Verymeri: Inspired and artistic shirts for kids

by Jennifer Donovan

Verymeri is the brain child of Meri Zeiff, a former elementary school teacher. Zeiff was inspired to create her company creating whimsical, kid-designed t-shirts and clothing to counteract the negative messages she saw in the media and on her students’ clothing.

I love seeing an alternative to the “attitude” T’s that are so popular in boutiques and mass-market stores alike. Her slogans are not only not negative, but they are aimed to build confidence and encourage creativity and self-expression in a positive way with slogans such as “first grade rocks,” “go green,” and “be buddies not bullies.”

Though trained as an artist and a designer herself, Meri decided to tap into kids’ creativity and let them design the T-shirts. Any child can submit a design for consideration in the collection by mail or by using the online drawing tool. Then the finalists are published on the site and opened up for people to vote on.

Verymeri offers an awesome creative fundraising program as well.

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These are just a sampling of the cute designs available for purchases in boutiques or online at their website.

Do you want to send your kids back to school in bright colorful style?

Three readers will win their choice of one of the featured designs shown above. Leave a comment telling which one you like best (and be sure you’ve followed the Back to School Giveaway guidelines). This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian addresses.



Email Author    |    Website About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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{ 178 comments }

1 Jill (CDPJ) August 6, 2008 at 5:01 pm

This is so cute! Sign me up for this contest! My 3-year-old would look adorable in the “Cheese” shirt :-)

2 casual friday everyday August 6, 2008 at 5:04 pm

I say “blast off”. My son is into rockets and such.

Nell

3 Sarah at themommylogues August 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm

I love the Kindergarten rocks! We live across the street from the school, and I’m just keeping an eye on those kindergarten rooms. The moment I see a teacher in one, this girl is outta here.

4 Laura Jess August 6, 2008 at 5:07 pm

My son would love the blast off shirt. I looks like it has as much energy as he does! I hope it can catch up to him!

5 Donna August 6, 2008 at 5:09 pm

I think they are so cute!!

My son would love blast off one! Such a CUTE BOY shirt.

6 Trish August 6, 2008 at 5:12 pm

Love the blast off one – I just learned a new reinforcement technique using a rocket ship and blast off terminology, so I may have to get one of these if I don’t win it!

7 killlashandra August 6, 2008 at 5:14 pm

I love the CHEESE t-shirt. Reminds me of 3 year old right now. Whenever I pull out the camera he’s already yelling out cheese cheese cheese and grinning manically. It’s quite cute. :)

8 DJ August 6, 2008 at 5:24 pm

Far Out, is the one for us!

9 Spooky August 6, 2008 at 5:27 pm

My son would love the Blast Off! shirt :)

10 Ashley August 6, 2008 at 5:33 pm

I LOVE this! I really like the Second Grade Rocks shirt! My daughter is about to start 2nd and she would love it :) If I had a boy I would like the Far Out Tee. So cute!

11 Alexandra Hancock August 6, 2008 at 5:38 pm

I really like the Blast Off! T-Shirt. They have some really cute things.

12 Mikaela August 6, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Cute stuff! My son would love the Blast Off t-shirt. He loves rockets, airplanes, and such.

13 Tara August 6, 2008 at 5:46 pm

I like them all! I’d get either Woof or Blast Off. Probably Woof since that’s one of my baby’s favorite words right now.

14 Celeste August 6, 2008 at 5:54 pm

Love the dog one!

15 Michele August 6, 2008 at 5:56 pm

These are so cute.

16 stacey moore August 6, 2008 at 5:58 pm

love the preschool rocks top!
thanks!
moore.g at insideconnect.net

17 micaela6955 (Michele P.) August 6, 2008 at 6:20 pm

I think the Woof! one is just adorable!

18 6happyhearts August 6, 2008 at 6:26 pm

I like the Woof one : )
Heck they are ALL cute!!!

