Back-To-School Guide With One-Stop Shopping

Prepare for the upcoming school year with our Back To School Guide. As summer days wane, it’s never too early to start thinking about back-to-school supplies. And what better way to kickstart the process than by taking advantage of Tax-Free Day and end-of-summer sales? Starting early saves money and time and ensures your child is well-prepared for the academic year. Engaging your little ones in the shopping experience fosters their independence and ignites their excitement for the upcoming school year. As a bonus, it’s a great way to keep them entertained during those long summer days, beating the summer boredom blahs. Join us at TCV for a one-stop back-to-school shopping extravaganza that will leave parents and kids eagerly anticipating the start of the school year.

When Do Schools Start Back?

Schools start back for Houston ISD on August 28, 2023.

When is Tax-Free Weekend?

Texas Tax-Free Weekend is August 11 to 13. Here’s what you need to know about Tax-Free Weekend:

• The Tax-Free Weekend is an annual event that allows taxpayers to save money on qualifying purchases.
• Qualifying items include most clothing, footwear, back-to-school supplies, and backpacks (for less than $100).
• Qualifying items can be purchased tax-free from a Texas store or from an online or catalog seller doing business in Texas.

Back-To-School Guide For Supplies – Must Haves For Every Grade

While each grade may have its own unique needs regarding back-to-school supplies, the following items are some basics that every grade will need.

Walgreens Back To School Supplies and Toiletries

Walgreens has all the basic back-to-school supplies, from notebooks and pencils to cleaning supplies for the classroom. Here’s a detailed list:

• Binders
• Folders
• Markers
• Highlighters
• Crayons
• Pencils
• Pens
• Backpacks
• Lunch bags
• Water bottles
• Erasers
• Glue
• Paper
• Notebooks
• Tissues
• Paper towels
• Sanitizer
• Cleaning wipes

Barnes & Noble – Back To School Supplies, Books, Blank Journals, Calendars

Barnes & Noble is also a great place to find back-to-school supplies like planners, calendars, journals, art supplies, and books about going to school. They also have college test prep guides and other helpful books for your teenage child, like Teens’ Guide to College and Career Planning by Peterson’s.

Ulta

Ulta Beauty is your destination for grooming needs and beauty supplies. Here are some specific products they offer:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair styling products and tools
• Hair accessories such as headbands, barrettes, and ponytail holders
• Body washes
• Lotion and hand cream
• Deodorant
• Makeup remover
• Acne treatment products
• Makeup such as foundation, concealer, and lip gloss
• Nail care products

Back-To-School Guide To Backpacks

Backpacks are an essential part of back-to-school supplies. They take a beating during the school year, carrying books, extra clothes, lunch, and supplies. Consider buying a new backpack for your child if last year’s backpack is showing signs of wear and tear.

Hallmark carries an assortment of backpacks from brands such as Vera Bradley and Loungefly mini backpacks, sized perfectly for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Mine Gifts & Monograms is a great place to find a monogrammed back-to-school backpack for your child. Their Snow Camo Seersucker Backpack comes in five colors and small or medium sizes. They also offer a lunch bag that can be monogrammed, the Snack Square.

Here are some tips for buying and organizing backpacks:

• Consider your child’s age and needs. How much stuff do they need to carry?
• Choose a backpack that’s the right size.
• Look for a backpack with compartments to help with organization.
• Consider a backpack with a water bottle holder or one that comes with a lunch bag.
• Label the backpack with your child’s name or attach a nametag.
• Teach your child how to pack their backpack efficiently.

Back-to-School Guide To Stores With Cool Separates & Activewear

Kids grow fast from year to year, so be sure to stock up on back-to-school clothing—shop Gap for denim and uniform essentials such as polo shirts, pants, shorts, and skirts. From toddlers to tweens, Carter’s offers an array of styles for all kids, including leggings, dresses, graphic tees, activewear, and more.  Francesca’s is the place for carefully curated fashion, accessories, and jewelry for your tween or teen girl. Celebrating individuality and self-expression, Francesca’s carries all the latest trends in back-to-school clothes, from rompers and jumpsuits to flowy blouses and wide-leg pants.

