Backpacks are flying off shelves. Pencil cases are being filled. And kids? They're still in full summer mode. But now is the time to shop smart for back-to-school, especially with these sales heating up.
We’ve rounded up our favorite places to score the best school supplies, wardrobe staples, and outerwear. All of these brands have active promotions to help you stock up without the stress. Scroll, click, and save while the deals last.
School Supplies: Big Box Favorites
Whether you're hunting for crayons, notebooks, or classroom tech, these retailers are offering some of the season’s best back-to-school deals:
- Target Back-to-School Sale: Supplies, uniforms, backpacks, and lunch gear, often up to 30% off
- Walmart Back-to-School Deals: Great prices on school basics and bundles (check your local store for early clearance)
- Office Depot: Weekly doorbusters and penny deals on classroom essentials
- Staples School Savings: Perfect for bulk supplies, teacher lists, and folders of every color
Clothing: Comfy, Cool, and On Sale
From basic tees to stylish uniforms, these brands are offering markdowns that make it easy to refresh your kid’s wardrobe:
- Old Navy: Up to 50% off kids’ clothes, uniforms, and shoes
- Gap: Elevated basics and multipacks, often buy-one-get-one or 40% off
- H&M: Trendy and affordable styles with back-to-school bundles.
- Primary: Gender-neutral, super-soft styles with sitewide promos
- Boden: Up to 25% off British-inspired designs with cheerful prints and solid quality.
- Zara: Stylish picks for kids who love a little flair. Sale up to 60% off.
- Nordstrom: Designer brands and great shoe options. Anniversary sales ends August 3rd.
🎒 Pro tip: Shop early to grab your kid’s size before the August rush.
Outerwear and Adventure-Ready Layers
Don’t wait for that first chilly morning to realize your kid has outgrown their jacket. Outerwear deals are happening now, and the good stuff tends to sell out early:
- REI Co-op: Durable outerwear for school days and weekend play. Summer sale is live.
- The North Face: Back-to-school bundles and end-of-summer markdowns.
- Columbia Sportswear: Waterproof and windproof styles, often 25% or more off during July and August
- Patagonia Kids: A bit of a splurge, but built to last through the school year and beyond.
🌱 Bonus points: Look for outerwear that can handle daily wear, be passed down, or resold at the end of the season.
Shoes: Kicks for Every Classroom and Playground
From sneakers that can survive gym class to slip-ons that make mornings easier, these retailers are offering great deals on school-ready shoes:
- DSW: Major markdowns on name brands like Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and Skechers.
- Zappos: Huge variety, fast shipping, and free returns make sizing stress-free.
- Nike Kids: Shop bundles and bestsellers, often with seasonal discounts.
- Adidas: Activewear and shoes for sporty kids, with frequent clearance drops.
👣 Milo’s Tip: Skip the impulse buys and check your child’s current size ahead of time — feet grow fast and sizing can vary wildly between brands.
Backpacks & Lunchboxes: Functional + Fun
From prints kids love to durability parents count on, these retailers are serving up great deals on school bags and lunch gear:
- STATE Bags: Stylish, well-made backpacks that support a good cause — for every bag sold, one is donated
- Pottery Barn Kids: Iconic monogrammable backpacks and matching lunchboxes in playful prints
- L.L. Bean: Built-to-last classic school backpacks with solid warranties
- Bentgo: Parent-favorite lunchboxes with leak-proof bento-style compartments
🍱 Milo’s Tip: Let kids pick their own lunchbox — it makes packing lunches way more fun and gives them a little independence.
Before You Go: Milo's Mini Checklist
✔️ Backpack and lunch gear
✔️ School supplies
✔️ Comfy clothes and shoes
✔️ Jacket for chilly mornings
Want more back-to-school ideas, sustainable swaps, and low-stress shopping tips? Follow us on Instagram for more Milo moments and everyday parent wins.