Ten Back to School Items and Where to Buy Them Locally

It’s easy to head to the biggest shopping centre for possibly cheaper items of a lesser quality for back to school. But what about sparing a thought for our local businesses? All too often we have seen our local shops pack up and leave because they are not being supported. How can we complain that they are gone if we aren’t shopping there as often as we can? Here are ten back to school items and services matched with local businesses. Save yourself some petrol money and help support your community who support you.

School shoes: How quickly can kids wear out their shoes? It’s important to buy ones that are great quality and will last the distance. Check out Kyneton Shoes, Jumbuck Sheepskin and Leather Australia in Gisborne, Gisborne Shoe Co and Positive Footwear in Sunbury.

Lunchboxes and drink bottles: Invest in a lunchbox that your kids will love and look forward to opening! Check out those at Mort and Pestle in Woodend, Gisborne Village Homewares, Karismatic Kids in Woodend and Three Little Rams. For all your drink bottle needs visit Mort and Pestle in Woodend, Social Foundry in Kyneton and Gisborne Village Homewares.

Haircuts: Get those haircuts done before those first day photos. Check out Artistiek Hair and Rachel William’s Hairdressing in Gisborne and Janine Price in Lancefield. (Who is your local hairdresser who is great with children? Let us know so we can add them in).

Stationery: If your school doesn’t provide stationery, it can be fun to purchase pencil cases and pencils that reflect your child’s personality. Check out Officebarn Office Choice in Gisborne and Kyneton Office Shop.

School bags: No designated school bag? Get your child’s from Karismatic Kids in Woodend and The Tree House in Lancefield. If you are not sure of how to pack your child’s bag best to support their spine, the team at Liberty Chiropractic in Gisborne can show you how. Give them a call to organise a free demonstration.

Sticker labels: Are you sick of losing lunchbox containers or drink bottles? Invest in some personalised stickers to ensure your child’s items are returned more quickly. Check out Country Chic HD in Romsey.

Lunchbox fillers: Where do you get your super food, aka fruit and veg, from? Check out Lancefield Providore, The Morning Harvest in Riddells Creek and Gisborne Fresh.

Uniforms: Whether new or second hand, there are various avenues to sourcing your child’s school uniform. Check out Beleza School Uniforms in Gisborne and your local op shops. Alternatively, ask your school if they have a Facebook group for selling and giving away second hand uniform items.

School Books: If you haven’t already sourced your child’s school books, consider checking out our gorgeous local bookstores: Aesop’s Attic and Squishy Minnie in Kyneton, New Leaves in Woodend and Red Door Books in Lancefield.

Glasses: I got my first pair of glasses in Year 4 and it made a huge difference to my school life! Now is a good time to get your child’s vision checked or update their glasses. Check out Merrington Optometry in Gisborne.

Have we missed your business or a your favourite local shop? Let us know! It is free to be included. Our main aim is to support local. Please contact us and we will add your business to the list.