It’s that time of year again, when we parents desperately dash around our homes, trying to figure out what pants and sweaters still fit our kids and oh, where did we put that backpack? And ugh, what about a fall coat in case we have a cool September? If you need to do some last-minute, back-to-school shopping in Toronto, check out our roundup of Toronto-and-area businesses where you can pick up such essentials as new clothes, lunch bags, and indoor shoes.
Almost all our suggestions offer online shopping and most also have a real-world store. They’re also all independent, mostly local businesses. While we completely understand why families turn to the convenience of Amazon, big box stores and chain retailers, it’s always nice to support the little guys whenever possible. Afterall, these are the businesses that can usually be depended on to help out with donations to school fundraisers and sponsorship for sports teams, and that help to make our neighbourhoods blossom.
As one of the country’s largest retailers of second-hand kids’ clothing, Toronto-based Beeja May has everything you’re looking for, from the baby stage to teens. High-quality photos and lots of filtering options make browsing through this site a breeze and the steady stream of new products make visiting it a bit addictive. Beeja May offers free shipping on all orders over $75 and take note, it’s eager to purchase your kid’s preloved clothing and will even pick the items up from your house, depending on your address.
The name of this store says it all: It’s packed with adorable (and useful) items that will send your kids back to school in style. As one of “North America’s largest one-stop shop for packing fun and healthy bento-style lunches,” this shop has everything you need to meet your kid’s school’s litterless lunch goal. Also available are backpacks, pencil cases, and labels for all your school shopping in Toronto needs. See the wide selection yourself at Cute Kid Stuff’s warehouse, which is open for public shopping, or order online, where you’ll get free shipping on orders of $99 and more.
Now located at Roncesvalles and Westminster, this shop offers clothing from such kids’ brands as Petit Bateau, Bob and Blossom and Risu Risu. Sizing varies by item but expect to find items mostly for kids under 10. All kinds of accessories, from hats to hair clips, are also available as are all the essentials for a leak-free lunch. Can’t make it over to Roncesvalles? Online shopping is available, with free shipping for orders over $120.
Looking for thermos, reusable utensils, ice packs, and other lunchtime items? Then stop by the Danforth and iQLiving, a household goods store that is packed with practical and kid-friendly products that’s perfect for back-to-school shopping in Toronto. Besides the usual items, this shop sells everything from protective cases for bananas to scrubbies that claim to help get water bottles sparkling clean. In addition to its bricks-and-mortar store, iQLiving offers online shopping with free shipping for most orders over $125.
This small but mighty shop offers a collection of kids’ consignment clothing (including footwear) that can offer some real scores. Looking for new socks or rain or winter gear? Jill and the Beanstalk has your children literally covered! Also available are a variety of backpacks and lunch gear, including water bottles that won’t leak. In addition to in-person shopping, Jill and the Beanstalk offers free delivery in central Toronto, along with an online shopping option.
Sure, this store might not look like much from the outside but inside you’ll find a fantastic selection of kids (and adults) footwear, that will cover all your indoor shoe/outdoor shoe/rain boots/winter boots needs. All the usual brands, from Nike to Vans to Steve Madden, are available, as are a nice selection of feet-related accessories, and everything is served up with some top-notch customer service.
Budding fashionistas will adore Kol Kid’s excellently curated collection of hip kids’ clothes, which includes everything from colourful sweaters to comfy, neutral pants. Depending on the product, sizing ranges up to kids’ 14. The shop also offers dozens of different pairs of footwear, including products from Vans, New Balance, Xplorer, as well as outerwear and a wide variety of accessories. Online shopping is available, with free shipping for Ontario on orders over $100.
Want to dress your kids in head-to-toe designer but aren’t up for the price tags that usually come with high-end clothes? Then check out Little White Sneakers, which specializes in pre-loved, designer children’s clothing. Expect to see items from Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus, and Marc Jacobs, in sizes up to kids’ 14. Of course, if you do want to splurge on something new, Little White Sneakers can help you out there, with a nice selection of brand-new items. And yes, in case you’re wondering, this shop does sell sneakers and other footwear, both new and second-hand. Fresh products are added to the shop every Wednesday night and if you do want to do some online shopping, note that shipping is free on orders over $100.
Online & various local shops
Okay, this is a Montreal-based company, but we know parents are eager for sustainable kids’ clothing and Miles the Label’s offerings of, “recycled polyester, eco-denim and luxurious organic cotton” fits that request. Tees, sweaters, pants, and more are available, mostly in neutral-ish colours and patterns, and in sizes from three months to 14 kids. Free shipping is offered for orders over $100 and everything is shipped out in compostable mailers. Want to see this brand in person? It’s carried in a number of Toronto boutiques, including August Kinn, located at 1374 Danforth Avenue.
Acclaimed for their cozy, locally designed and made clothes, Mini Mioche is rightly one of Toronto’s most beloved kids’ brands. It offers all the staples, including solid colour tees, pants, and crew sweaters, and some of the softest hoodies around. Sizing for many items starts with toddler sizing and runs to size 11/12. Be sure to also explore Mini Mioche’s Kind Human Club sub-brand, which is raising money for SickKids Hospital and offers items in adult sizes. While Mini Mioche has its own storefront, it also offers online shopping, with free shipping for orders over $100.
Looking for ethically made children’s clothing that’s also colourful, eye-catching, and just plain fun? Then you must check out Modern Rascals. It offers everything from T-shirts to dresses to rain and winter gear, all in bright, beautiful colours and patterns and all coming from designers that aim to produce sustainable items. Besides clothing, Modern Rascals also offers a selection of colourful lunch and snack bags and containers, as well as books, toys, and more. While Modern Rascals is based in Toronto, it’s currently an online-only shop that offers free shipping for orders on $100 and up.
Tagged under: Toronto,back to school shopping,shopping in toronto,back to school in toronto
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Lindsay is a Toronto-based freelance writer. She writes about whatever catches her interest (and imagination) and has had bylines for Buzzfeed, Chatelaine and Today's Parent. She's also the mom to a wonderful little girl and the pet-parent to an American Eskimo dog and a chinchilla.
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