My quick parenting tip for today is – Silver Sharpie.
Black sharpie permanent markers and even colored permanent markers are quite common. But a silver Sharpie permanent marker is what every household with children needs.
Why? Because silver sharpie permanent marker shows up easily on dark surfaces. Backpacks, plastics, folders, you name it – anything with a dark surface needs a silver Sharpie. Think dark labels in clothes (parents are constantly putting their children’s names in clothing and winter gear). Think the dark surface of waterproof gloves, or even the black rubber on winter boots.
Given the size of our family, we have many of the same pairs of winter boots in all different sizes. I use the silver sharpie to label the size right on the outside of the boot. Easy to pair up, easy to find. Next season I will be thanking myself for this quick parenting tip.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I like this tip. I have a navy blue hat waiting for its name to be written on it. A silver sharpie would do the trick. Thanks.
Definitely a good tip. Sharpies have some really good uses but it is tough on dark colors. I have to get one of these.
I, too am a silver Sharpie fanatic. I keep mine in the kitchen cabinet (so the kids can’t reach it and yank it away from me), and use it for so many things. It definitely shows up better than black on a ton of surfaces.
I love me the Sharpies! And I even have a silver one. Now must trot around the house marking things!
Brilliant!
@PlanningQueen – silver sharpie is great on navy blue!
@Melinda – Absolutely! Give it a try and let me know what you think.
@JT – You have discovered my secret! And my kids know about it, too. They are silver Sharpie fans as well.
@Elana – Sometimes a good thing is right under your nose!
@Martina – Thanks!
Yup – silver Sharpies rule!!! I have one (hidden!) that I use for the same thing.
I don’t have them now but when I had a VHS player, the kids had tons of videos. Most of the time there was on print on the side, or it was really small, so I would write the title on the side so you could tell at a glance which movie it was. I too love those silver sharpies! Awesome on dark surfaces.
@Aliza,
I buy multi-packs of silver sharpies now – so I can share with the kids. The older ones understand the meaning of “permananent”!
@Trish
Using silver sharpie on VHS tapes is a great idea! Especially on home videos or tv show recordings that don’t have labels. I definitely use the black sharpies on home movie dvd’s.