Actually awesome back-to-school essentials we suggest you grab before September
All products have been independently selected, and prices are accurate at time of publication. Daily Hive may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page at no cost to you. This does not influence our editorial content.
Listen, we know you’re probably being inundated with fall stuff, and we’ll be the first to cling to the dregs of summer like a life raft. But back to school is upon us, whether we like it or not, so it might be time to stock up on certain things (like school supplies, dorm essentials, and stationery).
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but because we’re here to make your lives easier, so we made a reference guide of all the top stuff — laptops that convert into tablets, top-rated markers, sturdy organizers, totes bags, dorm room appliances, study helpers, you name it — so you can set yourself up for the most productive school year ever.
BIC Brite Liner Grip Pastel Highlighters
Amazon Canada
Highlighting without obscuring (or bleeding) is the name of the game here. Reviewers love the soothing, toned-down shades that they use for everything from study notes to medical info and everything in between. They’re also equipped with firm tips, soft grips, and an abundance of ink, so you won’t run out mid-job.
Daily Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 20L
lululemon
Just because you’re lugging around school supplies doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your style. Feel free to drop your stuff into this spacious tote from lululemon — it can take it. The fabric is water-repellent, and it’s absolutely loaded with pockets to keep your essentials organized and easy to find when you need them. Reviewers are obsessed.
If you prefer a more traditional school bag, the brand’s Everywhere Backpack is also hugely popular.
Sharpie Permanent Markers Variety Pack
@sharpie/Instagram | Amazon Canada
When it comes to staying put, few brands have longevity nailed down quite as well as Sharpie. You can write on just about anything — lunchboxes, clothing tags, binders, you name it — and feel good knowing the ink won’t rub, rinse, or wash off. This set comes with a trio of sizes, too.
iJoy Flexible Power Strip
Amazon Canada
It’s time to face facts: there just aren’t enough power outlets around these days, and that’s especially true in crowded spaces like libraries, common rooms, lecture halls, and coffee shops. This power strip will give you an additional four — three traditional dual-pronged ones and one for USB — so you can juice up all your tech in one go. The coolest feature, though, is the snake-like design that you can coil around chair legs or just fold up nice and small when you’re sharing a workspace.
Mabel’s Labels Peel & Stick Labels
Amazon Canada
Things get lost, but you can improve the odds of cups, containers, shoes, and jackets coming home by sticking on one of these labels. Reviewers were surprised to see them stay put even after several spins in the dishwasher.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Amazon Canada
You’ll want to slip these on before your next studying sesh. They have serious noise-cancelling powers, filtering out everything from coffee shop chatter to airplane hums while adjusting in real-time. It even takes pressure changes into account, adding to what reviewers say is already a phenomenal listening experience. They also have a 30-hour listening time on one charge.
Post-It Recycled Paper Notes
Amazon Canada
Digital boards hate to see Post-Its coming — because there’s no replacement for the real thing. Whether it’s jotting down a deadline, a new roommate’s phone number, or scribbling down inspirational messages, reviewers say these are just the ticket for staying organized.
Owala Kids BPA-Free Plastic Tumbler
Amazon Canada
If you’re looking for the perfect toddler-proof cup, call off your search because this is it. Reviewers say their tots have thrown it down stairs, tossed it around the house, and travelled with it with nary a leak in sight. Plus, its small size makes it easy for small hands to hold onto.
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
@paper_mate/Instagram
Regardless of whether you’re a teacher or a student, reviewers agree: these are the best markers to get. Their fine tips make them great for marking, underlining, or editing, and they stay intact through regular use (no frayed or smooshed nibs here). Though they’re pricier than other versions, it won’t take you long to see why: they won’t bleed through paper, but you can bet the ink will last for at least the entire school year.
Skylight Touchscreen Calendar Smart Display
Best Buy Canada
There’s nothing quite like a touchscreen calendar to help wrangle a busy family’s schedule. It syncs with all the usual suspects (Google, Outlook, iCloud, and Yahoo calendars, among others), will help you track tasks, and can even keep things colour-coordinated so you can see who’s doing what — and when.
Sistema Bento Box to Go
Amazon Canada
Regardless of who you’re packing it for, this nifty lunch box will make things a whole lot easier. The movable compartments will help keep things fresh until the first bite, while locking in place to prevent dreaded leaks. Despite that, reviewers say they’re easy to open (even for those with mobility issues).
