Summer's still sizzling, but San Antonio parents know it's already time to swap the pool floaties for pencils, lunchboxes, and first-day outfits. Whether you're outfitting a tiny kindergartener, sending a teen off to high school, or prepping a college dorm, these six local spots have you covered with deals, style, and school-year essentials.
Knock out your shopping now to avoid the last-minute scramble, and don't forget to treat yourself to a Mexican vanilla latte or a fancy lunch afterward. You've earned it.
Belle & Union Co.
Known for its beautifully designed stationery, Belle & Union is perfect for older students who want to start the year with style. Stock up on handmade notebooks, motivational prints, washi tape, and clever desk accessories that make studying a little sweeter. If you're a teacher, a pair of dangling ceramic pencil earrings is the height of elementarycore.
Feliz Modern
This quirky, color-splashed shop in Olmos Park turns back-to-school shopping into a party. Think glitter pens, funky notebooks, and the coolest lunch totes in town. It's also a great spot to snag teacher gifts or desk accessories that'll make even Monday mornings feel cheerful. Snag up a cartful of darling ceramic mini-apples, and save the Granny Smiths for school lunches.
Herweck's
Dioramas, science fair backdrops, class presentations. Even STEM-focused educational tracts require tons of art supplies. Instead of heading to Hobbie Lobby, stock up on essentials at this Broadway institution stocked with coroplast sheets, paintbrushes, and a dizzying array of t-shirt colors.
The Twig Book Shop has books for all reading levels.The Twig Book Shop/ Facebook
Learning Express Toys
This Alamo Heights toy store is a treasure trove for younger kids and parents who want screen-free after-school activities. Grab STEM kits, art supplies, and educational games that double as homework helpers. Bonus: The gift wrapping is free, so you can surprise your kiddo with a "first week of school" treat. Or sneak a fidget toy in a backpack pocket; the shop has a wealth of squishy, tangly, and twisty doodads to keep kids' minds on the task at hand.
The Twig Book Shop
Pearl's beloved indie bookstore isn't just for weekend browsing; it's the perfect place to stock up on required reading, fun chapter books, and journals for jotting down homework (or doodles). Knowledgeable staff can help you find age-appropriate picks, and there's always a well-curated selection of educational games and puzzles to make learning at home fun. Plus, weekly storytimes and other events will get kids in a scholastic frame of mind.
Whole Earth Provision Co.
For parents with adventurous kids, this Texas chain is the go-to for backpacks that can survive the school year (and the inevitable weekend hikes). Brands like Patagonia, Fjällräven, and The North Face make appearances alongside sturdy water bottles, lunch containers, and sustainable school supplies. The Alamo Quarry Market shop also carries children's footwear that is rugged enough for the playground.
