Back-To-School Essentials: Medium’s 2024 Vetted Shopping Guide

Get started on back-to-school shopping, so your student is ready for their first day.

The new school year is on the horizon, which means that the inevitable shopping rush is too. And while the prospect of filling up your cart with fresh back-to-school supplies, backpacks, sneakers and more might sound fun in theory, it can be overwhelming (and time-consuming) to track down each and every item on your lengthy list.

Here you’ll find our top picks for every stage of learning, from items for your preschool- and elementary school–aged kids to middle school, high school, and college essentials.

Whether you’re searching for the best kids glasses to help them see the board, the smartest tablets for homework help or simply a high-quality water bottle to keep them hydrated throughout their busy days, we’ve got you covered for this semester and beyond.

For The Kiddies and Highschoolers

Shipt

To help parents prepare for back-to-school season, Shipt, the same day delivery service, is partnering with mother of three, Allison Holker to share her back-to-school hacks and must-have products. In need of a last-minute teacher gift? Shipt is also rolling out digital gift cards available to load with a custom amount that never expires, offering the ultimate convenience for busy teachers this season. To purchase, visit Shipt.com/gift.

BIC 4-Color Original Retractable Ball Pen

The four-color pen lets you choose from four ink colors (black, blue, red, and green) with a simple click. Ideal as school supplies for color-coding copy and organizing notes, this BIC pen has a 1.0mm medium point.

BIC Glide Bold Retractable Ball Pen

BIC Glide Bold Retractable Ball Point Pens provide a super-smooth writing experience. This pen features proprietary Easy Glide System ink technology that delivers smooth, consistent ink flow — making it the Smoothest Pen in the Universe! Each pen comes equipped with a 1.6mm point that makes bold, vivid lines and a rubber grip that provides comfort and control as you jot down notes, write letters, or doodle. This ballpoint pen has a convenient retractable design that allows you to extend and retract the tip with a single click.

Fiskars

From the early days of ABCs to students ready for SATs, Fiskars scissors are designed specifically for developmental milestones, with a variety of sizes for the right age and hand size and come in a range of styles to fit kids’ personalities — from glitter to rainbows, colors, sports and more.

Mabel’s Labels

This classic best-seller includes all the durable, waterproof labels needed to keep your kid’s things out of the lost and found.

Spider-Man Back to School Collection

The web-slinging Marvel super hero swings into action on this Spider-Man Back to School Collection. The amazing arachnid adventurer is featured on the coordinating adaptive backpack, lunch box, stainless steel water bottle and zip-up stationery kit so your young wall climber will be all set to go to the top of the class. Additionally, the Disney Store’s Back-to-School Sale, is offering up to 40% off on backpacks, apparel, and so much more from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar! Don’t miss the chance to save on essentials for the new school year featuring your children’s favorite characters. Skip the stress and enjoy these sweet Disney deals.

Crate&Kids

A backpack that’s extra comfy and ready to handle all the adventures of the day. Sweet rainbow hearts, frolicking unicorns, flowers and strawberries decorate the bag’s exterior, and a soft blue trim gives it the perfect finish. Constructed of supremely durable polyester fabric that includes recycled plastic bottles, this large knapsack’s roomy interior holds everything your kid needs — books, school supplies, extra layers — and there’s a padded pocket to keep their tablet protected. Outside pockets hold snacks, water bottles and more. Pair this book bag with the matching Rainbows and Unicorns lunch box for a totally coordinated look.

Riley Backpack | Mark and Graham

Great for anything from school days or getaways, this backpack is crafted from wipeable coated cotton that is water resistant and easy to clean. Available in a range of fun patterns, it features heavy duty plastic zippers that are easy for small fingers to operate, plus a front and side pockets for organization. Add a color coordinated monogram or name for a personal touch.

High Sierra Curve Backpack

The perfect mix of capacity and features to help get you through the day. A large main compartment provides for all your larger gear and the front organizer compartment makes getting the items you need quickly a snap!

Osprey Arcane™Large Day

Perfect for high school and college students, the Arcane Large Day is quality crafted with certified recycled fabrics that are made to endure daily use. A large J-zip front panel, padded internal laptop sleeve and streamlined low-profile water bottle pocket keep everyday essentials organized.

