Spent summer wondering whether they will even go back in Sept (bore off, Covid) and left back to school shopping til the last minute? Same. Sack off the supermarket for these clickable local buys.

Not long ’till we’re back on the school run and I never thought I would miss it so much! There’s nothing like that fab feeling of fresh stationary and kit for a new term. Bring it on.

The school bag

Step away from the cartoon branded stuff they will go off in three weeks (anyone else spent a small fortune on Frozen gear that is now stuffed in the back if a cupboard?) and go for classic style with a contemporary twist. These Engel backpacks from We Are Pop in Culworth, which have sold out almost everywhere, are available in two sizes. They have zippers made from recycled plastic bottles and come in a rainbow range of popping colours.

The shoes

You don’t need me to tell you that Northants is THE place to get a decent pair of shoes, but it’s easy to forget that some of our fabulous local shoemakers are also the perfect place to purchase a pair for your scruffy little tikes that will actually last the duration (at least until they grow out of them). Yours truly wore DMs through most of school, just a few short years ago (cough) and now they’re back in fashion with a vengeance. Buy online or, if you’re feeling lucky, head to the Dr. Martens factory shop in Wollaston to find a pair to suit even the sulkiest teen.

The coat

We are in no way ready to purchase a winter coat, but concede the poor mites could possibly benefit from a little protection from the odd droplet of rain come September. Rushden Lakes is the place to head when you just need to nail those essential items, and we love this practical, showerproof Cicely coat from Joules for moving from summer to autumn. Brrr.

The stationery

Nab some super-quirky stationary staples from Muddy fave The Lion Sparkles, our go-to for everything colourful and shiny that your tots, tweens and teens will love. We’ve got our beady little eyes on these groovy cactus pens for Mummy, actually.

The lunchbox

We love heading to Abraxas Cookshop at Heart of the Shires shopping village in Weedon or the St. Giles street store in Northampton to nab an Emma Bridgewater bargain but you can order online too. Their Dancing Mice and Builders At Work pattern snack tubs are great for little fingers and perfect for sarnies, snacks and salads.