Back to school season usually means new responsibilities and a mile-long supply list to carve through. Luckily, when it comes to must-haves for the 2018 school year, we’ve managed to narrow it down to 10 items designed to make your life easier. Options like Muji Pens or an LL Bean Backpack are ideal for students of all ages, while other items like the Instant Pot Duo can help for aspiring grads (or post-grads) who aren’t playing with much spare time. Below, you’ll find a helpful cheat sheet that serves up some leading picks in terms of gadgets, gear, and accessories that are sure to earn top marks.
Muji Pens, $12 – These small pens pack a big punch with smooth and sharp lines and although they’re prone to smudging, are ideal for making any page look neat and orderly. Plus, you can get them in packs of 10 in case you lose the first few.
Sunrise Alarm Clock, $27 – Anyone who has a hard time getting out of bed in the morning needs a Sunrise Alarm Clock in their life. It’s especially great if your room is lacking natural light, because it will wake you up with a combination of simulated light and peaceful sounds, avoiding that incessant buzzing sound that always makes starting the day worse. It can also be used as a lamp, so it’s a win-win.
LL Bean Deluxe Backpack, $62 – This classic LL Bean backpack never ceases to go out of style for good reason. Available in a wide variety of colors like blue, black, and red, these bags are surprisingly durable and long-lived, no matter how much you knock them around. Packs’ insides are also room enough to fit a wide variety of school supplies in.
Tales From the Loop, $36 – This roleplaying book is a great source of weekend entertainment for all ages. On par with mysteries like E.T and Stranger Things, it allows each player to take on the role of a teenager solving a crime connected to The Loop, a universe created by artist Simon Stalenhag based on 1980’s Swedish suburbia. Once you truly get into it, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of abandoned robots, machinery, and giant robots, unable to put the book down.
Instant Pot Duo, $80 – This popular pressure cooker makes a great fit for any student who is strapped for time. This mini version is new and improved because it takes up even less space on the countertop while still retaining all the fantastic qualities of the original. It cuts cooking time nearly in half and allows numerous items to be made at once, with settings like Soup/Broth, Meat/Stew, Saute, Steam, and Rice, among others.
Packit Freezable Lunch Bag, $17 – Lunch is arguably just as important a meal as breakfast. And this helpful tote makes it easier to pack all your favorite foods by locking in cool, dry air with its velcro top. Just put it in the freezer the night before and the next day you’ll be able to keep food like dairy, fruits, veggies, and drinks cold all day. It also comes in a bunch of cute colors and designs and has a buckle to attach to backpacks or strollers.
Blue Sky Planner, $10 – Being organized is the first step to succeeding during the academic year. Spanning almost 12 months, this handy planner includes monthly and weekly pages for year-round planning and detailed long-term events. It’s a useful helper for those who have a hard time keeping track of things, and it’ll definitely assist you in transitioning into the new school year more smoothly.
Etymotic Ear Plugs, $14 – Whether it’s for an extracurricular activity like attending a concert or just needing some noise control while studying, these ear plugs will do the trick. They help counter hearing loss over time and unlike regular ear plugs, don’t muffle sound, but rather lower it to a more natural and quiet level. Wear them while attending a loud event and you’ll get to enjoy yourself without your ears ringing afterwards.
EVA First Aid Kit, $33 – This small first aid kit is made to last for the long haul. Don’t let its size fool you, though, because even though it’s portable, it still packs over 200 life-saving items such as band aids, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, disinfectant, adhesive, etc. It’s a good option to consider when traveling or living away from home in a dorm, but can also be useful for high school students venturing out on their own or parents with clumsy kids. The best part is that it’s waterproof, so you can basically bring it anywhere.
Thermos Bottle, $10 – Hydration is key when it comes to keeping a clear mind for concentration and academic performance. This Thermos bottle is made from dishwasher-ready materials, so it’s not only convenient, but also environmentally friendly. It holds up to 24 ounces of water and has a meter on the side that allows you to watch your intake, this way you’ll never be dehydrated again.
Cheat Sheet:
Matt Christensen is a freelance writer based in Cleveland, OH. Publications he's written for include Maxim, Men's Journal, Fatherly.com, Cosmopolitan, and more. John Stamos follows him on Instagram.
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