These states are gearing up for Tax Free Weekend (because those school supplies aren’t going to pay for themselves)
If you’ve been putting off school supply shopping, are in the market for a big purchase, or you’re ready to stock up on clothes, it’s possible your procrastination is about to pay off (we’re right there with you!). Several states across the U.S. have tax free holidays, which means two full days (if not longer) of skipping the sales tax on your shopping trips. And, probably not-so-coincidentally, these Tax Free Weekends land right around the back-to-school rush.
It’s totally possible your state is one that’s participating. But, keep in mind that some businesses may have to collect local or city taxes, and some states don’t have sales tax to begin with (you lucky ducks!). You may also be able to find websites that offer Tax Free Weekend deals, and Amazon will honor individual states’ sales tax holidays, too. Check out the list and see if you have a big shopping weekend in your future.
Whether your kid is heading back to the classroom or starting the year at home, it’s important to snag a memorable back-to-school picture of all ages and stages. From cool props and backdrops to DIY picture frames and chalkboards, scroll down to discover 15 first-day-of-school picture ideas and tricks that are as easy as A, B, C.
Take the wheel to get fabulous first-day photos with a quick pic before they get on the school bus. Whether they stand on the street with the open bus door or figure out a way to get to a bus before the school year starts, we're sure your little student will roll with it. Don't forget to add cute school supplies as props!
Chalk It Up
Amazon
With chalkboard paint and a little creativity, you can make a unique family photo prop. Simply order the chalkboard, like this one from you can get on Amazon, and throw in chalkboard markers to complete the project. It’ll be fun to look back over the years to see how your little one has changed.
Put the back-to-school crew in the right frame of mind with this easy DIY talking picture frame. We love Apple's and ABCs how-to, with just an old picture frame, paint and stick-on poster letters (you can find at the dollar store). Announce that first day and get a big smile!
Let sibling personalities shine through with matching outfits. Younger siblings who are still at home can feel part of the back-to-school festivities by wearing matching outfits like the big kids. If you like to sew, find a fabric that fits everyone and follow Melissa Esplin's matching tees idea.
Let your little one express their style in their back-to-school picture and if that means a mismatched outfit or a pair of sassy shades, all the better! We love this free-spirited shot by JoopaShoots Photography that captures this kiddo’s personality.
Go Green
Karly Wood
Short on time? Go green. Find a bush or shrub that makes a background frame around your little scholar for a perfectly-framed shot. Bonus points if you can find a spot that has flowers to add a pop of color. Remember to take several shots and have them stand big and strong with a smile on their face.
Have fun with props—got an old typewriter or a stack of textbooks lying around? They’ll be the perfect backdrop for your mini photoshoot. Add in a pair of faux glasses, and you’re in business.
Want to make a quick and easy backdrop? Click through to Lovely Indeed's colorful backdrop that adds a festive hue with streamers. You can change the color to their school colors or match their first day of school outfits to change it up.
Sky’s the Limit
Shelley Massey
Take some of that sidewalk chalk the kids have been using all summer and switch things up with a new point of view. It will remind your stellar student that the sky is the limit.
Does anyone else forget to keep up with that growth chart hanging behind the bedroom door? Use one as a backdrop, and you’ll know exactly how much they’ve grown by the end of the school year. For inspiration, check out how to double-down on the adorable over at Jonesing2Create.
While you watch in awe as the kids mature, you also change from parents of preschoolers to—somehow—soon-to-be grads. As one future mom reminds us, it’s important to document your own evolution along the way. Later, the kids will thank you.
After-School Special
iStock
Hooray! They made it through the first day! Be sure to commemorate that moment, too, along with all its relief and excitement. That feeling of hearing the school bell ring and knowing a fun afternoon awaits captures a special essence of childhood, doesn't it?
Press record and ask the questions you’d usually save for the sign—grade level, favorite things and the most timeless of inquiries: what they want to be when they grow up. With a live interview, you’ll capture even more—the voice, the gestures, the giddy charm—about this age and time. After all, by next year they’ll have gone and grown up all over again.
