Back to Cool

Photo via olia danilevich from Pexels

The back-to-school season is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. I remember being thrilled every Fall as a kid to revamp my wardrobe for the school year ahead, excited to break in my new “indoor shoes”. I think we all would lay out our first day of school outfits beside our beds in excited anticipation for our first day of school.

In Bloom

Florals aren’t exclusively for Spring and Summer – why can’t we bring them into Fall, too?! Especially when they incorporate beautiful autumn colours such as yellow and mustard.

To start, The Children’s Place has this adorable blouse (I wish it came in my size) for a little first-day-of-school- fanciness.

Bentley has the kiddos covered with this floral graphic backpack and notebook to showcase their unique styles. Claw clips are also all the rage right now, found at Claire’s, in addition to this sunflower head wrap.

Carter’s OshKosh has the most adorable graphic tees that send wonderful, encouraging messages (I am loving their “Girls Support Girls” tee).

Science Rules

For the kiddo with their head in the stars, they can rep their favourite STEM subjects with this graphic Space tee from Carter’s OshKosh and the Gamer Graphic tee from The Children’s Place.

Additionally, this cosmic pencil case from Bentley and the Thermos FUNtainer from Toys R Us are out of this world.

Lastly, this classic Jansport Double Break Backpack from Boathouse is a back-to-school staple, with plenty of compartments for storage (perfect for protractors, calculators . . . the whole nine).

Super Sweet

Bentley is the go-to for school supplies, from backpacks and lunch kits to water bottles and utensil sets; they’ve got you and your kiddos covered. You’ll usually find a great back-to-school promotion there, too. Insider’s tip: check out our Events & Promotions page to explore our retailers’ sales before your visit.

How ADORABLE is this strawberry-shaped lunch box from Bentley? And, to sweeten things up, add a watermelon water bottle from our friends at Bentley.

Blackwell Supply Co. is another essential back-to-school shop in The Great Indoors, where you’ll find this adorable pink backpack and some fabulous indoor and outdoor footwear. (Helloooo – tiny, sparkly, Dr Martens boots!)

Head to Claire’s for some whimsical accessories like this Gold Mixed Charm Fruit Necklace to complete the look.

Retro Vibes

This uber-cool, retro The North Face puffer will keep your kids warm and is insulated with goose down to trap warmth, perfect for chilly recesses outside. Find it at Sports Experts.

For the soccer star, this S’well bottle will keep cold water cold for up to 24 hours, so rest assured they can keep their water crisp for after-school practice. Find this one at Hudson’s Bay.

Additionally, this Nike Lunch Bag also from Hudson’s Bay will keep their fuel cool or warm. The tie-dye pattern is ultra-trendy, too.

Champion has risen in popularity again over the last few years, and Bentley has taken note! This “Supercize” backpack from Bentley includes a water bottle sleeve plus an interior Laptop sleeve, perfect for college-age students too.

Channelling more cool, retro vibes with these kids’ Chuck Taylors from Journeys. If you’re nervous about white shoes, they come in a variety of colours to showcase their personal style, like Electric Purple, Black Monochrome, and my personal fave, Lemon Chrome.

Maia

Marketing Coordinator

Maia is a classic Central Albertan gal who KNOWS her way around Bower Place . . . she grew up exploring it! If she’s not scouting the best of The Great Indoors, she’s probably strapping on her hiking pack to escape to the mountains or grabbing her cowboy boots (she’ll never say “no” to a rodeo). She has a love of free-spirited 70s vibes including eclectic accessories, bright colours, and fun patterns.

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