The standard back-to-school supply list rarely covers everything a school year demands. These businesses address some of the needs that emerge after notebooks are purchased and first-day photos are taken. We’ve got all the essentials covered to make this year a success.
Multicultural Bookstore Las Vegas
Multicultural Bookstore Las Vegas in the Historic Westside carries titles for children, teens, and adults, with stories representing African American, Latino, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander experiences. Its shelves make room for young readers to recognize themselves in a book, while also introducing them to lives, families, and histories beyond their own.
- Know Before You Go: The bookstore’s youth programming goes beyond traditional storytime. Family events may include crafts, movement, play, and interactive reading activities, which can make the experience considerably more persuasive for a child who claims not to like books.
Desert Art Supplies
Desert Art Supplies has been helping Las Vegans with art projects since 1957. The family-owned business stocks materials for drawing, painting, drafting, and other creative disciplines, from basic sketchbooks to tools intended for serious high school and college coursework.
- Know Before You Go: The Henderson location offers classes for different experience levels. A student can leave with the correct supplies and, ideally, a better understanding of why one art pencil costs more than an entire box of others.
LoveBug Baby & Kids
Every kid wants to look sharp for their school pics and make sure they aren’t in the same outfit as anyone else. Las Vegas native Crystal Chase puts a boutique spin on back-to-school shopping with LoveBug Baby & Kids, a local source for children’s clothing, shoes, gear, toys, and gifts. Her other brand, ArdenGirl, extends the concept to tweens with apparel, jewelry, and accessories selected for an age group that has already developed strong opinions about what can and cannot appear in a first-day photograph. Look out for their new location which will bring both brands together under one roof.
- Know Before You Go: On August 8, LoveBug Baby & Kids will host an event where kids can customize their backpacks with fun patches. Bring your backpack and get creative.
Better Lunch
Packing a school lunch can feel very manageable at 7 p.m. and entirely unreasonable at 7 a.m. Better Lunch removes that particular morning decision for families whose schools participate in the service. The Las Vegas company prepares meals and delivers them directly to campuses, with entrées accompanied by rotating sides, utensils, napkins, and condiments. Parents can order only on the days they need help rather than committing to a full week.
- Know Before You Go: Orders can be canceled before an 8 a.m. cutoff for account credit when a kid stays home sick. The service does not make individual substitutions, so families managing food allergies should review ingredient information before ordering.
