If you’ll be sending a son or daughter to summer camp, you should absolutely check out the convenient online shopping destination Love, Laura Gifts. (The retailer also has an Upper East Side studio for private appointments!) In addition to unique and personalized items for just about anyone in need of something special, Love, Laura Gifts has a ton of great camp gear for kids. Here are a few essentials.
BUS BAG
Camp starts on the bus! Not only is it about the bag, but it’s about what you put in it for the first day. Love, Laura Gifts recommends lunch, snacks (enough to share with new friends), magazines, a small surprise gift to take the edge off for the new camper, and a letter from home. Keep in mind, this bag will also be taken off campus to theme parks, movie theaters, and more, so it should be durable and either waterproof or washable. Starting at $36, lovelauragifts.com
ORGANIZATION
Go beyond the baggie! Love, Laura Gifts offers tons of products to keep your child’s items organized in even the most busy, cluttered bunk. There’s everything from shower caddies and cosmetic cases to front room boxes and under-bed storage bins. It’s all about how you pack it. Starting at $16, lovelauragifts.com
STATIONERY
Paper goods and stationery are a great way for kids at camp to keep track of their adventures and keep in touch with loved ones at home. Our favorite stationery item for summer is the bus note and the keep in touch card. Keep in touch cards are also great for the end of school. Just print with your child’s camp address info. Starting at $18, lovelauragifts.com
TEAM SPIRIT WEAR
Love, Laura Gifts has everything from face paint and eye-black (also in blue, gold, red, or green) to pinnies, wigs, and tutus. And don’t forget the personalized clothing! Add a camp name, bunk, or zip code. We’ve got spirit yes we do, we’ve got spirit how about you?! $20, lovelauragifts.com
LICE SHAMPOO & MORE
Pesky little nits can make or break a summer. So, what’s a cautious parent to do? First, giving your child his or her own sports helmet to wear is a good precaution. That includes skating, baseball, riding, etc. Secondly, LTC Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Tonic is always a good idea. Kids should use the Shampoo twice a week and the Leave-In Tonic should hold court in their front-room box. $18, lovelauragifts.com
DON’T FORGET VISITING DAY
Visiting Day is big! We don’t necessarily condone over-the-top care packages; space is limited and most camps give exactly four hours to consume that enormous 16” cookie cake. However, we’re first in line to shower our munchkins with gifts when we visit. We like to include team spirit supplies for Color War, a signing pillow, new magazines, favorite treats from home, extra shampoo, body wash, and batteries. Some of us like to sneak in some bunk gifts as well.
