Show Cool Pencil Case Some Love!

We just received more pictures of our most recent customers enjoying their new purchases. This week, Sarah just received her brand new Vintage Poster Pencil Pouch! Along with this picture were a few kind words for Cool Pencil Case.

"Hello CoolPencilCase.Com,

I just wanted to say how much I love my new pencil case. The pencil case fits all of my pens and pencils perfectly and keeps me organized. All of my classmates in school love the colorful design. I was surprised at how quickly my order came, especially with all the phone calls I had made regarding my order after it was placed. Thanks again! I will be shopping again soon!

-Sarah"

If you want to be featured on our blog, send us your pictures with your favorite Cool Pencil Case find! Get creative -- get family, friends, and the classroom involved. Send us your feedback and pictures at support@coolpencilcase.com.

Cool Pencil Case in South Africa!

Our friends from Spirit of America Band recently wrapped up their stay in South Africa, teaching music workshops to young students and taking in all the culture South Africa had to offer. During their stay, Cool Pencil Case donated a couple of our animal pencil pouches and more to the students participating in the workshops. Visit Spirit of America Band's blog to relive their amazing trip!

Check out these photos!

Digging in with Love!

A huge thank you for everyone who participated in our first ever contest on Facebook! On Sunday night, fans voted for "Digging in with Love" as the name for one of our newest products. Congratulations Sylvee for submitting that creative name!

Make sure to check out our online store for more new arrivals!

COOL PENCIL CASE GIVEAWAY!

Things are still busy even as the back to school season wraps up, and we just received tons of new merchandise. But there's one thing -- we need your help naming one of our products!

We've decided to hold our first Cool Pencil Case giveaway exclusively for our fans on Facebook. Join in on the fun to win one of our most popular pencil cases, the Converse Shoe Pencil Pouch in your favorite color!

Here are the easy steps to enter!

1. "Like" us on Facebook.
2. Click on the album titled "Name Our Cool Pencil Case Giveaway."
3. Submit your creative name for our product by commenting on any of the photos. (Only one name submission per person!)
4. The winner with the most "likes" on their name by Sunday, October 2 wins! So get your friends and family in on the voting as well! Note: Don't lose out on any votes! Make sure to tell your voters will to "like" your comment, not the photo.

The winner will be notified by Monday of next week. Good luck!

Pencils v. Keypads: What is Your Child Missing Out On?

Face it. In a world where technology rules all, adults seldom pick up pens and pencils to write notes, but instead turn to keyboards and touchpads. Even as the ease and speed of technology saves busy parents valuable time, young children are now falling into the same routine.

And they lose a very critical element in learning : handwriting.

Bid farewell to the god-like patience of a teacher guiding students hands over and under dashed lines to perfect penmanship. Forty states have adopted the Common Core Curriculum, the nation’s guide of what’s to be taught in classrooms. Cursive didn’t make the cut.

In fact, it is common for teachers nowadays to exclude hand writing from the curriculum altogether and focus more on typing -- a more 21^st century approach.

Studies have shown that hand writing boosts learning functions for all ages, especially grade school students. Young students develop better motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as an improved learning of shapes and letters. A recent study from Indiana University showed handwriting even increases brain activity and improves memory for children.

Even with the benefits of hand writing, there is no sign of technology slowing down. A study by Parenting/BlogHer polled over 1,000 tech- savvy mothers and found that 1 in 4 mothers allow their children to interact with a smart phone by the tender age of two. By the time the children turn four, 60% of children have used a computer, 43% have used a digital camera, 32% have used a smart phone, 25% have used an iPod, and 14% have used a tablet computer.

Judy Perry, Professor of Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton, cringes at those statistics.

“Not my children!” She says.

Perry has created computer programs to help her children learn the basics of grade school, but even her expertise in technology cannot help with all aspects of learning. Her son, who is now 10, was born at just four pounds. Since then, his motor skills have not fully developed for his age. Perry helps him practice certain exercises to develop his motor skills, such as beading, and yes, handwriting.