First-timer? Ease the transition with matching outfits (like Mamma Carly's pics!) to show you're on the same team. Pick a nice background and grab some scholarly props to make this an Insta-worthy back-to-school shot.
For those simply wanting to share moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there are safer options like the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download it here!), which puts parents in total control of who can see and interact with photos and videos.
It’s back-to-school time again, and this mom’s viral video outlining rules for her son should inspire parents everywhere
Moms, here’s how you make the back-to-school transition as easy as possible. With first days right around the corner, one mom is going viral on TikTok for the very honest, very blunt list of rules she’s made for her son. You can tell this is a mom who suffers no fools—and who is setting her son up for a successful transition from summer back to the classroom.
“So I just got the notice that my son’s school starts up in a few weeks, and now it’s time for me to pull out the PowerPoint presentation on how the rules for back-to-school are gonna go,” the mom, who goes by @thicnicjack on TikTok, starts her video.
She continues, “It is also entitled, ‘What we not gonna do, because this ain’t that.'”
She then launches into the rules, starting with, “What we not gonna do is change up our stomach energy. You’ve been living on a diet of hot chips, chicken nuggets, and every popsicle and disgusting drink known to man, without one stomach ache. You’re not about to come to me talking about ‘my stomach hurt’ like you’ve got the intestinal tract of a geriatric Crohn’s patient. This ain’t that.”
Amen, mama. What is it about back-to-school time that makes tummy aches flare up like they do? We have our hunches.
Rule #2? “What we not gonna do is act like we can’t wake up. You’ve getting up at 6:77 every morning—and yes, I said 6:77 because it’s some ungodly hour that doesn’t exist—asking me about breakfast. This ain’t that.”
@thicnicjack continues through her list of rules in a similarly direct fashion, noting that her son will be preparing his clothes for school the night before and that he won’t be acting like he’s run out of school supplies on Day 2, after she “spent $75,000 making sure everything on that list was there.” Then she gets to one that will have every parent nodding along.
“What we not gonna do is tell me about reports, permission slips, and picture day packets the day before they’re due. I’m not about to get my blood pressure up running around to get supplies.”
In the comments, other parents are praising these no-nonsense rules.
“This is the best PSA ever for children,” one wrote. Another added, “Ma’am respectfully, do you do presentations via Zoom?? cause my boy needs this.”
Teacher discounts are not just a perk; they’re a necessity
As parents, we know the importance of teachers and think it’s pretty awesome that tons of companies and organizations offer freebies and discounts as a thank you. We know just trying to organize the school year is a huge task for our favorite educators, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best teacher discounts out there. Whether you’re a teacher yourself or want to share this list with your kiddo’s school, these are some great options for saving money. It’s the least we can do for our teachers, right?
Bed Bath & Beyond/Overstock: Teachers can get a free Club O Membership. Membership includes benefits like free shipping and early sales access. (Note: Overstock and Bed Bath and Beyond have merged!)
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Guess what? They can tell when your kid has had too much screen time
From excitement to anxiety to sighs of relief, going back to school this year looks a little different for everyone. But, according to a survey by Learning Resources, more than ever, one of the most important things is active parent involvement. In order to get an idea of what that really means, we talked to school teachers across the country (many of whom are parents themselves) and gathered up their best back-to-school tips for parents to succeed throughout the school year.
Back-to-School Tips for Parents About Attitude
Almost every teacher we talked to said something along these lines:
“Your children take on your attitudes, BE POSITIVE!” —Michele Jenkins, Fernley Elementary School 1st-grade teacher, Nevada
“School is fun! Remind your kids to be creative and take risks.”—Anonymous
“It’s okay to cry on that first day, it can be emotional for parents, but try and wait until your kiddo gets to the classroom before you burst into tears.”—Anonymous
“Dress them for the weather because we're going OUTSIDE!”—Teacher Tom
“Be aware, those cute shoes they get WILL get dirty while doing PE. Don’t tell them they can’t run in shoes you buy them for school use. They will run at school. Don’t punish them for dirty shoes; shoes get dirty when worn properly. Also, close-toed, non-dress shoes (athletic shoes) have the best support, so please make sure they wear a pair any time they have a day that includes recess or PE.” —Anonymous PE teacher
“If they come in tie shoes, they should know how to tie them themselves, or else come in velcro.”—Erin S.
