Including Nike sneakers, Jansport backpacks, and Hollister hoodies

Back-to-school shopping is one of my favorite childhood memories. In the ‘90s, my mom and I would spend the day at the mall hunting for baby tees, fresh white Keds, and, if the budget allowed, a pair of Guess jeans. Now I’m on the other side of the tradition with two kids of my own — one heading into his last year of elementary school and the other starting high school. 

Between their unfiltered feedback and my years of shopping experience, I’ve learned which clothes, shoes, backpacks, and school essentials actually make the grade — and rounded up our top teen-, tween-, and mom-approved favorites below.

Best Overall Back-to-School Finds

• The Hoodie They’ll Live In: Hollister Feel Good Oversized Hoodie, $45; Hollister
• Baggy but Not Too Baggy: Levi’s Cinch Baggy Jeans, from $41 (orig. $85); Amazon
• The Valedictorian of Shoes: Nike Kids’ Air Force 1 Sneakers, $90; Nordstrom
• Student-Approved Favorite: JanSport SuperBreak Backpack, $37 (orig. $40); Amazon
• Recess-Ready: Adidas Unisex-Kids Barreda Mary Jane Shoes, $46 (orig. $50); Amazon
• Sips Stay Ice Cold: Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle, $24 (orig. $30); Amazon
• Daily Dose of Cute: Jellycat Amuseable Pair Of Marshmallows Bag Charm, $30; Nordstrom

Related: What to Buy at Amazon This Week: 15 Super Steep Deals on Apple, Owala, and Brooks — Up to 80% Off

Back-to-School Clothes

The best back-to-school clothes are the ones kids actually want to wear every day. These easy-to-mix-and-match basics are made for long days and hold up from the first bell to the last.

Hollister Feel Good Oversized Hoodie

$45 at Hollisterco.com

If your kids are anything like mine, hoodies become the unofficial school uniform no matter the forecast. My teen reaches for Hollister’s oversized styles on repeat because they’re soft, cozy, and roomy enough to layer over graphic tees when classrooms get chilly. Better yet, they stand up to being stuffed into a backpack and tossed in the wash.

Keep scrolling for more school outfit ideas below.

Levi’s Cinch Baggy Jeans $85 $41 at Amazon	Edikted Chill Oversized T-Shirt $51 $38 at Nordstrom
Abercrombie & Fitch Sunday Sweatpants $65 at Abercrombie.com	Vans Kids Stacked Hi Pullover Hoodie $50 at Pacsun.com

Back-to-School Shoes

As much as my kids live in Crocs after school and on weekends, sneakers are the real MVP during the school year. Between walking across campus, PE, recess, and after-school activities, a comfortable, durable pair is a purchase that always pays off. Ballet-inspired sneakers are also having a major moment if your student wants something a little more fashion-forward.

Nike Kids’ Air Force 1 Sneakers

$90 at Nordstrom

These remain one of the most popular back-to-school sneakers for a reason. They go with everything from school uniforms and jeans to athletic shorts, so kids can wear them all week and on weekends, too. Plus, they earn extra credit for being a pair both parents and kids can agree are cool.

Browse more back-to-school shoes below.

Adidas Unisex-Kids Barreda Mary Jane Shoes $50 $45 at Amazon	Kids’ Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic $40 at Dsw.com
Kids’ Vans Brooklyn Sneaker $40 $28 at Amazon	Kids’ New Balance 515 V1 Sneakers $65 $49 at Amazon

Related: A Teacher Says These Slingback Sandals ‘Stand Up’ to Long Days on Your Feet — They’re on Sale for $35

Back-to-School Backpacks and Gear

Backpacks have to survive overstuffed lockers and being tossed around all day, so durability matters just as much as style. I don’t let my kids head to school without a water bottle (somehow I survived growing up in Arizona without carrying one — different times) so a roomy fit is a must. From school bags and lunch boxes to fun bag charms, these picks help the school day run a little smoother.

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

$40 $37 at Amazon

The fact that JanSport backpacks were just as popular when I was in school says everything about their staying power. They’re also one of the more affordable options compared to many trendy brands, making them a smart buy for families. This classic style comes in 22 colors and has plenty of room for notebooks, folders, and lunch, plus a front organizer pocket that keeps smaller essentials from disappearing to the bottom of the bag.

Keep reading for more back-to-school gear that deserves a spot in your backpack.

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