NYC's 5 Best Stores For Back To School Shopping

After months of laying by the pool and sleeping in, it's time for school to start, and that means back to school shopping. From school supplies to new clothes, back to school shopping can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, NYC is full of fabulous stores for shoppers of every age and every need. Here are five local spots to shop for your back to school essentials in the Big Apple.

The MoMa Design Store, Soho

81 Spring St
New York, NY 10019
(646) 613-1367
www.momastore.org

The MoMa Design Store is the ideal place for the inspired college art student to shop. The store offers a large selection of unique toys, desk accessories, home goods, bags, wallets, gifts, jewelry and much more. Not only will you find the chicest of school supplies, but also lovely decor for your college dorm room or apartment. While the store is a little on the pricier side, you will not be disappointed with the one-of-a-kind purchases that will add some artistic flare to your home and your wardrobe.

Related: NYC's 6 Best Contemporary Art Galleries

Torly Kid

51 Hudson St.
New York, NY 10013
(212) 406-7440
www.torlykid.com

From tot to tween, Torly Kid offers a great selection of hip, high quality clothing for children. This is the perfect place for parents to take their elementary school fashionista to shop. The store carries clothing from well-known designers for newborn through size 10 for boys, and newborn through size 14 for girls. You'll find popular brands the kids will love to wear, including  Misha Lulu, Redfish Kids and Positively Organic. Additionally, Torly Kid specializes in custom-order gift baskets and party favors, perfect for bringing to classmates' parties.

Jane's Exchange

191 E. 3rd St
New York, NY
(212) 677-0380
www.janesexchangenyc.com

As Manhattan's largest children's and maternity consignment store, Jane's Exchange offers a large selection of slightly used garments from various styles and brands. Compared to other clothing stores in the city, the low prices at Jane's Exchange are practically unheard of. This is a great place for parents to shop for inexpensive clothing for their children in the younger grades. Jane's Exchange also holds events, and offers referrals and support for urban families facing challenges.

Related: The 6 Best Children's Clothing Stores in N.Y. & N.J. 

Necessary Clothing

676 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(646) 214-7881
www.necessaryclothing.com

Necessary Clothing is catered toward the budget-conscious and stylish female high school and college student. The store is filled with trendy, yet affordable tops, bottoms, dresses, sweaters, outerwear, jumpsuits and shoes. Also find accesories, including jewelry, sunglasses, belts and messenger bags perfect for class. Whether you are shopping for a party, sorority event or simply a cute outfit for class, Necessary Clothing has it all. For your convenience, there are four additional locations on Broadway.

Yellow Rat Bastard

483 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-4377
www.yrbnyc.com

Yellow Rat Bastard (YRB) is for the high school and college student with an alternative sense of style. Known for its graphic t-shirts, YRB sells unique women's and men's tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories and outerwear. The store is modeled after the street, complete with stoplights, graffiti and a cobblestone pathway. Additionally, YRB is split into two different levels, with neatly organized sections for easy browsing and shopping.

Lanya Trypupenko is a freelance writer covering all things Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.