Stock Up On Stress Busters, Games & Puzzles From Learning Express Toys

Bust those end-of-summer-boredom blahs with stress busters, games, puzzles, and more from Learning Express. Ignite your child’s creativity with the Spirograph Doodle Pad for making fun digital designs. Elevate your pre-K to 2nd grader’s reading skills with the Zingo Sight Words Game, the perfect bingo-style game developed by educators. Is your child a Spider-Man fan? Snag the LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Miles Morales vs Morbius. Fans of Spider-Man will love building and playing with this super race car toy.

Haircuts Are Happening – Book Now

With back to school just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your kids’ hair cut. Book an appointment at TCV salons and barbershops for a haircut your kiddos will love.

• Cost Cutters offers affordable haircuts for kids of all ages.
• Beautique Day Spa & Salon offers a variety of services, including haircuts and styling and nail care.
• Ulta Salon also offers haircuts and is your one-stop shop for grooming and beauty needs.
• Town Square Barber Shop is a full-service barbershop and a great option for boys’ haircuts.

This Back To School Guide Includes Foodie Supplies For Super Healthy Creative Lunches & After School Snacks

Preparing a healthy lunch and after-school snacks that will fuel your child through the academic school year is essential. Shop at Randalls for all your lunch and snack needs. Think easy-to-make meals like turkey and veggie wraps, peanut butter sandwiches, and kid-friendly charcuterie. Here’s a shopping list of groceries to grab as you’re doing your back-to-school supplies shopping.

• Sandwich bread and wraps
• Lean protein such as turkey, chicken, and eggs
• Canned tuna
• Ready-to-eat cut fruits and veggies
• Yogurt
• Milk in individual serving sizes
• Cheese sticks
• Nut or sunflower seed butter
• Nut and seeds
• Protein bars
• Whole grain crackers
• Healthy dips like hummus, salsa, and guacamole

Back To School Guide Bonus Tip – Refresh Study Headquarters

Refresh the study headquarters with items your child will need to power through homework and projects.

Trudy’s Hallmark Inspirational

Head to Trudy’s Hallmark for calendars, planners, desk organization essentials, and shelf decor items. Their Love My Cat light is a perfect back-to-school gift for kids who love cats and need lighting for their study area. For the child who loves plants but doesn’t have a green thumb, gift the Plant Kindness Sunshine. This lifelike succulent wrapped in a washable bag with stitched-in motivation will surely bring joy to the study space.

Pottery Barn

Upgrade your teen’s desk with the PB Teen’s Amelia Desk, a best-seller simple but stylish study desk. Its hexagonal gold drawer pulls, and tapered legs are chic touches that inspire creativity. Crafted from solid poplar wood, the Amelia Desk comes in two colors.

Organize your child’s study space with PB’s Asha Handwoven Basket Collection. These timeless baskets are both beautiful and hardworking. These baskets’ airy, open weave and natural golden tones create a visually striking addition to any space, including a study area. Choose from a variety of sizes and shapes, including utility baskets and tote bins.

Grab a Bite at TCV While You Shop for Back-to-School Supplies – Double Check our Back-to-School Guide Lists.

 You’ll probably be exhausted and hungry after hitting the stores for sales and back-to-school supplies. Luckily, Town and Country Village has several eateries where you can take a break and have a meal with your school-bound kiddo. Quizno’s and Subway are always good options for sandwiches and wraps. Cafe Express offers sandwiches, salad bowls, pasta, grilled entrees, and burgers. Snooze AM Eatery is the place to go for brunch featuring menu options such as pancakes, breakfast burritos, and benedicts. If you’re in the mood for a delicious bagel sandwich, like the famous Texas Brisket Egg Breakfast Sandwich or the Santa Fe Egg White Breakfast Sandwich, be sure to check out Einstein Bagels.

TCV extends its heartfelt wishes to parents, students, and school staff, hoping for a great final month of the summer vacation and a joyous commencement of the upcoming school year.

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Bonus Article: 10 Back To School Ideas That’ll Get Your Kids Excited at Taste of Home

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