TJ Maxx, Target and Amazon are all go-tos for back-to-school shopping, but if you’re looking to support some local shops in your search, there are plenty of options. We reached out to several area stores for their favorite school-appropriate items, and they were eager to share recommendations.
Trade Roots
A local resource for fair-trade products, Trade Roots carries a number of items geared for children in its inventory.
Among their picks is the indestructable fishing line backpack ($72), which staff praise for its many of pockets and “secret pockets,” from Helping Hands Partners (Cambodia). Also on their list is the super teacher string doll ($10.50) from Kamibashi (Thailand). “Teachers are superheroes teaching our children every day; this is a special gift that shows your appreciation,” Trade Roots says. And Pura Vida jewelry is the store’s best-selling brand, with tweens and teens from Swanson Middle School lining up to pick out their favorites, the store says.
5852 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Westover)