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Let’s Go Back to School, Gluten-Free!

It’s the end of July, which means that either you’re going back to school shopping soon, or at least thinking about it. It’s back to school season!

Now, as a kid, this was my favorite time of the year. Every year, my aunt would take me on a shopping spree (or what I thought was a “spree” as a kid) and she’d buy me a few new outfits and stock up on school supplies. It was my favorite – just rolling down the aisles with her, picking out new pencils and locker supplies and stickers, and everything Lisa Frank humanly possible.

But now, I don’t have children, and asking my aunt to take me on a back-to-school shopping spree would make me feel pretty silly. I still get those tingles when I walk by the back to school aisles at Target, and always stop for a little browsing. I use less of those Lisa Frank binders, and more of branded notebooks from various brands I’ve worked with. Most of my work for blogging or the magazine is done online, and I buy all of my Macbook supplies (sadly, they’re so expensive!). But new paper, pens, notebooks, pens – they’re still my favorite.

I’ve partnered with Vitacost yet again to show you some of my favorite gluten-free back to school products. Gluten-free back to school? What’s gluten-free about pens and pencils? Well, those are covered. But what about back-to-school bath and beauty products for teenagers and those crazy hormones? Or new products to put in a lunchbox for kids of all ages? Don’t worry, Vitacost.com has you covered!

IN THE BATH

Smarty Pants makes gluten-free gummy vitamins for all sorts of people – women, men, pregnant ladies, teens, and kids. I chose the teen girl complete set of gummies because it includes important nutrients like Lutein and Zeaxanthin for eyeballs constantly glued to phones, Biotin, Vitamin D, Omega 3 Fish Oil, B12 and Folate.

Kids are smelly. I don’t have any, but I know kids. and they’re smelly. Many of my friends are teachers (seriously, bless their souls) and have kids of their own, and I’ve heard stories. I mean, I bet I was smelly once too. I should probably call my mom and ask about my smelliness. All I know is that I wore the WORST smelling deodorant. I wore like this awful baby powder smelling deodorant that was in a absurdly pink package that makes me cringe now. For this, I’ve included Goodwipes Body Wipes Travel Packs – perfect for backpacks or purses or lockers. Also, I’ve included a natural, unscented deodorant from Tom’s of Maine. It’s not in some wacky teen scent, but your kids’ teachers might thank you after being nasally assaulted by the overwhelming scent of Axe body spray all day. And, I mean, flushable wipes are a god send for those with celiac anyways.

Puberty brings even more fun with acne. I love Derma E products, and I’ve included Derma E Very Clean Acne Spot Treatment. Unlike the acne spot treatment I used as a kid, this one doesn’t burn my flesh off and is clear – you can’t even see it on. It’s safe to put on before school and at night. DermaE products are vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.

PS cats never need deodorant, however, they do get cat acne (cat-ne), and their breath smells like tuna like 24/7.

IN THE KITCHEN

I love working from home, but honestly, I do miss packing lunches for myself. I love unwrapping each item that was packed and prepared with love (for me, by me), and not being able to just dive into the cupboard at any time to get snacks (I’m a bit of a snack-a-holic). I also really love lunchboxes and adorably small containers that fit nearly nothing but are really cute. You know – practical. New Wave Enviro makes water pitchers that I use, and I like that they also make BPA-free lunchboxes and containers. I also love using glass, like the Lifefactory glass food storage with silicone sleeve, that is less likely to stain with foods like leftover spaghetti. Face it, we probably all have plastic that is now permanently dyed orange thanks to spaghetti.

Here’s what’s inside my Vitacost inspired lunchbox!

Schar Artisan Baker White Bread + SunButter + jam of choice

Annie’s gluten-free organic crispy snack bars

Crunch Master mulit-grain crisp crackers Snack Packs

Enjoy Life Foods Mini Chips Snack Packs

Enjoy Life Foods Soft Baked Mini Cookies Snack Packs

Yum Earth organic fruit snacks in Tropical and Original

Fruit and vegetable pre-washed and cut

Reusable silverware and bamboo napkins

Vitacost Giveaway

You can win my GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS to fill your lunchbox and all of these awesome gluten-free back-to-school BATH and BEAUTY goodies too! I’ve partnered with Vitacost to give this all away to one lucky person – valued at around $150! 

Use the widget below to enter into the giveaway. US only please! If you’re a kid reading this, make sure your mom or dad enters for you if you’re not 18 yet (also, what are you reading a blog for? You’re way cooler than I was as a kid. Also, if you’re a kid, sorry I told you that you smell bad, but you probably do.).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stick around for more BACK TO SCHOOL from Celiac and the Beast! We’ve got an awesome Back to School guide coming soon!

Tagged: Annie's, Back to School, Crunchmaster, Deodorant, Derma E, Enjoy life Foods, gluten free, Gluten Free Kids, Gluten Free Teens, Goodwipes, Smarty Pants, Sponsored, YumEarth