“If you live in a climate with cold winters, get your kids used to taking on and off snow clothes, boots, etc., so they have a routine for doing so before winter and the end of the day. Practice on the weekend as cooler weather arrives and make a game of it by timing each child to see who can get cold-proofed fastest.”—Anonymous
Tips for the Early Morning Routine
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Not surprisingly, a lot of teachers spoke about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast, being on time for school, and getting a decent night’s sleep. Here are a few other helpful tips:
“Don’t delay drop off for little ones. Give a big hug and kiss and get out the door. Lingering only leads to upset kids.”—Early elementary teacher
“For an easier beginning to the year, start routines like going to bed and waking up on time before school starts again, not the day of.”—Jared H.
And Brad B agrees: “Get their bedtime routine back in order before school starts. Lack of sleep affects so many things beyond drowsiness or lack of attention. I personally think it undermines our confidence."
“Go to the bathroom at home before school!”—Anonymous
“Routine in the morning is important to start the day positively. Pick out clothes the night before (or even the whole week before and put in boxes for each day if you have a diva girl like mine!).”—Anonymous
Teacher Tips for School Supplies
Shutterstock
School supplies don’t just mean what you need for your own child. Consider what a classroom needs and grab an extra item or two when you can afford it. Don’t forget tissue during the winter cold and flu season!
“Small tokens of appreciation throughout the year are a real pick-me-up! A pad of post-it notes, sharpies….teachers are easy to please, and it’s nice to let them know you notice their hard work. Also, read the weekly newsletter...please!” —Early elementary teacher, TX
“If there are specific things on the supply list (like particular brands), I promise the teacher isn’t trying to be difficult. They’ve probably learned from experience that that particular type works the best or lasts the longest.” —Nicole D., middle school math
“As teachers, we spend a great deal of our own money on supplies to make our classrooms a more creative learning environment for your child. So please, believe me when I say that every little bit helps our classroom; an extra ream of paper, a container of disinfecting wipes, paper towels, etc. It means so much, and I promise they will be put to good use.”—Holly R., autism teacher
“Make it a habit of asking a teacher if they need anything for the classroom or upcoming projects or holidays. Most teachers will be happy to give you a few inexpensive items they need that you could pick up at the grocery store.”—Anonymous
When it comes to communicating with your teacher, whether it’s messaging during the day or at parent-teacher conferences, or even a requested meeting, consider these factors from a teacher’s point of view. One overarching theme? Teachers know and love your children, too!
“Parents, teacher, and students are all on the same team–parents need to be open to communication and should be open with teachers about student needs.”—Tori R., teacher
“Remember that teachers see your children in a totally different environment with a totally different set of kids at a totally different time than you do on a normal basis. It should be expected that we see behaviors, attitudes, and reactions that are different than what we have come to know. Be open to learning about your child in a unique setting to understand them better.”—Anonymous
“Please be on time for meetings. Our time is very limited.” —Janel M., middle school teacher
“Please don’t expect an email response within the hour. We are teaching 90 percent of the day and often have meetings to attend during our conference period and/or after school.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher
“If there is a conflict at school, notify the teacher. Listen to what your child has to say and encourage him/her to tell an adult at school. Do not bash the other student in front of your child. So many times, this is just a misunderstanding that has been blown out of proportion. Little ones learn how to problem solve with their peers and hearing their parents becoming angry and calling names shows them that that is the right way, which we know it is not. Listen to the details and then call the teacher!” —Anonymous
“Meet the Teacher night (before school starts) is NOT the appropriate time to verbally tell the teacher your child’s specific needs. ... put it in writing (an email is great). So much is going on that the teacher may not remember what you told her or even who your child is yet. You might introduce yourself and let them know to look for an email from you.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher
“Teachers spend a LOT of time on communication mediums and may only have 30 minutes of prep time during the day…so read/reread ALL the emails, updates and directions before you email/call the teacher (resourcefulness and responsibility — this is what we’re trying to teach your kids, too.).” —Katie, teacher and mom
“We are here to help your child. We want the best for them just as you do. Please give us the benefit of the doubt and the respect we deserve. We are not out to get your child. We aren’t telling you things because we are mean. We are telling you the truth about your child in the classroom. And no, they may not act like that at home, but they may act differently in a classroom setting. Believe us. Help us.” —Anonymous PreK teacher
“Be sure to check in on your child’s well-being socially, emotionally, and academically and ask for help if needed!” —Tiffiny Peterson, American Heritage Charter School 2nd-grade teacher, Idaho
Every parent wants their kids to do well in school, and pretty much every child will groan about homework at some point. Here are some ideas for helping kids stay on track and keep up the good work.
