Far be it from me to suggest Nordstrom is a regular shopping destination for those of us on a budget… but twice a year, they put on a sale, and they do it up right. Starting today it’s the big women-and-kids Half-Yearly Sale, and that means it’s the right time to check ‘em out and pay Target prices on Nordstrom items.

Twice a year I shop at Nordstrom, and twice a year I come away feeling quite smug. Try it. See if you don’t feel a little smug, too.

It’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays, either….

One of the best and most useful gifts I ever got as a new mom was a pack of three kimono onesies for my daughter. She absolutely hated when I put anything on over her heard and these were a lifesaver. This kimono onesie is made from all natural fibers, which is a big plus.

$18 at LandofNod.com

These printed lunch kits are perfect for back-to-school. They’re roomy, washable, and the carry strap makes it easy to grab and go (or use the attached clips to fasten it to a matching backpack, sold separately). Also: They’re really, really cute, not to mention cost-effective.

$7.50 at Old Navy.

Gearing up to go back to school? Check out our slideshow of back-to-school bargains!

You are powerless against the soft lure of Swedish cotton. You turn to mush in the face of brightly-colored, highly-patterned, cheerful Swedish children.

Don’t feel bad; it happens to the best of us.

Perennial favorite Hanna Andersson has decided to put their back-to-school favorites on sale before school starts, and that means big savings for you and stylish, cushy comfort for your kids. And it won’t even break the bank.

(If you can resist the cuteness, you’re stronger than I am.)

Glop & Glam is the first line of hair-styling products made specifically for kids, tweens, and teens — but, I have to admit, I like them for my own poufy do, too. My preschooler loves the Creamsicle Mist leave-in conditioner and detangler; we spritz a little on her coarse tangles every morning (”Mama! It smells like orange lollipops!”) and the comb practically glides through her tight curls. The products are all paraben-, alcohol-, and formaldehyde-free, and the entire line — which includes such treats as Watermelon Hard Candy gel and Hair Glam Chocolate Controller — smells delicious.

Detangler, $14.50, at Glop and Glam.

Now through May 18th, 2009, you can shop to your heart’s delight at SpeedoUSA and take 30% off your order with coupon code SPDFRIEND6. It has a few exclusions on the super-expensive stuff, but works on most merchandise, including items in the sale section!

There’s swim gear for the little ones starting at under $10 (before the coupon, even), as well as a plethora of choices for the grown-ups. I love Speedo for the kids; these are the suits that last all summer longer, no matter what they dish out.

And look how adorable! Speedo sure wasn’t this cute when we were little. Hmph.

Like it or not, bathing suit season is nearly upon us! And now through April 23rd, all swimwear at Lands’ End is 25% off! That includes not only suits for the whole family, but shoes and beach towels, too.

Make a good deal great: Use coupon code SWIM with PIN 5084 to ship your entire order for free, too.

(And I’m not telling you what to buy, but I pink-puffy-heart-adore their slender suits. Just sayin’.)

(Also: My kids love their rash guards, and they hold up really well even in chlorine and the Georgia sun.)

(Shutting up, now.)

This sturdy backpack by Graffeeti comes with a set of special markers that your tween can use to write on the built-in dry-erase panel. She can print her name right on her bag, jot down a quick reminder, doodle, or scrawl “Keep OUT!” as a warning to pesky younger siblings. Which is way better than what I used to do, which is scribble all over my notebooks and bags with a permanent marker. Sorry, Mom.

$30 at Graffeeti.com.

For years I’ve been buying my daughter’s snow boots at Lands End because they are inexpensive, great quality and she can put them on on her own at school. But this year Lands End is making my kiddo even happier with their character snow boots - I got her the penguin ones and she doesn’t want to take them off.

$29.50 at LandsEnd.com .

What is cuter than a toddler in a hat with funny tassels? Absolutely nothing. And I’m about to make your wallet very happy; right now at LL Bean, four different styles of this trail model fleece hat and mitten set has just been marked down to $4.95/set. Use coupon code 3004797 to ship it for free, too.