19 Piseco August 6, 2008 at 6:39 pm

I love them all! I personally like the bright colors in CHEESE, and since I’m constantly photographing my kids, they think that’s the thing to say. :)

The button’s in my sidebar… I’m loving this week’s giveaways.

20 sash August 6, 2008 at 7:00 pm

first grade rocks!!!

21 brandiandboys August 6, 2008 at 7:09 pm

too cute! love them all. my boys would think those were the coolest.

this week’s giveaways are AWESOME!

22 Belinda A. August 6, 2008 at 7:53 pm

I love the WOOF tee, it’s custom made for my dog (“woowoo”) crazy toddler!

23 Pam August 6, 2008 at 7:54 pm

The blast off one is fabulous!!

24 Channah August 6, 2008 at 8:09 pm

Aww, I want the preschool rocks one for my niece.

25 Dawn Allen August 6, 2008 at 8:29 pm

I really can’t decide between Woof! and Cheese. Both are adorable!

Is there one that says Mother’s Day Out Rocks – big enough for mom?!? LOL

26 Amber August 6, 2008 at 8:32 pm

I like the “cheese” one and the personality it shows. ;-)

27 Jo~Jo August 6, 2008 at 8:50 pm

My 10 year old step son could totally use a positive t-shirt!

28 Melanie August 6, 2008 at 9:03 pm

Their shirts are soo cute!! I love the Cheese shirt. Adorable!

your button is on my sidebar

29 Becky Ricci August 6, 2008 at 9:21 pm

Very cute – I would have to say my fav is “Blast Off” – my son would love it.

30 Ally August 6, 2008 at 9:21 pm

Woof!! my daughter loves dogs :-) … adorable shirts!!!

31 Sandy F. August 6, 2008 at 9:39 pm

The “Cheese” shirt is a riot…perfect for my 3 year old who is always smiling!

32 SarahHub August 6, 2008 at 9:42 pm

I like the Woof shirt!

33 Bailey's Leaf August 6, 2008 at 9:51 pm

It’s a toss up between CHEESE! and Woof, but the kid is in bed and I don’t want to disturb her now that she is finally quiet.

Fun t-shirts!

Thanks!

34 Kim August 6, 2008 at 9:55 pm

My dog loving 3 year old daughter would love the WOOF shirt!

35 Heather August 6, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Cute! I like the woof shirt the best.

36 Angela August 6, 2008 at 10:18 pm

Oh – my second-grader-to-be would totally love the “BLAST OFF” shirt!!!!

37 Alicia August 6, 2008 at 10:36 pm

I asked my 5 yr old, and he said, “Cheese!!!”

38 Lucy August 6, 2008 at 10:57 pm

I love the 2nd Grade Rocks, since my son just started second grade. Otherwise, I like the Cheese! shirt. So cute!

39 Kelly's Krazy Kids August 6, 2008 at 11:02 pm

I love the “Cheese!” shirt, especially since my 2 yr. old hears it all day long because I take too many pictures!

40 Becky August 6, 2008 at 11:07 pm

These are cute t-shirts.

41 Jaimee August 6, 2008 at 11:28 pm

Great shirts – very creative! I like that they are positive!

42 melissa August 6, 2008 at 11:28 pm

First Grade Rocks Tshirt is my fav!

43 Beth/Mom2TwoVikings August 6, 2008 at 11:50 pm

Im all about the quirky for the Vikings – hate ‘em looking like all the other kids on the playground. Need something that makes them STAND OUT so I can find them! LOL This would be perfect! LOL

44 Tara R August 7, 2008 at 12:24 am

I’d choose “blast off” since my son wants to be an astronaut!

45 Rebekah August 7, 2008 at 12:49 am

My daughter would love the dog shirt. Dogs have been her thing for about a week now since she saw 101 dalmations for the first last weekend.

46 Jennifer H. August 7, 2008 at 12:56 am

The “Cheese” design is really cute! I’d love to win it for my nephew. Thanks for the chance.

47 SJ August 7, 2008 at 1:11 am

My son would look adorable in the blast off t-shirt! Such cute designs.

