Back-to-school shopping at Target? Here’s everything you need to know

Though we hate to say it, back-to-school season is already upon us. If you plan on knocking some items off of your list on your next Target run though, you’re in luck.

The retailer is going all in on preparation for the school year, offering everything from discounts on school supplies to new fashion arrivals to help the student in your life (or even yourself) get back into the swing of things.

Below, we’ve rounded up everything from backpacks (that you can personalize in-store with pins and patches at “personalization stations”) to trendy ballet flats that you can ship right to your doorstep.

Clothing | Backpacks | School supplies | Dorm essentials | How we chose

Universal Thread High-Rise 90’s Straight Jeans

Denim and fall just go together. If you need a new pair of bottoms before the season starts, you can grab this style for more than 30% off right now.

See a pair of jeans you like that aren’t on sale? From Aug. 4-10, you can bring in your used denim styles in exchange for 20% off any denim purchase with Target Circle.

Original Use Men’s Striped Short Sleeve Button-Down Shirt

Heading back to college? This easy button-down can be dressed up or down for just about any occasion.

Universal Thread Women’s Button-Front Sweater Vest 

Sweater vests are trending for fall! This chic style comes in beige or black in sizes XS-4X.

Wild Fable Women’s Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Another fashion trend we’re seeing right now? Ballet flats. This style comes in four different colors and features a memory foam insole.

Cat & Jack Girls’ Short Sleeve Interlock Uniform Polo Shirt 

If their uniforms could use a refresh, you can grab this polo in a dozen different colors. Right now, it’s on deal for 30% off.

Cat & Jack Boys’ Super-Stretch Slim Jeans 

From camo to khaki, there are tons of different variations of this pant that you can stock up on ahead of the school year. You can shop it in sizes 4-18, including husky sizes.

Cat & Jack Girls’ Short Sleeve Woven Dress

Nothing is easier than a dress for a one-and-done outfit. This style features pockets and comes in four different patterns and prints.

Art Class Boys’ Pull-On Denim Shorts

Can’t get them to wear chinos? These denim shorts come in three Earth-toned shades and can be worn for just about any occasion.

Cat & Jack Boys’ Enzo Slip-On Sneakers

These sneakers boast a faux leather upper that makes them perfect for school or weekend dinners with the family. Plus, thanks to a back-to-school discount, they’re less than $15 right now.

Cat & Jack Kids’ Montana Zipper Western Boots

Cowboy boots are another big trend in the footwear world. We think this style is too cute to pass up on — especially for under $20!

Art Class Kids’ Benni Skate Sneakers 

You can never go wrong with a pair of low-top sneakers. This neutral design is perfect for the playground.

Cat & Jack Kids’ Rainee Gladiator Sandals

The school season may be starting, but that doesn’t mean sandal season is over! Pair these sparkly sandals with a dress or jumpsuit for an easy outfit.

Cat & Jack Kids’ Novelty 17″ Backpack Unicorn

How cute is this unicorn-inspired bag? It’s a good fit for the student who only needs to carry the essentials, as it features a laptop sleeve, front zipper pocket and water bottle pockets.

All in Motion 17.5″ Lifestyle Backpack 

Suitable for a weekday commuter or an older student, this everyday backpack features multiple interior pockets, a laptop sleeve and water bottle holders, to start. Plus, it’s machine washable and water-resistant, says the brand.

Toddler Bluey Backpack

Send the Bluey fan in your life off to school with this adorable (and useful) accessory. It boasts a roomy interior and a front zipper pocket.

Cat & Jack Toddler Boys’ 11″ Dino Mini Backpack

Fun design? Check. Functional? Check. Under $15? Check! This dinosaur-inspired backpack is checking all of our boxes.

All In Motion Faux Neoprene 17″ Backpack

Another pick for the older student or commuter we’re loving? This roomy backpack. It comes in four different colors and is currently on deal for 30% off.

JanSport Big Student 17.5” Backpack

If you want a sturdy option, reviewers love this style from Jansport. It boasts plenty of pockets and features a padded back panel for support.

Up&up Sharpened #2 Wood Pencils

Don’t let them start the school year without a pack of pencils! This set is already sharpened, so you don’t have to add a sharpener to cart, too.

Mondo Llama Hues of You Crayons 

These 24 skin-tone crayons will allow any budding artist to create more realistic portraits in the classroom or at home. They’re also non-toxic and low odor, says the brand.

Crayola Kids Crayons

If they need a standard set of crayons for the classroom, you can grab this pack for less than $1 right now! At this price, you might want to stock up while you can.

Up&up 1” 3-Ring Binder

Help them keep organized with this three-ring binder. It comes in 10 colors, so they can designate a different one to each school subject.

Five Star 2″ Sewn Zipper Binder

For the student that is juggling more than one subject, this zipper binder might come in handy. Not only does it feature O-rings to keep everything in place, but it also features interior and exterior pockets to hold pencils and pens.

Crayola Washable Broad Line Markers (Pack of 10)

Washable markers are a must for the artist who tends to take some creative liberties. Luckily, this set is just $3 right now.

Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens (Pack of 6)

Save over 40% off on a new set of pens for the school year. According to the brand, the ink in these pens dries three times faster than standard gel ink pens.

Five Star 2-Subject College Ruled Notebook

With 180 pages, this notebook should offer enough note-taking space for two different classes. It also features interior pockets to hold note cards.

Unison College Ruled Composition Notebook

Just need a classic notebook? You can score them for just 50 cents on your next Target run.

KitchenSmith by Bella Personal Blender System

From breakfast smoothies to post-gym protein shakes, a personal blender is a must-have for the college student in your life. This model comes with two lids that convert the cup into a storage container, for just $20.

Keurig K-Mini Go

Whether they’ll need to pull a few all-nighters or can’t start the day without a cup of coffee, they’ll be grateful to have this slim brewer in their dorm.

Brita Denali 6-Cup Water Pitcher

Skip plastic bottles and opt for this reusable pitcher instead! According to the brand, the filter only needs to be swapped after it filters every 40 gallons.

Room Essentials Over the Door Mirror (Bronze)

Outfit checks are essential for any college student. This mirror is designed to hang on the back of their door, so they won’t have to worry about crowding up any floor space.

Room Essentials Antimicrobial Bath and Hand Towel Set 

With two hand towels and two bath towels, this set is convenient for any student. It comes in five different colors, so they can grab one that suits their style or snag multiple to keep in their closet (because how often are they really doing laundry, anyway?).

Room Essentials 2-in-1 Bath Caddy

Whether they will use communal bathrooms or share a bathroom with a roommate, a shower caddy is always a good idea. This caddy features three compartments and a removable compartment that allows for more storage options.

Room Essentials 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer Gray 

Short on closet space? This tiered organizer is perfect for storing linens, clothing or even shoes in tight spaces.

Brightroom Pop-up Mesh Hamper

This pop-up hamper can be used to transport their items to the laundry room and then conveniently stowed away when not in use. Plus, it features handles for easy lifting.

Command Strips Value Pack

Command strips are always good to have on hand. This set can be used to hang everything from string lights to posters.

Room Essentials Reversible Microfiber Comforter and Sheet Set 

This reversible bedding set includes a comforter, standard sham, fitted sheet and a pillowcase, all for under $30. You can shop it in two different prints, in sizes twin to queen.

Room Essentials Microfiber Sheet Set

If they’re already set on bringing their favorite comforter along, you can snag a new sheet set for under $10. With over a dozen colors and prints to choose from, you’re certain to find a set that suits their dorm “aesthetic.”

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. We combed through hundreds of items at Target to find the back-to-school deals and essentials above.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.