Where to shop small and local for back-to-school supplies in San Diego

From art supplies to books, these small shops have you covered.

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OOLY gets an A+ when it comes to colorful, fun school supplies.

Photo via OOLY

With back-to-school season in full swing, you’re likely penning that list of supplies. Shop small and local at these gems across San Diego.

Blick Art Materials in Little Italy has a great selection of school supplies.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Blick Art Materials , Little Italy

This shop has it all for the creatives, from students and educators, to budding and pro artists. You’ll find sketch pads, a plethora of paints, and a selection of pens that’s on point. It’s open daily at 10 a.m.

This store on Fourth Avenue in Hillcrest has the write deals.

Photo via @artistcraftsman_sd

Artist & Craftsman Supply San Diego , Hillcrest

This artist-owned and operated shop boasts paper products and supplies for drawing, painting, and crafting. This location is among only two dozen in the US. It’s open daily at 10 a.m.

OOLY CEO Carol Pankiw at last month’s warehouse sale. | Photo via OOLY

OOLY , Carlsbad

This North County-based, woman-owned arts and crafts brand is known for its whimsical, colorful supplies. Browse its back-to-school inventory online including pencils, highlighters, and scented erasers.

Don’t miss the annual OOLY Warehouse Sale this Friday, Aug. 18, 12-6 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at its Carlsbad headquarters.

Joyride Bookshop has lots of “stories for little fingers.”

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

Joyride Bookshop , Liberty Station

This adorable shop in Barracks 15 offers titles for all ages . The Liberty Station location is open Friday and Saturday, 12-5 p.m. There’s also a Joyride inside the New Children’s Museum.

A couple of popular titles to readers ages 6-8 from Printers Row.

Printers Row Publishing Group , Sorrento Valley

The longtime business offers books for all, but the titles for kids are perfect for your back-to-school haul. Check out “How I Did It ” and “Show and Tell ,” both for readers ages 6-8.

Hit the La Jolla bookstore before the beach.

Photo via Michael Beausoleil + SDtoday

Warwick’s , La Jolla

In addition to books aplenty, the historic bookstore sells supplies like notebooks, pens, and organizational tools.

Lakeshore Learning knows its school stuff. | Photo via Lakeshore Learning

Lakeshore Learning Store , Mission Valley

A favorite among educators, Lakeshore has two local stores — one in Mission Valley and the other in San Marcos — offering STEM toys, craft supplies, classroom essentials , and teaching tools.

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Monica is based in San Diego, California. She was previously a senior digital media producer and podcast host at NBC 7 San Diego + The Scene, and has been in the news biz since 2005. She loves hiking, the beach, and family days with her husband and two kids.
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