“Set aside time daily during the first month of school to help your child unpack/pack their backpack, go over assignments, organize supplies and binders, and chat about school. This helps you both ease in and allows your student to share concerns with you organically and as they arise.” —Anonymous 7th & 8th-grade teacher
“Sleep. They are better students with a solid night of sleep as opposed to those who stayed up all night studying.” —Kathleen, teacher
“The grade is never as important as the effort behind it.”—Katy D., teacher, and mom
“Teach your students to advocate for themselves... to ask for help and to pursue it until they receive it and understand the concept with which they are struggling. A helicopter parent can never be as effective as a student who is determined to learn and knows how to make it happen, regardless of their level of intelligence.” —Jeremy H., veteran elementary and middle school teacher
“Read, read, read to your child! Be sure to talk about the book. Ask questions about the characters and the problems they face, your child’s favorite part, etc. If your child is bilingual or learning English, reading to your child in your native language will not interfere with learning English in school, but will actually help develop their background knowledge and vocabulary acquisition in both languages!” —Anonymous
“Please limit screen time and take your kids either outside to play or engage with them in a board game, puzzle, helping with homework, having them help with dinner/dishes/ANYTHING! So many young kids I teach are turning into little zombies because they come home from school and just sit in front of video games. And remember, your child is NEVER too old to be read aloud to.” —Anonymous
“Even if you don’t agree with the common core or the amount of homework, you want your child to respect his/her teachers and the expectations.” —Anonymous
Advice About Volunteering
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You might not be able to make every function or volunteer a ton of classroom hours, but just being there for your kids makes a big difference.
“For many working parents, daytime events at the school or volunteering isn’t always an option, we get that, but even just one event per school year makes a lasting memory and positive reinforcement for your child. We provide a calendar at the beginning of each school year so parents can plan ahead.” —Anonymous
“Read and play games with your kiddos! There is nothing a teacher can do that takes the place of family time!” —Tess Brist, Marion School 3rd-grade teacher, Montana
"You don’t have to be perfect. Just show up."—Anonymous
Gentle Reminders: Teachers Are Humans, Too
iStock
Don’t forget that teachers, while they are modern-day superheroes in many ways, are also human with families of their own!
“I spend seven hours teaching 125 students each day for 9 months, each year. Please don’t judge me if we meet at the grocery store and I totally space on your and your child’s names.”—Betty R., 7th-grade science teacher
“Remember that the teacher can have 30 other children—be patient and start a positive relationship from the start.”—Tori R.
“Many teachers are parents as well. Please don’t think I am ignoring your 6 p.m. email because I don’t respond within an hour. I am spending time with my own child.” —Anonymous
A teacher makes a viral TikTok video revealing her biggest pet peeves when it comes to school supply shopping, and now parents know what not to get
School supply shopping time is somehow already upon us. But parents, before you grab that back-to-school shopping list and hit your local Target, watch this video, because this teacher has some advice you’re going to want to know.
Katie Alburger, a first-grade teacher and content creator, has gifted us a viral TikTok video of her biggest school supply pet peeves, breaking down the supplies parents buy with the most innocent intentions that actually make life way harder for their kids’ teachers. And we already know teachers have it bad enough, so let’s all agree to watch this video and follow Albuger’s advice.
“As a teacher, I’m here to tell you that the more basic you go, the more your teacher will appreciate it,” she explains.
She continues, “For example, if your child’s school’s file list has a ruler, this is what they’re talking about,” holding up an example of a plain, wooden, 12-inch ruler. “Not a snap bracelet ruler that is going to end up hurting someone.”