48 Christi August 7, 2008 at 1:20 am

I really like the ‘be buddies, not bullies’ tees! Thanks for sharing these GOOD attitude shirts!

49 Michele August 7, 2008 at 1:22 am

My daughter loves cheese…so I would pick the Cheese shirt!

50 Linda Washington August 7, 2008 at 1:37 am

My eight year old loves wacky stuff! It would go with his fun personality

51 Piseco's Sister August 7, 2008 at 1:38 am

I want to win these for my niece and nephew because they wear t-shirts really, really well. I mean, these kids have style. My LiveJournal is friends-only, but I’ve just blogged the link button there.

52 Sherry Walker August 7, 2008 at 1:52 am

What a novel idea!!

53 Blessed August 7, 2008 at 3:03 am

I love the Woof shirt – these are a great idea & a much needed countermeasure to the negative shirts out there! Thanks for the giveaway!

54 angie August 7, 2008 at 5:23 am

What a great concept! My kids would love these!
Thanks,
Angie

55 Tracey August 7, 2008 at 6:37 am

I love the Peace shirt! Too cute!

56 Steph Elias August 7, 2008 at 6:45 am

I like the “Cheese” t-shirt.

57 D'Anna August 7, 2008 at 6:58 am

We love the “Woof” shirt!

58 Deborah August 7, 2008 at 7:48 am

I like both the cheese and blast off tees :)

59 Heather Lessiter August 7, 2008 at 7:59 am

They’re lal cute, but my son is a Star Wars fan and the Blast Off one would fit his personality perfectly!

60 Jessica August 7, 2008 at 8:13 am

I love them all espcecially the CHEESE one!

61 Mommy Instincts August 7, 2008 at 8:30 am

I would love the “Blast Off” t-shirt, looks like something I would buy for my son anyways, just our style!

Thanks so much and have a great day!

Jen

62 Leslie August 7, 2008 at 8:33 am

I love the “cheese” one!!

63 Janet F August 7, 2008 at 8:41 am

I like the design a tee feature.

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

64 Mrs. H August 7, 2008 at 9:19 am

Fan of the “woof” for my animal-loving daughter!

65 Shelli August 7, 2008 at 9:19 am

Those shirts are too cute!!

66 Michelle Rosborough August 7, 2008 at 9:31 am

I like the CHEESE tee

67 Mary Lynch August 7, 2008 at 9:34 am

I love the Cheese!!

68 happyathome August 7, 2008 at 9:35 am

The “woof” would be perfect for my daughter as she is fascinated with our crazy border collie!

69 Nikowa August 7, 2008 at 10:02 am

I’ve bookmarked these! These are so cute! We love the “Peace” one!

70 Tracey Haynes August 7, 2008 at 10:07 am

So So cute! would love to have these for the girls!

71 April K. August 7, 2008 at 10:08 am

My grandson would love the “Blast Off” T-Shirt. These are very cute! Please count me in. Thank you!

72 Kari Crum August 7, 2008 at 10:08 am

They are all so cute! My favorite is the Woof! shirt with the little dog. Thanks!

73 Andrea August 7, 2008 at 10:16 am

I have your button on my sidebar -

I love the blast off Tee! Absolutely adorable.
I love the other tee’s in her shop, great stuff.

Thanks for the chance to win.

74 KC August 7, 2008 at 10:19 am

my little man would love the blast off :)

75 Sandra August 7, 2008 at 10:27 am

I think that my son would love the “Blast Off” shirt. Very great idea!

owatz (AT) telus (DOT) net

76 jennifer bowen August 7, 2008 at 10:35 am

wow there all so cute and well i like the it’s poping tee boy would i love to try and win one for my little one thanks

77 Katie August 7, 2008 at 10:43 am

They are so simple and so cute!

78 Doll Clothes Gal August 7, 2008 at 11:01 am

Great idea – especially good for fundraising.

79 Briana August 7, 2008 at 11:51 am

My daughter would love the puppy, and even my son too, but maybe not in pink?