BEABA’s On-the-Go Meal Set

Make packing lunches a breeze; this leak-free and temperature-controlled set is packed with everything your little one needs for mealtime, including an insulated steel food jar, insulated steel sippy cup, insulated lunch box and toddler spoon.

Humangear GoPouch

Available at Amazon, this quick-seal, easy-clean, stay-open, endlessly-reusable storage pouch is a back-to-school essential perfect for storing snacks, great to use as a pencil pouch, or for holding daily essentials in your backpack like sunscreen, chapstick and hair ties.

The product’s versatility offers endless use options! Plus, not only is it more sustainable than traditional plastic bags, but it is leak-tight and water-resistant when sealed so you can ensure that even the most precious belongings are kept safe wherever you go. Plus, the brand has a lifetime warranty on all their products so just send it back if it gets damaged and they will not only replace it, but will ensure the old product gets properly recycled to give the materials a new life.

Orbit One Rechargeable Can Opener

Introducing the rechargeable automatic can opener from Kitchen Mama — a one-press solution that effortlessly opens cans with its patented tilted blade design, cutting 360° along the lid without touching the food inside. Compatible with almost any can type and size, thanks to its patented tilted changeable blades. Lightweight and easily operable, with a sleek, brand inspired design. Rechargeable for eco-friendly convenience. The ultimate culinary game-changer for effortless can opening.

Skip Hop

This sleek, innovative table has game-changing, award-winning designs that take parenting must-haves to the next level. With Grow-With-Baby designs, the product adapts your little one from the early stages of floor play using wooden tongs, rollers, and animal scoops, to 30+ developmental activities, parents can create a hands-on landscape for sensory play and exploration with sand, water, sculpting clay, and other materials. The Discoverosity 3-in-1 Sensory Table encourages limitless ways for kids to explore, learn, create and play.

Eyebuydirect’s EcoActive Collection

Small but mighty, quality performance eyewear is a must-have whether you’re hitting the courts, cycling, or gearing up for fall marathon training. Launching today, Eyebuydirect’s new EcoActive Collection offers sporty style, eco-friendly design, and unparalleled comfort — providing protection and style for those living the flex life in their frames.

Now available at Eyebuydirect.com, the EcoActive Collection features 14 new frames tailored to those who lead active lifestyles and are looking for eyewear that’ll fit their personal style and schedule — truly accommodating all the ways our lifestyles flex. Priced under $60, the collection is designed with lightweight, sustainable bio-nylon material, soft-touch temple details, aerodynamic shapes and can be further customized with Transitions Gen S, color-tinted lenses, and polarization.

Zenni Optical

Elevate your look with the Keke Palmer collection’s medium square frame, crafted from durable plastic and featuring a full-rim design that exudes timeless sophistication. This frame offers enhanced comfort and an exact fit through a universal bridge, making it perfect for casual wear and daily use. Designed as everyday glasses for women, it adds an effortless touch to your look while offering a sophisticated and elegant style. Ideal for heart or oval face shapes, this frame ensures you stay stylish and comfortable throughout the day.

Sunnies

Sunnies play as hard as kids do and are made to fit their smaller faces, meaning no more stealing yours, or Mom or Dad’s! The polarized lenses have 100% UVA/UVB protection, and the arms have anti-slip material to keep them in place, making these a must-have for all kids’ outdoor adventures.

To reflect the vibrancy of the wearer, Sunnies are available in fun prints and bright solids (and shoppable on Amazon!) and are sure to put a smile on kids’ faces. 😊

Carter’s

This back-to-school season, Carter’s — the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents — is focusing on styles that get kids from bed to the carpool line in record time.

Carter’s has the trendiest looks and active styles that kids need most and can’t wait to wear. Plus, the brand is offering layering options for cool classrooms, as well as reimagined denim fits. The ultimate goal? To get kids comfortably off to class in stylish, lasting looks that also help parents get through the school year. To sum it up: Carter’s aced the assignment.

From balletcore to iconically classic denim styles, Carter’s has all of the trending styles kids want to wear this school year.

Barefoot Dreams

Elevate back-to-school comfort and style with Barefoot Dreams youth apparel. The collection offers cozy and fashionable clothing designed for active young minds, ranging from plush hoodies and cardigans to soft joggers. Parents and kids alike can embrace the new school year with confidence, knowing they’ll experience warmth and luxury with Barefoot Dreams.

Ground Up x Target Toddler Bluey High-Top Sneakers

Get your little one ready for all their adventures with the Bluey High-Top Sneakers from Ground Up available at Target. Perfect for daycare, preschool, or playdates, these adorable high-tops feature a fun Bluey design that your child will love. Crafted with a breathable insole and lining, these shoes ensure comfort throughout the day. The canvas fabric, durable leather, and rubber outsole make these sneakers a reliable choice for active toddlers. The lace-up design provides a secure and customized fit, making them ideal for little feet on the move. These sneakers are an essential addition to your child’s wardrobe for any activity.

Skechers Slip-Ins

Get ready to head back-to-school in the Step into effortless comfort with Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins®: Ultra Flex 3.0 — Colory Wild. Designed with our exclusive Heel Pillow™. This style features a Stretch Fit® engineered knit upper and a cushioned Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole.

For The College Students

CanvasChamp

Transform your blank walls into gorgeous murals. Yes, you can create your own custom wall murals and wallpaper with your own photographs and images! Like most everything today, you can do it all online directly on their website.

Society6

Society6, the online marketplace that offers wall art, home décor and lifestyle goods from over 400,000 independent creators — plus, they’re offering up to 25% off sitewide until end of August for their Back-to-School Promo Series!

Shop the brand’s backpacks, notebooks, laptop sleeves, wall art, tapestries, art prints, and MORE at their BTS Shop.

BIC Break-Resistant Mechanical Pencil

No more broken leads! BIC Break Resistant mechanical pencils, a 2024 Product of the Year Winner, have 75% stronger lead* and an innovative shock-absorption mechanism that helps prevent lead breakage. Each BIC Break Resistant mechanical pencil comes with extra strong №2 0.7mm lead, as well as an easy-to-use twist-up jumbo-size eraser for clean corrections.

Case-Mate

With summer coming to an end, the next thing on our ‘to-do’ list is getting back to school. With fashionablephone accessories and protective cases, back-to-school doesn’t have to mean boring!

From crossbody chains and beaded phone wristlets for busy students on the go, to phone cases and ring stands to keep your phone safe and stylish, Case-Mate’s stylish accessories are sure to turn heads in the classroom this school year.

OXO Strive XL Tumbler

Stay hydrated in style with this durable tumbler, perfect for sipping on the go or during those intense workout sessions.

Elevation™ Plus Softside Backpack

When it comes to Samsonite, there are many elevated and classy picks that are great for the back-to-school season, including the Elevation™ Plus Softside Backpack ($119.99). This bag boasts a minimal aesthetic and even has a holder for your AirTag™ device and a laptop pouch to protect your electronics. This backpack comes in Midnight Blue, Cypress Green and Slate and the practicality of this piece can’t be beat!

STATE Bags

Recently released as part of STATE Bags’ Back-to-School ’24 collection, the Reed Backpack features dual compartments and side water bottle holders, ensuring maximum storage and comfortable travel. The bag is also available in a variety of designs, making it the perfect pick for fashionable kids heading back to school.

Osprey Packs Flare 27

Osprey Packs Flare 27 hits the sweet spot of a medium backpack for around campus and beyond with a massive internal laptop sleeve in its main compartment that can fit up to a 16-inch laptop and comes with internal organization to keep all of your daily books and supplies in order.

Eastpak

Eastpak bags offer the ideal combination of affordability, style, and functionality. Whether you’re stocking up on back-to-school essentials or need reliable gear for your daily commute, Eastpak bags provide the durability you need without breaking the bank. Their sleek designs ensure you stay fashionable while being practical throughout the school year.

ETERNAL BLUE

The Eternal frames are an absolute essential for all occasions. These 100% acetate frames are sleek yet bold featuring the “ETERNAL” lettering on the inner and outer hinges. The signature curves and sharp edges prove them to be perfect for all face shapes.