She also calls out glue sticks as an example of a school supply that many companies have tried to “upgrade”—making life harder for teachers who wish all their kids were working with the same materials. Plus, Alburger points out, when you choose the simplest option, you save money, too!
Finally, Alburger gets to one of the most contentious supplies on many lists: the pencil box.
“OK, they need a basic pencil box,” she says. “It can have a character on it if they want to get a little bit more personalized, but a fidget pencil box is going to become a toy and your teacher’s worst enemy. So, please don’t do that to them. I completely understand that poppets are a fidget that some children need. They just don’t need it on their pencil box.”
We get it. When you take your kids school supply shopping, they want the fanciest version of everything—the sparkly, transparent ruler, the scented markers, the glitter glue sticks. But Alburger points out there are other ways kids can express themselves at school—like their backpack and lunchbox.
“Basic school supplies that we need in a classroom should not be a toy,” she says.
So there you have it, parents. When you head to school supply shopping this year, remember that simple is best.
Your kids aren’t the only ones who will love the last idea on the list
In anticipation of another school season, not to mention all the shopping that comes with it, these back-to-school ideas will help get kids in the headspace of a new school year. From chalk messages to lunch notes, and family dinners, these are our favorite back-to-school traditions to choose from to help make the new year feel special.
This article is sponsored by Kemps®, which has been delighting families with wholesome and delicious dairy products since 1914. Just in time for the new school year, Kemps® has recently introduced Kemps® Smooth Cottage Cheese—a healthy, convenient, and versatile snack that’s the perfect addition to your child’s lunchbox, and your fridge for after-school snacks.
1. Count it down. Make the first day of school something to look forward to by crafting a paper countdown chain. Each day, tear one link off the chain and ask the kiddos to name something they’re looking forward to about school.
2. Have a show-and-tell dinner on the first night.Family dinners are always important, but make it a back-to-school tradition to allow the kids to tell you everything about their first day, from the friends they haven’t seen over the summer to the classroom layout or what they had for lunch.
3. A day-one surprise.Celebrate the first day in style with a visit from the First Day of School Fairy. She can deliver a few back-to-school school supplies, along with an encouraging note for the new year. For more on this fun idea, visit Differentiated Kindergarten.
4. Make a family motto. To help your little ones start the new school year in the right mindset, come up with a short family motto. It’ll help remind everyone what’s important in tough moments throughout the year. Have the kids write it out and decorate it. Learn more about the importance of creating a family “coat of arms” here.
5. Customize something. You can order specialized pencils with their name or label their new water bottle, but allowing your kids to stake their claim on school gear can help them feel confident about heading back to school.
6. Make an awesome breakfast. You’ll be throwing cereal and milk at the kids soon enough, so why not whip up a fancy breakfast for their first day? It’ll keep your kids full, and make them look forward to getting up early!
8. Decorate your pad. Either let your kids help with the decor or surprise your school-aged sweeties with a decorated door when they wake up in the morning. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great way to celebrate!
9. Draw a self-portrait.Let your little Einsteins create a version of themselves in a back-to-school outfit. It’s a great way to pass those last few summer days, and it’s a sure bet for getting kids excited about donning their new threads and heading to the classroom. See how Hands On As We Grow completed this fun activity.
10. Make a sundae bar. This sweet, simple back-to-school idea is sure to calm anyone’s jitters about heading back to school. Put your favorite toppings in jars and make them meaningful with labels encouraging the qualities you’d like to see demonstrated throughout the new year. Have your little scholar cover their ice cream in kindness, bravery, obedience, and happiness, and then top it off with sprinkles of love.
11. Celebrate School Year’s Eve. You celebrate New Year’s Eve, so why not do the same for School Year’s Eve? Get poppers or noisemakers, provide a few treats, and throw a little dance party. It’ll get your students excited for what’s to come, and it’s a great way to include some of the other fun ideas on this list. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the School Year’s Eve party guide over at 11 Cupcakes.
12. Interview your kids. Discover goals, fears, and questions about school by interviewing your little scholars before the first bell rings. It’s not very hard to come up with a list of questions, and whether you write down the answers or videotape your tykes, it’s a memory everyone will treasure for years to come.
