If it feels like you were only just attending graduation parties and end-of-year concerts, well…same. But sure enough, it’s time to be researching backpacks, lunch boxes, and first-day outfits again. From dresses they can wear fall into winter to water bottles you won’t hate cleaning, here are some of our top picks this back-to-school season.
theSkimm

August 3, 2026

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Moms Who Get It
Moms Who Get It

If it feels like you were only just attending graduation parties and end-of-year concerts, well…same. But sure enough, it’s time to be researching backpacks, lunch boxes, and first-day outfits again. From dresses they can wear fall into winter to water bottles you won’t hate cleaning, here are some of our top picks this back-to-school season.

IN OUR MOM BRAIN

 

The products we keep thinking about. 

Cozy dresses, sweaters, and more from Hanna Andersson’s back-to-school collection…

Cozy dresses, sweaters, and more from Hanna Andersson’s back-to-school collection…

$21+ AT HANNA ANDERSSON
A classic long-sleeve tee that’ll look great on the first day…

A classic long-sleeve tee that’ll look great on the first day…

$25 AT BODEN
Multi-packs of our favorite graphic tops…

Multi-packs of our favorite graphic tops…

$10+ AT NEXT
The lightweight, no-straw water bottle we buy year after year…

The lightweight, no-straw water bottle we buy year after year…

$18.99+ AT AMAZON
Our favorite backpacks for little kids…

Our favorite backpacks for little kids…

$49.50+ AT POTTERY BARN KIDS
A first-day-of-school sign you can use for multiple siblings…

A first-day-of-school sign you can use for multiple siblings…

$13.60+ AT LENANDLAINE VIA ETSY

DON’T MISS OUT

 
Old Navy early back-to-school deals

Old Navy early back-to-school deals

Old Navy's sales are always worth checking out, and its early back-to-school deals are no exception, whether you need uniform polos (under $10!), jeans, or sweaters.

CHECK IT OUT