Let’s Get The Kids Set for School
Whether you’re wondering where the time has gone again or eagerly counting down the days until the kids head back to school (or both!), all Edmonds parents and caretakers have one thing in common: You don’t have to leave downtown to get the kids set for school.
And of all the beautiful things that our city’s summers bring, the ease of getting everything checked off the list within a few-mile radius is one of the most brilliant. Keep reading to learn about how to prepare for the school year ahead and how to celebrate yourself once they’re back out of the nest, between 9ish and 3ish, at least.
ARTspot supplies
Scope Out Supplies
You have the supply list in hand and you want to support local. Start at Ace Hardware on 5th Ave. S, which has an impressive selection of school supplies. Then, head down the block and around the corner to ARTspot to get it all crossed off, packed up, and ready.
Crow shower steamers
If you want to get ahead on appreciating your kiddo’s new teacher (and score major warm and fuzzy points), grab something just for them from Bench & Board (a Taylor Swift prayer candle, perhaps?) or Crow (who can say no to a locally-made set of shower steamers?). Beautiful mugs sure to start their day off on the right foot abound downtown. Find the perfect one for your caffeinated teenager or slightly-more caffeinated teacher at places like The Wooden Spoon, HouseWares, Red Twig Bakery Cafe, or Walnut Street Coffee.
Outfit Them In Style
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t seem to be as much about mall hauls as it used to be, which is a positive in our book. Whether they’re headed to preschool or applying to colleges, you’ll be able to help your star student build a capsule wardrobe at shops like Little Bipsy, NC Concept Store (they also offer personal styling!), Pear Tree Consignment, Anchor Chic Consignment, and Rogue.
Let’s say they’ve overcome a huge milestone recently, or you really, really want to celebrate how far they’ve come. Consider a special piece of jewelry that will complement every outfit from one of our city’s downtown jewelers like J. Rankin, Cline, or Comstock.
Get Them Primped and Pampered
Pre-first-day cuts, colors, manis, pedis, and more are necessary for many Edmonds students, and we’re blessed with endless beautification options downtown. For hair, get their groom on at Chroma Salon and Spa, MODA hair cafe + spa, or Mosaic Salon Group.
If esthetics are part of their routine, set them up with experts at Bellissimo Beauty Bar or Sugarology. For nails, try Main Street Nails or Milltown Nails & Skin Care.
Got teens hoping for a first-day-glow facial? Ombu and Slate Salon + Spa have them (and any skin concerns they’re hoping to combat) covered.
Stock Up on Vitamins and Supplements
When kids go back to school, they inevitably bring germs, so stock up on holistic healing at Edmonds Vitamins & Herbs. You can also get electrolyte packs for your student-athletes, aromatherapy diffuser oils to combat colds, and all of your favorite vitamins.
Don’t Forget About You!
Your kids may have spent two weeks with grandparents, gone on a ton of playdates, enjoyed many an overnight camp, or made couch forts on rainy days in your living room. Regardless of how much time you all spent together this summer, it probably took a lot of coordination on your end. Celebrate yourself!
They’re back in school, which means you now have time for that massage you’ve been daydream-drooling about (we have recommendations here), the headspace to find a new accountant, the creative juices to think through your home remodel with one of our in-town experts, and time to take in a show—solo.
Back to school is a time of new beginnings—for everyone. Take us along on your prep and on your unaccompanied dates following the first day. Tag us in your posts (@edmondsdowntown) on Instagram and Facebook and we’ll raise a glass to your whole family!
Here’s to another great year of learning, growing, and supporting our favorite downtown around.
By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert
