Last updated on October 27th, 2021 at 09:43 pm

We have a confession to make: we are both office supplies geeks. Binders, notebooks, desk accessories, we love them all. A trip to Staples is almost as good as a trip to Target. So, when we decided to do a Back-To-School shopping list, we wanted to make it not just for students.

There are products here for everyone, at any age and probably sub-consciously geared towards the fashionista. So, enjoy and let us know your favorite items in the comments below!

**Please Note: This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links.

Back-to-School Shopping List: Bags & Backpacks

Bags and backpacks are probably one of the first things you think of on a back-to-school shopping list. Our favorites are not just great for back-to-school, but also for work and travel.

JanSport Right Back Backpack – This is a great backpack when you need to carry a ton of stuff, including a computer, books and notebooks. There’s a lot of different zip pockets to store and organize all of your things. 

I (Jen) used this backpack in Walt Disney World for my last family trip and it held up well! It carried everything I needed for the parks everyday, and wasn’t too heavy for 10+ miles of walking.

Price on amazon.com (as of 8/1/21): $67.00 – prices do vary slightly by color.

Madewell Transport Crossbody Camera Bag – Having a crossbody bag in addition to a backpack is a great idea for everyday. Keep the necessities in this bag – wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, etc., so you have them at the ready, instead of taking off your backpack to grab what you need. $128.00 on amazon.com (as of 8/1/21)

The new Harper View from K. Carroll Accessories is the perfect small crossbody. Yes, I (Dianne) worked there for 12 years, but I’m not biased because of that. This is just an awesome bag and was one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2018. (It’s also not a coincidence that it’s name the “Harper”).

This new version with the clear back allows you to check and reply to messages without taking the phone out of your bag. So if you’re sitting at the football game you don’t have to keep taking the bag in and out, just take a peek! $24.99

I (Dianne) stumbled across this faux leather tote on Amazon and couldn’t believe the price. I was skeptical at first, but it has over 36,000 reviews, averaging four stars. And, get this, it is offered in over 100 colors. So if you want a one-season carry-all in the “it color” of the season, look no further. This will hold your laptop, notebook, pretty much everything.

And the price? This bronze color is $10.79 (no, that’s not a typo) as of 8/1/21. The prices do vary by color, but at any price this bag is a steal!

Tees and Sweatshirts

Gildan Crewneck Sweatshirt – A basic sweatshirt in a ton of different colors (and cheap), is always a great idea for lounging around when you want to be comfortable, or even when you’re going to class. 

These come in men’s sizes, so just size down if you want a more fitted look. Available in over 30 colors and even available in a 2-pack. These are found on amazon.com and the prices range from $6.99 – $35.00 depending on color and one vs. 2-pack.

American Eagle Tailgate Brand – Rep your school with all the cute offerings American Eagle has for different colleges and universities. Something different than what you can get at the union store!

Prices range from approximately $30 – $50.

(Editor’s note: Jen picked these great products from AE, but Dianne did the images. So, sorry Jen – it’s the Wolverines and not the Spartans!)

Etsy is a great place to look for some unique and fun apparel. I (Dianne) found both of these on Etsy and will admit that one on the left hit a little too close to home. I do love sports and can get just a teensy bit emotional when cheering for my team!

Left: Classy Until Kickoff, starting at $17.00 Right: Game Day, $29.99

Back to School Shopping List: Footwear

Sorel Boots – If you live in a state with a cold winter, you’re going to need some boots that will keep you warm and you can walk in. Sorel boots are great for keeping your feet nice and warm, and also looking stylish. 

No one wants to be walking around through the snow in sneakers!

Sorel Boots, $159.95 on zappos.com with free shipping.

Allbirds – We can’t talk enough about these shoes. We both own these in summer and winter colors/fabrics. As we are approaching fall, we recommend the wool runners.

They are offered in whole sizes only. I (Dianne) usually wear a 7.5 and ordered the 8. They fit perfectly — you won’t regret this purchase.

Women’s Wool Runners are $98.

Planners and Notebooks

This is one of the things we both can’t get enough of. We both have one (maybe two) annual planners, but we are a sucker for a good notebook. Small, large, spiral, bounded….you name it, we have them all. Here are some of our favorites!

