack // Smoke Grey B Pack

Finally, these attention-grabbing school bags by State Bags are what my daughter’s dreams are made of. State Bags offers, purples, pinks, sparkles, hearts, animal print, metallics… If Mattel and Lisa Frank had a baby, it would be delivered in one of these bags. If you’re looking to become mom of the year, buy your girly girl one of these beauties. *Certain prints are available in various sizes—select the one that best fits your child! 

Hot Pink Kane Kids // Painterly Animal Kane Kids // Silver Kane Kids

Back to School Lunch Bags

Lunch bags for school are a very important element—made more important when you just can’t get over how adorable they are. That’s how I feel about these NEW zipper lunch bags from Fluf. There’s something about this kids’ lunch bag that says she’s off to a meeting with the C-suite at lunch and a blowout after gym. It’s absurd to carry something this cute and iconic for a lunch bag. I work from home, and I want to start carrying my lunch in one of these lunch bags.

Love Zipper Lunch Bag // Oranges Zipper Lunch Bag // Apples Zipper Lunch Bag

Reusable Snack Bags

Your most sustainable purchase for the entire back to school season is this reusable snack bag. These Flip Snack Bags by Fluf can be used HUNDREDS of times! That’s hundreds of plastic baggies per snack bag you’re keeping from the ocean or a landfill. They’re safe and non-toxic and fully machine washable. By choosing reusable snack bags, you can send your kid with a litterless lunch. You’ll want to grab a sandwich size reusable snack bag as well as a couple of snack size ones. If your child takes their lunch every day, it’s a good idea to get duplicates so that you can toss all of the snack bags in the wash along with their school uniforms or extracurricular outfits as needed. 

Blue Bread Zip Snack Sack // Flip Snack Sack // Tomatoes Flip Snack Bag

Back to School Sales on Kids’ Clothing

My mom was a bargain back to school shopper. She almost never purchased an item at full price. I’m not her carbon copy—I like to do a lot of new arrival shopping and sprinkle in some back to school sales when they’re worth it. These, my friend, are worth it. You’ll find Rylee & Cru on sale for your little athletes, graphic tees to pair with patterned bottoms, and smart skirts and pants for the top of the class. Enough talk about the back to school sale: go add your organic fabrics to cart before another parent gets there first.

Magic Is In You Tee // Ventura Short // Jenny Skirt

Big Feelings about Back to School 

Before your little one embarks on a new adventure such as a new classroom, different teacher, or very first time at school, they may have a case of the butterflies. It’s a common feeling to be nervous about trying new things, and the experts at Slumberkins encourage kids to embrace their emotions while practicing new routines. The Harvest Sloth Kin Back to School Bundle | Routines includes a book called “Sloth’s First Day of School,” sloth stuffie, and affirmation card. Help ease your little one’s anxiety while building up their confidence with this back to school bundle, and keep the momentum rolling with the lunchbox love notes. The love notes are a tangible way for mamas and daddies to connect with their child midway through the school day even if they can’t be there in-person. Remind them who they are, and that you’ve got their back with a lunchbox love note.

Harvest Sloth Kin Back to School Bundle | Routines // Lunchbox Love Notes

We at oldbazaaristanbul wish you a wonderful back to school experience. Whether you’re a working mom, stay-at-home mom, homeschooling mom, or any-other-adjective mom, we congratulate you on a full summer of parenting and the fresh start of this school year. 

Celebrate yourself for the job you’ve done taking care of your children with a self-care gesture: Book a massage, go for a walk, take a nap, eat some chips & salsa… Just take a moment to show gratitude to yourself. 

Warmly,

The oldbazaaristanbul Team

It feels good to get that off my chest. 

Some of my friends were repeat summer campers. They would come back from two weeks of camp with braided friendship bracelets, swimsuit tan lines, and cafeteria chants. They were annoyingly upbeat.

Personally, I learned about summer camp the old fashioned way: By watching The Parent Trap. 

Maybe the lake is always bluer on the other side because I still daydream about a classic camp experience. Also, 11-year-old Hallie Parker influences my adult purchasing behavior (see: mustard duffel acquired in 2022).

But my childhood didn’t include a wooded adventure in the Northeast.

No, I created my own damn fun. 

