Back to School Sales for Kids: Free Haircuts, $5 off School Supplies at Staples

Even as a college senior, my parents bought me new back-to-school clothes so I'd make a good impression on my first day — effort that was wasted as I spent half of my first day sitting in the wrong professor's class.

Still, they never once bemoaned the ever-rising price of tuition or spate of costs that came their way every August — which leads me to believe that they knew exactly where to shop for good deals on the things I needed. You can do the same, with our help. We've found a variety of discounts on back to school supplies for the younger ones, too. But whether you're furnishing a dorm room or looking for a laptop, check out our other back-to-school deals for more bargains.

1. 
Free Kids' Haircuts
   Vendor: JCPenney Salons
   Price: Free
   Expires: August 31

   Is It Worth It? Redeem this Editors' Choice deal and cut the hair that — like the kid under it — has run wild and free all summer. This deal is available only for children from kindergarten through sixth grade at participating JCPenney Salons. Find your nearest participating JCPenney.

2. 
Kids' Backpacks Sale
   Vendor: Sears
   Price: Up to 50% off with an extra 20% off via coupon code "CSO20AUG"
   Shipping: Free in-store pickup
   Expires: August 31

   Is It Worth It?: This school year's fashion shouldn't cost much, and with prices starting at $8.80, this Editors' Choice deal provides many all-time lows on new backpacks. Let your kid don express his or her style with backpacks sporting Phineas and Ferb, Disney Princesses, or camouflage. We like the Marvel Boys' Spider-Man Rolling Backpack (pictured) for $17.28 after the coupon (a low by $12); what's more, this backpack qualifies for free shipping!

3. 
OshKosh B'Gosh T-Shirt Sale
   Discount: Buy 1, Get 2 Free
   Shipping: From $6

   Is It Worth It?: Backpacks and haircuts aside, your kid's back to school look is complete with a few new T-shirts. And OshKosh B'Gosh is bringing you the bargain: Buy one, get two free! (Eligible shirts are marked "Buy 1 Get 2 Tees FREE!" under "Amazing Values" in each category.) This is one of the best deals of the year from OshKosh B'Gosh.

4. 
Back to School Sale
   Vendor: Staples
   Discount: $5 off via printable coupon on orders over $50
   Expires: August 18

   Is It Worth It?: Now it's time to gear up for classes with pens, notebooks, paper, and more! Head over to Staples for all your school supplies, and you can save $5 via printable coupon on orders over $50. And while you can't use the aforementioned coupon on the pictured Zebra Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pen 7-Pack, they can be free to you via an Easy (instant) Rebate. Looking for more inexpensive school supplies at Staples?

5. 
Kids' Apparel Clearance Sale
   Vendor: JCPenney
   Price: From $3 with free in-store pickup via coupon code "JCPSHIP"

   Is It Worth It?: Complete your kid's school wardrobe with these JCPenney deals. Shirts start at just $4, and pants $3, making for some of the best prices we've seen for any kids' apparel. Since this sale is so hot, sizes and styles are limited. But we still love the pictured Angry Birds Boys' Takeoff T-Shirt for $5.

Front page photo credit: K Van Antwerp