There’s no denying it — it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. Sure, there are still many beach days in our future, but Boston-area schools are already sending out class assignments and school supply lists!
For many of these items, it makes sense to visit popular online and “big box” retailers and office supply stores. However, there are a lot of wonderful local-to-Boston shops that can help outfit your child with some unique and personalized back-to-school clothes and supplies.
Here are some of our favorite Boston retailers for finding all the things on your back-to-school shopping lists! Get out there and support these wicked good, locally owned stores! (Oh, and don’t forget to check your local consignment shops for great back-to-school deals on clothing, backpacks, and lunchboxes!)
North of Boston
The Merry Lion
235 North Avenue, Wakefield
The Merry Lion is a great children’s shop that has clothing for babies, toddlers, young children, and women, too! They also sell a variety of accessories, toys, games, and books. It’s the perfect place to find those special outfits for the first day, picture day, and beyond — and it’s also a great place to shop for teacher gifts.
Goodhearts Children’s Shop
642 Main Street, Reading
This beautiful children’s boutique sells clothes for babies, toddlers, and young children. It’s a must-visit for special occasion clothing, but they also have a great selection of back-to-school outfits and personalized grade-level tees!
Love Struck
605 Main Street, Reading
The sister store to Goodhearts, Love Struck offers a great selection of clothing and accessories for those hard-to-shop-for tween and teen girls! The clothing is tasteful and age appropriate, and they carry a great variety of casual and special occasion wear. Love Struck also hosts birthday parties and offers workshops — definitely check out their “transition to middle school” event!
Cottontail Bow Co.
Online only (based in Andover)
Offering the most darling collection of personalizable bows, headbands, bow ties, and bracelets, Cottontail Bow Co.’s back-to-school collection is to die for! This mom-owned company based in Andover knocks it out of the park every season with the perfect accessories for kids and adults alike! This is a great place to shop if your child wears a uniform and you want to add some personality to their outfit.
Whitelam Books
Reading
When you need to pick up a book for assigned summer reading or novel study during the school year, turn to your local bookshops — they will be so happy to help you! This store also offers a variety of fun toys and games and even some school supplies!
Molly’s Bookstore
Melrose
Molly’s is another top pick for books and supplies. The Melrose owner of this shop loves to pass along her beliefs that books foster a love of learning, help people find refuge in stories, and create a life-long community!
The Little Elephant Boutique
Online only (based in Danvers)
At the Little Elephant Boutique, your child can personalize a trucker hat, belt bag, and even a backpack for school! This shop is online only but does have many local pop-ups scheduled — or you can book a “hat bar” session with friends or family for a unique and fun experience!
Boston Area
Tiny Hanger
314 Harvard Street, Brookline
200 Linden Street, Wellesley
With two locations and online shopping, Tiny Hanger has your back-to-school needs covered — they have a variety of clothing, backpacks, and lunch boxes ready to go!
Magpie Kids
46 White Street, Somerville
This Somerville shop carries a variety of products from independent artists as well as larger, trusted brands. Shop for babies and young children here, and also check out their fabulous collection of books, toys, and art supplies!
The Book Rack
13 Medford Street, Arlington
The Book Rack is a wonderful way to score deals on all your kid’s favorite titles! Offering used and new options, this is the spot to trade in some older books or purchase new ones for the upcoming year.
Playtime
283 Broadway, Arlington
Because you know your middle schooler will inevitably come to you the night before a project is due with a list of what they need, why not stock up now? Playtime has you covered with poster boards in every size and color, plus they have a huge variety of school supplies. From pens and pencils to crayons and markers to scissors and glue to binders and folders, you will find all you need — and more!
South Shore and Cape Cod
Brook and Main
1 Brook Street, Cohasset
We love that the kids apparel here is primarily sourced from independent and emerging brands — and most are by companies that are led by women! This shop also offers a selection of toys, gifts, books, and arts and crafts. There are many beautiful items for the adults here too, all in the name of creating a home that is comfortable and tidy for your family!
Kid & Kaboodle
115 MA-6A, Orleans
This Cape Cod gem has clothing for babies, toddlers, and kids up to size 16! They also have a great selection of toys and gifts — and some great Cape styles so you can show off your favorite vacation location during the school year!
Brewster Book Store
2648 Main Street, Brewster
This is probably the best bookstore on the Cape — it’s a major favorite for locals and visitors alike. Stop in to grab what you need for the school year!
MetroWest
Fritz & Gigi
79 Main Street, Concord
This children’s shop has been in business since 1938! With styles for boys and girls from baby to child (plus some women’s styles!), you are guaranteed to find a perfect outfit here!
Hedgehog Belly Designs
22 Main Street, Natick
This Natick shop incorporates ethical production and local manufacturing into its simple styles that use high-quality materials. These are designs created by the owner for babies, boys and girls, and women.
Tatnuck Bookseller
18 Lyman Street, Westborough
This is the largest independent bookstore in New England, and it offers much more than books! Women’s fashion and accessories, jewelry and handbags, and toys and games are just some of the additional back-to-school items you can shop for here!
