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Updated July 16, 2026
If you have boys, you know how challenging it is to find cute boys’ clothes that don’t have trucks, dinosaurs, or robots on them. While I love a good Target or Carter’s find from time to time, my boys are very rough on their clothes. Since I want them to last three to four years, factoring in hand-me-downs, I’m willing to invest in a few pieces that will stay in our family for years — and even have a life going to a next child if I give them to a friend.
2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dates
- Sale Preview: July 6
- Icons: July 14-17 – NOW LIVE
- Ambassadors: July 15-17
- Influencers: July 16-17
- Everyone: July 18-August 9
If you have a little one on the way or have a baby or toddler at home, my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale baby gear guide is where the best strollers and car seats live.
How I Shop The Kids Sale
My favorite things to shop for during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for little boys are sneakers, coats, sweaters, and fall tops. Sneakers and coats are definitely the real winners, since those are expensive to buy and quality really matters when you’re keeping things for years, and your kids are really hard on clothes. I also really like some of the brands that are always included, like New Balance, Tucker + Tate, and Petit Lem, if they’re on the younger side. This year, Primary is included, which is great for basics like joggers and tees. You also won’t find Converse or Crocs on my list; they’re in the sale, but they don’t get worn at our house.
I typically buy a size larger than the boys’ usuals when I’m shopping the Nordstrom Sale since they won’t wear most of these items for a few months and there are a few things (like coats, sweatshirts and drawstring pants) that really don’t matter if they’re a big big. That way, I get the most life out of them as possible before hte boys outgrow them. Thankfully, I have two boys so Charles always gets Thomas’ things that are in decent shape — and all the brands I’ve bought previously during hte nordstrom sale have held up well.
Sneakers
I’m including multiple sneakers here since it really depends on the style that you like, but all of these are high-quality brands that will survive even the most feral children. Most of them come in a colorway that works well for boys or girls.
New Balance Kids’ 574 Sneaker
I’ve bought three pairs of these over the years since I’ve found that New Balance works best for our family, both in terms of the style I like, how well they hold up, and how easy it is for the boys to get them on and off themselves. I’m buying two pairs, one for each boy.
The whole family’s in New Balance this year — the women’s 530 is my sell-out pick in my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale shoes guide.
New Balance Kids’ 9060 Sneaker
If you don’t want velcro, these chunky lace-up options are cute. I’ve found that New Balance laces don’t come undone as much as other brands, so whatever they use works well (which matters with kids still learning the skill).
New Balance Kids’ 327 Sneaker
I’ve bought these for the boys 2 times before. This color option is much better since the gray placement will hide the spots where they get dirtiest. Brilliant design. (I ordered this.)
On Kids’ Cloudleap Sneaker
I’m so tempted to get these for my 5-year-old because he always wants “fast shoes,” and I hate how most kids’ Nike shoes look. (I know, I know – unpopular opinion.)
See Kai Run Kids’ Connor Sneaker
For a sneaker that’s a little less athletic, these are cute. I’m getting these for my 2.5 year old.
Other Shoes & Boots
TOMS Kids’ Oliver Penny Loafer
I am not a fan of TOMS for myself, but I really like them for the boys. We have these for Thomas, and they’re super cute and durable.
Johnston & Murphy McGuffey Chukka Boot
These Johnston & Murphy chukka boots are absolutely adorable. He doesn’t have dress shoes, which I never remember until we’re getting him ready for an event at school or church. These seem much more practical than loafers — although I do love a little boy in loafers.
Sorel Kids’ Whitney III Insulated Snow Boot
Thomas outgrows snow boots like crazy, and while I don’t particularly relish spending this much on them, I’m going to buy them for my five-year-old, knowing my two-year-old will be able to use them eventually as well.
Shirts & Sweaters
Polo Ralph Lauren Stripe Poplin Button-Down (Nordstrom Exclusive)
Both boys need just one good button-down in their closet and both of them have outgrown the ones they have, so I’m snagging this Polo while it’s on sale.
Nordstrom Kids’ Hooded Henley Sweater
There’s something about a little boy in a hoodie. My 2.5 year old particularly loves them. The henley front makes it a little nicer than his standard sweatshirts.
Nordstrom Relaxed Fit Crewneck Sweater
Similar to the polo, they need just one nice crewneck sweater, and I always get it in navy. Charles is getting Thomas’ hand me down from last year, and Thomas will get a new one of these.
