If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

If you’re soaking up all the summer days possible with your kids, it’s hard to start wrapping your head around back-to-school shopping. After receiving the official school supply list yesterday, I slightly went into panic mode. As a mom to a soon-to-be middle schooler, the list isn’t limited to paper and pencils; it also includes lining up the coolest wardrobe ever. Enter Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. The sale isn’t just my favorite shopping event of the year; it’s also my unofficial kickoff to back-to-school season. As a mom and shopping writer, I’ve learned that the best finds don’t stay in stock for long, especially when it comes to kids’ essentials. That’s why I’m filling my cart now with pieces that my 11-year-old approves of, and that will take her from the final days of summer straight into the school year.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale makes checking off your list a little easier. The annual event features rare discounts on some of the biggest names in fashion, including Zella, UGG, JanSport, and more — all brands my tween reaches for throughout the school year. Whether you’re shopping for first-day-of-school outfits, playground-approved sneakers, or everyday essentials (like new socks) that somehow always need replacing, it’s one of the best times of year to stock up without emptying your wallet.

Keep scrolling for the back-to-school staples I’m adding to my cart this year, including sneakers, backpacks, and tween-approved finds that are sure to be a hit.

My daughter is going into middle school this year, so a durable backpack is at the top of the list. Of course, we’re snagging a Jansport backpack, which has been a back-to-school icon for decades. The Right Pack Signature Backpack is designed with a spacious main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, and the brand’s signature suede leather base; it’s built to withstand everything from first-day jitters to end-of-year celebrations. Consider it the kind of investment piece that can easily make it through multiple school years.

If you have a little one heading to preschool or kindergarten this fall, snag a pair of reliable sneakers while they’re marked down during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. The On Kids’ ROGER Sneaker checks every box. The shoes are crafted in collaboration with tennis legend Roger Federer and pair a clean, minimalist design with kid-friendly comfort features that can keep up with busy days in the classroom and on the playground. Better yet, the easy-on construction makes hectic school mornings less stressful, while the versatile silhouette looks just as good with uniforms as it does with weekend wear.

The UGG Kids’ Classic Slip-On delivers cozy comfort in a silhouette that’s perfect for busy school mornings. Crafted with a soft suede upper and lined with UGG’s signature plush sheepskin blend, this easy slip-on makes getting out the door effortless while still earning major style points in the hallways. Whether paired with leggings, jeans, or an oversized sweatshirt, it’s the shoe they’ll reach for over and over again.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom, it’s to always keep a lightweight jacket in the car. The
Rokka & Rolla Kids’ Ripstop Windbreaker Jacket is the perfect grab-and-go layer for in-between-weather days. It features a water-repellent finish and a lightweight feel. It’s cool enough that kids won’t complain about wearing it, a true back-to-school win!

As a mom, I love finding pieces that feel special enough for the first day of school but are versatile enough to wear all year long. Abercrombie Kids has become one of the coolest destinations for tween fashion, and the Crinkle Chiffon Babydoll Top is proof. It includes a breezy crinkle chiffon construction and a classic babydoll silhouette. The top strikes the perfect balance between age-appropriate and trend-forward.

Ask my 11-year-old daughter what she wants for back-to-school season, and you’ll find new crew socks somewhere on the list. The fan-favorite socks feature plush cushioning and an athletic design, making them a staple for school days, sports practices, and weekends.

If you’re already thinking ahead to picture day, the Scotch & Soda Kids’ Cotton Pointelle Cardigan deserves a spot in your cart. The timeless cotton knit, iconic cable stitching, and signature piping detailing make it a piece that feels equal parts preppy and polished. Bonus: It pairs beautifully with virtually everything in their closet.

Vintage-inspired graphic tees continue to dominate closets this year, especially with kids. Don’t miss the Jem Kids’ Mario Group Go Graphic T-Shirt for a retro-style Super Mario look that adds a nostalgic touch to back-to-school dressing.

If your little one loves a little sparkle, the Adidas Kids’ Glitter Trefoil Fleece Graphic Sweatshirt is sure to earn a spot in heavy rotation this school year. Crafted from soft fleece and finished with Adidas’ signature logo in glitter, it feels both timeless and trend-forward.

While girls may love a first-day-of-school outfit, most boys just want to be comfortable, and the Jordan Kids’ Dri-FIT MJ Core Sport Pants are the perfect match. As any boy mom knows, finding pants they’ll willingly wear can feel like a small miracle. Fortunately, this pair combines a cozy fleece feel with a signature athletic style, making them a staple for school days, playdates, and everything in between.

If your tween has been asking for pricey foldover flare pants, consider the Zella Girl Kids’ Live By Foldover Flare Pants an alternative. The on-trend style delivers the same look that’s dominating school hallways and social media, but at a much more parent-friendly price point. The pants feature a comfortable foldover waistband and soft, stretchy fabric; they’re perfect for everything from classroom days to dance practice.

If you’re looking for a standout piece for the school year ahead, the Freshman Kids’ Blueberry Jam Sweater Vest is almost guaranteed to earn compliments. Sweater vests continue to trend among kids and tweens, and this one puts a playful spin on the classic silhouette with an adorable blueberry jam motif. Layer it over a crisp button-down for picture day or pair it with a simple tee for everyday wear.

As a tween mom, I know that denim trends come and go, but right now, baggy jeans are supreme. The Cotton On Kids Super Baggy Jean delivers the oversized look kids are asking for, and they’re affordable! The jeans have a comfortable fit and a vintage-inspired wash, making them an easy way to update their wardrobe for the new school year.

Take unnecessary stress out of mornings with the Treasure & Bond dress that’s worth adding to your cart. The Kids’ Shirred Rib T-Shirt Dress is equal parts comfortable and cute, making it an easy choice for school days, family outings, and everything in between. Just add sneakers and a backpack for an effortless back-to-school look.

Okay, this one may be more of a mom pick than a kid pick, but hear me out. The Mini Boden Kids’ Scallop Trim Cardigan is almost too cute to pass up. With its charming scalloped trim and classic silhouette, it’s the perfect layer for crisp mornings, chilly classrooms, and those back-to-school photos you’ll look back on for years.

If your child loves adding a little personality to their outfits, the Kids’ Classic Retro Flower Clog is a fun twist on the iconic Crocs silhouette. Decorated with cheerful retro-inspired flowers, these clogs are lightweight, comfortable, and easy for kids to slip on before heading out the door.

About the Author

Taylor Lane is a contributing commerce writer at SheKnows, covering beauty, style, and lifestyle. With over eight years of media experience, she previously served as a beauty writer at The Zoe Report and a fashion assistant at Glamour. Her work has appeared in StyleCaster, The FlowSpace, WWD, Forbes Vetted, Teen Vogue, InStyle, and more, where she’s tested hundreds of products — from top-performing mascaras to the most functional strollers. She’s also a mom of two girls, a ten-year-old and a 4-month-old. And when she’s not online, she’s usually at Pilates.