I’m a little ashamed to admit that it didn’t occur to me until last year that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great time to shop for back to school!
That’s probably because I don’t spend a lot of money on my kids’ clothes, so I very rarely shop for them at Nordstrom. This sale is definitely the exception though.
This is the one time of year that the deals are so good it makes sense for me to stock up on high quality essentials… For us that means two things: basic pieces where I need the highest quality and a few brands that have stood the test of time with all 3 of my kiddos.
During the sale, I mostly look for those pieces that I need to be the most supportive and durable; mainly shoes, outerwear, and a few basic pieces.
The brands I know are worth my hard earned money because of their proven quality are:
Hot Tip: A lot of the following styles come in multiple sizing options. So if you see something in the “big kids” section you want for your toddler, or vice versa, be sure to click through and check out all the sizing options available.
Big Kids (8 yrs & up)
Girls
$59.95, Now $39.90
$60, Now $39.90
Dolce Vita Zaida Low Top Sneaker
$59.95, Now $39.90
$30, Now $18.90
I’m buying 2 to 3 pairs of these for my 1st grader – so great for layering!
$49, Now $29.90
$42, Now $27.90
We bought several pairs of these for my daughter last year and they lasted the entire school year. I was so impressed with the quality – just as high as my own (several) pairs of Zella leggings.
The North Face Cozy Swirl Vest
$55, Now $35.90
This looks like the warmest layering piece, and it’s so cute. I want one for me!
Zella Girl Spacer Long Hooded Jacket
$79, Now 51.90
The cutest tween jacket I’ve quite possibly ever seen.
Boys
Converse Chuck Talor All Stars
$39.95, Now $25.90
$54.95 – $64.95, Now $40.90 – $47.90
Nike Stefan Janoski Max SB Skate Sneaker
$85, Now $62.90
Nike Dri-FIT Hyper Fleece Pants
$50, Now $32.90
My son absolutely lives in these kinds of pants so it’s worth it to me to invest in high-quality pairs. I love that these are dri-FIT at such a great price.
$55, Now $35.90
See above comment regarding my son’s refusal to wear anything but track pants… variety can be hard to come by.
Nike Dry Elite Basketball Shorts
$32, Now $20.90
We have a fairly moderate climate here so I can get away with letting my son wear shorts a lot of the year, especially if I pair them with compression tights like these.
DL1961 “Brady” Slim Fit Boys Jeans
$49, Now $29.90
Tucker + Tate Woven Jogger Pants
$39, Now $25.90
Because my son is so accustomed to wearing sweats and track pants, these woven joggers are the perfect compromise when I need him to dress up but he still wants to be comfortable.
The North Face Resolve Waterproof Jacket
$70, Now $46.90
Little Kids (4 – 8 yrs)
Girls
$48 – $65, Now $35.90 to $47.90
Puma Whirlwind Glitz Sneaker
$50, Now $32.90
$30, Now $18.90
$40, Now $25.90
A hooded fleece is such a great layering piece for that transition from summer to fall and even fall to winter and the price on this one from The North Face is amazing.
The North Face Reversible Heat Seeker Wind Resistant Jacket
$90, Now $59.90
I love how this is reversible, it makes it such a warm and versatile piece. Plus, what girl doesn’t want an extra cozy furry jacket to snuggle up in?
Boys
$48, Now $35.90
Tucker + Tate Straight Leg Jeans
$35, Now $25.90
Jeans with soft elastic waistbands are my favorite things for little boys and the Tucker + Tate line always delivers high-quality pieces I know will last.Tucker + Tate Graphic T-Shirts
$19, Now $11.90
At this price, be sure to check out all 6 of the super cute designs!
Tucker + Tate Basic Long Sleeve T-Shirt
$15, Now 9.90
These shirts look so soft and I really like the contrasting stitching. Such a great basic!
The North Face Microfleece Track Jacket
$45, Now $29.90
A microfleece jacket from The North Face for under bucks? Yes, please!
The North Face Water Repellent Reversible Down Jacket
$110, Now $72.90
This one is totally worth the investment if you live in a place with harsher winters and need to keep your kids dry and warm.
Babies & Toddlers
Girls
Northface Fleece Hooded Jacket
$65, Now $42.90
If I had a baby girl, this is the jacket I’d be bundling her up in all winter. I’m dying over the cuteness.
The North Face Reversible Heat Seeker Wind Resistant Jacket
$90, Now $59.90
$44.95, Now $29.90
See Kai Run is another brand that puts out super high-quality pieces, which is really important in shoes for new walkers! And how cute is this pair?!
$35.95, Now $23
$29, Now $18.90
Adidas Drago OG CF Athletic Shoe
$49.95, Now $36.90
*Also available in an adorable shade of pink here.
Tucker + Tate Basic Long Sleeve T-Shirt
$15, Now 9.90
The North Face Buttery Fleece Bunting in Honeysuckle Pink or Cosmic Blue
$70, Now $40.96
Last, but not least, this bunting will keep your littlest family member snug as a bug during all of those outdoor winter activities.
*Post contains affiliate links.
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