It’s that time of year again—back-to-school season, where the mad dash for supplies begins and everyone’s stress levels skyrocket. But here’s the thing: back-to-school essentials aren’t just about pencils and notebooks anymore. No, my friend, it’s a whole vibe. Whether you’re prepping for your kiddo’s first day, bracing yourself for the college grind, or gearing up to face a new batch of students, having the right gear can make all the difference. And by “right gear,” we mean essentials that are as practical as they are personality-packed. Let’s dive into the must-haves for kids, college students, and teachers, all available at Threadless.
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For the Kids—Where Function Meets Fun
When it comes to back-to-school essentials, kids are the true stars of the show. They need gear that’s both fun and functional to get them through the school day, and maybe, just maybe, help them keep their stuff together (fingers crossed).
Tees That Scream Personality
Kids have a knack for finding that one t-shirt they love and wearing it to the point of no return. Why not make it a cool one? Whether it’s a shirt with their favorite animal, a hilarious slogan, or just something that screams “this is me,” our kids’ t-shirts are all about self-expression. Plus, it might just make getting dressed in the morning a little less of a battle (no promises, though).
Backpacks That Hold Everything (And Then Some)
A good backpack is essential, and we’re not just talking about something to throw books into. Kids’ backpacks tend to double as black holes, swallowing everything from snacks to that permission slip you swear you handed them. Get them something sturdy and stylish, so at least when you’re fishing out crumbs and forgotten toys, you’ll be doing it from a bag that looks cool.
Zip Pouches for Controlled Chaos
If you’ve ever dug through a kid’s backpack, you know the chaos that lies within. Enter the zip pouch—a small, simple way to keep crayons, pencils, and other tiny treasures organized. It’s the hero that keeps school bags from descending into complete anarchy. Plus, it might just prevent the next crayon apocalypse in your living room.
Notebooks for Every Scribble
Whether they’re doodling, taking notes, or scribbling down their latest brilliant idea, kids need notebooks. And if those notebooks happen to be fun and personalized, they might even enjoy using them (or at least pretend to). Just be prepared for the fact that most of these pages will end up filled with drawings of superheroes and dinosaurs rather than actual schoolwork.
Stickers for Extra Fun
Kids love to personalize everything, and stickers are the easiest way to do it. From decorating their notebooks to customizing their water bottles, stickers are a fun and simple way for kids to make their mark. Plus, they’re a great way to get your kid excited about their back-to-school essentials—because who doesn’t love a good sticker?
College Students—Because Adulting is Hard Enough
College students need back-to-school essentials that go beyond the basics. They’re looking for items that are not only functional but also help them survive the chaos that is college life. From early morning classes to late-night study sessions, these essentials have got them covered. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our Dorm Room Survival Guide for more tips on how to make the most out of that tiny space you’ll call home.
Mugs to Survive Mornings
For college students, caffeine isn’t just a want—it’s a need. A good mug is practically an extension of their hand, especially during those brutal finals weeks. Get them a mug that reflects their personality (or their caffeine dependency) and watch as it becomes their constant companion. Just don’t be surprised if they start referring to it as their emotional support mug.
Desk Mats & Mouse Pads for Comfy Computing
College study spaces are usually small, so every inch counts. A desk mat or mouse pad that adds some flair and function is a no-brainer. Plus, let’s face it—anything that makes writing that 20-page paper a little less soul-crushing is a win. A cool design might just keep them awake long enough to hit “submit” before the deadline.
Throw Pillows and Blankets for Homey Vibes
Dorm rooms are basically glorified closets, so making them cozy is a must. Throw pillows and blankets can turn even the tiniest, most institutional-feeling space into a personal sanctuary. And when the going gets tough, and they need to hide from the world (or their roommates), these are going to be their go-to comfort items. Who knew a blanket could be such a lifesaver?
Wall Art That Makes a Statement
Let’s be honest—dorm walls are drab, and no one wants to stare at blank cinderblocks all year. Wall art is the perfect way to add some personality and make that space your own. Whether it’s a fine art print, a tapestry, or a mini canvas, adding some cool wall art can transform a boring dorm room into a place you actually want to spend time in. Plus, it’s a great way to subtly show off your taste when friends come over.
Laundry Bags for Hidden Messes
Let’s be real—laundry in college is a nightmare. Between hauling clothes to the laundromat and pretending the growing pile in the corner doesn’t exist, a good laundry bag is a necessity. And while it won’t do the laundry for them, it might just make the whole process a little less painful. Bonus points if the laundry bag can double as a shield from judgmental glances when the laundry finally leaves their room.
Teachers—The Real Heroes of the Classroom
Teachers are the unsung heroes of the back-to-school season, and they need back-to-school essentials that can handle the daily grind. From making classrooms feel welcoming to keeping themselves sane during those chaotic days, these essentials are here to help.
Area Rugs That Cover a Multitude of Sins
Classrooms can be pretty sterile, but an area rug can instantly transform that space into something warm and inviting. It’s also great for covering up whatever mysterious stain has decided to make a home in the middle of the floor. If nothing else, it’s a soft spot to land when you’re mentally (or literally) done with the day.
Notebooks for Staying Organized (Or Pretending To Be)
Teachers know the value of a good notebook. Whether it’s keeping track of lesson plans, grading papers, or jotting down the latest ridiculous thing a student said, notebooks are essential. Plus, they give you something to write in when you’re pretending to be busy so you don’t have to deal with that one particularly chatty colleague.
Wall Art for Sanity and Style
Nothing says “I’m trying to keep my sanity” like a well-decorated classroom. Wall art can turn a drab space into something inspiring—and let’s be honest, teachers need all the inspiration they can get. Whether it’s a motivational quote or just something that makes them smile, it’s the little things that make the daily grind a bit more bearable.
Mugs That Fuel the Day
Teachers and coffee go together like Monday mornings and groaning. A sturdy, stylish mug is an absolute must for surviving early mornings and late-night grading sessions. And let’s be real—when that coffee is the only thing standing between a teacher and a total meltdown, the right mug can make all the difference.
Stickers for Extra Flair
Why should students have all the fun? Stickers aren’t just for kids—teachers can use them to personalize their own back-to-school essentials too. Whether it’s adding a little flair to their notebooks or decorating their classroom, stickers are a small but mighty way to keep things fun and engaging.
That’s our rundown of back-to-school essentials that are as practical as they are fun. Whether you’re outfitting a kid, prepping for college, or gearing up to face a classroom full of students, having the right gear makes all the difference. Check out the full collection on Threadless and get ready to tackle the school year with a little extra style in your back pocket. Because let’s face it, even the most mundane school supplies can become a little more exciting with the right design.
The designs that appear in the feature image of this post are “Find Your Porpoise” by obinsun, “Skully’s Pizzeria” by obinsun, “Even Baddies Get Saddies” by Letter Shoppe, “Stay Positive” by Steven Rhodes, “Inner Demons / Not Alone” by vonKowen, “Technicat Glitch” by kooky love, “Stay Focused” by EZFL, “Find Yourself” by kooky love, and “Quit Calling the Cops” by The Peach Fuzz.
