The back-to-school shopping season is one of the busiest of the year. Are you still scrambling to get that last-minute shopping done? Houston has plenty of big box stores and malls to shop for back-to-school wear, but you shouldn’t miss visiting these local shops that offer carefully selected clothes and accessories for your kids. In 2024, the tax-free weekend is from August 9 to August 11, so what better time to pay them a visit? Keep in mind that many stores extend their special back-to-school offers beyond the tax-free weekend and have final summer sales simultaneously so that you can save big!

ParkerJoe

Houston’s most dapper boys now have their own junior haberdashery thanks to mother and daughter entrepreneurs Lisa and Chelsea Hostler (photo above). The duo’s recently opened ParkerJoe, situated in a prime River Oaks Shopping Center location at 1965 W. Gray, is a new retail experience that celebrates all facets of the boy lifestyle with a curated selection of toys, games, books, and Texas-themed stuffed animals, plus some of the most distinctive and coveted apparel brands on the market. Catering to children from newborns to tween-age (size 16), the 1,840-square-foot emporium of kids cool is a boon to parents looking for all-occasion threads for their sons. And for family and friends seeking the perfect gifts, it’s a goldmine. “This is a place for kids – and parents – with personality,” Lisa said.

 

ParkerJoe

Parker Joe carries collections such as Tiny Whales, Appaman, Bailey Boys, Floafers, Baby Sprouts, Bald Head Blues, Classic Prep, Tiny Trendsetter, Nola Tawk, Saltwater Boys, Posh Peanut, Sweet Wink and Tuk Tuk. Sleepwear, swimwear, loungewear, activewear, footwear, schoolwear, sportswear, and formalwear are all covered within the store’s highly tailored inventory. Apparel and gift items also address family dynamics such as big brother/little brother and boy moms. ParkerJoe is open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Big Blue Whale + On the Park

Big Blue Whale

For a truly unique and nostalgic retail experience, visit Big Blue Whale in the Heights (237 W. 19th Street) and On the Park in Kingwood (1271 Kingwood Drive). Owned by Vanessa and Jim Wodehouse, both shops are magical spaces to find classic, hard-to-find, and handmade toys. Lines you will find while browsing their shelves or online shop include Bruder, Hape, Playmobil, Steiff, Faber-Castell, Lego, and much more.

Big Blue Whale

Check out their library section, which features authors based in Houston and from all around the world. Find Dr. Seuss classics, discover science with Ada Twist Scientist, farm life on Old MacDonald’s farm, and everything in between. They have books for infants through young readers. Find the best toys that educate. The shops´ Education & Science and Arts & Crafts shelves are the most popular during back-to-school season. Your kids can build a volcano or learn about the Solar System in a fun new way!

Itsy Bitsy Boutique

Itsy Bitsy Boutique

Native Houstonian Susan Watt started Itsy Bitsy Boutique (2511 River Oaks Blvd.) after moving back to her hometown from San Francisco. With a background in kids' fashion, Watt stocks her boutique with an incredible selection of unique and hard-to-find brands like Elephantito, Rylee + Cru, Fiona Walker, and Rachel Riley. In addition to carrying the cutest clothes for boys and girls in sizes from newborn to tweens, the boutique also carries shoes and accessories. This boutique is an easygoing and fun place to shop. The staff loves helping you find the perfect outfit for a special occasion, pictures, or high-quality everyday clothes you can't find at big stores. Itsy Bitsy offers sizes ranging from newborn to tween for both boys and girls. STATE BAGS backpacks, lunch boxes, luggage, and new laptop cases are trendy during the Back-to-School season. Sizes for all school ages, from toddler to tween, are available. They are so well made and worth the investment!

The Beaufort Bonnet Company

The Beaufort Bonnet Company

In June 2024, Rice Village Shopping Center welcomed The Beaufort Bonnet Company and its upscale lifestyle boutique for babies and children at 5515 Kelvin Drive (photo above). The Beaufort Bonnet Company, founded in 2012 in Beaufort, SC, and part of the Oxford Industries family of brands since 2017, offers its line of products throughout various children's stores across the Greater Houston area. Still, the Rice Village location is its first Texas corporate store. And it shows up!

The Beaufort Bonnet Company

Shop apparel, accessories, and toys for both boy and girl infants and children, including clothing, swimsuits, undergarments, and hair bows in this beautifully decorated and organized boutique. Kick off the school year with a blend of style and charm. The Beaufort Bonnet Company Houston's latest collection brings delightful designs for your little ones, while Athleta's new girls' lineup offers everything your teenager needs—from comfy athleisure and essentials to trendy backpacks. Check out the local store's Facebook page for updates. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Threadfare Children's Boutique

Threadfare

This small family-owned shop has been creating an easy, fun shopping experience for clients since its inception in 2013. Expect to see a smiling, friendly staffer greet you when you walk through their doors at two locations: 1207 W. 34th Street, Stomping Grounds Garden Oaks, and 26400 Kuykendahl Road, The Woodlands. Threadfare features an ever-evolving and always-updated curation of boutique brands and products for girls and boys, ages newborn through tween. Gear up for back-to-school with first-day fits, backpacks and lunchboxes, nap mats, and more. Among brands, you'll find Jellycat, Rylee + Cru, Quincy Mae, Angel Dear, Pink Chicken, City Mouse, Prodoh, Blue Quail, Sophie & Lucas, Kyte Baby, Kissy Kissy, Magnetic Me, Magnolia Baby, Kickee Pants, Paty, Native Shoes, Chus Shoes, Lamour, Footmates, Tender Leaf, Green Toys, Ooly, and lots, lots more! Find unique products for children, including books, toys, games, puzzles, clothing, pajamas, shoes, accessories, beauty and bath, and more.

Thread Houston

Thread Houston

Thrifting is a wonderful way to save money on clothes kids will quickly wear down and outgrow. Thread is a Houston woman-owned children and mom resale boutique established in 2010. They provide you with the best children and maternity brands in new, to like-new condition for a fraction of their retail price. Shop children and maternity clothing, baby gear, toys, and books. Thread has new inventory everyday! Find great deals on some of your favorite brands, including Mini Boden, Crewcuts, Janie and Jack, Gap, KicKee Pants, Kissy Kissy, Hanna Andersson, Jelly the Pug, Tea Collection, Zutano, Zara, Lilly Pulitzer, Columbia, Hoy Shoe Saltwater Sandals, Aden and Anais, Blabla, and many more. Their location at 2870 Gessner Road is a warehouse open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Check out their website for pop-ups.

Kuhl-Linscomb

Kuhl-Linscomb is a must-stop destination for Houston's most discerning clientele, including the city's youngest clients. The children's department showcases education-minded games, toys, and keepsakes alongside books, plush animals, and clothing. Fans can even register at the store, maximizing the store's incredible inventory. Among the brands in their children's department are Pink Chicken, Snapper Rock, Doe a Dear, Lilies & Roses, Question Everything, Floss & Rock, and many others.

Once the back-to-school rush is over, remember to visit these fantastic children's boutiques in the future to renew your kids' wardrobe or to get unique gifts for your friends and family.

Explore more shopping opportunities in Houston.

 

Photos: Courtesy of stores mentioned in this post. ParkerJoe photos by Alex Montoya.