With the first day of school coming up, Long Islanders are filling their carts to prepare.
Local store owners say this year, back-to-school shoppers are focusing on apparel, supplies, and accessories that feel both personal and on-trend. Whether it’s monogrammed backpacks, Y2K-inspired baggy jeans, Labubu pens or Jellycat pencil cases, there’s a wide variety of what’s popular to stock up on for the school year.
Labubus at Funky Monkey Toys & Books
360 Wheatley Plaza, Greenvale
Personalized backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles are top back-to-school sellers at this toy store.
“Parents love the practicality, with fewer lost items, and kids love seeing their names or initials on their essentials,” says Jared Greenman, vice president of Funky Monkey.
Kids are also adding some extra flair with charms and key chains. From plushies, to glittery initials, to collectible foam figures likeSqueezymates, backpack decorations have become a must-have.
The shop sells curated pencil cases already packed with themed pens, erasers, stickers and matching accessories, which are also very popular.
Assistant buyer Dana Battaglini, of New Hyde Park, shops for Labubu dolls at Funky Monkey. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
“Parents appreciate the convenience of having everything bundled together,” Greenman says.
However, the biggest craze is the Labubu — a line of blind-box collectibles that everyone wants their hands on. The Big Into Energy series has quickly become the store’s top seller, as kids clip the tiny characters onto backpacks, lunch bags, or just use them as desk accessories.
“They’re fun, fashionable, and collectible across all ages,” Greenman says.
Funky Monkey’s back-to-school favorites range from $5.99 to $99.99
MORE INFO 516-484-0966, funkymonkey.toys
Grade-level T-shirts at My Darling Jeans
556 N. Country Rd., Suite 16, St. James
Pamela Atkinson opened My Darling Jeans three years ago to bring a more modern, playful style to Suffolk County’s kids’ clothing scene.
“I was always driving to Nassau to find cooler kids’ clothes for my own children,” Atkinson says.
Now, the boutique is a go-to spot for parents looking for outfits that feel special, but still practical for the school year. The store carries clothing for boys from newborn to size 6, and for girls from newborn to size 8, aiming to be a one-stop shop for complete outfits with accessories.
This year, grade-level T-shirts, labeled with the grade the child is going into, have been a top seller, as they’re especially perfect for first-day of school photos. These range from $29 to $30.
For girls, lavender shade clothing is trending, along with floral prints that Atkinson describes as having a “LoveShackFancy vibe.” Ombre tones and pieces that can be layered to transition into fall are also popular.
Jellycat stuffed animals remain a year-round hit, appealing to kids and adults alike.
“I get calls about them every day,” Atkinson says. “It’s funny because they’ve become such a craze that now parents send their kids to call and ask which ones we have.”
Brands like IScream and Sweet Wink are also customer favorites for back-to-school, with products ranging from clothing, to backpacks and other accessories.
“We’re always looking to bring in something vibrant and fun that you won’t find in big-box stores,” Atkinson says.
MORE INFO 631-315-3655, mydarlingjeans.com
Oversize hoodies at Sunday Best Kids
14 Forest Ave., Locust Valley
Current styles available at Sunday Best. Credit: @theme_nyc and @shop.sundaybest
Y2K-inspired styles might fill the hallways this year. At this boutique, wide-leg leggings, tube tops, baggy jeans and oversize hoodies are among the most-requested items right now.
“Younger girls want what the older teens are wearing,” says store owner Dana Del Rosario. “We adjust the pieces to keep them age appropriate.”
Tube tops, for instance, might have added straps, while crop tops are often styled with high waisted pants or layered with cardigans.
The store caters to girls starting at age 4 through their teens, with most of the inventory focused on ages 7 and up. Del Rosario, who opened the store in 2021, says she curates pieces that blend traditional styles with more trend-forward looks, reflecting how her own three daughters dress.
Current denim styles available at Sunday Best. Credit: @shop.sundaybest
One of the shop’s standout brands is Theme NYC, designed by a now 16-year-old. It has evolved from popular tie back tops and smocked skirts into dressier pieces and casual loungewear.
“It’s become a staple in the store,” Del Rosario says.
Matching sets, cropped cardigans with lettuce-edge trims and long sleeve baby tees are also among the shop’s bestselling items going into the school year. Del Rosario noted that many parents come into the store looking for pieces that give kids the styles they want, while still being functional beyond the latest trend.
“Moms want things that are practical and versatile, not just trendy for one season,” she says.
MORE INFO 516-247-6979, sundaybestkids.com
Jellycat plush pencil cases at Einstein’s Attic
79 Main St., Northport; 267 Main St., Huntington
Here, shoppers are gravitating toward items that feel fun and personal, while doubling as school essentials.
“We like to specialize in something that will make your day a little more special,” owner Lori Badanes says.
One of the season’s standout items is Labubu pens and erasers, which the store introduced just last month. The pens, which typically sell for about $10, have created a buzz among kids and parents alike.
Labubu pens are flying off the shelves at Einstein’s Attic in Huntington, along with other cute classroom accessories. Credit: Gary Licker
“By the time I placed the next order, they were already gone within a few days,” Badanes says.
Badanes says that school supplies with any unique design seem to be popular this year. To fill up the popular Jellycat plush pencil cases, people are buying a lot of Snoopy-themed items, avocado and balloon dog pens.
Customized products are also in demand. Monogrammed backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles and more let kids show off their personal style, with many families opting for these items as the school year approaches.
Carolyn Fuchs, sales associate at Einstein’s Attic in Huntington, shows off an array of popular back-to-school items. Credit: Gary Licker
While the store’s main customer base is newborns to tweens, Badanes noted that adults often find fun desk supplies here too.
The store also sells clothing for newborns to a size 7. A third location will be opening on the Island for the holidays.
MORE INFO Northport: 631-261-7564; Huntington: 631-549-8743, shopeinsteinsattic.com