Deux Par Deux Colorblock Sporty Jersey Top & Deux Par Deux Colorblock Crew Jersey Top
If you don’t go the dinosaur or truck route, it’s hard to find something unique in little boys’ clothes that’s not solid or stripes. These color block options are cute but not obnoxious.
Miles The Label Stretch Organic Cotton Sweatshirt
Miles The Label is another one of my favorite brands for little boys.
Tucker + Tate Kids’ Waffle Stitch Top
I’ve bought Tucker & Tate tops every year during the sale since I started having kids. They’ve held their shape, they don’t pill, they don’t fade, and remarkably, stains come out easily. I’m buying one for each of the boys.
H&M 3-Pack Brushed-Inside Sweatshirts
I’ve never bought H&M for my boys, and I definitely wouldn’t buy it for myself, but these are a steal on basics, so we’re going to see how they hold up.
Coats & Winter Layers
Save The Duck Dony Hooded Puffer
I have an older version of this Save The Duck coat, and it is incredibly warm. Since we spend so much time in the mountains, where it gets extremely cold, it’s time to invest in a good coat for both boys. Both boys have outgrown theirs, so I’m buying one for each of them. Once they outgrow them, I know I’ll be able to consign.
Save The Duck Finnegan Hooded Puffer
If you want faux-sherling lining, go for this option.
Mini Boden Kids’ Chevron Quilted Fleece Jacket
This Mini Boden is just kind of a fun purchase — it’s definitely not the vibe of my older one, but my little one will love it.
Primary Kids’ Reversible Fleece Puffer
I love a reversible puffer, and Primary’s prices are great. Both boys also need a midweight jacket so I’m buying one for each (in the same color to avoid fighting). Moms get it. (I ordered this.)
Miles The Label Hooded Windbreaker
I bought this windbreaker jacket for my oldest four years ago, and it was his favorite jacket for years. When Charles was old enough to know what was going on, the boys fought over it. Now both of them have outgrown it, so I need to replace it. I’m smart enough to know that I need to buy two that are exactly the same.
Miles The Label Hooded Raincoat
If you want a true rain jacket, get this instead. The wind breaker resists water, but definitely doesn’t keep them fully dry.
Shorts & Pants
Tucker + Tate Townsend Rib Waist Jeans
Elastic waist is always a winner. I’m going to size up in these for each of the boys since I can tighten the waist and roll the cuff.
H&M Cotton Denim Pants
These are definitely my 5-year-old’s vibe. And he has put holes in all his jeans so I’m replacing his light wash pair with these.
Tucker + Tate Drawstring Cotton Blend Joggers
I kind of want these for myself – they look so cozy and I like the deeper, muted blue. I sized up in these for the boys since they have a tie waist and can be bunched up, which means they’ll last us longer. (I ordered this.)
Primary Stretch Chino Drawstring Pant
Most boys chinos are khaki or navy so I love the olive green option!
Primary Kids Staycool Stretch Gym Short
My 5-year-old does a weekly ninja class, which has caused him to really love gym shorts (but only has one pair). I’m buying these since they don’t overly look like gym shorts. (I ordered this.)
Polo Ralph Lauren Prepster Twill Shorts
My boys twill shorts from GAP have no stretch in the waist and I’m uncomfortable for them when I put them on them. These look much better.
Sets
Tucker + Tate Piped Sweatshirt & Shorts Set
My 2-year-old lives in sweats when it’s a bit colder because it’s just so cute, especially when it matches! I’m grabbing this for him.
Pajamas
Petit Lem Pajamas
Petit Lem makes super cute PJs that fit well. I make an exception for trucks and dinosaurs for this brand because they’re sweet, but I’m really hoping the golf cart option comes back in stock since we’re a major golfing family.
What Will Sell Out First?
Tucker & Tate and Miles the Label typically sell out, but they’ll restock throughout, so make sure they’re on your wishlist to be notified of restocks. I’ll be curious to see if Primary sticks around in the sale since it’s a new-to-the-sale brand.
Restocks move fast — I post them to Instagram in real time, but my email list gets the full roundup of what’s back in stock and what’s still worth grabbing, all sale long. Join here.
If you’re shopping for yourself too, everything I’m buying — shoes, jeans, and all — is in my full Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Guide.
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