80 Jackie W August 7, 2008 at 11:59 am

I love the no homework one.

so cute.

81 Megret August 7, 2008 at 1:07 pm

I like the Cheese! tee, as well as the Preschool Rocks! tee. I’d have to choose just one if I won, though! I’ll ask my little one to decide. :0)
Meg

82 bebemiqui August 7, 2008 at 1:13 pm

Very cute shirts! Your button’s on my sidebar.

83 Colleen August 7, 2008 at 1:44 pm

I like the blast off design. Great to know a source of positive tees. Thanks!

84 Kathleen W. August 7, 2008 at 2:18 pm

I’d have to get the Blast Off shirt for a colleague of mine who signs all of the cards we give to people at work with “Blast Off!” He even did that for a condolence card and we had to start a new one and remind him of a better way to comment. His son would be cute in the shirt!

85 Sky August 7, 2008 at 2:45 pm

What great shirts! My favorite is the Woof!

86 Heather August 7, 2008 at 2:59 pm

The Blast Off design is perfect for my son…

87 Jane August 7, 2008 at 3:08 pm

Our son would love the puppy one.
:)

88 ktjrdn August 7, 2008 at 3:28 pm

Ooh, I loev the puppy one!

89 Shay August 7, 2008 at 3:35 pm

I like the woof design the best!

90 Betsy August 7, 2008 at 4:09 pm

My daughter would love the woof t-shirt! The banner an post is up.

91 Elizabeth M. August 7, 2008 at 4:58 pm

I like the woof tshirt! Cute!

92 Lisa August 7, 2008 at 6:57 pm

Awesome designs. Count me in!!

93 Shelley August 7, 2008 at 7:46 pm

I love the Cheese one.

94 Ginny August 7, 2008 at 7:54 pm

Hope I win :-)

95 Donna K. August 7, 2008 at 8:04 pm

They are all so cute…but I have to say the “Cheese” one is my fave!

96 tnchick August 7, 2008 at 10:29 pm

How cute. I’d love the WOOF one for my daughter. Tooo cute.

97 Lily August 7, 2008 at 11:14 pm

I love the blast off shirt.

98 Melanie August 7, 2008 at 11:33 pm

My daughter had so much fun submitting to the contest, thanks!

99 TopazTook August 7, 2008 at 11:47 pm

My doggie-loving daughter would love “Woof!”

100 Melissa A. August 8, 2008 at 12:07 am

What a cool and positive idea!

101 aimee f. August 8, 2008 at 4:51 am

oh my! these shirts are simply adorable!!

102 Smellyann August 8, 2008 at 9:19 am

I like “Cheese” best! I would really love to win this. I’ve linked back on my blog! Thank you.

103 Glenda D August 8, 2008 at 9:51 am

Very cute shirts. I like the “blast off”.

104 Cassie August 8, 2008 at 10:03 am

These are fun! I teach and she is right about the negative messages on clothing.

105 The Gang' All Here! August 8, 2008 at 10:12 am

Those are adorable. My daughter would love the woof, in pink. And my son likes the blast off!

106 Betty N August 8, 2008 at 10:44 am

My three year old grandson is in the “puppy” stage. He pretends to be a puppy, he wants grandpa to get him a puppy, etc. I love the “woof: shirt and I checked the website to be sure they had a size to fit him. So cute!

107 Jessica Stier August 8, 2008 at 11:30 am

Awesome shirt designs. Totally fun!

Jessica
http://www.momshots.com

108 Kathy Conley August 8, 2008 at 1:49 pm

I love the Woof! design! – very cute!

109 Ecki August 8, 2008 at 2:44 pm

Such cute designs!!

110 HSB Suzanne August 8, 2008 at 3:56 pm

I like the “CHEESE!” But, all are great!

roseinthemorning[at]comcast[dot]net

Thank you for this fun giveaway!