Sometimes, it's just the little things that may motivate our young ones to keep writing. Our online store offers fun pencil cases, pencils, erasers, and more to help sharpen the skills so little people knew were developed through hand writing.

While yesterday’s signatures are now today’s PIN numbers, it is hard to say whether or not the penmanship of future generations will start to resemble a doctor’s prescription note. That may be the case one day, especially if children have their hands on keypads instead and away from pencils.

Show Cool Pencil Case Some Love!

We've been getting tons of great customer feedback this past week! One of our first-time customers, Krizalyn, chose our Converse Shoe Pencil Pouch to start off her senior year in high school. Check out the picture she posted on Facebook of her new, cool pencil case!

Krizalyn is clearly a fan of high-top Converses. We couldn't help but laugh at this other picture she sent to us.

If you want to be featured on our blog, send us your pictures with your favorite Cool Pencil Case find! Get creative -- get the family, friends, and classroom involved. Send us your feedback and pictures at support@coolpencilcase.com.

Back to School Donation: CoolPencilCase.com Helps Spirit of America Band - South Africa Trip 2011

The Spirit of America Band is an award winning marching ensemble that not only has put on numerous field shows to inspire patriotism into the hearts of Americans across the country, but will soon be traveling to South Africa in September of this year. The ensemble will be leading workshops to teach South African youth through the many lessons of music, and CoolPencilCase.com had the great privilege of donating many of our products to Spirit of America Band! These products will be given to the many students Spirit of America Band will be teaching, and they will be used daily by students just like you!

Join us in supporting this great organization and inspiring band! You can check out some of the cool things that Spirit of America has done, like a grocery store flash mob (click here) or you can watch a video about Spirit of America's September trip (click here)!

Check out some of CoolPencilCase's new products, just like the ones we recently sent to South Africa!

Learn more about Spirit of America Band and what they do.

Top 10 Fun School Supplies

CoolPencilCase.com is currently featured in Huffington Post as Top 10 Fun School Supplies. Check it out !

Iwako Erasers - 2011's Hottest Trade!

Kawaii! What's cooler than Iwako erasers? Trading Iwako erasers! These cute, colorful Japanese erasers have become the coolest things to trade since trading began – and that’s like older than The Simpsons or your ancient great Aunt. So let's check out why Iwako erasers are so hot right now.

So many Iwako Erasers to choose from!

There are lots of reasons why tradable Iwako erasers are so cool. Probably the biggest reason – there’re more Iwako Erasers than there are Pokemon – like so many totally cute choices! MASSIVE! There are so many different types of Iwako erasers, you’ll never double up, there’s always something newer and fresher and cuter than the last – so trading is always fun and full of surprises!

Trim down and get healthy, trade in your hamburger and fries erasers…

...for this!

Oishii!

And brand new from Japan, be the FIRST to get your hands on these:

And the top trader – Scented Japanese Soda Erasers….

Need more? Be the first of your friends to check out CoolPencilCase.com and get your hands on our top traders! There are so many adorable themes and characters in the Iwako range you'll never collect them all!

Allowance friendly trading! Iwako Erasers are totally affordable!

The thing about trading stuff is you need something to trade and if you don’t have the cash, you’ve got….nothing! Thankfully, you can buy Iwako erasers really cheaply and start your trading fun without busting your allowance. They’re the super cute Japanese tradable that is perfect for your budget. And check out all the Japanese Iwako collecable erasers from Cool Pencil Case!

Irresistible: A girls gorgeous best friend…..you’ll never trade her!

Exactly! So, if you can bear to part with them, you'll always be able to trade your Iwako erasers for something else you really want, without blowing the budget.

Trading stuff with your friends is fun. Trading Iwako erasers with your friends is even more fun! It's probably the best thing about going to school – and certainly the hottest trade in town!