Agendio – If you’re looking for the perfect planner, and haven’t found it yet, check out Agendio! Create your perfect customized planner page by page, so it’s exactly what you need! Because the combinations are almost endless, we can’t really give you a price. But you can control how much you spend by the features you select

May Designs – I (Dianne) have used these for years and have given them as gifts also. These are smaller with less customization, but they can be highly personalized. You can create the cover from so many color/print options and then add the personalization. You can also choose the page style you would like – lined, blank, etc. We were playing around and designed this one. The classic May Book starts at $16.

Russell + Hazel has beautiful office supplies, including planners, notebooks and binders. Get a marble printed binder if you want something with a little different vibe than just plastic. 

When I (Jen) was in high school, a long time ago, Russel+Hazel sold a binder with a thick cardboard front and back cover. I remember being so excited to get the binder and painting it before going back to school!

Left: Marble Binder, $24 Right: Spiral Notebook, $12

Southworth Journal – I (Dianne) purchased a Southworth planner and have been using it all year long. The quality of their products is really great. I haven’t purchased one of their journals yet, but when I do, it will probably be this one. Available on amazon.com for $8.91 (as of 8/1/21).

Back to School Shopping List: Desk Accessories

Crystal Desk Lamp – I (Dianne) have a similar lamp on the desk in my home office. I love how feminine it is. This would look equally as cute in a dorm room!

I love the two charging ports – I wish mine had those.

It’s available on amazon.com for $39.99 (as of 8/1/21)

Noted by Post-It – Everything in this line, available at Target, is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to keep on your desk. The color pens write like a dream, and all the different notepads and post-its can keep you on track day-to-day. 

Just head to target.com and search “noted by post-it” and you’ll find the line. There’s a sample on the right of what you can find. This daily To Do pad is $8.99

Tech Accessories

Casetify has endless designs for phone cases, laptop skins, iPad cases and AirPod cases. Their cases are highly protective for your phone, and some can even be customized! 

A MacBook laptop skin like the one shown is $55.

Loopy Cases. Loopy is by far my (Jen) favorite phone case, and have been using this brand on every phone over the past 5+ years. 

The Loopy Case makes holding your phone so easy, and saves your pinky fingers. I carry my phone around by the loop all the time, and makes multitasking with a toddler super easy!

This Midnight Leopard case is $39 and 5% of each Midnight Leopard case is donated to help protect endangered species around the world.

Back to School Shopping List – Drinkware

For a classic water bottle, you can’t go wrong with HydroFlask. Get whatever size water bottle is easiest for you to carry around day-to-day. The Hydro Flask will keep your water cold all day long, going from class to class. Or while you’re at work!

The 18 ounce size is $29.95 (as of 8/1/21) on amazon.com.

If you are looking for more of an “adult beverage”, you need to check out Brümate. They have 20 ounce insulated pint glasses in unique designs. They also have wine tumblers, but what we find unique is there champagne flutes, which are designed to keep drinks cold and carbonated 5x longer. You can sip on that mimosa just a little bit longer without it going flat.

Left: Pint glass in Rose, $29.99 Right: Champagne flute in Sunset, $24.99

I

f you’re more into drinking coffee or tea all day, then we recommend the Yeti mug. There is both a 14 ounce and 10 ounce.

Prices are $29.98 for the 14 oz size and $24.98 for the 10 oz size on amazon.com (as of 8/1/21).

Dorm Room (or Anywhere) Decor

Redbubble – Take a look at all of the artist-submitted work and find some affordable art to enhance your space! You can even get this Vincent Van Gogh reproduction starting at $15.94 for an 8 x 10.

You can always count on Target for some fun and trendy accessories. How about this oversized faux fur pillow for $29.99? It’s probably on many a back-to-school shopping list.

And, last but not least on our back-to-school shopping list is Ruggable. Ruggable rugs are all washable, which is perfect for a dorm room! These rugs are two pieces – a rug cover (washable) and the rug pad made from the same material as yoga mats. Prices vary based on pattern and size. The Camellia Midnight pattern is $89 for a 2′ x 3′ size. It reminded us of the Van Gogh look!

If you liked our Back-To-School Shopping List, then you should check out some of our other guides:

12 Things to Do and Buy While Waiting for Summer

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide

The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide