Ellie Kemper, the hilarious and relatable actress best known for her roles in "The Office" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," is back as the beloved "Kohl's Mom" for the retailer's 2026 back-to-school campaign.
This year's "We are so back (to school)" campaign
celebrates the confidence, excitement and self-expression that comes with starting a new school year, capturing the much-anticipated "first-day feeling" for kids and families.The new campaign brings Kemper into the familiar back-to-school hustle as she waits in the carpool pickup line. As students walk out of class, they greet her with "Hey, Kohl's Mom. Turn it up," kicking off a high-energy moment set to Charli XCX's upbeat track "B2b."
As a Kohl's Mom, Ellie adds her signature mix of charm
and humor to every shopping adventure—whether she’s shopping in-store, online, checking off her family’s needs, or sneaking in a little something special for herself (without breaking the budget, naturally).
In a previous conversation with USA TODAY Shopping, Kemper shared what she loves about shopping at Kohl's, her best shopping advice, favorite finds, and how she turns each shopping trip into an opportunity to teach and connect with her kids.
Join Kohl's Rewards for free
Shop Ellie Kemper's go-to Kohl's picks for back-to-school
Self-care at Kohl's
“Family needs are always very important but we need to prioritize self-care! I feel like any kind of moisturizing product and any kind of sheet mask are my go-to essentials.
Kemper says that she loves the Summer Fridays overnight moisturizer that makes her wake up feeling refreshed and the top-rated Dr. Jart sheet masks. Kemper loves the Dr. Jart masks because they’re hydrating and fast-acting. Those masks in particular are my favorite because they actually stay on your face but in general, a sheet mask really forces you to relax and take a few moments to yourself. As a busy mom, Kemper couldn't agree more.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer
Kohl’s Rewards members can earn 5% on this Summer Fridays mask today!
Buy at Kohl’s
Dr. Jart Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask
Kohl’s Rewards members can earn 5% on this Dr. Jart sheet mask today!
Buy at Kohl’s
Along with beauty products and skincare essentials, Kemper tells me that she loves faux flowers and really anything that can brighten up her home without a ton of effort. “I feel like anything that looks good makes you feel good and isn't a lot of effort is a win.”
Sonoma Goods For Life Artificial Yucca in Stoneware Vase Floral Arrangement Floor Decor
Kohl’s Rewards members can earn 5% on these faux flowers and vase today!
Buy at Kohl’s
Everyday Decor Green Glass Ruffle Vase
Kohl’s Rewards members can earn 5% on this chic vase today!
Buy at Kohl’s
Shopping and saving at Kohl’s
“I love shopping in-store. I find it actually to be sort of meditative. I love seeing what the latest deals are. This is something that I sort of get from my own mom. I love a good deal,” Kemper says.
Kohl’s offers plenty of deals and discounts that are available both online and in-store. You can even order your essentials online and get in-store pick-up so you can go peruse the aisles for some extra goodies before picking up your already-purchased must-haves.
There is one major insider tip that Kemper reveals to help everyone save at Kohl's and have more fun shopping! “I’m going to call it a hack and it is Kohl’s Cash. You can buy what you need during an earn event and you get money back to maybe splurge on something just for you!”
Kohl's Cash is a program that allows you to earn future savings while shopping at Kohl's, offering $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent during specific earning events, redeemable both online and in-store. "In addition to being a good deal, it also brings some joy and almost like a game element to the whole thing, which makes the shopping more fun," Kemper says about using Kohl's Cash while shopping.
You can also sign up for a free Kohl's Rewards membership to earn additional perks and discounts that can help benefit the whole family. “When I go shopping with my boys, it is fun because I give them a budget so it turns into an educational experience.” Of course, Kemper admits that sometimes she has to be fully in charge of what the family needs to buy, but including her sons in the shopping experience is crucial to teaching them about making buying decisions.
Shop Ellie Kemper's favorite brand for her boys at Kohl's: Little Co. by Lauren Conrad
- Matching Set: Little Co. by Lauren Conrad Organic Cotton Hooded Top & Pants Set (Kids 4-12)
- Top: Little Co. by Lauren Conrad 3-Pack Organic Cotton Core Tees (Kids 4-12)
- Bottom: Little Co. by Lauren Conrad Jogger Pants (Kids 4-12)
Shop Kohl's
What is USA TODAY's Fall Reset?
USA TODAY's Fall Reset is a month-long shopping event in August to help shoppers prepare for the busy fall season before prices increase and popular products sell out. The event highlights the best deals and must-have seasonal items across categories including school supplies, dorm essentials, TVs, mattresses, home upgrades, fall fashion and football gear.
Throughout August, the USA TODAY Shopping team curates product recommendations, discounts and seasonal essentials to help shoppers save money and get ahead of common fall expenses before Labor Day sales begin.
Shop USA TODAY Shopping's Fall Reset by week
- Week 1:Back-to-school and dorm shopping
- Week 2:Fall vibes, home, family and seasonal prep
- Week 3:Home improvement, outdoor and yard prep
- Week 4:Football, entertainment and Labor Day shopping
USA TODAY Shopping is always covering all the best deals and drops, so be sure to sign up for text alerts, check us out on Flipboard, follow us on TikTok, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram to stay updated!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ellie Kemper is the ultimate Kohl's mom! Shop her back-to-school picks
