5 Best Stores For Back To School Shopping

(credit: Half Pint Citizen / Facebook)

Before we get to the goods, let's talk about the name. How cute is Half Pint Citizens? So cute! This DUMBO store stocks a full range of backpacks, pencil cases, pencil toppers, lunch boxes, erasers, water bottles, wheelie bags, and pretty much everything else you can think of to help your child prepare to learn. Half Pint Citizens also sells clothes, children's DVDs and CDs, books, toys, furniture, and shoes. Environmentally conscious shoppers will appreciate the eco-friendly products, while budget-conscious consumers will gravitate toward the sales racks.

(credit: Ibiza Kidz)

Thanks to its friendly, hands-on customer service and ginormous, nicely curated selection, Ibiza Kidz has been a go-to store for kids' clothes, shoes, and toys for years and years. You'll find row after row of tot-sized sweaters, pants, socks, and footwear, all but guaranteed to ensure that your kid is the cutest in his or her class, in addition to loads of stuffed animals, books, and educational games. Mention that you're buying a gift, and the sales staff will wrap your purchase for free.

(credit: Mini Jake)

Encourage your child to do his or her homework by getting a play table, desk, or activity area from Mini Jake. This Williamsburg store has a huge range of furniture to take your child from babe-in-cradle to off-to-college teen. But it also sells bedding, clothes, toys, strollers, diaper bags, changing tables, bottles, and all kinds of other gear for babies and kids. And, lest you feel left out, Mini Jake sells clothes for parents too. Fans rave about the design-friendly products, as well as the ginormous play area that keeps kids busy while moms and dads throw an eye around.

(credit: The Scholastic Store / Facebook)

The Scholastic Store in Soho specializes in Scholastic products (say that three times fast). Studies show that reading aloud to your child is just about the single best thing you can do to get him or her excited about education. Along with browsing the books, educational toys, videos, and games on offer, you and your wee one can make memories (and crafts) at the in-store Creativity Corner or roam around a doghouse inhabited by Clifford the Big Red Dog. Check the website for the vast array of events, including readings by/with your favorite children's book characters.

(credit: Torly Kid)

Torly Kid, in Tribeca, sells clothes for tots, tweens, and all ages in between. Among the goods on sale for fall are a faux motorcycle jacket, spandex dresses, gym sweats, jumpers, neon scented markers, cardigans, rompers, and long-sleeve Ts by such designers as Appaman, Tea Collection, and Mayoral. On September 20, you can stock up on clothes and show off your child's artistic side by entering him or her in the store's second annual Sidewalk Chalk Contest. (Entries will be photographed and judged, and prizes will be awarded.)