Hard to believe, but the first day of school for kids in Naperville is coming up FAST! Looking for school calendars in Naperville? Fun back-to-school events in Naperville? Where to get your kid's back-to-school haircut or go back-to-school shopping in Naperville? We have it all, plus advice and tips for dealing with that first-day anxiety, printables to make those first-day pics special, and even ideas on what to pack for lunch! Check it all out here!
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School Calendars for Naperville:
District 203
The first day for District 203 is August 13, 2026
The first day for District 204 is August 17, 2026
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Back to School Haircuts in Naperville
Looking for an excellent spot for a back-to-school haircut? Here are a few stylists in the Naperville area who offer them!
Fantastic Sams Naperville
8 W Gartner Road Naperville, IL 60540
Great Clips
95th and Book, Naperville, IL
Kids Snips
2835 Showplace Drive, Suite 131
Naperville, IL 60564
Pigtails & Crewcuts - Geneva
1318 Commons Dr, Geneva, IL, 60134
Snips Snips
3224 S Rt. 59 Suite H 116, Naperville, IL 60564
Zano Salons
2 locations in Naperville
Do you know of a back-to-school haircut event or stylist special in Naperville? Email Maryannep@macaronikid.com with the details, and we'll add it!
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Back to school shopping:
There are the big box stores, of course, but you can also support locally-owned businesses when doing your back-to-school shopping! Here are some ideas for shopping for school supplies and clothes.
When do back-to-school sales start?
With most schools across the country beginning in mid-August, expect to see back-to-school sales as early as late July. Back-to-school promotions usually run until the end of August or early September, and the end is usually marked by Labor Day weekend. It's best to start shopping early, as some products may run out as we get closer to the start of the school year.
Big savings on school supplies in 2026:
Staples: Here, you can pick up standard school supplies and a whole lot more. Prices start at just 25 cents for categories including markers, binders, paper, scissors, disinfecting wipes, and more. Sales effective through August 2026.
Office Depot: The Office Depot Back-to-School Sale 2026 is live now through mid-September, featuring penny and low-dollar promotions on basic essentials. Top current deals include 2-pocket paper folders for $0.25 (down from $1.29), wide-ruled composition notebooks for $0.55 (down from $3.99), and primary composition books for $2.25.
Walmart: Walmart's back-to-school sales for 2026 officially kicked off on June 22, 2026, alongside the Walmart Deals savings event, featuring core classroom essentials priced as low as $0.25. You can shop these ongoing promotions directly via the Walmart Back to School Hub.
Best back-to-school clothing sales in 2026:
Old Navy: Old Navy's back-to-school sale for 2026 features discounts up to 60% off with daily promotional prices starting at $4 for select tees, $5 for leggings, and $6 for uniform polos.
The Children's Place: The Children's Place back-to-school sales feature deep discounts of up to 70% to 79% off on graphic tees, tanks, and everyday essentials, with prices starting around $2.99.
Walmart: Walmart's 2026 back-to-school sale features thousands of rollbacks on kids' apparel, budget character backpacks, and everyday essentials with basic clothing items starting around $3 to $5. The major promotional savings kicked off in late June and are rolling through the peak July and August shopping season
The best back-to-school shoe sales in 2026:
Reebok: The official Reebok Back to School Sale features up to 50% off select styles using the promo code BTS at checkout. This promotion runs through Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:59 AM ET.
Shoe Carnival: Shoe Carnival features active back-to-school promotions for 2026, including family athletic event savings starting at $44.98, revolving category markdowns, and a 10% off verification discount for students and teachers.
Adidas: Adidas is running its Back-to-School promotion featuring up to 35% to 40% off select kids' and adults' footwear, including popular lines like Sambas, Gazelles, and running shoes.
Nike: The Nike Back-to-School Sale features up to 50% off over 1,000 items, including top sneakers like the Air Force 1, Air Max, and Dunk Low. Shoppers can get an extra 25% off select styles using the promo code DAYONE, alongside free shipping for Nike Members on orders over $50.
Best back-to-school backpack sales in 2026:
Walmart: Walmart's back-to-school 2026 sales feature backpacks ranging broadly from $4.97 to $26.97, highlighting popular options like Trailmaker Fun Printed Backpacks for $9.79 and the Eastsport Aurora Core Backpack discounted to $15.97.
Target: Target's back-to-school sales event running from July 26 through August 1, 2026, features major backpack deals including ultra-budget options starting at $5, brand discounts of up to 50% off select styles, and 20% off select athletic brands.
JCPenney: Shop JCPenney and save on Backpacks. Backpack $64with code Lola. Backpack $31.60with code Lola. Backpack $47.60with code. Backpack $60 with code 2 $15 to $68.
Other Top Back-to-School Sales
Amazon:
Amazon's 2026 back-to-school sales are live with rolling discounts on school supplies, tech, and dorm essentials.
Best Buy: Best Buy features back-to-school savings through its Back to School Student Hub, offering up to $650 off select Windows laptops, price cuts on MacBooks, and discounts on dorm essentials like mini-fridges and coffee makers. Peak promotional pricing rolls out heavily from late July through mid-August.
Kohl's:
Kohl's back-to-school sales event features thousands of budget-friendly items priced under $25, including everyday apparel starting at $6.99, a sub-$10 deal bar, and promotional offers like $10 off a $25 spend using specific instant savings.
Do you have a favorite locally owned spot for back-to-school shopping that you don't see listed here? Email maryannep@macaronikid.com, and we'll add it!
More tips to make this school year in Naperville a great one:
FREE printables to make those first day of school pictures extra special! |  5 Teacher-Approved Tips to Make Back-to-School Time Great |
 |  Foods that Make the Grade: Bento Box School Lunch Ideas |
