Nothing says “summer’s almost over” like the Back to School notices that start cropping up in stores at this time of year. Those dreaded signs seem to arrive a little earlier every year, but no one wants to be stuck in a last minute rush when it comes to stocking up on school supplies for the new term. Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of school-year shopping options in Novato. With a little planning you can have your kids ready for the next grade and still enjoy your late-summer evenings and weekends.
Head over to Target in Vintage Oaks to pick up necessities like notebooks, pens, and backpacks. Staples also has some great deals on laptops, tablets, and printers, worth checking out if you’re sending a college-aged student back to campus.
If your kid has been putting off their summer reading, don’t worry. Copperfield’s Books on Grant Avenue should be able to help with books that are on students’ reading lists, and even books for leisure.
Of course there’s more to Back to School than backpacks and notepads. Make sure your kids are fueled up so that they’re able to focus in class. Take advantage of Trader Joe’s pre-packaged lunch items, fresh fruit, and healthy bite-sized snacks to throw in their lunch boxes. Harvest Market is also great because they offer a large selection of food from local vendors. If you’d rather skip lunch prepping one day, head over to Perry’s Deli before school starts and order your kids a specialty sandwich. As the year goes on, school life can get a little stressful for kids with group projects and testing. Treat the little ones to an after school snack by visiting Creekside Bakery for pastries or get them a dessert that’s more their size from teeny cake on Redwood Blvd.
Back to School season is also the time to stock up on dress-code approved clothing for the school year. That’s something else you can get done when you’re over at Vintage Oaks. Drop into Old Navy and pick up both uniforms and weekend clothes. Then walk across the street to the newly opened Nordstrom Rack, where you can score designer clothes and shoes for 30-70% off of the original price.
Now that school is back in session – a lot of sports are starting their season, too! If your little dancer wants to make the dance team, Capezio Marin Dancewear sells dress code essentials for all the dance schools in the area. If your kid would rather channel the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Morgan, and David Beckham, then head over to All Season Soccer, the top North Bay destination for all things soccer. They offer the newest products from trusted athletic brands for great prices. For all your other sports needs, visit Downtown Novato and check out Old Town Sports.
Last but not least, you’re going to want to make sure that your kids are looking smart for school with some post-summer haircuts! Make them an appointment at a Novato hair salon, like Avenue Salon or Pete’s Barber Shop that cater to children’s cuts. After a visit with a professional hair stylist, your kids will be ready to say “Cheese!” on Picture Day.
Back to school shopping doesn’t have to be a drag. Stores in Novato make it easy for you to check everything off your list to ensure that your kids have a successful school year. From uniforms and calculators to soccer cleats and binders, you can score all the essentials right here in your community. Ace the first day back at school by shopping local.