String dolls give you magical powers! Like the power not to buy a new backpack for school this year.

These days, not everyone wants (or needs) to spend money on a brand new backpack or lunchbox for the kids each school year. So I like the idea of finding those fun little doodads that help liven up backpacks and make them feel new again.…

String dolls give you magical powers! Like the power not to buy a new backpack for school this year.

These days, not everyone wants (or needs) to spend money on a brand new backpack or lunchbox for the kids each school year. So I like the idea of finding those fun little doodads that help liven up backpacks and make them feel new again.

If you're looking for a personalized touch, you absolutely have to check out the keychain-style, handmade String Doll Gang which are great for grade-schoolers who won't try and eat the wires and googly-eyes. I am just bonkers over the hilarious characters, each of whom have their own "special power."

There's a princess and an astronaut and a pirate named Iron Davey and a soccer player named Kicky who can be seen on our Back to School shopping guide. But I like the wackier characters like Farmer Jones who "helps you make greener choices," a caped pink swine named Super Piggy, the mohawked Sid who "protects you against people who have bad taste in music," and E-Moe (hilarious!) who "feels sad so you don't have to."

If they deliver such magic as promised, I just may need a few for my own bag. -Liz

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