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Supplies in demand
By MARY JANE PARK
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 31, 2000
The kids are back in class, and the stampede for school supplies has mercifully slowed. Those of us with office jobs probably have all the ballpoint pens, paper clips and sticky notes we need, but late every summer, some of us get nostalgic for a little back-to-school shopping. These trends should keep us feeling wittier, if not wiser.
Fridge frame
Give the budding artists in your life their own shows, or exhibit your own magnificent work. Finally, there's a magnetized frame large enough to feature drawings on your refrigerator. The Fridge Frame. $4.99. Homeplace stores.
Folders, gel pens
Why leave all the fun of gel pens to middle-schoolers? Stock your home file cabinet with these folders in basic black, then decorate them with inks in bright colors or metallics. Official Milky Gear 2-Pocket Folders 5-Pack. $2.99, Staples. Gelly Roll pens, $3.99. Office supply, discount and stationery stores.
Box lighting
[Times photos: Patty Yablonski]
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Maybe you're well past the days of keg parties, but this box light will take you back to the frat house for about the price of a case of beer. Light bulb, hangover sold separately. $24.99. Target.
Razor scooter
Kids love these, but even worker bees are taking this smooth glide to big-city streets. The aluminum Razor Scooter folds up for easy carrying. $99.95. Many sources, including Brookstone, Homeplace, Sharper Image, Sports Authority.
Backpack
Ditch the homework and load this backpack with picnic goodies. It comes with plates, napkins, flatware, a sharp knife and wine glasses, plus an insulated beverage holder. Adding wine? Do NOT try this at school. Picnic backpack, about $50. Stein Mart.
Slinky phone
 Your old Slinky may still rest in a teacher's drawer full of confiscated toys. Use this one to originate happy conversations, or to play with as you put telemarketers on hold. Neon Slinky phone, $19.99. Radio Shack.
Scrunchy
Love-bead hair scrunchies wrap ponytails for middle-age hippies of both genders. $1.99. Target.
Please send suggestions for Shop to Mary Jane Park at the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, 33731, fax her at (727) 892-2327, or e-mail her at park@sptimes.com.
Gadget of the Week
 Polaroid's I-Zone Instant Pocket Camera is like having the photo booth with you. Pictures the size of postage stamps develop before your eyes. Some specially marked film has adhesive backing. Camera about $20. A 12-exposure roll of film is about $7. At most discount, grocery and drugstores.
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