Labor Day is approaching and that means students of all ages are preparing to head back to school. A successful student requires a slew of supplies–pens, pencils, notebooks, and backpacks just to name a few. And who doesn’t want to look sharp on their first day? Many young scholars will want a new wardrobe. Older students heading to the dorms will need plenty of home goods to adjust to life on their own. No matter what the age of your student, make sure you shop local as you prepare them to take on the world. Need some inspiration? Check out these neighborhood businesses: 

  • Alberta: Find all the art supplies and crafty goodness their little (and your big) hearts desire at Collage. Fill up your student’s fall reading list at Green Bean Books. Be sure to ask the extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff for their recommendations.
  • Beaumont: To kick off the school year, The Arrangement has a great selection of school journals, planners, and unique family calendars to help you keep track of your busy schedule. 
  • Foster: Foster Outdoor has a fresh selection of clothing along with backpacks for back-to-school. Are you a teacher in need of art supplies? I’ve Been Framed has some screaming deals on bulk art supplies, as well as notebooks and sketchbooks.
  • Gateway: Need to furnish a new dorm or apartment? Furniture Plus has an extensive selection of brand-name home furniture, accessories, and decor, plus custom-designed pieces.
  • Hillsdale: Find affordable styles for your student at Hoot-N-Annie, a consignment shop for maternity and kids’ clothes, baby gear, and toys, plus new goods from local artists.
  • Lloyd: Visit Lloyd Center for your back to school shopping. From trendy clothes and shoes, to books, records and comics, Lloyd Center has got you covered.
  • Midway: Foot Print Designs offers custom screenprinting and vinyl designs for all occasions. From little league jerseys to drama club t-shirts, they’re a one-stop shop for all your back-to-school swag.
  • Montavilla: Beanstalk Children’s Resale has all the back-to-school essentials, from gently-used clothes and shoes to new and used backpacks and lunch boxes. Plus, new locally-made masks and insulated water bottles.
  • St. Johns: After 10 years of serving the St. Johns community, Block Bikes is going out of business and all kids bikes are 40% off! Pick up a new ride to school before they close on October 1.
  • Williams District: Get everyone looking their best before they head back to school at Akemi Salon, a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friendly hair salon that uses products with a holistic and sustainable perspective. For music education, Ethos Music Center offers sliding scale music lessons and music outreach programs for students in Oregon’s underserved areas.

This list is non-exhaustive. Show us where you are doing your back-to-school shopping on Instagram and Facebook. See you in class!