There’s just something about back-to-school season that feels like a fresh start. Fresh notebooks. Brand-new sneakers. The perfect first-day of school ‘fit that makes the kids strut a little taller.
But this year, and honestly, for the past couple of years, I’ve been shopping differently. With the Target and Walmart boycotts still in effect, more of us are waking up to the fact that where we spend our money matters just as much as what we buy.
For me, it’s about putting my dollars back into our community. Supporting Black entrepreneurs. Showing my kids that representation matters from the crayons they color with to the backpacks they carry every school day.
So, if you’re ready to swap the big box aisles for something that feels more intentional, here’s my Black-Owned Back-to-School Guide. It’s full of supplies, snacks, and gear that will have your kids starting the year prepared and proud.
1. Backpacks That Inspire Confidence
- Because of Them We Can® – becauseofthemwecan.com
Backpacks designed to celebrate Black excellence. Think bold colors, affirmations, and images of heroes our kids can actually relate to. - Afro Unicorn – afrounicorn.com
Fun, inclusive designs in shades that reflect all children. They also have children’s books, laptop sleeve covers, hair accessories, and more!
2. Notebooks & Folders That Stand Out
- Copper & Brass Paper Goods – copperandbrass.net
Bright, culturally inspired designs that are a far cry from the generic big box covers. They even have HBCU and sorority-themed gear for the older kids. - Aya Paper Co. – ayapaper.co
Eco-friendly, beautifully designed stationery and paper products that make even a grocery list feel a little more special.
3. Inclusive Crayons, Markers & Art Supplies
- More Than Peach – morethanpeach.com
Founded by then-8-year-old Bellen Woodard, this line offers inclusive crayons and colored pencils in a range of realistic skin tones so every child feels seen. - Entrepreneurs Color Too – entrepreneurscolortoo.com
Pair their Shades of Brown pencils with empowering coloring books that celebrate Black and brown women. - Brown Toy Box – browntoybox.com
STEM kits, art supplies, and toys designed with our kids in mind. Perfect for after-school enrichment.
4. Pens, Planners & Pencil Pouches with Personality
- Be Rooted – berootedco.com
Jasmin Foster created Be Rooted so women of color could finally see themselves in the stationery aisle. Expect affirmations, colorful planners, and pouches that make organization a little more joyful. - Effie’s Paper – effiespaper.com
Stylish, sassy, and motivational. Perfect for teens, college students, or moms who want their desk to feel like a mood board.
5. After School Snacks
- Partake Foods – partakefoods.com
Allergen-friendly cookies, grahams, and mini snacks your kids will actually ask for. - Pipcorn – pipcorn.com
Mini popcorn and cheese balls made from heirloom corn. Their snacks are classroom-safe and delicious. - It’s NOLA – itsnola.com
Vegan snacks offer a satisfying way to satisfy your cravings while making a healthier choice than cookies and cakes. - Mawa’s Grainfreenola Granola – grainfreenola.com/
6. First Day ‘Fits
- Ade + Ayo – adeandayo.com
African-inspired kids’ clothing that’s bright, playful, and perfect for school picture day. - Candid Art Kids – candidartlife.com
Modern, bold clothing and accessories that let kids express themselves through fashion.
7. Additional Educational Tools and Resources
- Brown Brilliance – brownbrilliancecollection.com
Play Dough Mats, stickers, reading resources and more. - Oh So Paper – ohsopaper.com
Here you’ll find mouse pads, badge holders, name plates and more. All products are designed and printed in the USA.
Why This List Matters
Back-to-school shopping is about setting the tone. When we choose products from Black-owned brands, we’re telling our kids that their identity, history, and culture are worthy of being celebrated in every detail of their lives. This school year, send your kids into the classroom prepared for learning surrounded by reminders of who they are and where they come from.
Your turn: What other brands should I add to this list?