WYR

WYR boxers are designed to elevate the everyday essentials of the modern man with unmatched comfort, style, and functionality. Crafted from 95% Giza Egyptian cotton, they are softer and more durable than the typical cotton basics. The fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties keep you cool and dry all day, making them perfect for any activity on campus.

MISSION

Elevate your back-to-school essentials with MISSION’s Cool Control 6" Boxer Briefs, designed specifically for college students who need reliable comfort and performance throughout their busy day. Crafted with lightweight and breathable pinhole mesh, these boxer briefs ensure you stay cool and fresh by wicking moisture away and drying quickly.

The contoured pouch offers exceptional support without restriction, allowing for natural movement during classes, workouts, and social events. The tagless design eliminates any itchiness, providing seamless comfort. Additionally, the briefs are odor-resistant, ensuring lasting freshness, and are easy to maintain with machine washability. Featuring a convenient horizontal fly opening, these boxer briefs combine practicality with superior comfort, making them the perfect choice for a hectic college lifestyle. Available in sizes MD, LG, XL, and 2XL.

Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky debuts Hanky Panky Bras, the brand’s first collection of structured bras, designed to be comfortable, supportive and inclusive so every wearer can feel confident every time. Featuring the same best-selling Signature Lace as their iconic underwear, this new bra collection comes requested by customers and has been over three years in the making.

MOVEACTIVE

Each piece in this collection embodies the unique beauty of Australia, drawing from the rich tapestry of flora, fauna and landscapes.

Crew Non-Slip Grip Socks — Fluid Bark Brown offer unparalleled comfort and stability, designed with your active lifestyle in mind.

These socks provide the perfect blend of grip, support, and style. Whether you’re practicing pilates, flowing through yoga, hitting the gym, or simply lounging at home, these grip socks are your ideal companion.

Charles Tyrwhitt

Charles Tyrwhitt’s variety of shirting options makes for the ideal back-to-school wardrobe. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and accessible price point.

The shirting collection includes the Kensington Weave Shirt, Pure Linen Shirt, and more. These classic styles are wardrobe staples for their customers! Crafted from the finest cotton and linen fabrics, Charles Tyrwhitt’s shirts offer a combination of softness and durability. They are designed to retain their bright colors even after multiple washes, making them perfect for those who want to look good effortlessly. Additionally, they are available in sizes XS — XXXL.

Theory Essential Trios

Defined by an elevated cut and refined fit, the Precise tee is our most luxurious T-shirt. Made of fine, silky Egyptian cotton for a sleek look and feel, this crewneck masters the balance between polish and ease pairing effortlessly back to your favorite tailored styles.

Paper Planes Tee

The strength of your wardrobe is only as good as its foundation. Featuring an engineered fit, the soft, breathable cotton regulates your body temperature. Meanwhile, a touch of stretch provides the structure that molds to your body without losing shape.

The bio wash offers a silky hand feel that’s even better against your skin. The heat transfer main label delivers a tagless experience with zero rubbing for maximum comfort.

Marshalls — Long Sleeve Linen Cotton Blend Stretch Shirt

This linen cotton shirt is perfect to elevate your wardrobe this semester for under $30 at Marshalls!

Duluth Trading Men’s Souped-Up Sweats Pullover Crew

The Men’s Souped-Up Sweats Pullover Crew is made with strong stitching and extra-hefty 14-oz. cotton fleece that’s brushed for supercharged softness and warmth. This supercharged pullover crew will keep you stylish, comfy, and on the go from morning classes to afternoon quad hangout to evening tailgating. Plus, the rib knit underarm gussets and side panels max out maneuverability.

B by Ben Sherman

The B by Ben Sherman Sports Blouson Jacket in Sage is the perfect piece of outerwear for back to school! The jacket is a zip-through blouson jacket with an elasticated hem and cuff. Features include two external welt pockets and a twin needle back seam. As part of the brands “B by Ben Sherman” range, this jacket is branded with a B chest embroidery. Pair it with jeans or shorts and your new back-to-school look is set for the season!

BCBGeneration

The BCBGeneration Double Breasted Bouclé Long Coat is ideal as we head back to school, especially for schools in cities with colder temperatures. The fuzzy bouclé texture amplifies the cozy allure of this longline coat cut in a double-breasted silhouette with peaked lapels, and the medium size length and double-breasted button closure keeps you warm and stylish at the same time!

FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty In Session

Rihanna is ready to take you to school with her newest FENTY x PUMA Creeper Phatty In Session. The Creeper Phatty, Rihanna’s latest iteration of the original Creeper, is bigger, bolder and badder than ever with an oversized design and stacked gum sole. Out now, this drop boasts triple-black and classic red and white corduroy. Same Creeper Phatty just fresh new colors and materials ready to be paired with your dopest back-to-school fits.

It’s school picture day in Rihanna’s latest creative campaign shot by Philippa Price. As Creative Director, Rihanna also stars in the campaign as “the good gal” alongside a few unexpected school mates. Euphoria star Chloe Cherry, “the emo girl”, and film icon Anjelica Huston, the principal, round out this star-studded campaign. A varied cast including the “theater kid”, “popular girl”, “nerd” and “class pet”, add flavor and personality to this nostalgic yet fashionable campaign.

In the words of our girl, Rih, “ Your whole school will be wearing the Creeper Phatty’s and this campaign plays with that vision. We chose these colors and material very purposefully for back-to-school. The black on black corduroy remind me of my very own childhood, a uniform approved shoe with the twist I always wish I had.”

This back-to-school In Session drop offers colors and sizes for all ages. Dress up your varsity fit with the triple black monochromatic colorway. Or rock the traditional yet iconic red and white paired with jeans and your favorite varsity sweater.

Men’s Timberland® Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boot

Inspired by their original 6-inch waterproof boot, this all-season style gives you tireless waterproof performance and instantly recognizable work-boot style. Be bold from the beginning with the new color updates, anti-fatigue comfort footbeds, 400 grams of PrimaLoft® 90% recycled insulation and a durable rubber lug outsole for traction. This style is made with Timberland® premium leather so you can feel bold while conquering your own path.

42 GOLD

42 Gold is passionately designed, elevated yet attainable luxury. It represents the golden hour when a woman starts to know who she is, and who she is not. 42 Gold is elevated. playful. modern.

Florsheim

As the weather warms up and we enter the spring and summer months, it may be time to refresh your office-approved footwear options. Florsheim has everything you’ll need to complete your professional warm-weather wardrobe and put a spring in your step!

Bruno Magli

A modern take on a traditional cup sole sneaker. A full grain Italian leather upper, with a perforated toe for breathability and style. A new logo application is embedded in the mid-foot for brand identification.

MYSLF Eau De Parfum

At first, a vibrant & spicy accord made of black pepper essence. At the heart, a radiant & rich orange blossom absolute heart from tunisia crafted for YSL Beauty. At last, sensual & warm woods meet an addictive & velvety vanilla bourbon infusion. A statement of modern masculinity, a fragrance that seamlessly fuses with your skin to reveal a distinct signature for each individual.

The sleek bottle highlights YSL Beauty’s commitment to sustainability, crafted from recycled glass, with FSC™ mix certified packaging.

OLAY Cleansing Melts

Melts are a groundbreaking, water-activated cleansing square that dissolves into silky microbubbles to melt away excess oil & sweat, cleansing better than the #1 hydrating cleanser. Utilizing new Patented Facial Cleansing Technology, Melts deliver a 3x better clean to cleanse, tone and refresh in three easy steps — just soak, activate and wash. Melts include only 8 concentrated ingredients (6x less than some traditional cleansers), spun into nearly 2 miles of threads woven into one Cleansing Melt square, perfectly dosed for a single-use wash.

Dr Teal’s

Award-winning personal care brand Dr Teal’s budget-approved products are making back-to-school shopping easy, whether you’re looking for dorm essentials to send off with your college student, or the must-haves to prepare your youngest at home.

From exfoliating sugar scrubs and aluminum-free deodorants to refreshing toners, Dr Teal’s essentials promote rest, relief, and rejuvenation so the students in your life can prepare for the school year without the hassle. Students aren’t the only ones who could use a pick me up — Dr Teal’s wellness products are perfect for Mom and Dad to stay refreshed and ready to take on the new school year stress-free!

