By City Point BrooklynAug 20, 2018

For parents, the end of summer brings a mixture of stress and relief. The relief comes with knowing that school is around the corner. There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids, but it’s nice to look forward to getting a little of your own life back as well. The stress comes with knowing that there’s ton of stuff to buy and suddenly not so much time to do it.

Fortunately, Brooklynites have an option where it’s possible to get just about all your back-to-school shopping done in one place, with an unbelievable selection and range of prices, that’s incredibly easy to get to. We’re talking about City Point, Downtown Brooklyn’s newest and coolest place for shopping, food, and fun.

If you’re feeling stressed about the back-to-school thing, we can help you feel a little better — and maybe have some fun too. Here’s what we recommend:

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1. Make a list. It seems like obvious advice, but it’s something many of us forget to do. With a list you’re less likely to forget stuff — and less likely to buy stuff you don’t need. Good Housekeeping has a comprehensive list for kids between kindergarten and college here. And you can find a great list for clothes here.

2. Pick a day. When we’ve tried to do back-to-school shopping piecemeal, it becomes even harder. So your best bet, if you can manage it, is to put aside a day. Try a weekday when the stores will be less crowded, and maybe the kids still have camp. (If you have to take them with you, we have ideas for that too.)

3. Go to City Point. This is where the list really comes in handy. There are so many great options at City Point, it’s going to help to know exactly what you need. For example:

Clothes. Those darn just kids keep getting bigger! Century 21 has a surprisingly wide range of kidswear, as does Target. Both are great for the regular stuff like jeans and t-shirts, as well as outerwear, shoes, and crucial accessories like hats and backpacks. Plus we strongly recommend Little Giants Giant Shorties for its witty, quality, super-cool kids’ clothes.

Snacks. While you’re at City Point, it’s a good idea to pick up some healthy lunchbox treats. Trader Joe’s is snack central: kids love the cereal bars, dried mango and gummy bears.

Dorm supplies. Back-to-school also means back-to-college. Of course Target is a must for dorm necessities like cleaning supplies and towels. Don’t forget that Trader Joe’s also has a line of sweet-smelling, sustainable cleaners.

Beyond necessities: Fellow Barber cuts big and small boys’ hair, and Flying Tiger Copenhagen is a wonderful source for colorful and quirky versions of sippy cups, stackable containers and everything you didn’t know you needed for the fall.

4. Buy something for yourself. Let’s face it: back-to-school shopping is not always the most fun activity. And when you plan, it can take a while. So, it’s always a good idea to treat yourself, too. Visit Rain Africa for personal products made from tribal African ingredients — we’re fans of these gorgeous artisan soaps.

5. Chill. At some point — whether it’s at the middle or the end — you’re going to need to get off your feet and grab a bite. So head downstairs to DeKalb Market for a coffee at Café D’Avignon or Nobletree. And when you’re finished, celebrate! Have a glass of wine at Fortina or something stronger at House of Wax, a creepy-cool old-timey bar in the lobby of Alamo Drafthouse.

Hopefully this will help you get through the back-to-school season with ease. Remember, from kindergarten to college, back-to-school begins and ends at City Point.

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