Back-To-School Guide In Miami
It's that time of year again. Summer camp has ended and it's time to kick the kiddies out of the house and send them off to school. For most parents, this is a time of stress relief as normal schedules kick back in, but back-to-school preparations offer their fair share of stressors. Thesen are the best places in Miami to head to come time to pack those backpacks to make sure you're kid is styling on his or her first day of school.
Teacher Tools
2035 NE 163rd St.
N. Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 944-6240
teacherstoolsinc.com
Click here for monthly specials
If you're in the North Miami Beach area, stop into Teacher Tools. It offers a wide selection of the school supplies to provide everything your child needs to be prepared for the first day of school. It's a great alternative to mega chains, which can leave you stranded for hours in endless register lines just to pick up a protractor. Before you go, be sure to check its website for monthly specials to get the best deals, prepare a shopping list or if you can't make it out to the store, to order online. Supplies available in stock online and in store differ, so call ahead to be sure to get what you need.
Get Smart!
11751 S. Dixie Highway
Pinecrest, FL 33156
(305) 378-0834
getsmartcatalog.com
If you're heading down to the South Miami area, give your kids a head start on the school year with Get Smart! It features a variety of school supplies for children of any age and grade level. It even offers materials for parents teaching home-schooled children. Join its smart club online for coupons directly to your mailbox that'll make this year's shopping gentler on the wallet as well.
Justice
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1313
Miami, FL 33180
(305) 935-1934
shopjustice.com
Every growing girl needs self-esteem, and that is what Justice is all about. It makes clothes with positive, uplifting messages with a tween vibe for girls of any age. Before visiting the location nearest to you go online first to find coupons, back-to-school specials and to order trendy school supplies such as backpacks that can run out quickly. School uniforms are also available online only to save you time.
The Children's Exchange
1415 Sunset Drive
Miami, FL 33143
(305) 666-6235
thechildrensexchange.com
The Children's Exchange, a Miami consignment shop, outfits boys and girls from babies to teens in the same designer duds you would normally find in department stores. It carries school clothes, school uniforms, toys, books and shoes. The best part is that if you have clothes at home your children have outgrown but are still in good condition, you can give those clothes to the store and if they sell, you will receive 40 to 50 percent of the profit. Be sure to call ahead to see if the store carries your child's school uniform as only select uniforms are in stock.
Zito's Salon
1200 N.E. 163rd St.
N. Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 940-7089
zitossalon.com
Click here for full pricelist and a list of services
Zito's is an institution that has been around North Miami since the early '70s. This family owned and operated business is kid-friendly but services the whole family, so parents may also have their hair done while they are waiting. All hair types are welcome, however this might not be the best place for mixed raced or African American girls with natural hair as perms are normally recommended for them. Walk-ins are welcome, or call ahead to schedule an appointment.
Natural Trend Setters
15800 N.W. 42nd Ave.
Miami Gardens, FL
(786) 383-4247
naturaltrendsetters.com
Click here for prices
As mentioned earlier, mixed race and African American children, especially girls, who decide to keep their hair natural often have a difficult time finding a salon that can do their hair. Often times their hair is so different even the parents don't know how to do it. That's where Natural Trend Setters comes in. It embraces your child's natural hair and gives them the haircut and natural style they want without giving up and suggesting a perm instead. As an added bonus, it offers a 15 percent off back-to-school special every year to accommodate your wallet as well.
Related: Best Places For Kids Haircuts
Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
