The 2023 Back-to-School Guide
From kids’ clothing trends to getting your command center ready, we have all the tips to get you ready for day one.
Back-To-School OutfitS
Trendspotting
with Zulily’s Fashion Experts
As school is back in full swing, kids are gravitating toward 90s- and Y2K-inspired looks, activewear paired with streetwear, and farm-chic cottagecore. Whether your child is into classic varsity looks, something artsy – or even just graphic tees – the goal is to find the looks that allow them to express and celebrate themselves.
Get the full kids’ fashion trend report for this school year.
Plus, don’t miss Zulily’s kid designers’ picks for back-to-school looks!
The Power Of The ‘Fit
According to a Zulily study, kids use style to help them feel their best, channel confidence and boost performance at school. Encourage your kids to personalize their look with patches, pins and colors.
Pro-tip: Routines create good habits. Create an am/pm check-off list including daily tasks for grooming, nutrition, school prep, chores and picking out their outfit for the next day.
Celebrate the Return to Routine
Accessorize Appropriately
Pack It All In
Buying the best school backpacks for your kids means finding the right size, features, style (naturally!) – plus all the essentials they need for inside. Study our backpack guide to score the right pack for your kid’s back.
GET YOUR KICKS
Running, jumping, skipping, playing – kids do it all in sneakers. They’re the shoes your kids will probably spend the most time in, so it’s important they fit well. Print our handy shoe size guide to make sure your kids have the right shoes for the school year.
Shop Back-to-School Essentials
Conquer Your Clutter
PUT EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE
Set up an entryway drop zone to keep up with school meetings, practices, rehearsals and projects.
Add a calendar or planner that’s visible to everyone with a color for each family member to keep up with everyone, too!
Price Check
If you think prices have gone up lately, compare the cost over the decades of back-to-school favorites, including backpacks ($3.98 in 1967!), high-top sneakers, a box of crayons and more with Zulily’s 2022 Back-to-School Essentials Inflation Report.
Stay fresh, Fueled and Focused
Packed and Prepped
Help the kids stay hydrated by letting them pick out their own water bottle and personalize it with stickers.
Recess-Ready Snacks
Pack healthy snacks like fruit bars, bananas, granola, yogurt squeezers, nuts and popcorn in reusable storage containers.
More Back-To-School Inspiration
Dorm Room Essentials: Everything You Need for College
As you gear up to send your kid off to college, use our handy checklist while shopping for dorm room essentials.
How To Find The Best Backpacks For School
Celebrate going back to school with iconic backpack. Learn how to get the right size and fit, what to put inside and how to personalize it.
Five Reasons to Sign Your Kid Up for Coding Classes
Looking for a fun and educational activities for your kids this summer? Consider signing them up for coding classes.
10 Simple STEM Activities To Do With Your Kids
Looking for easy science experiments for the kids to do at home? These simple STEM activities will keep the whole family entertained.
Why We Love Montessori Toys
Learn more about Montessori toys that are functional, inspire creativity, teach developmental skills and encourage play.
Top 10 Fidget and Sensory Toys For Gifting To Kids
Research shows that when children are able to move in some way, their focus and concentration improve. If you’re looking to gift a sensory toy, we’ve rounded up 10 great gift options.