The Local Guide to Back-to-School Shopping
I’ve always found back-to-school season to be a little bittersweet. The return of routine is comforting, but the prep can feel… a bit much. Whether you're gathering supplies for school or updating fall must-haves for your little ones, I wanted to share some of my favourite Canadian brands for back-to-school shopping; to help make the process easier, more intentional, and a little bit brighter.
As a mom & family photographer, I know how quickly the back-to-school season can sneak up and how chaotic it can feel. These brands offer something special: from locally made jogger sets and non-toxic art supplies to thoughtful lunch bags and school-ready accessories. Let’s make this time of year feel less like a rush and more like a reset.
Here are 10 Canadian shops I truly love for back-to-school essentials, from clothes and outerwear to lunch gear and little extras for you mamas out there!
Blueberri
Clean, conscious, and Canadian — for kids who play hard & rest easy
Handcrafted in Toronto, Blueberri creates buttery-soft, organic kids clothes that feel as good as they look. Their cozy sets in bright pops of yellow and purple, are designed for everyday wear, and built to last. A true standout for a Toronto-based brand for any families looking to shop local. As a parent, there’s something reassuring about dressing your child in clothes made thoughtfully, sustainably sourced, and proudly Canadian.
Use discount code BFAMILY for 20% off sitewide!!
Follow them on IG - @blueberrica
soyoung
Eco-minded bags designed for your everyday little adventurers
SoYoung is more than just a line of stylish, eco-friendly lunch bags and backpacks — it’s a brand built on purpose. Inspired by the founder’s own story of resilience and growth, each product is thoughtfully made to encourage confidence and independence in kids. Their Canadian-designed backpacks & lunch boxes are modern, durable, and designed to last — making them a favourite for parents and little adventurers alike. We love supporting brands that are thoughtful about what they make and how they make it! They’re also having a 25% OFF sitewide. Best time to shop is NOW.
Follow them on IG - @soyounginc
knits & knots co
Personalized crocheted backpack tags, where every stitch holds meaning
This charming small shop brings a little warmth and whimsy to your everyday life with handcrafted crocheted backpack tags, car charms, and fabric floral clips. Each piece is created with intention and a love for texture and colour. It adds a simple & cozy boho touch to your child’s back-to-school gear. We especially love the personalized tags for backpacks — functional, fun, and made with care. It’s the kind of brand that feels as thoughtful as it looks. If you love this brand's vibe & want more, she also shares her amazon recommendations, highlighting only items she continuously uses.
Shop on Knits and Knots website!
Follow them on IG - @knitsandknotsco
little rae goods
Non-toxic, beautiful art supplies made for curious & creative kids
If you’re looking to fuel your child’s imagination; without adding more screen time, Little Rae Goods is a beautiful place to start. This Canadian-owned shop for art supplies offers a curated collection that is safe, sustainable, and designed to inspire. From vibrant paint sticks and chunky crayons to watercolours and creative kits, everything here is chosen with intention. Simple, high-quality tools that invite kids to slow down, explore, and make something their own.
Shop on the Little Rae Goods website!
Follow them on IG - @littleraegoods
green & flora
Intentional pieces for mamas and their little ones — made with care & worn with love.
Rooted in slow fashion and thoughtful design, Green & Flora offers cozy, neutral-toned staples that feel as good as they look. This Canadian fashion brand is rooted in sustainability, offering eco-conscious clothing for moms and kids alike. These are the cozy summer dresses, sweaters, and sets you’ll reach for again and again.
We’re having a Summer Sale, BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF - no discount code needed.
Shop on the Green & Flora website!
Follow them on IG - @greenandflora
vessi
Waterproof sneakers built for real Canadian weather — for you and your little ones
If you’ve ever tried to keep up with growing feet and changing seasons, you know how fast kids go through footwear. Vessi makes Canadian-designed waterproof sneakers that are perfect for puddle jumping, park days, and everything in between. Designed in Vancouver and proudly Canadian, these breathable, all-season shoes are available in both adult and kids’ sizes — so you can stay dry and comfy, together. If you have little ones that love to splash, dig in the mud and explore the world, this might be the perfect shoe brand for you.
Follow them on IG - @vessi
wheat kids clothing
Scandinavian design thoughtfully made for little explorers
Wheat Kids brings timeless Scandinavian-inspired designs to Canada with high-quality outerwear and everyday essentials for babies and kids. From waterproof rain jackets to cozy winter gear, everything is made with your child’s comfort, movement, and imagination in mind. Family-run and rooted in sustainability, this brand is committed to ethical production, safe materials, and styles that can keep up with play whether it be indoors or out, rain or snow.
Shop on the Wheat Kids Clothing website!
Follow them on IG - @wheatcanada
natura market
Wholesome school snacks, made in Canada & delivered right to your door
Finding healthy snacks your kids will actually love doesn’t have to be hard. Natura Market curates healthy, allergen-friendly options; many of which are made right here in Canada. Their Made in Canada section makes it easy to shop locally, with standouts like Patience Fruit & Co’s dried fruit snacks that are perfect for lunchboxes. A great snack for mama or baby if you ask me. If you’re looking to stock up for the school year with clean, feel-good treats, this is the place to start.
Shop on the Natura Market website!
Follow them on IG - @naturamarketca
yes dear co
Thoughtfully designed hair accessories: where comfort meets cuteness for kids and caregivers
These handmade hair accessories for kids might seem small, but any parent knows they’re a big part of the daily routine. Yes Dear Co creates handmade bows and clips that are soft, stylish, and made to last—perfect for finishing off a school-day outfit or matching with your mini me. Created by a mom with a heart for design, this small Canadian brand blends function with charm, offering pieces that are as practical as they are adorable. So many options for your independent little ones who might want to stand out just a little bit more!
Shop on at Yes Dear Co website!
Follow them on IG - @yesdearco
Mrs. greenway
Versatile food containers and water bottles built to last and look cute doing it
Mrs. Greenway is a go-to for eco-conscious families in Canada. From stainless steel lunch containers to BPA-free water bottles and non-toxic home goods, this shop makes it easier to choose better; for your home, your kids, and the planet. Rooted in education, community, and sustainability, Mrs. Greenway is a reliable favourite for parents who want beautiful, practical items that align with their values.
Shop on the Mrs. Greenway website!
Follow them on IG - @mrs_greenway
Every product on this list is one I’d recommend to a fellow parent in a heartbeat—each from brands I truly love and trust. I don’t earn a commission for sharing them; I simply believe in what they create and want to support our local Canadian businesses. Now more than ever, they need our help. While their prices may be a little higher than big box stores, if your budget allows, consider shopping local. You’ll not only find something special, but you’ll also make a meaningful difference in someone’s life and dream.
Wishing you and your little one a joyful, exciting, and beautiful school year ahead!