Ugg Leonora Comforter Set
Amazon Canada
You’ll get everything you’ll need for a successful dorm room move-in. In addition to a washable comforter — which reviewers say is the perfect blend of soft, cozy, and breathable — it comes with a matching pillow sham (queen size and up come with two shams).
MeetUs Geometry Set
Amazon Canada
It comes with everything a math student needs: a compass, a protractor, a pencil and a sharpener, an eraser, and three rulers. Because school is chaotic enough already, it all comes neatly packaged in a travel tin that’ll snap firmly closed to keep it all neat and tidy.
Vtopmart Glass Food Storage Containers
Amazon Canada
Bopping between classes, sports practices, or after-school extracurriculars doesn’t leave a ton of free time for cooking, making meal prep a no-brainer. Thankfully, this set makes everything easier, with airtight lids, oven- and freezer-safe design, and an assortment of container sizes that’ll fit both snacks and full meals alike.
Avery No-Iron Clothing Labels
Amazon Canada
In spite of our best efforts, there’s a pretty good chance clothing and personal items will get lost at school, whether it’s in the communal laundry room, out on recess, or in the locker room. Instead of whipping out your whole ironing kit, reviewers say these stick on with a hair dryer or even just friction from your fingers when you’re in a pinch (not to mention staying attached through wash cycles).
SimpleHouseware Drawer Organizer Tray
Amazon Canada
Organizers aren’t just for students, though they definitely go a long way when it comes to fostering productivity. Imagine being able to find a pen, stapler, calculator, or scissors right when you need them! Reviewers love that the sections are adjustable, meaning you can move things around as your needs change, whether it’s going from high school to uni or from your Bachelor’s to an office gig.
Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro
Amazon Canada
Moving out on your own for the first time can be intimidating as hell, so let’s take one stress out of the picture. Using this helpful countertop appliance, you’ll be able to sear, sauté, steam, bake, braise, or whatever else your little foodie heart desires — no culinary training necessary. Reviewers say it’s practically foolproof (even for newbies).
If that seems like overkill, there’s a great grain and rice cooker worth considering instead.
Dreamegg Sound Machine
Amazon Canada
Drown out a snoring roommate, soothe snoozing kindergartners, find your focus in a bustling common area — this petite egg can help you do it all. You’ll be able to choose from 16 different sounds (including ocean waves, crickets, campfire, and a selection of noise options), and since it’s battery-powered, you won’t have to stress about powering up on the go.
Coocat Pea Cable Clips
Amazon Canada
Loose cables are the bane of our existence, but no longer. We’re planning to snap up this three-pack to keep charging cords organized at our desks, on our nightstands, and pretty much everywhere else we’ve got tech (you can stick them virtually anywhere).
Bowflex SelectTech Kettlebell
Amazon Canada
Rather than lugging your whole workout setup to campus, might we humbly suggest this adjustable kettlebell? You can easily swap between weights depending on your current routine, but it’s the space-saving design that really has reviewers raving.
Desktop Dry Erase Whiteboard
Amazon Canada
Designed to fit neatly between your keyboard and monitor, this seemingly innocuous addition is extra useful for jotting down important deadlines, making quick lecture notes during online classes, or keeping login details visible throughout the day. Reviewers love that there’s a hidden organizer tucked underneath the glass writing surface, too, giving you extra room to store your school essentials.
Lenovo IdeaPad 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop
Best Buy Canada
It has everything you’ve come to expect from high-powered portable computers — a large solid state drive for storing your school work, a high-capacity lithium-polymer battery for longer time between charges, a microSD card reader, and more ports than you’ll know what to do with. And that’s before we mention the touchscreen and 360-degree convertible design that’ll allow you to use it for presentations, watching your fave shows on the go, playing games, or however else strikes your fancy.
Paperage Lined Journal Notebook
Amazon Canada
A classic is a classic for a reason. Over 50,000 reviewers are obsessed, thanks in large part to the thick, high-quality paper, lay-flat design, and sturdy cover that’ll protect your notes from getting damaged in your backpack. It’s also loaded with clever little details, like an expandable inner envelope, perforated pages, ribbon bookmarks, and sticker labels to help you stay organized.