Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming–for parents and for educators! The big box stores are crowded, the lines are long, and even if you find everything you need, you can be left feeling like the items you grabbed don’t reflect your–or your child’s–personality. That’s why we think the best back-to-school shopping occurs outside the box! Read on to learn some of Wooster’s best-kept back-to-school shopping secrets.

The perfect fit

If your child has outgrown everything that fit them two weeks ago, Kitschy Coo Upscale Children’s Resale has you (and your child) covered! Located at 150 N. Walnut St., Kitschy Coo carries previously owned children’s clothing–including baby clothes and maternity items–that still has a lot of life left in it. Not only can you purchase high-quality clothing at a significantly reduced price, but you can feel good about helping reduce waste caused by the garment industry. It’s a win-win! And, if you can’t make it to the shop, Kitschy Coo has a convenient online store.

For teens and adults who want to buy high-quality, low-waste clothing, Jodi’s Closet offers upscale consignment clothing and accessories. The staff at Jodi’s Closet is so dedicated to ensuring all customers find their perfect fit that the store even offers on-site alterations, so you can arrive for the first day of school in a custom-tailored look with a cool story behind it.

Accessories for all

Of course, back-to-school shopping isn’t just about finding the right outfit–it’s about having the perfect accessories as well. What’s on your child’s backpack and lunchbox is almost as important as what’s inside them. Enter: Operation Fandom. If you have a kid (or you’re a kid-at-heart) who is into any kind of fandom–from Pokémon to Star Wars to classic horror films–stopping at Operation Fandom is a must on your back-to-school shopping checklist. The shop is stocked with new and vintage lunch boxes, thermoses, backpacks, pins, and patches that will help your child’s individuality shine through.

The secret time machine

For educators whose biggest back-to-school struggle is getting ready in the morning, the talented team at Meraki Artistry Permanent Cosmetics has solutions! Meraki offers a variety of permanent cosmetic treatments–including microblading, powder brows, and lip blushing–that can significantly decrease the amount of time you spend getting ready in the morning. For those who aren’t ready to commit to permanent makeup, long-lasting yet temporary treatments, such as brow laminations and lash tinting, are also great time savers. And, like many of the other solutions on the list, permanent makeup is low-waste, so you can feel good about helping the planet while looking your best. You can book consultations and services at Meraki online.

Wooster offers some surprising (and surprisingly eco- and budget-friendly) options to make back-to-school shopping a fun and exciting experience. Our small local businesses provide the opportunity for everyone–student, parent, or educator–to create a wardrobe and style that’s just as unique as they are.