Back To School: The Best Indies To Help You Prepare

With the new term starting for many next week, we thought we’d put together a round up of Oxfordshire independent businesses that can help you ease into the new academic year. Whether you or your kids are heading back to school, or you just like the energy and motivation the new season brings with it, we’ve got some great ideas to make sure your stationery game is on point, and your home work space is kitted out to inspire you to be your best. >>

Broad Canvas

A great independent art shop set up as a family owned independent in 1981, Broad Canvas is a great place to head for stationery and art supplies from a rainbow of pens to beautiful paper, and expert service to help you get the most out of your creative projects.

Bicycle Blooms

A great way to create a space that feels full of energy and fresh ideas, is to add a house plant or two. Jane at Bicycle Blooms on Magdalen Road has a great selection and can help you pick the right plant for your space.

Fair Trade at St Michaels

Brimming with fairtrade homewares and food, Fairtrade at St Michaels is a great place to head to make sure your home office is fit to inspire and motivate you this year.

Shop Manager Daniella says;

I love our business as it is made up of a wonderful set of people who have a heart for Fairtrade whilst having unique skill sets that help to make us who we are – a unique and colourful shop where you can almost always find that special something for yourself or for another, from an interesting part of the world, that comes with a great story. I am grateful for being in the heart of Oxford city centre where there is such a great community of independents. May this community grow!

Indigo

Never has it been more important to look after yourself, and make sure you are creating a sense of wellbeing in your work space. Indigo on Cowley Road have a great selection of beautiful homewares and stationery to help you make a space that nurtures you.

May & Co

Amy at May & Co has a keen eye for a mid century classic, so if your looking to create a stylish home office, check out her website for her latest finds. Amy also gave us her ‘Tips For Working From Home’ which you can find on the blog.

Mostly Books

If you need to stock up on course books and reading material, Sarah and the team at Mostly Books in Abingdon can order in most titles with a quick turn around so you’re ready for the term ahead. The team have been supporting their community by hand delivering books within Abingdon during lockdown. If you’re a bit further afield, check out their online shop.

Oxford Aromatics

Another great way of creating a sense of calm in your work space is using essential oils. Oxford Aromatics, based in The Covered Market, sells a range of natural and organic products including essential oils, which are great to use with a diffuser. Create a sense of relaxation with lavender, or feel energised and ready to seize the day with rosemary.

Shop at the Old Fire Station

Shop at the Old Fire Station is a great place to find stationery and home office accessories so you can get organised in style.

The Garden of Oxford

If you’re heading into Oxford city centre, The Garden of Oxford is also a great place to stock up on beautiful house plants to make your work space bright and fresh.

Truck Store and Rapture

If you need a soundtrack to work to, Truck Store in Cowley and Rapture in Witney have you covered. Tomorrow is Record Store Day so a great time to pick up limited edition music from your favourite artists. Check out their social feeds for detail on how to get involved.

If you need more inspiration, check out our Independent Oxford Directory, and please do share your back to school indie buys with us on our socials using #indieOxford on Instagram and Twitter.

Love, Rosie xxx