111 Katie August 8, 2008 at 3:57 pm

My daughter loves puppies so I would pick woof. Thanks

112 Rebecca C August 8, 2008 at 4:20 pm

legacyofbrutalitysa{at}gmail.com I love the “go Green” shirt! Thanks for the fun giveaway

113 Justine F. August 8, 2008 at 4:59 pm

they are all really neat! but i would have to say we would like the rocket one the best. thanks

114 Chelsey August 8, 2008 at 5:49 pm

I’m torn between the “Woof” shirt and the “Blast Off” shirt my daughter and son would love them!

115 mona August 8, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Preschool rocks is the best!! :)

116 mandy August 8, 2008 at 6:28 pm

I like the blast off shirt and the popcorn design. My boy is crazy about popcorn.

117 tanyetta August 8, 2008 at 7:57 pm

Preschool rocks!

118 Alicia August 8, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Very cool! What a fabulous idea for children’s clothing!

119 PB Smooth August 8, 2008 at 8:29 pm

these are so cool

120 Ginny August 8, 2008 at 9:29 pm

I’d like to be entered, cute designs!

121 Maja August 8, 2008 at 9:37 pm

i like blast off

122 Diva August 8, 2008 at 11:27 pm

What a fantastic idea by a fellow teacher! Talk about good PR for your school!

123 Kara August 8, 2008 at 11:31 pm

I’d love the Cheese! one. Every time I get our camera out my 2yr old gets this huge grin and says Cheeeeeese! It would be perfect for him.

124 Tiffany August 9, 2008 at 12:08 am

I’d love the cheese one! It’s so adorable!

125 Terra Heck August 9, 2008 at 12:16 am

I most like the “woof” design.

126 Noreen August 9, 2008 at 2:47 am

I like woof
button on blog

127 Amy N. August 9, 2008 at 3:59 am

Because we love doggies so much, I think we’d have to go with the pink woof! woof! one! :) It’s cute and I agree: very much helps counteract the negative shirts I see all the time.
Great give-away!
(I added a button, too!) :)

128 Liz Cranage August 9, 2008 at 6:06 am

Be Buddies Not Bullies is my pick.

129 Junglewife August 9, 2008 at 6:13 am

Blast off! is wonderful! They are all so cute, though!

130 melanie August 9, 2008 at 8:09 am

My favorite is blast off. I added your button to my blog.

http://www.melaniescrafts.etsy.com
http://www.melaniescrafts.blogspot.com

131 tammy b August 9, 2008 at 12:31 pm

my 7 year old doesn’t like to dress like all the other kids (yay!) so these adorable shirts would be perfect for her!

132 Andrea R August 9, 2008 at 12:48 pm

I like the woof one the best. It looks just like our new German Shorthair puppy!

133 Leann W August 9, 2008 at 1:20 pm

What adorable shirts and a great prize. Our family loves unique clothes.

134 mjohnson August 9, 2008 at 4:03 pm

Love the Blast Off shirt!! Perfect for my nephew…

135 Mary_Freebies August 9, 2008 at 5:02 pm

I like the first design, woof!

Button inserted!

136 Alyce August 9, 2008 at 8:22 pm

I like “Blast Off” the best. I think my son would really like it.

137 Susan A August 9, 2008 at 8:35 pm

I love the Kindergarten Rocks pink t shirt, my granddaughter Mya is just starting school, she’s so excited!

138 MaryBeth I August 9, 2008 at 10:33 pm

poppin’!

139 Susan C August 9, 2008 at 11:49 pm

I love the Woof shirt, my grandaughter’s last name is Wolf and she would look so sweet in it!

140 Stephanie's Mommy Brain August 10, 2008 at 12:05 am

Blast off! I have boys so I don’t think pink would be a good idea for us. = )

141 jen August 10, 2008 at 1:08 am

i love these tees!
especially the PEACE, go green and woof designs.

they are adorable!

142 Jo August 10, 2008 at 7:53 am

I would love the Kindergarten Rocks tee
jceko77@yahoo.com

143 Elena August 10, 2008 at 10:57 am

Oh, definitely the “Cheese” shirt! Thanks!