Cremo’s Italian Bergamot 32oz Body Wash

Bring the cool breezes, lush landscape and crystal blue water of the Italian Riviera into your shower with this vibrant blend of Italian bergamot, neroli blossom and fresh vetiver. Layered and complex, the luxurious feel of this moisturizing formula is unquestionably Cremo.

Nivea Men Relax 3-in-1 Body Wash

Relax 3-in-1 Body Wash: Enriched with a lavender and sandalwood scent and provides a relaxing shower experience so you can feel zen and refreshed.

32oz Lavender And Aloe Essentials Shower Gel

Get this shower gel for $8.99 at TJ Maxx and feel fresh with this lavender and aloe shower gel under $10.00.

NIVEA MEN Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Their #1 Sensitive Post Shave Balm helps moisturize and protect skin from dryness. Enriched with Vitamin E, soothing natural Chamomile and Witch Hazel extracts, to help calm and hydrate sensitive skin. This fast-absorbing, beard-friendly, non-sticky and non-greasy formula helps provide your skin with an intensive, long-lasting hydration for ultimate skin comfort. This post shave balm is free of drying alcohols and parabens.

Michael Strahan™ Face and Beard Wash

Men need skincare too! Get great glowing skin before and after your vacation with the Michael Strahan Skin and Shave line.

Cleaning your face and beard with Michael Strahan™ face and beard wash leaves your skin and facial hair looking and feeling hydrated and healthy. Pretty refreshing, since many cleansers tend to strip away the natural moisture you need.

Powered by hydrating Activated Silk™ skin defense, the Face and Neck Moisturizer is a heavy hitter in a lightweight formula that defends skin from dryness and irritation without clogging pores or feeling greasy. It’s a balance of strength and softness designed to help sensitive skin look and feel smooth and healthy, with added soothing nourishment from vitamin E and avocado oil.

Laifen

Now through August 31st enjoy 20% off on this SE Lite + Wave ABS Bundle ($119.98, originally $149.98). Achieve superior oral hygiene and fast-drying hair with this bundle, perfect for those needing to cut down their pre-school routine or looking to outfit their dorm in style.

Bitvae C5 Water Dental Flosser

Enjoy a thorough and comfortable teeth cleaning experience with Bitvae! This water flosser deeply removes food and stains with 5 pressure settings and 3 cleaning modes that vary from gentle to intense. It comes with 6 replaceable nozzles (including a tongue scraper nozzle) with 360° rotating for blind spots and hard-to-reach areas, a water tank large enough for 60-second flossing time, and a universal USB charging cable.

SURI

SURI is a personal care brand dedicated to creating design-led, sustainable essentials to elevate daily routines. After 15 years in the personal care industry, the founders recognized the environmental impact of discarded toothbrushes — 4 billion annually — and set out to make a difference. They’ve designed the first-ever sustainable electric toothbrush, which launched in the UK in 2022 and recently expanded to the US. It’s available online at trysuri.com, amazon.com and in all Erewhon stores.

Mellanni Sheet Set

Looking for ways to brighten up your space this summer? Mellanni Bedding’s Iconic Collection Sheets are the ideal choice to add a splash of color and style to any room. With over 10 million satisfied sleepers in their corner, the brand just launched trendy new colors like Blue Nova, Terracotta, Pistachio, and Hazy Lilac as well as new bright whites for a clean look.

Double Stitch by Bedsure

Experience the pure comfort of this Organic Cotton Duvet Cover Set, where every thread whispers of natural elegance and responsible sourcing. Crafted from 100% long-staple organic cotton fibers and treated with a meticulous garment washing process, this Organic Cotton Collection prioritizes optimal softness and environmental consciousness. Sink into unparalleled comfort as you drift into slumber. Rest easy knowing that this bedding is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified and boasts a precise 300 thread-count, with every detail thoughtfully crafted to elevate your sleep experience while nurturing our planet.

Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Lamp Dimmer

College students can come back to a well-lit dorm or apartment with Lutron’s Smart Lamp Dimmer, the easy plug-in lighting controller. Simply plug the dimmer into a standard outlet and use it with up to 2 floor or table lamps. These can even integrate multiple bulbs for room-wide scene settings! Available on Amazon and at Home Depot, Lowes and more.

