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I'm not an experienced "Back to School" shopper. In fact, my son is entering public Kindergarten, so for us, this is really "Off to School" shopping. And when you shop in September, it is tempting to load up on shorts and t-shirts. I mean, that's what he's wearing right now -- and they're on sale.
But I'll try not to forget that Fall weather is around the corner and soon we'll be stuffing jeans into rainboots and wrestling umbrellas into buckets next to the door. It's time to shop for rain gear as well.
Having scoured the web for kid's rain gear, I've pulled together my top picks.
Umbrellas
1. I adore this child-sized cloud umbrella from the MoMA gift shop via Amazon.com. It comes in grown up sizes, too!
2 and 3. Lots of fun prints for boys and for girls from the brand Hatley. Find Hatley umbrellas at Amazon, Diapers.com (great prices!), or directly from Hatley. My faves are these girly butterflies and the unisex stars.
4. The umbrellas from Kidorable are truly adorable, but if your child is 5 or older, they are probably too adorable. Headed to preschool? Definitely check them out.
Boots
5.Tween girls will find loads to love at Target.com in the rainboot category. Here, let me link you to the page with more than 50 styles to choose from for those who wear a women's 6 or larger. I'm digging this green polka dot boot, but you could also talk me into most of the ones that come up when you search for "dot rain boot" on Target.com.
These "Youth" boots come in sizes from toddler to a big girl's 3.
6. Just as stylish for boys, Vincent makes some truly hip rainboots up to size 3. (And they are on super sale as you can see by the image I grabbed.) Perhaps the lace is silly as it will just get wet, but you have to admit, your little dude would stand out from the crowd in these.
Also from Vincent, these shorties, meant for preschoolers whose legs are too short to manage regular puddle jumpers.
7. A great selection of classic pull-on wellies in assorted colors is sold at L.L.Bean and Land's End, of course. But you'll only find these technical-looking boots (fit for Spider-Man, perhaps?) at REI.
Raincoats
8. For little kids, I love the brand Pluie Pluie. They are slick on the outside, but not so plasticy that your child will be uncomfortable in a carseat. They make a jacket to match every style of boot and umbrella they sell. If you like matchy-matchy, hop right over to this page. Buy one size up and the jacket should cover a little tushy quite easily for at least a year.
9. For bigger kids, try a sportier take on the raincoat. This Marmot jacket is breathable, lightweight, and waterproof. It comes in three other colors at REI up to size 14/16.
10. For kids who are shaped like adults, but still live in your house and require reminding to "bring a jacket!," check Zappos.com where you'll find a variety fo raincoats, from atheletic-inspired like the Marmot above to trendy like the Fitzwell jacket below for guys and the Hurley peacoat-inspired slicker for girls. And you can apply sensible mom filters, like "Under $100".
Whitney Moss is the co-author of The Rookie Mom's Handbook. Along with her writing partner, Heather Flett, she publishes Rookie Moms and 510Families.com. She has been attending BlogHer conferences since 2005.
Whitney also wrote 6 Cute Umbrellas for Preschoolers last year. All of which are still cute.
