September is approaching and that means students of all ages are preparing to return 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 to refresh their wardrobes. 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 local businesses:

  • Beaumont: A space for gathering, conversation, and authentic connection, Sunrise Books carries books for children of all ages. They also host regular story time events and other gatherings. If you have a senior this year, the deadline for yearbook portraits is coming up quick! Capture this important moment with Christina Tselnik Portraits.
  • Foster: With the kiddos going back to school, it’s time to load up on glue sticks, pens, pencils, notebooks, and drawing pads. I’ve Been Framed’s Art Supply Center has all this and more as you prepare for the new school year.
  • Greater Brooklyn: Artist & Craftsman Supply has a 40% off sale going on now through September 30th on paints, brushes, pastels, and other overstock items.
  • Hillsdale: Hoot-N-Annie has an amazing selection of gently used women’s and children’s clothing and books. They take pride in supporting local designers and artists by carrying beautiful and unique handmade items from clothing, art, soaps, jewelry, and magical accessories.
  • Midway: Foot Print Designs offers custom screen printing 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.
  • Mississippi Ave: Go back to school in style with the help of Black Wagon. They carry brands with ethical and environmentally responsible practices while also setting the latest trends for children’s fashion and baby accessories.
  • 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.
  • Multnomah Village: Thinker Toys just got in some very cute lunch boxes and reusable snack bags. Also, check out their selection of bento boxes and stainless steel water bottles.
  • NE Broadway: Going off to college? Kitchen Kaboodle is the perfect place to outfit your dorm or apartment with cooking gear, linens, plates, furniture, and small appliances.
  • Soul District: A Children’s Place is Portland’s oldest independent children’s bookstore. Celebrating over thirty years of “raising readers,” they offer a wide selection of children’s books for readers from newborns to young adults.
  • Stadium District: Supporting an studying artist? Scrap is the best place in PDX to snag sustainable art supplies.
  • St. Johns: Do you have a little one who isn’t in school just yet? Magnolia Blossom Preschool is an intergenerational school where under one roof they have the very old, the very young, and those in the middle, too! How awesome is that! Or maybe you have a student headed off to college? Sabatino Moto has the most fun and economical transportation solutions available for the driven young adult.

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