Holiday Gifts for Kids – Cool Stuff on Every Kid's Wish List

Get ready to find the BEST holiday gifts for kids in your class! Choosing holiday gifts for your besties is tricky – you have to choose a present that they’ll totally love and that is totally them! We love this time of year so no matter what your girls are celebrating; Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or any other special holiday, we’ve made sure there are perfect holiday gifts for kids with anything to celebrate!

Choosing the perfect Holiday Gifts for Kids in your life!

First, think about your girls. Are they totally into fashion? How about sport? What colors do they always look good in? Do they love music?

At Cool Pencil Case, we have thought about all this too, and we’ve made sure we have perfect holiday gifts for kids that like ANYTHING!

Next, think about your budget. Figure out how many friends you want to buy holiday gifts for and then decide how much you can spend. Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the perfect holiday gifts for kids in your world! We’ve got awesome, affordable holiday gifts from just 99 cents!

Who knew vegies could be so yummy?

Now you know who and what – take a look at these awesome holiday gift wish list ideas!

Holiday gift wish list for your top five bffs!

Imagine how cool you’ll be with totally matching pencil cases next semester. You can choose a funky pencil case in everybody’s favorite color or some matching cool pencil case items that tell the world what you and your girls are all about!

Holiday Gifts for Kids in Your Class

Show your whole class that you totally love hanging out with them with holiday gifts for kids’ pencil cases! Cool Pencil Case has super affordable little holiday gifts for kids so you can treat everyone!

Holiday Gifts for Teachers

Some teachers are really special (of course some teachers are horrible too!) but if you want to show your teacher that you think she’s great and that you love all the help she’s given you this year how about a cool pen? She might even think of you when she’s writing up grades!

Holiday Gifts for your couple friends

If you have friends who are couples, this is such a cute way to celebrate their relationship and wish them Happy Holidays.

Stocking Stuffers for Moms, Dads, Brothers and Sisters

Need some goodies to help fill the family’s stockings?

Your brother might just stop picking on you – for a while – when he sees this baseball eraser set in his Christmas stocking.

Got a big brother or sister? If you’re lucky and they’re not a total pain, there’s these awesome Blah Fish Pencil Pouches that teenagers just love!

And help mom note down your Holiday wish list, with a cool notebook

And if Homer Simpson is anything to go by, Dad’s love donuts!

Or maybe dad needs something for work?

Don’t forget your little sister! Check out these awesome crayon pens and pretty pencil cases to help her make beautiful artworks!

The holidays can really chew through your pocket money but luckily great holiday gifts for kids don’t have to cost lots.

Of course, CoolPencilCase.com not only has holiday gifts for kids, but for everyone you want to buy for. And the really good thing about these gifts? Apart from being super cool, they can be used every day. And that really is the sort of gift on everybody’s holiday wish list.

Unzipping your style at school!

When you choose a new pencil case, are you looking for one that tells everyone at your school exactly who you are? When you want to unzip your style, check out all these awesome pencil cases!

Your Style: Chic

You’re pure style, from the French tips of your toes to the perfectly trimmed ends of your hair, you know fashion and style and you always look amazing. You are a fashion icon at school, and you don’t follow the latest trends, they follow you! You know a lot about the world and you can’t wait to travel when you finish studying. Your friends look to you for advice and deep down, you know that some day, you’ll be able to make a real splash in the world. You are a natural leader and you have your finger on the pulse! You are pure chic!

Chic Careers:

Fashion designer, Celebrity Blogger, fashion writer, fashion buyer, novelist, painter, stylist, personal shopper, flight attendant, image manager, business woman, CEO

Chic Subjects:

French, Art, Writing, Reading, Film, Dance, Design

Chic Boys:

Nice nails, styled hair, cool clothes, good manners, like art and reading

Chic Celebs: Zac Efron, Robert Pattinson, Shingai Shoniwa (Noisettes), Beyonce, Michelle Obama

Chic Pencil Cases : Sweet Girl European Travel Story Pencil Pouch,Bow pencil pouch

Your Style: Cool

You are always yourself, no matter what - and your friends love you for who you are! You work hard at the things you love, so you’re probably great at music or sport or your favourite subject and people respect your talent. You love coming up with new ideas so your style is individual and original. You are a natural leader and people look up to you, so you stay out of gossip and arguments and try to always do what is right. You’ll probably make a big difference in the world some day and you know you are destined for success!

