How to Choose and Prepare a Girl's Pencil Case

Assemble the tools your daughter needs to complete tests, homework and school projects. Find and fill a pencil case that features plenty of room to organize the essentials and sports a style and design that any style-conscious girl will appreciate.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Ask how she'll want to carry the pencil case. Larger boxes can sit inside a locker or desk, pouches can be hung on a backpack or tote, while plastic pockets can be snapped into a three-ring binder.

2. Choose a material. Plastic and wood cases protect the contents, but are also bulky. Canvas pouches are durable, but also stain easily. Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, but also flimsy.

3. Find a case in your daughter's favorite color, then personalize it. Try letter stickers, iron-on patches, decorative rub-ons (found at scrapbooking or craft stores) or paint and permanent markers.

4. Study her school's annual supply list to determine contents appropriate for her grade level. Consider pencils, a sharpener, a ruler, calculator, glue, markers, highlighters and erasers. Buy most items at office supply or chain stores just before school starts for deep discounts.

5. Buy pencil caps or point the sharpened ends away from the pencil case's opening to prevent injury.

6. Label items like scissors, rulers and calculators if her classmates will be borrowing the tools often.

Tips & Warnings

• If the pencil case is small, only use it to hold items she'll be using in class. Keep other objects (like makeup) at home or in her locker for use between classes.

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