Every parent and child is getting ready for school this time of year. Whether your local school district requires kids to wear uniforms or not, there is still room for accessories.

Before sourcing accessories, research what looks are currently popular for teens and ‘tweens. Seventeen magazine includes colorful knee-high socks, cute imprinted tote bags and classic baseball caps among the trendiest of back-to-school accessories. All three of these trend-setters can be sourced from promotional product suppliers.

Think back-to-school belts as well. “Woven belts are increasingly becoming part of the required uniform in private schools,” says Robert Stevens, president of Footprints USA (asi/55030). “With a step-and-repeat logo and so many color options, they offer the best choice for good branding. Most schools prefer the ‘Military Style’ for boys and ‘D-Ring Style’ for girls.”

The backpack, of course, is a perennial accessory for students’ school year. JCPenney’s 2014 trend forecast highlights patterned options as good bets for campus. Floral, ethnic (like Aztec) and tie-dye prints make the grade. New this year from Bodek and Rhodes (asi/40788) is the swirl tie-dyed sport pack (H9500), a durable drawstring sport bag in a variety of color combinations. Camouflage also rocks. Vitronic Promotional Group (asi/93990) offers a new backpack style (A863) that comes in both a traditional camouflage and green digital camo print.

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