My siblings and I sorted through a sporting goods graveyard to invent games like “Backwards Baseball” and “Scooter Tennis Dodge Ball.” We set water sprinklers under the trampoline, caught tadpoles in giant puddles, and fell out of treehouses—the latter an unintentional occurrence. 

Our summers weren’t polished, but they did build camaraderie between my sisters, brother, and me. 

All that to say, I have a proposal for summer activities for kids in the remainder of 2023. 

Let’s draw on our own classic summer experiences and introduce our kids to the best of them. 

What summer activities for kids did you love to do when you were growing up?

Did you go to the library? Hit the snow cone hut? Make frozen bananas? 

Play croquet? Draw on the sidewalk? Ride your bike?

This could be the year your kids form core memories in the sand box of summer (read: figuratively or literally)—and they could directly relate to your own core memories. 

If you’ve been around the blog a time or two, then you know I’m not sending you out into the sunny wilderness without a guide. I’ve got you covered with the top summer activities for kids with nostalgic nudges for parents. 

Here’s a list of fun summer activities for kids that you probably enjoyed when you were their age.

Summer Activities for Kids - Water Toys

Summer fun for kids begins with sprinklers. I remember running through the lawn sprinkler at a very early age, dodging stickers in the yard and launching over the rising water. Sprinklers are summer simplicity at its finest, and these inflatable giant unicorn and shark sprinklers elevate a classic summer favorite into an absolute dream. Add the creme de la creme of summer icons by tossing a beach ball into the mix and seeing kids’ delight as they use it as a shield from the spray. Another classic water toy gets an upgrade with these inflatable noodles in fairy or sea creature motif, and we’ll round out the water recommendations with this water play set. It’s giving 1990s Vacation Bible School. Do you see it, too?

Summer Crafts for Kids

To be (Lisa) Frank, crafts are cool. Summer crafts for kids in the air conditioning are even cooler. So while I’m very supportive of scavenging for wildflowers with your kiddos, I present to you the modern daisy chain. Made out of tissue paper, this giant flower garland requires some hands-on assembly that your littles will love to tackle in the craft corner. More summer crafts for kids that remind me of millennial childhood include this heart embroidery kit, Land Before Time 26’ roll of paper, and handmade sidewalk chalk.

Giant Flower Garland // Heart Embroidery Kit // Land Before Time 26’ Roll of Paper // Handmade Sidewalk Chalk

Summer Games for Kids

How much fun would it be to introduce your kids to croquet? According to my research, croquet goes back to the Bridgerton era (the official term, I’m sure), making it an essential family activity for summer. Bocce is another absolute classic, and I’m dying over these foam beach bats in casa vintage black. Not the sporting type? Share the rules of pinball with your kids and play until you’ve mastered it.

Croquet // Bocce // Foam Beach Bats // Pinball

Summer Activities for Kids - Outdoors

If you have a safe place to ride, bikes and scooters offer joy, exercise, and increased coordination for your kids. I should know—I was the co-creator of Scooter Tennis Dodge Ball. For kids who need a more stationary activity, I love this outdoor summer sand box (with canopy!) and the Little Helper Backyard BBQ Play Stand. They’re going to eat up these fun summer activities for kids. 

Bikes // Scooters // Outdoor Summer Sand Box // Little Helper Backyard BBQ Play Stand

Retro Summer Vibes for Parents 

Take a trip to your teenage years outside of your therapist’s office with this inflatable flashback chair. In this mobile-friendly recliner, reminiscing about your sister’s Jonathan Taylor Thomas poster or your first family game of Spinner (Double 9 Dominoes) is suggested, but not required. Oh, and it doubles as a pool float! Grab a SunnyD from this retro Cooler Radio as you watch your kids interact with the summer outdoor activities for kids that make memories last a lifetime. Then, casually mention that your tie dye tank and trendy bucket hat aren’t on their first lap around the sun. The good ol’ days are back, baby. 

Inflatable Flashback Chair // Retro Cooler Radio // Coco One Piece Classic // Trendy Bucket Hat

For me, it evokes cool water, lush greenery, and respite from the heat.

When I hear “oasis,” I’m thirsty for its possibilities.

Similarly, a backyard oasis draws me in with promises of peace, wellness, and rest—all available at the turn of a doorknob.