Legrand

Vibrant and playful, the wall plate color options bring a pop of cheer in any space. Made exclusively for use with designer switches and outlets from the adorne® Collection. These wall plates feature enduring Microban® antimicrobial technology that works to reduce the growth of bacteria, around the clock, for the lifespan of the product.

Audo Column Table Lamp

With a shape inspired by the bollards used to secure vessels to a jetty, the portable Column Table Lamp combines technology and mood-setting style in a striking mushroom shape. Powered by battery for the ultimate in freedom and flexibility, the small-scale lamp delivers an inviting glow — adjustable to three settings — to spaces indoors and out. The cordless design charges via a concealed USB socket at its base and is also compatible with Audo’s Charging Board, which reanimates multiple devices in a single sitting. Lightweight and durable, with a beautiful finish in either anodized or brushed aluminum, it is a design you will want to use in all your favorite spots.

SKYVIEW

With school just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start looking for all of your dorm essentials. If you’re in need of room decor that is both functional and chic, SKYVIEW is the perfect solution to fix your irregular sleep schedule while elevating your room’s aesthetic. SKYVIEW, is the world’s first human light that’s known for improving your everyday wellness by dynamically changing between 4 colors throughout the day to regulate your internal clock.

This technology has the power to transform your life on a biological level using a patented light engine to replicate the information we get from natural light, ensuring our mind and body are in balance, improving our focus, mood and sleep during this hectic time of year. Valued at $279 for the SKYVIEW 2 this light has the power to help you get a full night’s rest so that you’re ready to ace all of your exams!

Steelcase Series 1 Air

Steelcase Series 1 Air provides high-quality ergonomics at an exceptional entry price point. The chair is great for budding adults into high-performance seating with its small stature for space efficiency and weight-activated tension adjustments that can support through long sitting hours. What’s more, the Series 1 Air is completely customizable with plenty of air back, seat, and frame colors to match any communal space’s aesthetic.

HomeGoods: Back to Campus Shop

The Back to Campus shop is fully stocked and our HomeGoods Style Experts — Jenny Reimold and Ursula Carmona — are ready to help you prep for an amazing school year ahead.

“As the mother of two students in college, I have spent the last four years styling apartments and dorm rooms for two very different personalities. My daughter, a rising college senior and sorority member, created mood boards and shopping lists for the fall…before the spring semester had even ended. While keeping college essentials, like small storage consoles and beaded lamps, she has changed her bedroom style from Boho to Coastal Grandma,” said Jenny Reimold.

IKEA U.S

IKEA U.S. is known for its storage solutions, which makes it a one-stop shop for the best tips, tricks, and insights to help make any college living situation feel like home. Below are some of the most popular IKEA storage products that are perfect for college life.

Beflo Smart Tenon Desk

Smart Tenon Desk seamlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, creating a workspace that’s as elegant as it is intelligent. Crafted with precision using traditional tenon joinery techniques, this desk exudes sophistication and durability.

Its sleek design is complemented by a range of smart features, including integrated wireless charging pads, intuitive touch controls for adjustable height and lighting, and built-in USB ports for effortless connectivity. Whether you’re drafting plans or diving into a creative project, Beflo’s Smart Tenon Desk elevates your workspace experience with style and functionality.

Echo Show 15

Reimagine how you stay organized, connected, and entertained with a personalized smart display that helps keeps you on track and in sync.

The 15.6” full HD screen(1080p) — largest size available — is designed to be mounted on the wall but can also be displayed on your countertop with a stand accessory. Customize the home screen with Alexa Widgets, including your shared family calendar, shopping lists, sticky notes, recipes, your compatible smart home devices, and more.

Hatch Restore 2

Hatch Restore 2 is the perfect for anyone who believes rest is the kindest form of self-care. With a gentle sunrise alarm and soothing sleep sounds all in one, you can sleep more deeply with meditation exercises and sounds that are inspired by nature and backed by science, then rise with the sunrise to support your natural circadian rhythm — without the need for a phone.

