NYC Back-To-School Guide

The new school year is fast approaching in New York City, and as parents count down to the first day of classes, they're also counting down to some serious shopping. It is time to primp with a new haircut and find the special first day outfit to dress to impress. School supplies are not just about No. 2 pencils and notebooks anymore, fun pens and unique gadgets can make going back to school exciting for the whole family.

Area Kids
45 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 230-7495
www.areakids.com

Going back to school means being prepared for the kids to carry their ever-increasing loads of books, pencils, rulers and lunches comfortably while also looking cool. Getting a brand new backpack and lunch bag is a great way to get them excited about a new school year. Once they have the backpack, filling it and heading off to school starts to look pretty appealing. Area Kids carries fun and funky gear as well as T-shirts and toys. Sit the kids down at the table to play while you shop. Be sure to bring your own bag, Area Kids is an eco-friendly store that does not provide plastic bags.

Pylones
842 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 317-9822
pylones-usa.com

Life is more exciting than plain, simple lined paper and pencils these days. Pylones provides the needed school supplies with an extra burst of fun, imagination and color. Open up the door to exploration as the kids learn about ABCs with pens shaped like dolls and robots. Buy fun scissors, staplers and pencil cases to add excitement to those upcoming school days.

Jane's Exchange 
191 East 3rd St
New York, NY 10011
(212) 677-0380
www.janesexchangenyc.com

Part of the fun of a new school year is getting new outfits to wear, but kids quickly outgrow clothes. Skip the frustration of throwing away cash on clothes that will only last a season with your kiddos. Jane's Exchange offers a wonderful opportunity to buy designer finds at budget prices. They say it takes a village to raise a child; this store is a community staple that works with area families as not only a consignment shop selling much-needed clothing and accessories, but also as a meeting place. Fellow parents help keep the store running and supplied as they network.

Cookie's, The Kids Department Store
510 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 797-3300
www.cookieskids.com/

Finding the time to shop is a huge factor for a lot of families, so head out to this one-stop clothing shop for families with children from babies to teenagers. Cookie's specializes in all clothing needs from school uniforms and the latest fashions to special occasion wear. Grab complete outfits, shoes and accessories all in one location. No need to go to another store for a school backpack, Cookies sells backpacks, lunch boxes and handbags.

Cozy's Cuts For Kids
1416 2nd Avenue at 74th St
New York, NY
(212) 585-2699
www.cozyscutsforkids.com

The perfect haircut and style will give those kiddos an extra shot of confidence as they walk into their new classrooms. Cozy's specializes in kids, with stylists who know how to please children as well as parents. At the end of the cut, kids receive a special treat of a balloon, lollipop and a free gift that they can choose from the toy basket.

Apple Seeds
10 W.25th St.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 792-7590
www.appleseedsplay.com

Getting squirming little ones ready for their first days of preschool and kindergarten can be exhausting and nerve racking, but there's no crying when heading out to Apple Seeds. Just for the younger than 5 years old set, it even offers a personalized certificate and lock of hair for baby's first haircut. After the haircut, relax and have a snack in the Apple Seeds' café or shop in the boutique. For extra fun the kids may run and play in the members only indoor playground or enjoy a special class tailored just for them.