13. Create a bucket list. You do it for summer, so why not make one for the school year? Whether they want to jump a reading level or two or try out for a new sport, when kids have goals, they succeed!
14. Take cool pictures. Everyone loves to document the first and last day of school. There are so many creative ways to commemorate the occasion—from chalkboards to t-shirts and more. You can find our favorite ideas here. For those simply wanting to share moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there are safe options like the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download it here!), which puts parents in total control of who can see and interact with photos and videos.
15. Have a back-to-school dinner. Make a favorite meal that includes one of these delicious Disney Park treats and celebrate the start of another school year with an awesome dinner in their honor will always make your kids feel special.
16. Have a special activity for the end of the first day of school. Whether you take them to their favorite park to burn off that first-day anxiety, have a craft planned, or grab an ice cream and talk, it’s easy to make the first after-school afternoon unique.
17. Write a sidewalk chalk message. If there’s a sweeter first day of school tradition than a chalk message outside the front door, we haven’t found it. Go all out or keep it simple; either way, it’s an extra boost to help ease those first-day jitters. If your first day is distance learning, surprise the kids with a message they can see from the window or on a quick preschool start walk.
18. Give them a new book. Get your bookworms ready by gifting them a new book before school starts. Those required reading minutes will go faster when they’ve got the latest release in their favorite series. Plus, we’re pretty sure kids can never have too many books.
20. Top Ten. Much like late-night talk shows’ top ten lists, this one asks kids to list the top ten moments of their first day back in school.
21. Make a time capsule. Whether you choose to open it at the end of the school year or much later on in your kids’ school career, a time capsule is a great way to capture these special moments.
Picking out the new year’s cool kids backpack for school is the best part
The new school year is on the horizon, and if there’s one thing your kids really need, it’s a sturdy bag that’ll hold all their gear (and won’t fall apart in six months). Backpacks for school have to be durable, roomy, and ready for anything your kiddos throw at them throughout the year. From the hottest trends to classic style, we’ve found 15 cool kids backpacks that’ll send them back to the classroom with confidence. Keep reading to see our favorites.
Your school kid will love this as much as you did when you were young. All the things you loved about this classic kids' backpack remain (hello, lifetime warranty), plus new colors and added storage for tech.
Weighing in at just over one pound, each Bixbee backpack is designed with your student’s comfort in mind. There are five exterior pockets (including a lunch money pocket and water bottle holder), an ID holder, and three interior organizer pockets that hold small necessities like pencils, pens, and crayons. But aside from all that, the adorable designs are so much fun.
If extra comfort is what you're after, the Campus Backpack from Vera Bradley is a great option. Available in their signature bold colors and prints, this recycled cotton backpack is cushy, soft, and large enough to carry it all. This style is even available to personalize!
L.L. Bean's classic Book Pack is still made from 100% polyester, with tough-made zippers and reflective material for visibility. Additional features include a mesh pocket for water bottles, easy folding capabilities, organizing front panel, a key clip, and much more. Lots of colors and prints make this a great choice.
Target's Cat & Jack cool backpacks for kids are a favorite with parents. Offered in fun designs at a great price, each one comes with a unique plush toy on the zipper, has side and front pockets, and has room for a 15" laptop.
We know this is technically labeled a diaper bag, but we love the idea of it for our kiddos. These personalized backpacks come in sweet prints and they're designed with extra padding for ultimate comfort. Add lots of pockets and storage and it's sure to keep up with school year adventures.
If you're looking for something streamlined with a retro knapsack vibe, may we suggest the Charlie Backpack from Perry Mackin? It comes in six colors, has two exterior water bottle pockets, a front zipper storage pocket and two interior pockets, and a top zipper with magnetic strap closures. It's also made from water-resistant polyester.
STATE's popular Kane bag comes in 41 color combos and fits a 13" laptop and standard school folders and books. The large front pocket is great for small items, while the side pocket can accommodate a 17oz. water bottle and smaller.
This water-resistant backpack for kids comes in 20 different patterns and has a laptop pocket, an inner zipper pocket, and a padded back panel to prevent overheating.
