Back-to-school shopping shouldn’t feel like a race through fluorescent aisles or a checkout cart full of regret. This year, we’re doing it differently.
Whether you’re sending a little one off to kindergarten, moving a college student into their first dorm, or stocking up for the school-year shuffle, there’s a better way to prep. One that supports progressive values, small businesses, and a future worth showing up for.
At Little Blue Cart, we’ve rounded up back-to-school essentials—from clothing to lunch gear to dorm decor—that do more than just check boxes. They build community, reflect your values, and help you send a message with every purchase: education matters, and so does how we show up for it.
Let’s get into it. 
Conscious Style: Clothes & Accessories
Outfits that show up and stand for something. Shop progressive, woman-owned, and ethically made clothes, shoes, backpacks, and accessories for all ages.
Next Size Up: Eco-conscious shop offering curated bundles of second-hand clothing for babies and toddlers. Use code LittleBlueCart for 10% off.
Hoagland Handmade: While it may feel overwhelmingly hot right now, the weather will turn cool before you know it. These children’s ear warmers are hand-knit from amazingly soft and smooth hand-dyed merino from an ethical family farm.
Jasper & Elm: Treat yourself – or your student – to a charm necklace, new freshwater pearl jewelry, or any new piece to celebrate the end of summer.
Colorful Bunch: Family-owned children’s clothing brand offering simple, joyful apparel.
Kind Cotton: Apparel brand; each purchase provides a book to a child.
The Bee & The Fox: Eco-friendly t-shirts with empowering messages for kids.
Savage Seeds: Empowering kids’ tees and pouches with positive messages.
Savage Seeds: Empowering kids’ tees and pouches with positive messages.
Supplies: School + Study Essentials
From handmade pencil cases to bold notebooks and eco-friendly planners—get the gear that helps them stay organized and aligned with your values.
First Day of School Signs: From pre-K to high school, First Day of School signs are a must-have. These simple printables are perfect for capturing those essential photos.
Little Letterpress Notes: These sweet little notes are perfect for slipping messages into lunch boxes and briefcases. Also, don’t miss the notepads that come in handy for grocery lists, to do lists, any and all lists, or just because notes.
Tote: Fund public schools, not billionaires. Enough said.
Snack Bags: Quality cookware and bakeware and eco-friendly storage ideas to help with the back to school food grind.
Gentle Shampoo: This gentle shampoo bar is perfect for fine to medium hair that needs a little TLC and controls bubbles to help avoid the dreaded soap in eyes situation.
Studious Environment: Tech & Workspace Must-Haves
Whether it’s a dorm or the dining table, shop unique decor, desk supplies, and accessories that turn study spaces into inspiring places.
Mouse Pad: Let’s make your workspace feel more like you. Peach Tree Design Shop makes mouse pads in-house and can create custom designs if you don’t see what you’d like.
GearBrokers: This online retailer sells a vast array of electronics specializing in computer electronics including products from Dell, Lenovo, HP and more. Get the best tech for less with our exclusive discount code: LITTLEBLUEGB15 for 15% off on the eBay page.
Power Up Pencils Print: Nothing like an adorable and frame-worthy reminder that “Mistakes are okay!” This Print is great for your home study area or as a gift to your favorite educator.
Desk Planner: Keep track of the daily events and the big picture with a cute and functional planner.
Notepad: These high-quality tear off pads are perfect for keeping lists and managing to-do lists at home or on the go. Also a great teacher gift!
Dorm & Done: Must-Haves for College
Cozy decor, clever storage, and personal must-haves from progressive small businesses to help them settle in, stay focused, and feel at home.
Soap: Handmade in small batches in a kitchen in Minnesota, this thoughtful soap is like a hug from home.
Gumdrop Decor: Created home goods to brighten your space and make it feel like your student.
Kindle Cover: Give the e-readers — including text book readers — a glow up with a cute cover.
Notebook: Write down all the things from class notes to to do lists and everything in between to keep organized and inspired.
Messenger Bag: From tees to activity books to messenger bags, we love the weird brand of humor.
Food Container: When the cafeteria food just isn’t cutting it, bring snacks and food on the go.
Pen Set: If you have to take notes, you may as well take them with Taylor Swift-inspired pens.
Wall Art: Bright, colorful and a motivational message? That’s an instant glow up for drab dorm walls.
Brain Boosters: Tutors, Coaches & Advocates
Meg Flanagan Education Solutions, LLC: With over 14 years of experience as a credentialed teacher, Meg is a special education advocate who offers actionable solutions that will help you understand what’s happening, how the process works, and what all of that complicated jargon (IEPs, 504 Plans, ESY, ABA!) means.
Ask Marj: Invest in your education with scholarly coaching. Marj offers research success strategies, research paper optimization, personalized academic coaching and more to help every student succeed.
Dr. Stephanie Reisser: Stephanie provides consultations with families to understand their rights and identify next steps in advocating for their child at their school. I also virtually attend IEP meetings or other school meetings to provide support and guidance.
Disrupt Education Today: Karen is dedicated to creating stronger, healthier learning that foster the spirit of childhood.
Looking for more options to stock up on basic classroom essentials? Check out this video from The Woke Ginger where he recommends Michael’s, Five Below, Staples and Office Depot.
Back-to-school season is more than a checklist: it’s a chance to invest in the kind of future we want our kids (and ourselves) to grow up in. When you shop with intention, you’re not just buying supplies, you’re backing businesses that believe in equity, inclusion, and education for all.
So whether you’re picking out pencils or decorating a dorm, choose to spend where it counts. Explore the Little Blue Cart directory and let your back-to-school shopping reflect the values you carry all year long.
Shop smart. Shop small.
