Summer has been flying by! I can’t believe Back to School is just around the corner, and it has already started for some of us. Getting back into a routine can be tough, not to mention all the school emails and apps we need to get familiar with. But we’re going to eliminate the headache of figuring out where to do your back to school shopping and where to find after school programs. Check out some of our fav options below. Don’t forget to visit the blog each week for more great content, brought to you by Long Beach Home + Living and ExploreLongBeach!
Uniform Shopping
After taking a poll of some moms in Long Beach, the best places to get uniforms at an affordable price are Target and Walmart. I know a lot of us try to shop small and shop local when possible, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to find any small business in Long Beach that sell uniforms. Sometimes we just need to head to the big box stores. Here is a link to Target’s uniform sale.
Backpack Shopping
The Columbia store at The Pike Outlets is currently having a backpack sale! There are so many options under $20, and they also have mix and match lunch bags and water bottles that are buy one get one 50%. In addition, between now and August 24th, teachers get 20% off their entire purchase. Check out more details on their website.
General Clothes Shopping
The Children’s Place
I know they closed The Children’s Place in Belmont Shore (so sad!), but luckily there’s another one at Lakewood Center Mall. The Children’s Place has stylish options and they’re also having a huge back to school sale. They have uniforms here as well, so if you’re looking for a mix of play clothes and uniforms, The Children’s Place is a great option. More about their sale on their website.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
This is one of my favorite thrift stores in Long Beach. They have a ton of clothing options and everything is very well organized. Everything is second hand, so the prices are great and you can find so many hidden gems. They don’t have much info about what’s available on their website, but it’s worth popping in to look around.
Tilly’s
For the little trendsetter in your life, Tilly’s on 2nd is a great place for clothes. They have a lot of graphic tee options, jeans, and shoes. A lot of the kids’ clothes start around size 8 so this isn’t a great option for very young kids, but 2nd-3rd grade and up could find some cool clothes here. They’re also having a sale with jeans starting around $23+ and graphic tees starting around $17+.
After School Programs
LB Parks and Rec. After School Centers
Long Beach has several after school centers all across the city. Most of them run either 2:30-5:30 or 3-6, and some even have Saturday hours. The types of activities offered include art, cooking, games, and more. Check out the full list here.
YMCA
The YMCA is another option for both before care and after care. Most programs start at 6:30 am for before care, and end at 6 pm for after care. Your school will determine which YMCA center you can attend, or you can call and speak with someone if your school is not listed. Activities include reading, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. Find out more details on their website.