Your littlest schoolers won't be able to wait until fall to use mCubed backpacks. Each one comes with comfortable padded straps, a lined nylon interior pocket, an extra inner back pocket, and a side non-mesh pocket. Even though they're made for littles, they can still fit standard folders and books, plus all your essentials.
Wanderwild backpacks come in three different styles: The Explorer, The Adventurer, and The Wanderer. The Wanderer has a zippered front pocket, while the Adventurer is bigger, which makes it a good pick for older kids, and the Explorer has a front velcro pocket for quick access.
It can be difficult to find toddler and little kid-sized backpacks for school, but Vaschy has nailed the design. Large enough to fit small tablets and school supplies, but not so big your little can't carry it, these kid-sized backpacks also come with a chest strap, water bottle pockets, a name tag, and a large exterior pocket. The hardest part about picking one of these is choosing from their exclusive artwork and bold color patterns.
Perfect for kindergarteners or early grade-school kids, this backpack has a place for everything! There's a name tag inside, a secret pocket for treasures, and the front exterior pocket is the perfect size for a bento box. Available in several prints and colors, it's perfect for a first-time "big kid" school year!
Packed with pockets, straps, and gear loops to keep everything in place, made of water-resistant polyester, and featuring adjustable padded shoulder straps and exterior straps, the Mackenzie backpack is one of the most efficient and playfully designed collections around—making it a hit with kids and parents alike. The large backpack holds a lunch bag, a large notebook, two small notebooks, several books, and a water bottle.
Skip Hop knows that kids need a friend to help get them through those first days of school. That’s why we love the NYC-based company's Zoo Collection. This kids' backpack at 11" x 5" x 12", they are the perfect size for first-time scholars. The front insulated pocket can hold a stash of snacks, the wipeable liner makes for easy cleanup, and the padded shoulders give little shoulders extra comfort.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Amazon Prime Day has us all scrolling through deals upon deals. There’s a good chance your cart has been filled more than once over the past week. We’re right there with you. Afterall, these are some serious discounts. But while you’re treating yourself (we love to see it), we’re also guessing you’ve just gotten the (sorta) dreaded school supply list. Sure, we’re running out of crafts to keep our kiddos entertained and we know they’re excited to see their buddies every day, but that doesn’t make school supply shopping any easier. Well, until now. These Amazon school supplies will save you major time and money.
We’re not sure if it’s a coincidence that Prime Day and back to school planning happen around the same time, but boy, are we glad they do. Prime Day has everything on that school supply list. Yes, even those bulk classroom size products. As if the sheer convenience of Amazon school supplies isn’t enough, add those Prime Day discounts for a major win.
Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue 12 Pack—73% Off
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Target’s 2023 back-to-school discount for teachers isn’t limited to just school supplies
Back-to-school time is somehow just around the corner, and teachers, it’s time to mark your calendars. Target just announced that it’s bringing back its popular Teacher Appreciation shopping event, but with some big changes this year that you’re going to love.
Last year, the event was extended to six weeks, giving teachers plenty of time to cash in in a 15% discount on select school supplies they need for their classrooms (and so often have to pay for out-of-pocket). This year, the event will once again run for six weeks—from July 16 to Aug. 26. But Target has sweetened the pot by increasing the discount to 20% and opening it up to anything in the store or online for one shopping trip. That’s right—it’s no longer limited to just school supplies, because teachers deserve to get whatever the heck they want and save money doing it.
“We’re pleased to expand our 20% teacher discount across the entire store and on Target.com, to provide teachers with even greater value on the items they need for their classrooms,” Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Jill Sando, said in a press release. “Both teachers and students can count on Target for all their school-year gear at great prices.”
The one big change is that teachers won’t be able to take advantage of the discount for the whole six-week period this year—they just get 20% off of one shopping trip, which means this will require some planning. You should also know that the discount is connected to your Target Circle account. You’ll need to show valid identification that proves you’re a teacher, but all K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, teachers working at daycare centers and early childhood learning centers, university or college professors, and vocational/trade/technical school teachers are eligible. Happy shopping!