Cool Careers:

President, Diplomat, Athlete, Musician, Actor, Writer, Journalist, Judge, Attorney, Business Woman, Game Programmer

Cool Subjects: Art, Music, Drama, Sports,

Cool Celebs: Fergie, Halle Berry, Pink, Alicia Keys, Jordin Sparks,

Cool Boys: Hard workers, mature, nice, individual

Cool Pencil Cases : Converse shoe pencil case, Converse shoe pencil case- limited edition

Your Style: Crazy

You are totally out there, right? You’re always having fun and doing crazy stuff and people think you’re totally weird (and you love that). Your adventures make even the most boring school day fun and sometimes you’re a bit of a rebel. Some people think you’re too crazy and out there, but that’s OK, you know that underneath it all, you are a brave person who thinks differently to everyone else, likes taking risks and who always comes up with inventive and exciting ideas.You are a thrill seeker and you are not afraid to get into a little hot water! Deep down, you know that one day, your amazing ideas will take you to the most amazing places!

Crazy Careers: Inventor, Entrepreneur, Entertainer, Comedian, Travel Writer, Scientist, Explorer, Celebrity Blogger, Extreme Sportswoman, Hacker

Crazy Subjects: Science, Writing, Drama, Art, Computers

Crazy Celebs: Lady Ga Ga, Albert Einstein, Penelope Cruz, Queen Latifah

Crazy Boys: Clever, funny, interesting, brave, out there

Crazy Pencil Cases : Blah Fish Pencil Pouches, Animal paw pencil pouch, Monster Pencil Pouch

Your Style: Cute

You’re adorable. You have girl next door charm with an eye for pretty clothes and accessories.You’re always doing nice things for people and everybody thinks you are sweet.Your friends love to confide in you and you give the best advice. Guys think you’re sweet and you have lots of guy friends. You know mean girls are just immature and have low self esteem so you don’t let anyone bother you and you are always there to cheer other people up.You’re going to make a real difference in the world some day!

Cute Careers: Peace Corp, Vet, Nurse, Doctor, Teacher, Police Officer, Mom, Church or Charity Worker, Midwife

Cute Subjects: Social Studies, Geography, History, Domestic Science, Religious Education

Cute Celebs: Justin Beiber, Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Hilary and Hayley Duff, Lea Michele

Cute Boys: Polite, Respectful, Sweet, Thoughtful, Helpful

Cute Pencil Cases : Rilakkuma Pencil Pouch, Polka dot bear pencil pouch, Dachshund Puppy Pencil Pouch

Your Style: Creative

People say you’re different and you agree. You’re not like other girls, you’re clever and creative and your style is completely your own. You can’t stand fake people and you are way more mature than most girls your age. You like working on your own projects and you’re really good at expressing yourself. You never act dumb or silly, you take your school work and your art seriously and are smarter and more insightful than anybody knows. You are good at subjects that aren’t “cool” and deep down you’re proud of how clever you are! You love art and music but usually nobody knows the artists you like. People don’t understand the real you. You don’t need other people’s approval because you are an individual.

Creative Careers: Artist, Sculptor, Scientist, Blogger, Activist, Human Rights Lawyer, Environmentalist, Journalist, Mathematician, Physicist

Creative Subjects: Art, Music, Politics, Science, Math, Social Studies

Creative Celebs: Kristen Stewart, Hayley Williams (Paramore), Sarah Lewitinn (Ultragrrrl)

Creative Guys: Interesting, sensitive, intelligent, artistic, clever

Creative Pencil Cases : Asian roll pencil case, Train set pencil box, Violin case pencil pouch