SOUNDBOKS GO

Wherever you go, however, you go, whatever you’re going to do — SOUNDBOKS Go makes your music go, too. This is a Bluetooth Performance Speaker, only smaller. The SOUNDBOKS GO is full of surprises, full of potential, and fully capable of doing all the stuff that makes a SOUNDBOKS a SOUNDBOKS. 121dB of powerful immersive sound, splashproof, shockproof, and portable with our incredible swappable 40-hour battery. Use TeamUP to pair wirelessly with other SOUNDBOKS Go or SOUNDBOKS speakers for an immersive music experience. Connect to the SOUNDBOKS App to access performance upgrades for new sound profiles, EQ, remote controls, security, + more.

Sonos Move 2

The next generation of Sonos’ best-selling, most powerful portable speaker that delivers spacious stereo sound and up to 24 hours of battery life, in an ultra-durable water-resistant design. With the extended battery life, Move 2 is ready for any season dinner in the backyard patio.

TRIBIT XSound Plus 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Elevate audio with this Bluetooth speaker’s rich stereo sound. Effortlessly connect for immersive experiences indoors and outdoors, anytime, anywhere. Enjoy uninterrupted music with this wireless speaker. Powered by RunStretch® technology, it ensures prolonged battery life for travel or car rides, offering a full day of immersive sound.

Roku Streaming Stick 4K

Knowing how to relax is essential to academic success, and there are no better devices suited to weeknight cool-offs like the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It’s super easy to use with an intuitive remote and comes Dolby Vision and HDR ready, making it one of the best streaming devices. And because it’s so small, you can take it to a fellow student’s dorm, or on a holiday visit home.

OXO Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner

A great way to ensure that your pricey electronics lasts from freshman year through grad school is to keep it pristine. This double-sided brush sweeps dirt and dust from laptop and computer keyboards, smudges from televisions and monitors, and even polishes up tiny charging ports in all matter of electronic devices.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray

Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including cold and flu, and the COVID-19 virus, when used as directed. Products can be used on many surfaces including desktops, door handles, countertops, light switches, and more!

Air Wick

Air Wick is launching new Fall Fragrances just in time to enrich your back-to-school experience.

Whether you’re setting up your classroom, moving into your first post-grad apartment or you’re updating your mudroom while the kids go back to school, add an essence of autumn with Air Wick’s new Vibrant Glistening Snow & Frosted Mint Scented Oil or Vibrant Glowing Campfire & Starlit Sky Scented Oil.

Azuna

Offering plant-based and naturally powerful odor-eliminating solutions for cleaner, fresher, and healthier air in your home and car, Azuna is made with 100% Australian tea tree oil, tackling and eliminating unwanted odors both at home and on the go without harsh chemicals!

Fresh Wave Odor Removing Gels

Keep your space fresh, 24/7. This odor-absorbing gel takes care of household smells around the clock, giving you peace of mind where you need it most. The jar is easy to tuck away in nurseries, bathrooms, basements‚ or anywhere you need ongoing odor control. You can breathe easily because Fresh Wave gels are made with natural plant oils and without harsh chemicals, so they are safe to use around kids and pets. Available in Original, Lavender, and Lemon at Target, Amazon, and Fresh Wave.

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

With the return of outdoor sports and exercise this semester, you need Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in your home laundry routine to tackle that sweaty, stinky laundry! Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a laundry additive specially formulated to eliminate 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria in laundry, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after a wash the first time, every time, when used as directed.

GermGuardian Airsafe+ Intelligent Air Purifier

With 3 LAYERS OF 360 DEGREE PROTECTION — Genuine high efficiency True 360 Degree HEPA air filter captures 99.97% of dust, allergens, and wildfire smoke particles as small as 0.1 microns from all directions. With over 155 pleats and 14 square feet of filter area, our True HEPA air filter traps dust, pollen, harmful germs, and pet dander.

ConairPure Medium Room Air Purifier

Its four-stage air filtration with a true HEPA filter and Plasma Ion Technology removes dust and dirt, pet dander, smoke, and pollen from the air, so you can breathe more easily.

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The New York Exclusive by Editor Tony Bowles

Tony Bowles is one of the youngest sought journalists in the media world. He focuses on lifestyle, travel, entertainment, food, and more! Based in New York City