As the back-to-school season draws near, the spirit of new beginnings and renewed focus resonates with both students and professionals alike. Whether it’s the allure of freshly-organised stationery or the comfort of an affordable lunch box for work, certain key items can make the transition from summer smoother and more exciting. Here’s a guide to some of the standout products that promise to energise this academic year for kids, teenagers, and adults.
Essential Supplies for School and Beyond
For Younger Kids
The Munchkin kids’ bento box, available at £22.99, offers vibrant compartments ideal for picky eaters. It’s both dishwasher-safe and eco-friendly, made without BPA, and comes with its own stainless steel cutlery.
Perfect hydration solutions include the Klean Kanteen 355ml water bottle at £15.50, which features a child-friendly flip-cap and is adorned with playful designs such as unicorns and dinosaurs.
The Clarks Shoe Cleaning Kit, priced at £18, is a useful investment to encourage kids to maintain their footwear, a helpful life skill.
To carry all those essentials, the Frugi Navigator Backpack, retailing at £32, boasts multiple pockets and reflective details, making it practical for school and adventurous outings.
The hand-printed Yolla Studio pencil case offers a stylish, polyester-free option at £18, capable of doubling as a wash bag as needed.
Keeping writing tools sharp and easy to find is made fun with the quirky Legami mushroom pencil sharpener, priced from £2.99, which combines functionality with a trendy cottagecore design.
For art supplies, consider the set of Kitpas crayons at £14.95. These are smooth, chunky, washable, and crafted from upcycled rice bran wax, offering both sustainability and quality.
Writing mistakes are easily rectified with Legami erasable pens at £1.95 each, available in amusing animal designs, which are also refillable.
Prepare for unpredictable weather with the Regatta waterproof packaway jacket, available from £12.50, perfect for packing light without sacrificing protection.
Accessorise school hairstyles with the M&S scallop hair bow and scrunchie, priced at £12.50, offered in school-appropriate colours.
For Teenagers
A trustworthy all-in-one solution, the Helix Oxford stationery set costs £20.49 and includes all the essentials for secondary education.
Writing becomes an experience with the refillable Leuchtturm1917 ballpoint pen, retailing at £27.50 and styled with inspiration from the Bauhaus design movement.
In partnership with a Japanese illustrator, the Kokuyo x Noritake Haco Haco pencil case, priced at £18.99, offers minimalistic yet versatile sub-compartments.
Keep cards and change secure in style with the Ykra mini wallet at £30.03, distinguished by its vibrant retro design and functional rope attachment.
Classic and fashionable, Clarks Wallabee shoes start at £40, beloved by prominent figures from fashion and music, offering timeless style.
Ideal for both blending in and standing out, The North Face Chuckwalla daypack at £65 is both versatile and roomy enough for large laptops and creative embellishments.
Reliable organisational tools like the classic Post-It notes from £4.29 set the scene for a productive school year.
Efficiently manage time and goals with the Papier academic year diary at £21.25, designed to cater to academic schedules with dedicated pages for various planning activities.
Drawing and writing mishaps can be effortlessly fixed using the Koh-i-Noor eraser, a product from one of the world’s oldest stationery brands, offered at just £1.
Products for Women
Step comfortably into September with the Dilling socks, a pack of three for £22.99, ensuring both comfort and style.
Carry your essentials elegantly in the Bleu De Chauffe Musette suede bag for £265, embodying timeless Parisian chic.
For a tailored, ready-for-business look, consider secondhand options for Ralph Lauren men’s shirts, offering style and affordability through platforms like Vinted.
Complete the look with Sebago Classic Dan leather loafers, starting at £97.50, providing a sophisticated alternative to traditional school footwear.
Organise your bag with the elegant Crawford & Henderson Tulip card holder for £12.50, effortlessly combining utility and beauty.
Men’s Must-Haves
Kick off the new season with Bam stripe socks for £6.65, creatively using bamboo for a vibrant addition to any wardrobe.
A practical choice for the organised professional, the Delfonics inner organiser bag at £65 features ample pocket space and a sleek design.
The quintessential preppy style is embodied by the Trickett Ivy shirt for £108, delivering classic East Coast flair.
Streamline pocket essentials with the Hyde Wares card wallet available at £36, produced by an independent leather goods company in Sheffield.
Smart yet practical shoes like the Solovair Cordovan Gibson at £159 offer a polished look without the need for formal brogues.
Ideal Stationery and Accessories
Add a decorative touch with the Cambridge Imprint square notebook, priced at £11.75, perfect for jotting down notes or acting as an eye-catching accessory.
Bring a refined touch to meetings with a Lamy Safari fountain pen, starting from £21, combining classic appeal with modern colour choices.
The Clairefontaine leather pencil case at £9.95 provides a sophisticated way to carry select writing tools.
Protect devices on the go with a Hay Multi laptop cover, priced at £36, from the well-regarded Scandinavian design brand.
Keep plans flexible and precise with a Mark’s Tokyo undated planner, offered at £12, adapting to scheduling changes with ease.
A trusted favourite, the Nalgene Sustain water bottle for £14.95, comes in vibrant hues, striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
For a hands-on organisational boost, the Penco tape writer at £21.50 delivers a creative labelling solution for your space.
The A Slice Of Green lunch box for £22 combines eco-consciousness with compartmental storage, aiming to elevate the lunch experience.
Enhance your shopping habits with the Hightide Penco tote bag, available at £35, boasting a design focused on practicality and compact storage.
Finally, a Large natural cork noticeboard for £39.99 acts as a central hub for notes, calendars, and reminders, fostering an organised home environment.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.