Five Trendy Spots To Finish up Your Back-To-School Shopping
Back to school might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean your tots should be any less fashionable. Here’s where to go when it’s time for a wardrobe or gear refresh.
A perfect fall outfit from Misha & Puff, a cult-favorite brand sold at CouCou. / Photo by Allie Cottrill for Misha & Puff / Courtesy photo
FOR CLOTHES WITH A CONSCIOUS
Kodomo
Part of the slow-fashion movement, this chic boutique features clothing made by designers hand-selected for their ethics and business practices, from hard-to-find Scandi brands like Wauw Capow by Bangbang Copenhagen to a line of luxury knitted toys manufactured in Bolivia from 100 percent alpaca wool. Owner Jasmine Punzalan makes it her mission to find new sustainable clothing and accessory brands to add to the shelves, so you’ll always find something fresh to bring home.
579 Tremont St., Boston, 617-936-3808; 70 Charles St., Boston, 617-530-1140; kodomoboston.com.
FOR ONE-STOP SHOPPING
CouCou
Located in the South End, CouCou is an unofficial neighborhood hang for parents attracted to the store’s playroom, classes, and inviting nursing and changing rooms—not to mention selection of anything-but-ordinary products for little ones ages 0 to 10. Pop in for a cozy puffer coat or a sweet dress off the racks, and you might find yourself scooping up high-quality wooden puzzles and stacking toys; stickers and coloring books; and even nursery décor on your way out the door.
24 Union Park St., Boston, 617-936-4082, coucou-boston.com.
Fawn Over Me’s tot-friendly accessories. / Courtesy photo
FOR PINT-SIZE MASKS
Fawn Over Me
Worcester-based multimedia artist Christine Brown is best known for her custom pieces such as bibs and quilts made from fabric, paper, and “really anything I can find,” as she explains. But since the pandemic began, the upcycling proponent has been focusing on creating face coverings—made from brightly colored and patterned vintage fabrics—that kids will actually want to wear. Find her creations on Etsy and at various stores throughout the state, including Tiny Hanger in Brookline and Wellesley.
FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
Kenzie & Hope
A place where mothers and daughters can shop and actually find consensus? It exists in Wellesley. Owner Shani DeFina stocks everything from lounge-worthy pajamas to the latest denim trends, meaning it’s easy to scoop up a season’s worth of clothing in one drama-free trip. Bonus: The store’s mission includes partnering with customers to support nonprofits that directly help kids
in need.
200 Linden St., Wellesley, 781-237-3666, kenzieandhope.com.
Racks lined with hard-to-find brands at Kodomo.
FOR NEW ARRIVALS
Hip Baby Gear
Parents-to-be might not have to worry about the back-to-school rush, but that doesn’t mean their shopping list is any less overwhelming. Thankfully, owners Jami and Michael Reyes have the baby-registry talk down, so you can skip parsing thousands of online reviews (or listening to well-intentioned friends and family) and get what you really need. Their Marblehead store stocks everything from eco-friendly diapers to a selection of strollers from coveted brands such as Bugaboo and UppaBaby. Parents themselves, the Reyeses are also certified child passenger safety technicians, which means they can properly install the car seat you buy—or show you how to do it.
118 Washington St., Marblehead, 781-631-5556, hipbabygear.com.
