Whether your kids are heading back to the classroom in person or are continuing with virtual learning in September, odds are they are still going to need a few things to get them through the school year—or at least the first few weeks!
And let’s be honest, even if your kids don’t need a new backpack for virtual learning, it’s a bit of a tradition to get some new gear for the school year.
With the impacts of COVID-19 still being felt by small businesses, we’re taking every opportunity that we can to support them. There are lots of great Toronto shops that sell backpacks, lunch bags, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more.
Let’s dive into our 10 favourite shops in Toronto that sell back-to-school supplies. And if we’ve missed your favourite store, drop a comment below and let us know!
Jill and the Beanstalk
With a wide selection of lunch boxes and backpacks, Jill and the Beanstalk is a great place to start your back-to-school shopping. Jill and the Beanstalk also has a great selection of educational toys and games for kids of all ages. They are currently offering free delivery in central Toronto for orders over $40, and their storefront is open.
Scholar’s Choice
For those of you who are homeschooling your kids for the first time this year, Scholar’s Choice is a great resource. They have everything you need to get your at-home school up and running—from workbooks and puzzles to educational technology and your standard school supplies.
Kol Kid
If “adorable kids backpack” is on your list for the school year, then you can’t go wrong with the selection at Kol Kid. They have the brands you know and love as well as some interesting brands you may not have heard of yet—we love this lion backpack by Sous Mon Baobab.
Outer Layer
This Queen West staple has a lot of fun, quirky stationery that will make the 2020-2021 school year one to remember. From notebooks and pencils to dry erase boards and novelty sticky notes, Outer Layer is a great place to take your middle schooler to shop. Their brick and mortar store is open, and they offer online shopping as well.
Wonder Pens
If you are looking for writing instruments, you don’t need to look any further than Wonder Pens. Their Clinton St location is currently open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. The Gerrard St. E location is currently closed, but their online shop is up and running.
The Paper Place
The Paper Place is also located in the Queen West neighbourhood. With gorgeous planners, pencil cases, and sticky notes, this store is the perfect place for the student that loves beautiful paper products. They offer in-store and online shopping.
Midoco Art & Office Supplies
With three locations in Toronto—The Annex, The Beaches, and The Danforth—Midoco Art & Office Supplies has everything you need to get back into the classroom. Whether it’s a virtual classroom or a physical one, Midoco has all your needs covered—from planners/agendas, highlighters, pencils cases, sticky notes, and so much more.
Hanji Gifts
This Korean gift store embraces the traditional and design elements of South Korea. They sell a wide variety of stationery, craft supplies, and accessories that have been imported from South Korea or handmade in Toronto. They are open for walk-in customers as well as online orders.
Te Koop
If you’re looking for a new backpack, lunch bag or laptop sleeve, Te Koop has some of the most popular brands under one roof. From Hersel to Fjallraven to Matt & Nat, there is something for everyone at this Toronto staple. They also offer free shipping across Canada for orders over $69.99.
Malborough’s
Not only does this Bloor West Village shop have everything from notebooks and backpacks to pens and planners, but they also have a wide selection of masks for kids (and adults). So you can pick up everything your kid is going to need to go back to school in 2020.
Staples for back to school