It’s that time of year again—grocery store aisles are brimming with loose leaf paper and emails with class lists ping at the top of every inbox. While you can’t be creative with buying glue sticks or Clorox wipes, this back-to-school season peruse this round-up of chic back-to-school supplies to find exciting essentials for kindergarteners and college students alike.
STATE Backpacks
Long walks to class with heavy books in tow can often mean an aching back, but you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort with STATE backpacks. The brand’s signature pack—the Kane—comes equipped to fit all your essentials while still looking sleek and sophisticated. This style retails for $80 and comes in a wide range of colors, prints and materials. A portion of Fall 2019 sales benefit Global Citizen, a nonprofit dedicated to ending extreme poverty.
TW Lunch Tote
Carry your lunch in style with this hand-sewn, vegan leather tote. The two-compartment design easily fits all your lunchtime essentials, while insulation ensures food stays fresh. The TW tote comes in black and brown and costs about $50.
OmieBox Bento Boxes
Make packing lunch a breeze with reusable bento boxes from OmieBox. Not only will you reduce waste from plastic bags, but your kids’ lunches will stay fresh and temperature controlled longer. Each box has three separate, insulated compartments with different temperature zones to keep meals fresh and compact. The OmieBox costs about $40 and comes in five colors.
MiiR Water Bottles
With no end to triple-digit temperatures in sight by the start of back-to-school season, a good water bottle is an absolute must-have. Everyone knows cult-favorite brands like HydroFlask and S’well for insulated water bottles, but if you’re in the market for something new try MiiR. These water bottles stay cool for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, and feature a durable construction with a handle on the lid for easy transport. Every purchase from the brand also funds a trackable giving project.
Container Store Locker Solution Set
Conquer clutter with this stylish collection of locker necessities from the expert in all things organization: the Container Store. For about $89, the set comes with a bookshelf, a mirror, magnetic bins, a cork board, a dry erase board, magnet clips, adhesive wallpaper and a light fixture. Choose from either a polka dot or tropical theme to make your locker the ultimate form of self-expression.
Office on the Go Kit
This little pouch packs a punch—it comes with everything you may need in a paper product emergency, including scissors, tape, a ruler, a stapler and paper clips. Slip this into your backpack and never find yourself scrambling to find office necessities again. You can find the set at Paper Source for about $30.
Pottery Barn Bedside Storage
Keep your friends close and your technology closer with the ultimate bedside caddy from Pottery Barn. Perfect for stashing your phone, tablet, last-minute homework and all other necessities before hitting the lights, this storage solution is ideal for cramped dorm rooms and top bunks. For a sleeker option, try this compact metallic version.
Day Designer Planner
For those who prefer putting pen to paper to Google Calendar, the Day Designer allows you to track academic, professional and personal goals all in one place. With sections for today, to-do, notes, daily gratitude and more, you’ll never accidentally double book yourself again. The academic year planner comes in a range of trendy prints and costs $59.
Casetify Leather Card Case
At most colleges, a student ID provides access to everything: dorm rooms, dining halls, and sports games, to name just a few. A phone case with a pocket serves as a minimalist wallet, ensuring you’ll never lose that precious piece of plastic again. This leather option from Casetify comes with the option to add a monogram and costs $59.
Allbirds Sneakers
No list of back-to-school necessities is complete without a pair of go-to sneakers. Allbirds have gained a reputation for their versatile design that is committed to sustainability and comfort. Made from moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating merino wool, these sneakers are a perfect match for the whole family. The brand’s signature Wool Runners cost $95 for adults and $55 for children.