If you’re ready to tap into the refreshing vibes of a natural spring without a plane ride or a roadtrip, then these backyard oasis ideas are for you.

Fit for summer break, a backyard oasis will entice your children to experience nature in their own environment. With a diy backyard oasis, you’ll encourage your kids to say goodbye to screen time and hello to the great outdoors.

Adios to boredom, hola to discovery.

Au revoir to sensory overload, bonjour to serenity.

When creating your diy backyard oasis, we suggest focusing on four main elements:

• • Earth
• • Wind
• • Water
• • Wood

Leo Beach Set

Earth

Have you heard of “grounding” or “earthing?”

Zac Efron introduced me to the idea of it in his Netflix series, Down to Earth (and no, I’m not ashamed that it took Troy Bolton to awake me to this natural phenomenon). The intended benefits of earthing include improved sleep, reduced pain, reduced stress, better circulation, and more. One of the simplest acts you can take for your health, earthing occurs when you make direct contact with the surface of the earth. You can use your hands or your feet, and it’s recommended to spend 10–30 minutes per day connected to the ground in this way.

Whether or not you connect with this idea of grounding, creating an earthy space in your backyard oasis is a must. If you’re famous for your green thumb, you can go all out with an in-ground or raised garden bed. Container herbs are a fantastic addition, too, and many herbs (basil, lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, mint, etc.) double as bug repellents.

If you aren’t in your gardening era, you can still receive earthing benefits from playing with your kids’ beach toys in a covered sandbox or taking a walk with your bare feet in the grass. Just don’t forget your favorite sun hat and SPF while you’re connecting with the natural world.

Wind

The next step to luxuriating in a diy backyard oasis is to invite the wind to be a part of the story.

Our number one wind recommendation is to select a TiiPii Bed for your backyard. Not only will this add a layer of floating relaxation to your experience, but large TiiPii beds make a gorgeous focal point for your backyard oasis. As playful as they are beautiful, TiiPii Beds have the capability of free-hanging or suspending from a TiiPii Stand, and they are available in a variety of colors in fabrics. The Deluxe Large Sunbrella TiiPii Bed in Sand is a favorite of mine with its macramé finishing touches and attachable sheer net.

Other ways to harness the beauty of the wind are to dangle wind chimes from the branches of a tree, surprise your kids with bubble wands, or add meditative wind spinners to your backyard oasis.

Water

Do you have a pool?

You don’t have to have a swimming pool in order to round out your backyard oasis, but it doesn’t hurt. If you’re looking for backyard oasis pool inspiration on a small scale, Cowboy Pools in Austin is a fantastic place to start.

You can also add a water feature with a sculptural fountain or bohemian bird bath, or by switching on the sprinkler for the kids. In my dreams, my back porch is set up with water misters like they have at Six Flags Over Texas—my favorite attraction of the amusement park.

If you want to add even more water experiences to your backyard oasis, we suggest fun activities such as:

• • Creating a target game with cardboard, paint, and a cooler full of water balloons
• • Filling squeeze bottles with ice cold water and chasing your kids around for an icy game of tag
• • Soaking a wash cloth in cold water (add your choice of essential oils if desired) and laying it across the back of your neck
• • Grabbing your yoga mat and doing some water salutations

Make sure to dress for the occasion with a summer bikini, retro one-piece, or sports bra and bike short.

Wood

The wood element of your diy backyard oasis can take up a small or large space.

Wiwiurka Wooden Balance Beams present your kids with a fun opportunity to develop agility, balance, and confidence, and they’re an aesthetically pleasing oasis addition.

Another option that lights up my inner child is this two-story playhouse with swing attachment. It’s made from furniture grade cedar wood, includes child sized cooking tools and play food, and encourages physical and mental development.

If you’re creating a small backyard oasis, this handmade pinewood rainbow swing is a burst of happiness for you and your kids.

Another exceptional way to bring on the rejuvenating vibes is to incorporate wood elements such as this artistic staircase tray to trolley snacks and sips from the kitchen to the intentionally peaceful space in your backyard.

Summer Nights

By calling on each of the four elements of earth, wind, water, and wood, you’ll design a swoon worthy space to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in this summer. Your kids will explore with creativity, and you’ll delight in screen free moments out in the sun.

