Why I Shop the Back-to-School Sales Even Though My Kids Aren't in School Yet
Back-to-school shopping isn't just for families with school-aged kids. Even with a toddler and a baby, it's become one of my favorite times of year to stock up on everyday essentials, save money, and prepare for the future.
Every summer, the stores start filling up with backpacks, notebooks, crayons, and lunch boxes. For the longest time, I'd walk right past those displays because I figured they didn't apply to us. My kids aren't in school yet, so what was the point?
Then I realized I was skipping some of the best sales of the year.
Back-to-school season isn't just about preparing for the first day of school. It's also a great time to buy things your family will use all year long—whether you need them now or a year (or two) from now.
Now I actually look forward to these sales because they've helped me save money on things I was going to buy anyway.
Here are the back-to-school deals I never skip.
Toddler Backpacks for Everyday Adventures
A toddler-sized backpack doesn't have to wait until preschool.
We use ours for road trips, flights, trips to the zoo, visits with family, and anywhere my toddler wants to carry a few of her own things. It gives her a little independence, and honestly, she loves having a backpack just like Mom and Dad.
One thing I've learned is to pay close attention to the zippers. Some toddler backpacks look adorable, but the zippers are surprisingly difficult for little hands to open. If your child can't unzip it themselves, you'll probably end up stopping every few minutes to grab a snack or toy for them.
I also usually skip character backpacks unless it's a character my child absolutely loves. Their interests change so quickly, and I'd rather buy something simple and timeless that can grow with them for a few years instead of replacing it after one favorite show changes.
⭐ Mom Hack: Let your toddler help pack their own backpack.
Adding a water bottle, a few snacks, and a couple of special travel toys helps build independence and gets them excited for outings.
Water Bottles
We've gone through quite a few toddler water bottles over the past couple of years, and honestly, I'm still looking for the perfect one.
My wishlist is pretty simple:
Spill-proof
Straw cup
Actually keeps ice cold, because my toddler loves ice water
I haven't found one that checks every box yet.
At home, though, we absolutely love The First Years straw cups. They let you gently squeeze the bottle to push water up through the straw, which made learning to drink from a straw so much easier for both of my kids. I also love that they're clear, so I can easily see how much they've had to drink throughout the day.
The only downside is that they aren't insulated, so the ice melts pretty quickly. That's why I'm still searching for the perfect water bottle for outings.
⭐ Mom Hack: Don't be afraid to have a "home cup" and a separate "travel cup."
Sometimes one product doesn't have to do everything perfectly.
Crayons, Coloring Books & Art Supplies
Even though my kids aren't in school yet, we go through art supplies much faster than I expected.
Washable crayons, coloring books, stickers, construction paper, paint, and washable markers are all things we use regularly. Whether it's too hot to play outside or we just need a quiet activity, having supplies already on hand has saved the day more than once.
Back-to-school season is usually one of the best times to stock up because these items are often heavily discounted.
⭐ Mom Hack: Buy an extra pack and hide it away.
Pulling out "new" crayons or stickers on a long afternoon somehow makes them feel even more exciting.
Storage Bins That Organize More Than School Supplies
Organization products aren't just for homework stations.
I love picking up storage bins, baskets, drawer organizers, and small containers during back-to-school sales because they work everywhere in our house.
We use them to organize toys, craft supplies, pantry snacks, diaper-changing supplies, and all the little things that somehow end up scattered around the house.
A few inexpensive bins can make a huge difference without spending a fortune.
Snack Containers & Bento Boxes
We may not be packing school lunches yet, but we pack snacks everywhere.
Whether we're headed to the park, beach, zoo, or on a road trip, reusable snack containers and bento boxes make it so much easier to keep everything organized.
I especially like containers with separate compartments because I don't have to pack three different containers just to bring a variety of snacks.
Clothes in the Next Size Up
Kids seem to outgrow clothes overnight.
I've learned that if I know my child will need the next size soon, back-to-school sales are a great time to pick up basics like pajamas, leggings, T-shirts, socks, or jackets.
I don't buy things just because they're on sale, but if it's something I know we'll need in the next few months, I'd rather buy it at a discount than pay full price later.
A First-Day-of-School Sign for the Future
This one might sound a little funny coming from a mom whose kids aren't in school yet, but if I found a reusable first-day-of-school sign on clearance, I'd absolutely buy it.
It's something you'll use year after year, and when that first day finally arrives, you'll already have it waiting.
Sometimes the best purchases are the ones that make life easier for your future self.
Labels That Keep Everything Organized
Back-to-school season is also a great time to pick up labels or even a label maker.
I use labels on toy bins, storage baskets, pantry containers, craft supplies, and just about anything else that needs a designated home.
When everything has a place, it's so much easier to keep the house picked up—even if it only lasts for five minutes.
Don't Buy It Just Because It's on Sale
One thing I've really been trying to work on is shopping with a plan.
I've learned that buying something just because it's on sale usually doesn't save me money—it just fills my house with things we didn't actually need.
Instead, I keep a running list on my phone of items our family will need over the next several months. When back-to-school sales start, I check that list first.
It's helped me spend less while actually getting more value out of these seasonal sales.
Quick Back-to-School Shopping Checklist
☐ Toddler backpack
☐ Spill-proof water bottle
☐ Crayons & washable markers
☐ Coloring books & stickers
☐ Snack containers or bento box
☐ Storage bins & organizers
☐ Clothes in the next size up
☐ Labels or label maker
☐ Reusable first-day-of-school sign
What We've Learned
Even though my kids aren't in school yet, back-to-school season has become one of my favorite times to shop.
Instead of focusing on notebooks and folders, I look for practical items our family will actually use—whether that's art supplies for my toddler, storage bins to organize the house, a backpack for family adventures, or clothes in the next size up.
I've realized these sales aren't just about getting ready for school. They're about planning ahead, saving money on everyday essentials, and making life a little easier down the road.
Sometimes the smartest back-to-school purchases aren't for school at all.
Keep Exploring
If you found these tips helpful, you might also enjoy What's in My Diaper Bag? The Toddler + Baby Essentials We Actually Use, where I share the products our family reaches for every day and why they've earned a permanent spot in our diaper bag.
Whether you're shopping back-to-school sales, packing for a family adventure, or simply looking for practical ways to make life with little ones a little easier, I'm so glad you're here. I hope Practical Mom Finds gives you ideas that save you time, money, and a little bit of stress along the way.