Getting Ready to Go Back to School in DC
DC Augusts revolve around squeezing in the last pool days, making the most of summer nights, and, whether parents are ready or not, preparing for another school year. On the to-do list? New clothes that need to be bought. Backpacks that need to be packed. Reading lists that need to be tackled. And somehow, enough notebooks, pencils, lunch gear, and supplies for everyone to get through the first bell (and beyond).
Fortunately, the DC area has plenty of local spots that can make the annual back-to-school scramble a little more…enlightening. From independent bookstores and children’s boutiques to stationery shops and creative supply centers, here are some of our favorite places to shop to prepare your kids for the year ahead like never before.
#1 Pam K Bambini Boutique: A new school year calls for (at least a few) new looks. Pam K Bambini Boutique specializes in designer clothing for kids from infancy through age 14, with styles ranging from everyday staples to outfits for the occasions that invariably fill up the school calendar.
Whether you’re shopping for a first day outfit, refreshing a growing kid’s wardrobe, or getting ahead on fall events, Pam K’s is an easy place to find something that feels a little more special than the standard back-to-school haul.
#2 Three Littles: As it turns out, back-to-school season isn’t only about what kids need for the classroom. To that end, Three Littles offers a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, toys, and accessories with an emphasis on sustainable, long-lasting goods.
Founded by a former DC nanny who saw a need for more sustainable options in the children’s market, the shop is especially worth browsing for younger students and families on the hunt for pieces designed to last well beyond a single school year.
➤ Looking for guidance around local activities when you’re not out shopping? Dive into these post next:
- DC Dog Parks To Treat Your Furry Friend(s)!
- Your Guide to DC’s Top Museums
- Best Day Trips From DC
- Best Swimming Holes Around DC
#3 Solid State Books: Sometimes, the best preparation for a new school year just comes down to a really good book. Enter Solid State Books, an independent DC bookstore with an intentionally amassed children’s and young adult selection, making it an ideal stop for required reading, the latest series flying off the shelves, or something to reignite a reluctant reader’s interest before classes begin.
With an accompanying café and a regular lineup of author events, Solid State turns checking books off the school list into an outing of its own.
Looking to browse the latest listings in between stops? Check out our lineup of the hottest homes live on the market today!
#4 Jenni Bick Custom Journals: Few things capture that fresh-start feeling quite like cracking open a brand-new notebook. Located near Dupont Circle, Jenni Bick is a stationery lover’s dream, with notebooks, journals, planners, pens, and paper goods that can make even the most ordinary school supply feel one-of-a-kind. Personalization options also make this a fun stop for students who want supplies that are unmistakably theirs.
For older students in particular, it’s a great place to turn organization into something they might actually look forward to.
➤ Discover more things to do in DC right here:
- Neighborhood Walking Tours Around DC for Kids
- Your End Of Summer Bucket List
- DC’s Most Beautiful Public Libraries
#5 BLICK: For the budding artist, architecture student, or kid whose school supply list goes well beyond No. 2 pencils, BLICK is worth a stop. The DC shop carries drawing & painting materials, sketchbooks, markers, craft supplies, and other creative essentials for students ranging from enthusiastic beginners to serious young artists.
In other words? It’s a useful destination when an art teacher’s supply list gets a little more specific than what you can find in the average school shopping aisle.
#6 Politics and Prose: A DC institution, Politics and Prose is the place that makes back-to-school reading feel less like homework. Its expansive children’s and young adult sections span picture books, graphic novels, classics, new releases, and nonfiction for curious readers of virtually every age. Students can pick out their next read while parents browse the shelves, and the store’s regular programming for children, teens, and adults gives families plenty of reasons to return throughout the year.
Consider it a strong first stop for required reading…and an even better one for discovering the book they choose to read next.
There’s still some time left to enjoy summer! Read How to Have a Memorable Summer Vacation with Your Kids in DC
#7 Child’s Play Toys & Books: School may be starting, but learning doesn’t always have to come with strings attached. That’s why Child’s Play Toys & Books has been built around the idea of education through play, with carefully selected toys, books, puzzles, and games designed to encourage curiosity and imagination. The local retailer has locations in DC, Arlington, and McLean, meaning it’s an easy DMV stop for educational games, rainy-day activities, and screen-free entertainment once the school routine kicks back in.
It’s especially useful for younger students who learn best when they don’t realize they’re learning at all.
#9 Paper Source: If choosing the right notebook is half the fun of taking notes, Paper Source undoubtedly belongs on the back-to-school itinerary. Their Georgetown shop is packed with journals, pens, markers, stickers, paper goods, and creative supplies, making it particularly appealing to students who like to put their own spin on organization. Pick up a planner for the semester, supplies for a new journaling habit, or even a few extras to create a desk or study space that’s more inviting.
Because sometimes getting organized really does start with buying the good pens.
Ready, Set, School
The start of a new school year always comes with a long checklist, but it can also be the ultimate chance to reset. Let the kids choose that notebook they can’t wait to use, find a book that has nothing to do with any assignment, or pick out an outfit that makes the first morning back feel a little more exciting. And for every errand on your list, rest assured: the DC area has a place you can turn to.
Is your next real estate move also on your to-do list this fall season? Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.
Put Us To Work For You
Book a consultation with our team today.