When the moon takes the sun’s place, your backyard oasis can transition to a family movie night by projecting a favorite film across a sheet hanging from a branch. This is also an opportunity to enjoy moon salutations on your yoga mat, read a book by twinkle light, or share a drink with your closest friends.

With just a splash of intention, your backyard can be the refreshing oasis of your summer dreams.

The PlanToys Victorian Dollhouse is the ultimate minimalistic dollhouse that allows your imagination to run wild. Hannah Briggs of Thistle Harvest is an interior stylist, DIY extraordinaire and mama of sweet Colette has transformed the house that her husband grew up in into a cozy home for her family. She has now used her magic touch to turn the  PlanToys Victorian Dollhouse into a whimsical cottage for her daughter Colette's Maileg mouse family! Using her decorating ability to add creative touches from playful wallpaper & flooring to a mouse gallery wall! More on Hannah's inspiration below...

 PlanToys Victorian Dollhouse 

I knew that I wanted to gift Colette a really special dollhouse one day and I thought, "Why not for her 4th birthday?!" I was able to partner with oldbazaaristanbul for this gorgeous PlanToys Victorian Dollhouse and I had the idea to DIY the interior by designing and decorating the rooms for the sweetest little mouse family.

I researched, brainstormed, and created mood boards and recently got to work on a super precious project for my favorite girl. I can't believe all the sweet options out there for beautiful dollhouse wallpaper! It was so hard to narrow down which ones I wanted to use for the house but ultimately decided to choose a few from this Etsy shop. They are so incredibly beautiful and I couldn't resist the William Morris lemon printed wallpaper for the kitchen!
 

Installing the wallpaper was a little tedious but fairly simple. I just measured with a measuring tape the walls and nooks and crannies that I wanted to add it to. I then cut out my paper and used double sided tape to keep in place. I personally wanted to shy away from glue and by generously applying double sided tape, it worked like a charm!

I found some faux floor tile at Hobby Lobby, along with the cutest little table and chairs, kitchen accessories, tea set, and other tiny goodies. I sourced the rugs from Etsy and oldbazaaristanbul also gifted me some darling Maileg Dollhouse accessories.

Dining Table // Chairs // Tea Set // Miniature Toaster

I wanted to add a few very personal and special additions to the house so I browsed online and found a few mouse portraits to print out, cut to fit, and frame in these little miniature mirrors, (also from Hobby Lobby). The result? The most precious gallery wall of the mouse family. I can't handle the cuteness!

Fireplace // Mouse Chair // Mouse Bathtub // Sink Dresser 

Another personal touch was to add miniature books that I found on Etsy. I thought this classic set would be so charming in the dollhouse's living room. I glued some scalloped plates to the wooden hutch and added the tiny library to it!

Coco absolutely adores her new PlanToys Victorian Dollhouse and it makes my heart so happy to watch her play and enjoy it for years to come!

@thistle.harvest

Upgrade your basket

The Easter basket is an essential part of celebrating Easter. Luckily, there are a handful of ways to swap out plastic basics for environmentally friendly must-haves when creating your easter basket — starting with the basket itself! We know how easy it is to last-minute purchase a cheap plastic easter basket at the dollar store or Target. So convenient but so crumby for our planet. 

Instead, consider planning ahead and purchasing an all-natural basket that you can reuse year after year. Any Easter basket that can double as a toy or decor after the holiday is a win in our book! Check out our oldbazaaristanbul exclusive Bunny Ears Organic Cotton Bag, as a part of our Playtime Deluxe Bundle, and also includes our Organic Cotton Bunny Puppet, Eggcellent Crew Neck Long Sleeve Organic Cotton Shirt, and a matching outfit for Dollie — now you’re Easter shopping is just about done! 

Fill it full of fun

Now that you have your eco-friendly basket, we need to fill it! Traditionally, (especially if you're a child of the 80s) Easter baskets have been filled with plastic ‘grass’ to add some filler. This junk is an environmentalist’s worst enemy. It doesn’t recycle easily and often sits in a landfill forever — or it becomes a hazard to an animal, like a bird trying to build a nest. 0/10, we do not recommend plastic Easter grass. So, what can you use instead? Tissue paper, colorful cloth napkins, or a shredded grass alternative made from recycled paper, wood, or plants are great options that are much more environmentally friendly.