144 Chelsea August 10, 2008 at 11:40 am

My Daughter would love the cheese shirt.

145 Susan Ledet August 10, 2008 at 2:51 pm

We would pick the “Peace” shirt. Thank you for the nice giveaway.

146 Tracye August 10, 2008 at 4:26 pm

I like the pink “woof!” shirt. So cute!

147 Jen W. August 10, 2008 at 4:51 pm

The “cheese” shirt kinda looks like my son!

148 stacey August 10, 2008 at 6:23 pm

my kids would adore these!

149 Mary Folkers August 10, 2008 at 6:34 pm

My Grandaughter would look real cute in the WOOF tee.

150 Marlena August 10, 2008 at 10:06 pm

I love the “Cheese!” one. My 14 month old just starting saying this when we take her picture.
m_huston(at)hotmail(dot)com

151 Omie August 10, 2008 at 10:10 pm

The blast off one’s a blast.

152 Sarah Seehorn August 10, 2008 at 10:32 pm

Cute shirts. I love the colors.

153 Jenna August 11, 2008 at 12:21 am

So cute!!

154 Tanya August 11, 2008 at 3:12 am

Cute! Hope I win.

155 Kelli August 11, 2008 at 6:04 am

How cute.

156 Shelly August 11, 2008 at 7:40 am

Those shirts are so cute! Count me in!

157 Mary August 11, 2008 at 9:44 am

Great for granddaughters! Thanks for the giveaway!

158 Joni August 11, 2008 at 2:21 pm

My kids would love these shirts! Thanks for the chance!

159 Rachael August 11, 2008 at 3:41 pm

I love the woof one…too cute!!

160 Rachel Watts August 11, 2008 at 5:41 pm

I love the Cheese shirt. Both of my boys have great cheesy smiles.

161 Jenn August 11, 2008 at 8:57 pm

These are great shirts! My girls love the “Cheese” t-shirt. I’ve bookmarked the site for some cool shopping. Thanks!

162 April Cogburn August 11, 2008 at 9:27 pm

Cute shirts! My daughter would love the Puppy “woof” shirt. I’ve already added a button on my blog.

163 Tia B. August 11, 2008 at 10:03 pm

What a great idea for these t-shirts!

164 Racheal August 11, 2008 at 10:12 pm

Wanna win this pick me ok…

165 Suzie August 11, 2008 at 10:47 pm

I love the dog shirt. Too cute.

166 Barbara Leatham August 11, 2008 at 11:00 pm

The shirts are so cute. Love the Peace shirt!

167 Lisa August 11, 2008 at 11:56 pm

My 1st grader wants the “No Homework” shirt!!

168 MagMom August 12, 2008 at 2:17 am

Too cute! Say cheese!

169 Cindi August 12, 2008 at 2:30 am

The “Blast Off” is my favorite. Thanks, Cindi

170 Veronica Garrett August 12, 2008 at 9:29 am

CHEESE! My granddaughter would look adorable in it.

171 sabb266 August 12, 2008 at 11:12 am

Cute shirts, would love to have any of them but I like the Woof one best!

172 Romie August 12, 2008 at 12:16 pm

Woof!

173 Diana Corlett August 12, 2008 at 12:24 pm

Definitely Woof. We’re a dog-oriented family.

dlcwin[at]gmail[dot]com

174 jenn3 August 12, 2008 at 4:23 pm

So cute!

175 Teresa Hoyt August 12, 2008 at 6:37 pm

I love the “Woof” design! My daughter is crazy about dogs so I know she would love this!

176 Bekah August 12, 2008 at 10:08 pm

These are so cute! So much better then huge logos inspired by…company names!

177 Kris August 12, 2008 at 10:32 pm

What a wonderful prize! I would love to win!

178 amanda h August 13, 2008 at 10:44 am

super cute shirts! my favorite is the “woof” or “be buddies not bullies in fuchsia”

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