I'm a Preschooler Mom – My Top Back-to-School Deals

Must-Have Back-to-School Deals for Kids and Adults

Back-to-school season is in full swing, and I’m doing my best to shop smartly for my rising preschooler and kindergartener while the sales are going strong. While there’s stuff they need—like leakproof lunchboxes and comfortable new sneakers—there’s plenty of stuff that I want, like another pair of my beloved Z1 Chacos (even though summer’s basically over), T-shirts for their dad, and these woven clogs. Join me as I navigate the current sale-scape to help you (and me) find the best school supplies, fall clothing, and other kids’ must-haves on discount right now.

Amazon: The Kids Version of a Reader-Favorite Water Bottle

If you’re a fan of Owala’s FreeSip water bottle, it’s time to stock up for your kids. This leakproof 16-ounce bottle is available in a plethora of delightful color combinations and is made of sturdy stainless steel that will keep beverages cold for up to 24 hours. The versatile spout allows kiddos to sip or chug, and the flip-up carrying handle makes for convenient transport.

• $24.99 at Amazon (regularly $34.29)
• $19.99 at Target (regularly $24.99)
• $19.99 at Scheels

Amazon: A 6-Pack of Supersoft T-Shirts for Adults

True Classic’s soft tees are a popular buy in my household, and because my husband is hard on his T-shirts, it would be smart of me to stock up while this multicolor 6-pack is on sale. They’re designed with a “modern” fit that’s supposed to offer a slimmer silhouette without being too constricting, and come in an incredibly soft cotton-polyester blend.

• $79.99 (regularly $99.99)

Zappos: Lightweight Native Slip-Ons

If your kid is really reluctant to abandon their summer Crocs for “hard” school shoes, know that a happy medium kind of exists with Native’s Jefferson shoe. It has a court sneaker-like appearance with all the trappings of a Croc, including a super lightweight EVA foam construction and holes for ventilation. Wear them with or without socks to ease the transition into a new season.

• $39.95 at Zappos (regularly $50)
• $38+ at Amazon
• $33.75+ at Nordstrom

Amazon: A Laminator You’ll Use All the Time

I wholeheartedly recommend a laminator as a school-year buy—we use ours frequently for art projects, and it's a great way to preserve smaller crafts that the kids often bring home from school. Now's the perfect time to grab it while it's 15% off.

Walmart: Some New Crocs

If your child is really, really reluctant to give up their favorite summer shoe, good for you. We found a pair of Crocs’ Baya clogs on sale starting at just $13. These EVA foam shoes are designed with a supportive sole, a back strap for keeping them in place, and a pebbled insole to give kiddos a mini foot massage.

• $13.36+ at Walmart
• $23.99+ at Kohl’s

Amazon: Everyone’s Favorite Dish Soap

Dawn Powerwash dish spray is 40% off if you clip the on-page coupon before adding it to your cart. With a rare 4.8-star rating across 100,000+ reviews, the hype is real.

• 1-pack: $2.94 with coupon at Amazon (regularly $4.95)
• 4-pack: $14.88 with coupon at Amazon (regularly $16.88)

Amazon: 30 Glue Sticks

You know, this might seem like a lot of glue sticks... but when you have two little kids who are still trying to grasp the art of remembering to put the caps back on their art supplies, you realize you can never have too many.

• $13.83+ at Amazon (regularly $18.28)

Brooklinen: A Duo of Stylish Waffle Towels

Brooklinen’s Big Bath Sale is coming at just the right time. This bath towel set consists of two 290-GSM Turkish cotton bath towels in a stylish and absorbent waffle weave.

• Two bath towels: $71.20 at Brooklinen (regularly $89)
• Move-in bundle: $217.80 (regularly $363)

Amazon: Bluetooth Tile Trackers

A 4-pack of compact Tile Bluetooth trackers that reviewers say saves them “so much time” and even “lowers their blood pressure.” They’re currently 29% off.

• Multi-color: $59.99 at Amazon (regularly $83.99)
• Black: $59.99 at Amazon (regularly $79.99)

Nordstrom: An Exciting Printed Dress

A colorful print like this is exactly what I need to get my kids excited about getting dressed in the morning. This cotton jersey dress has a heart-shaped patch pocket in the front and an easy fit that kids can slip easily over their heads.

• $23.40 at Nordstrom (regularly $39)
• $27.50+ at Boden (regularly $39)

Nordstrom: A Pair of Crochet-Covered Clogs

These are some of the funnest clogs I’ve ever seen, courtesy of the iconic knit handbag brand The Sak. They’re covered with a recycled polyester upper and equipped with a leather sole that’s padded for comfort.

• $79+ at Nordstrom

PlanetBox: A Much-Talked-About Stainless Steel Lunchbox

The Shuttle stainless steel compartment lunchbox is a good size for preschoolers and kindergarteners. The durable, BPA-free box promises to be leakproof and easy to clean.

• $31.41 at PlanetBox (regularly $36.95)

Walmart: A Dutch Oven from a Reader-Favorite Brand

Carote’s unique Dutch oven is on sale at Walmart with an 81% discount. This 5-quart container has all the hallmarks of sturdy cookware.

• $29.59 at Walmart (regularly $99.99)

Amazon: A Popular Option from Bentgo

Bentgo’s Kids Bento-style lunchbox is fun, durable, and spill-proof. It’s super colorful and comes with so many small compartments for easy snacking.

• $18.99 at Amazon (regularly $29.99)

Merrell: Hydro Mocs and Kids’ Trail Chaser Sneakers

Merrell’s having a nice 30% off “end of summer” sale. The Trail Chaser hiking sneaker is a great option for active kids.

• Trail Chaser: $34.99 at Merrell (regularly $50)
• Men’s Hydro Moc: $51.99+ at Merrell (regularly $75)
• Women’s Hydro Moc: $51.99+ at Merrell (regularly $75)

Amazon: Trusty Liquid Gel Ink Pens

These 0.7-mm ballpoint pens produce ultra-smooth lines with quick-drying, "no bleed" liquid gel. People seriously love them.

• $13.45 at Amazon (regularly $15.99)

Amazon: One of the Most Popular Air Purifiers

Coway’s Airmega 1512HH air purifier is on sale for 24% off. It has a polished design and is highly rated by Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and Gear Patrol.

• $174.99 at Amazon (typically $229.99)

Amazon: Expert-Recommended Vacuum Storage Bags

Cozy Essentials’ 20-pack of vacuum-sealable storage bags is on sale with a 42% discount. They’re great for storing blankets, extra pillows, and winter jackets during the off-season.

• $17.49 at Amazon (typically $24.99)