The grass isn’t the only plastic that ends up in Easter baskets. Ditch the department store dollar aisle toys that won’t last the season for a gift they’ll never forget — like our exclusive oldbazaaristanbul Littles Dollie & Me Bundle, which includes our Littles Organic Lounge Dress in Sage with a matching outfit for their Dollie. For the littlest littles, fill their basket with quality, organic gifts they will love (and you will too!) We love this Mushie Lion Teether, made from 100% non-toxic, food-grade silicone.

Egg-ceptional Easter eggs

Of course, it wouldn’t be Easter without the eggs! Dyeing eggs is a family favorite activity in preparation for Easter. Choose sustainably sourced eggs in recyclable packaging for minimal environmental impact. When it comes to dyeing Easter eggs beautiful colors for decoration, opt out of the store-bought kits and search natural egg dyes recipes online! Purple cabbage, red and yellow onion skins, and shredded beets are just a few of the foods you can use to take a more natural approach to coloring Easter eggs. 

Once your eggs are dyed (and eaten) — you can add the naturally colored eggshells to compost or soil! Eggshells add necessary calcium for plants to build cell walls. Eggshells can even be used as a pest deterrent in your garden. We love gardening with kids, it’s a fun way to give them a sense of purpose and responsibility — plus who doesn’t love getting dirty! Use your leftover cardboard egg carton from Easter to start an herb garden with your little. If your little is one of those kids who doesn’t like to get dirty, they can pretend with this fun Garden Wheelbarrow Set — while you put those eggshells to use.

Last but not least, treat yourself

Children look forward to Easter for the bunny, the treats, and the basket. Adults? We’re thrilled to ditch our Winter decor for Spring! Having a more sustainable holiday starts at home – and we have the bundles to kick-start your Spring decor swap. Hop on over to our Brunch Bundles, which include a decorative block and tea towel in classic and colorful designs. Can’t choose just one? Our Brunch Deluxe Bundle includes two delightful designs. 

The opportunities truly are endless when it comes to making Easter (or any holiday) more eco-friendly — and your kid will thank you for it! Small steps today can make a big impact on our planet later. Want more? Shop our Easter Collection for even more eco-friendly Easter ideas, featuring outfits, toys, decor & more! 

Floral Print

Girly, sophisticated, and fun to match, floral print is a delightful way to celebrate the season. Welcome summer in with a colorful flower pattern, as seen on the Camilla Skirt by oldbazaaristanbul. 

Another floral piece we love is the Bloom Midi Skirt by Harlow Jade, below. Whether she’s blowing bubbles or chasing butterflies, she’ll be comfortable and covered in these vibrant skirts.

Animal Print

Animal prints in children’s fashion have spiked in popularity over the last couple seasons. Leopard print, especially, has made its presence with its mature yet playful feel – the perfect balance for your mini fashionista. Despite preconceived notions, animal prints can be versatile. Take a chance with the Wild Things Dress by oldbazaaristanbul!

Or, tone it down with the Leopard Camilla Skirt, also a fantastic piece by oldbazaaristanbul. With this skirt, your little one can still express their wild side while coupled with either a solid or graphic top, as pictured above.

Graphics

Youthful and fun, statement and graphic tees are cute on any boy or girl – not to mention, they are appropriate for most casual settings from the backyard bbq’s to theme parks. Get your hands on some bold graphics to match your child’s personality. Then, all you would have to do is throw on jeans or shorts to complete your little’s look. You can’t go wrong with the Big Sister Tee and the Best Big Bro Muscle Tee by Chaser Kids!

Paper Straw Hats

If your little one doesn’t already have a hat of his or her own, what are you waiting for? Not only do they make adorable accessories, adding extra flair to any outfit, but they help protect your child’s face from the sun. Alongside sunscreen, paper straw hats are the way to go. Shield against the summer rays with the Cowboy Sunhat or Tassel Cowgirl Sunhat by Snapper Rock!

Tassels

On-trend mamas know that tassels are in this summer! They’re festive and fancy. What’s not to love about tassels? They make any piece chic and summer-y. Watch them swing while she plays! Pair her smile with the Serena Dress, left, or the Kate Dress by Mer St. Barth, right.