There’s something about back-to-school season that feels like a fresh start. New routines, new classrooms, new notebooks—and, of course, a little back-to-school shopping!
But this year, why not skip the big-box-store checklist and find something a little more meaningful? At The Handmade House, you’ll find unique, locally made goods that can make heading back to school feel a little more exciting—for kids, university students, and even the moms sending them off.
Here are a few of our favourite back-to-school finds to look for in store.
1. Fun Little Finds for Your Kids’ Backpacks
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be all pencils and erasers. Sometimes, it’s the little treasures tucked into a backpack that make a child’s day.
🍓 A sweet snack for the school day
Stock up on something fun from Windwick Farm Freeze Dried Fruits & Candy. Freeze-dried fruit and candy make for a colourful and exciting little lunchbox or after-school treat.
🦊 A tiny friend to take along
Let your little one choose their own Felted Friends by Heartfelt by Holly —whether they’re drawn to a fox, raccoon, bunny, bear, or another adorable character. A tiny felted friend can become a comforting companion they can keep in their backpack or locker.
🎀 A bow that doubles as a lip gloss holder
For the stylish kiddo, a hand-sewn bow keychain by Original E Creations is both cute and practical—and makes the perfect little holder for their favourite lip gloss.
🧸 A pocket-sized reminder that they’re loved
A resin Pocket Hug or Worry Bear by Embellished Creations is a sweet little keepsake to tuck into a backpack. It’s a small reminder they can carry with them when they need a little extra courage or comfort during the school day.
📖 A bookmark for their next adventure
Encourage a love of reading with a beautiful Designs by A bookmark—perfect for their current favourite book or whatever they discover in the school library.
💬 A little encouragement goes a long way
Look for encouraging message pens by Sunshine & Lemons and Moonchild bracelets that add a positive little reminder to their school day. Sometimes a simple “You’ve got this!” is exactly what they need.
2. Back to Uni: Little Luxuries for the Next Chapter
Heading off to university—or returning for another year—is a big transition. Between lectures, assignments, studying and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, it’s important to make room for the little things that make you feel at home.
Plan for the downtime, too.
University life can be busy, so create a little self-care kit for those evenings when you need to slow down.
Start with a Blind Date with a Book by Whiskers & Books—because sometimes you need to put the textbooks away and read something simply for fun.
Add a cozy shoulder or back wrap by Wrapped in Comfort for those long study sessions, and an invigorating body wash by Vintage Lather for a little end-of-day relaxation.
And just like that, you’ve created a mini care package for your dorm room.
Go back to school in style.
Who says practical has to be boring?
Start the semester with a locally designed coffee mug that makes those early-morning lectures a little more enjoyable. Pair it with a Rock Paper Pretty natural gemstone bracelet for a simple, everyday accessory that adds a little personality to your campus look.
Because a new school year deserves a fresh start—and maybe a cute coffee mug to go with it.
3. Back-to-School Support for Mom
And then there’s Mom.
After weeks of summer schedules, camps, activities, late nights and keeping everyone organized, back-to-school season can be a transition for moms, too.
So while you’re shopping for everyone else, don’t forget to pick up something just for you.
A Samantha L Pottery ceramic and hand-painted Worry Friend makes a thoughtful little companion for your desk, bedside table or quiet corner at home. It’s a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to carry everything perfectly.
Then create your own little at-home spa moment with lavender hand cream or body lotion and a soothing peppermint foot lotion by Uniquely Pure. After a long day of getting everyone where they need to be, a little self-care is more than deserved.
Back to school can be a fresh start for everyone.
This September, we’re celebrating the little things that make a new season feel special—from a tiny felted friend in a child’s backpack to a cozy evening of reading after a long day of lectures, and a little self-care for the mom who makes it all happen.
Shop local. Find something meaningful. And make this back-to-school season a little more special.
Come discover these unique finds and so many more from local makers at The Handmade House in Dundas.