Like many other parents, I wish that daycare and schools had RFID inventory systems (the same one used by NASA) installed in their buildings. Children (and parents) would never lose anything again. But, mere mortals living in the twilight zone like me, have limited options. I wanted something simple because I'm a fairly simple person, although my husband would beg to differ. He would tell you that my logic could stump the greatest philosophical minds of our century because I simply don't make sense. But that's a story for another time. I wanted labels that are near indestructible, functional, eye catching and inexpensive; labels that made sure I sent the message across and also kept my daughter's belongings from getting lost. Mabel's Labels came to the rescue. Mabel's Labels is simple and works for us.
What is Mabel's Labels and what do they do?
Mabel's Labels is a group of moms that created labels for the stuff kids lose. According to Mabel's Labels, sticky labels and clothing labels are dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe, and customized with a child’s name, choice of colours and icon. They also offer child safety products and household labels. They continuously create innovative labels for babies, kids and grown-ups. Their labels include multi-purpose, iron-on, and peel and stick that are laundry safe.
Why should I buy it?
Simply put, the more aware people are of your child's allergies, the safer it is for him/her. I like all of the Mabel's Labels products, but I am especially impressed with their Allergy Alerts. So far, they are the best I have seen and tried. They are very simple, clear, and direct and you can include up to six allergies. The label includes your child's name and their specific allergen in which ever way you want to word it. Allergy Alerts are bright red (a perfect eye catching color) and are very visible on lunchboxes, pencil cases, folders, desks, chairs, etc. They're a good investment and a great tool to identify what belongs to your child.
How is it used and how does it work?
The Mabel's Labels product line includes many labels, too many to list here. My favourite product is Allergy Alerts, but I also like and use many of their other labels. Here's a quick run down of the product line listed on their web site.
Sticky Labels and Skinny-Minis™ are dishwasher/microwave safe, peel and stick labels. These bestselling products are extremely versatile and long-lasting.
Iron-Ons and Tag Mates™ are laundry safe and designed to adhere to almost any fabric. Shoe labels are extra tough, waterproof labels that peel and stick to the insoles of footwear.
Bag Tags and Teeny Tags™ are sturdy metal tags to attach to everything from backpacks to pencil cases.
Household Labels are developed by professional organizers, and organize everything from storage bins, food containers and spice jars to craft supplies, electronics cords and trash cans.
Kid safety products are designed to give parents peace of mind. "My 411 Wristbands" are durable, disposable bands customized with names, phone numbers and other important information. Allergy Alerts remind caregivers of allergies and other special needs.
Okay, so what's so special about Mabel's Labels?
Other than the fact that they provide labels for almost everything under the sun (you can even label your kids if you wanted to), two things are going for Mabel's Labels: their customer service and the quality of their products.
Their customer service staff is exceptional, especially the Live Chat feature on their web site. They are incredibly sweet and professional. The quality of the allergy labels is unlike anything I've seen. I have used them on dishes, cups, and what have you. They have been into the dishwasher, on the sterilize option (steaming hot); they have been scrubbed in the sink; they have been picked at by little fingers; they have been in below zero temperatures outside. They are not only intact, but look like they have just been applied! They did not fade, tear, or come off.
Observe. This is an Allergy Alert label that I applied almost 4 years ago. Note that I stuck on a little thing to cover the name but this is where your child's name goes. You can even see the difference between the allergy label and the original store label on the bowl. Look how faded the store label is in comparison. I think that says a lot about the quality of the Allergy Alerts.
And this is a brand new label that has not been used yet. I also stuck a little thing here to cover the name, you know, to keep things anonymous and happy.
Mabel's Labels also has seasonal combo packs which are very economical and customizable. They commonly offer limited edition Camp Combos or Back to School Combos. They also have other combos like Basic Kit, Big Kaboodle or Loot Bag for party favors or personalized gifts.
Mabel's Labels is not just for kids; it's for adults too. They offer household labels for almost everything in the house. It's especially great for control freaks like myself who like to organize everything. You know, everything in it's place and a place for everything, that's me. I've finally convinced my husband that the floor is NOT one big shelf. Currently I'm trying to teach my daughter the concept of rent and income, so that she understands that she owns her room but I own the rest of the house, therefore Buzz Lightyear has to stay within the confines of the spaceship that is her room and Nemo can't have a sleepover with the Ninja Turtles on my kitchen counter. Anyway, I like to have my canisters organized and controlled; I like to have things labeled. It really helps me sleep at night when I know that I can open the cupboard and at a glance see where and what things are. And it also helps me sleep at night when the sink is clean, but that's besides the point. Anyway, Mabel's Labels offers Custom Canister & Spice labels and even have Cord Control labels, Classroom Pack labels, and all other sorts of different labels.
How much does it cost?
Given that their most expensive combo is under $50, I think that Mabel's Labels is affordable and cost effective. The labels are durable and versatile so your purchase does not go to waste. Also, Allergy Alerts are $18.50 for 20 of them. I think the price is good and for the value I get out of them, I would definitely purchase them again. Their prices are in Canadian dollars and standard mail shipping is free in Canada on all orders. Standard shipping to the USA is free for orders over $49.
Possible cons (otherwise known as 'room for improvement')
The only possible downside that I can think of, is perhaps that you can only include up to six allergens on the Allergy Alerts. At six allergies, the text becomes smaller and may not be as visible as say two allergies. However, the fact that there is a label that has allergies listed on it should at least open the door for more questions and conversations about all the things your child is allergic to.
Although Mabel's Labels offers labels in a variety of colours and symbols that are customizable with an abundance of options to choose from, the Allergy Alerts come in only one colour: bright red. Some people may want the option to choose other colours but in my opinion the red colour is perfect because it acts as a warning or caution sign. When people see it, they realize that my daughter has allergies. It's not only a name tag; it's a medical statement.
So what's the verdict?
If you are looking for bright, visible, durable, and reliable allergy labels, Mabel's Labels is the answer. I've used many of their products and I like all of them, but I highly recommend their Allergy Alerts for children with multiple food allergies. I've purchased from Mabel's Labels multiple times and have been very happy with my order every single time.
Where to buy it?
You can buy Allergy Alerts and many other labels from www.mabelslabels.com. They accept Visa, Mastercard and PayPal payments and also offer a satisfaction guarantee if you are not happy with your order.
I hope that you've found this review helpful. Check out Mabel's Labels and share your opinion!
