Summer seemed to fly with the breeze this year, and it’s time for the start of another wonderful school year in Ridgefield! Shops are stocked with fall attire, snappy new school supplies, and goodies to keep learning fun even after the books are closed for the day. Read on for some fun new school year finds that will quickly wash away those summer’s-over blues.
A favorite shop in town, Miss Confident carries the latest back to school styles that will have your tween and teen feeling confident as they walk into school. They have some super fun accessories including jewelry and hair accessories, plus jazzy school supplies that will have your girls excited to reach for them. She’ll be sparkling inside and out after a trip to this impactful boutique.
Summer reading may be over but that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up reading for fun! Keep your child’s imagination engaged and their creativity running wild with Books on the Common‘s selection of genres for all ages. We spoke to Sue, the curator of the children’s section to get her top recommendations for readers this fall.
Elementary school students will love diving into Julie Falatko’s story Rick the Rock of Room 214, as he learns that rocks live a life of adventure in the great outdoors. Pick up Wildoak by C.C. Harrington for your middle schooler, a fantasy about a child, a snow leopard, and an ancient forest. Need we say more? If your highschooler struggles to find something they can stick to, try Stars and Smoke, the first in a series by Marie Lu. An electric mix of Cupid and danger, they’re sure to keep turning the pages!
Art supplies aren’t only for art class! If your little artist adores art class, it’s a good time bring some of that passion home or supply them with a few extra items for their school supply box. Head to Sedona Art for a wide range of materials suitable for both school and home. Choose mediums from colored pencils and markers to a variety of paints and more, and appropriate papers to boot!
Whim offers a wide selection of clothing and accessories for women across a spectrum of ages. Your teens will especially love their accessories! Keep her hair out of her face (so she can focus on her books) with colorful claw clips in various styles and sizes; and get her a cute puffer bag for after-school and weekend activities. With fall weather rapidly approaching, cozy beanies and super soft sweaters will keep her warm on chilly morning rides to school.
Bissell’s has been a Ridgefield staple for ages, and it’s no surprise given their wide range of products and gifts for all seasons and reasons. They carry classic and unique toys and puzzles which are a great alternative to screen time or battery-operated toys plus gifts for teachers. If school lunches aren’t your child’s thing, pick up a fun lunch box from Scout – you can be sure they’ll keep lunch “cool”!
Kick off a new year with new kicks! Foot support is ever important in active kids and growing feet and the Ridgefield Running Company will be sure to send your child out the door in nothing but the best. With a variety of brands, styles, and colors, kids will have a great selection of sneakers to choose from as they imagine themselves running outside for recess.
With a new school year comes new knowledge and more grown-up kids. Pick up some new age-appropriate games, puzzles and crafts that will keep your child learning well after the backpack is zipped at The Toy Chest!
Your young engineer will love getting creative with Magna-tiles, and Lego’s age-specific and diverse array of kits keep minds engaged while providing a constant lesson in following directions too! Melissa & Doug’s classic wooden toys keep dramatic play entertaining but simple, and there is nothing like spending a rainy Saturday crafting the day away with a fun kit – let the kids try making their own silly putty, slime, string art, or a fairy garden.
Knitting is engaging, requires focus and attention, and boasts a visible and tangible reward, not to mention the pride of having created something wonderful on your own! Let the staff at nancy O craft a kit suitable for your child. She can help you choose yarn types, needles and ideas – a perfect after school, at-home extra-curricular activity.
Bella Home’s children section may be small but it certainly packs a punch! They have cute clothes to celebrate the season (think apples and pumpkins…and dare we say Halloween outfits?), and even a new t-shirt for the kindergarten boys. You’ll find confetti backpacks, bento boxes, water bottles that can be personalized, and even Tonies.
The school bell has rung, so mom may have just a little bit more time to herself. And we think she deserves a little refresh from one of our shops! The trendy mom will love Whim’s casual and evening styles, or Chou Chou for seaside and suburban chic looks. And J. McLaughlin never fails to please with classic styles from basic to statement pieces.
Perhaps a little relaxation or pampering is in order too at one of Ridgefield’s luxurious salons! Adam Broderick is always ready for anything from a new ‘do to salon services like a mani-pedi or massage, and fun gifts for her. Whip will have mom’s locks looking gorgeous in a snap, and she will be looking and feeling her best with their wide range of treatments at Paris Salon from hair and nails to skincare and makeup.
With summer winding down, it’s a great time to find new staple pieces to refresh dad’s wardrobe for the year ahead. Find a great selection of stylish linen shirts, classic pants, and jackets for every occasion at J. McLaughlin. Make an appointment at Adam Broderick for a fresh haircut (and perhaps a men’s facial to refresh the skin after the heat of the summer!), or try a rejuvenation session with IV Nutrient Therapy at The Gift MedSpa to boost immunity, detoxify and re-energize the body, and restore overall wellness.
Thank you to our partner, the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, for supporting the Ridgefield community! To learn more about the Chamber and the benefits of membership, visit their website.
