Beyond the Backpack: Back-to-School Must Haves

The back-to-school season is upon us, and it's time to gear up with more than just the basics. Sure, you need a reliable backpack, but what about the unexpected essentials that will make this school year truly exceptional? Here’s our curated list of must-haves for 2024 that go beyond the ordinary.

1. Stylish Tech Accessories

Tech gadgets are a staple for students, but having stylish and functional accessories can make all the difference. Consider these essentials:

Wireless Earbuds: Perfect for study sessions and commuting. Look for noise-canceling features to help focus in noisy environments. Check out the Apple AirPods Pro for top-notch quality.
Wired Earphones: For those concerned with radiation from Bluetooth devices, a good pair of wired earphones like the Sony MDRXB50AP provides excellent sound quality without the wireless worries.
Laptop Stand: Ideal for maintaining good posture during long hours of study. The MOFT Invisible Laptop Stand is sleek and portable.
Portable Charger: Keep your devices powered throughout the day with a compact power bank like the Anker PowerCore 10000.

Additional Tech Gadgets

Bluetooth Keyboards: Enhance your tablet or smartphone with a portable keyboard. The Logitech K380 is lightweight and perfect for on-the-go typing.
Smart Pens: Transform your handwritten notes into digital format with smart pens like the Livescribe Symphony.
Tablet Stands: For those using tablets for note-taking or reading, a versatile stand like the Lamicall Tablet Stand can make studying more comfortable.

2. Eco-Friendly Supplies

Sustainability is a growing trend, and eco-friendly school supplies are a great way to contribute to the environment while staying organized.

Reusable Notebooks: The Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook is perfect for taking notes that can be digitized and reused.
Bamboo Pens and Pencils: Sustainable and stylish options for writing. Check out Onyx and Green for a variety of eco-friendly stationary.
Reusable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated with bottles like the Hydro Flask which keep drinks cold for hours and are environmentally friendly.

Additional Eco-Friendly Items

Recycled Paper Products: Brands like Mead offer notebooks and paper made from recycled materials.
Solar-Powered Chargers: Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger is portable and efficient.
Reusable Snack Bags: Ditch single-use plastics with reusable snack bags from Stasher.

3. Health and Wellness Essentials

With health being a top priority, these items will help ensure students stay healthy and well.

Hand Sanitizer: A must-have for maintaining hygiene. Look for fun, scented options like those from Bath & Body Works.
Portable Air Purifier: For those with allergies or concerns about air quality, a portable air purifier like the PureZone Mini can be a great addition.
Fitness Trackers: Monitor your health and fitness with trackers like the Fitbit Charge 5.

Additional Health Items

Vitamin Supplements: Keep your immune system strong with daily vitamins. Gummies from Olly are tasty and beneficial.
Blue Light Glasses: Protect your eyes from screen fatigue with blue light blocking glasses from Felix Gray.
Essential Oil Roll-Ons: Stay calm and focused with essential oil blends from doTERRA.
Yoga Mat: A compact and portable yoga mat from Manduka can help with stretching and relaxation exercises during breaks.
Hydration Packs: Ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day with hydration packs like the CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E..

4. Creative Supplies

Unleash creativity with supplies that go beyond the typical.

Bullet Journals: Perfect for planning and expressing creativity. The Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal is a popular choice.
Art Supplies: High-quality colored pencils, markers, and sketchbooks from brands like Prismacolor can inspire artistic students.
DIY Kits: Engage in fun projects with DIY kits. The KiwiCo STEM Kits are educational and entertaining.

Additional Creative Tools

Calligraphy Sets: Learn the art of beautiful writing with sets from Tombow.
3D Printing Pens: Create 3D models and designs with pens like the 3Doodler Create+.
Photography Kits: Capture memories with instant cameras like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11.

5. Unique Fashion Statements

Make a statement with unique fashion items that stand out.

Customized Clothing: Platforms like Redbubble offer unique and customizable clothing items.
Statement Backpacks: Of course, a standout unique backpack is essential. Check out Madpax’s latest collections for eye-catching and durable options. The Spike Backpack Collection and the more compact Lunar Backpack Collection are great choices but there is a collection and style for any personality.
Trendy Footwear: Comfortable and stylish shoes are a must. Look into Vans for a range of trendy options that are perfect for school.

Additional Fashion Tips

Personalized Accessories: Custom keychains, patches, and pins from Etsy can add a unique touch to your gear.
Layered Jewelry: Trendy and affordable pieces from Forever 21 can elevate any outfit.
Fashionable Outerwear: Stay warm and stylish with jackets from The North Face.

6. Organization Tips

Staying organized is key to a successful school year. Here are some tips and products to help keep everything in order.

Planner: A well-organized planner is essential. The Passion Planner offers layouts for both daily and monthly planning.
Desk Organizer: Keep your study space tidy with desk organizers from IKEA.
Backpack Organizer: Use pouches and inserts to keep your backpack neat. The Grid-It Organizer is perfect for keeping cords and gadgets in place.

Additional Organization Tools

Whiteboard Calendar: Keep track of important dates with a wall-mounted calendar from U Brands.
Binders and Dividers: Keep subjects separated with colorful binders and dividers from Staples.
Locker Accessories: Personalize your locker with shelves and decorations from Locker Lookz.

7. Personalization Trends

Personalization is a huge trend in 2024. Here are some ways students can make their school supplies uniquely theirs.

Custom Name Labels: Keep track of your items with custom labels from Mabel’s Labels.
Decorative Tape: Use washi tape from MT Masking Tape to add flair to notebooks and planners.
Monogrammed Items: Get your initials on everything from backpacks to water bottles with services from Mark and Graham.
DIY Embroidery: Add your own designs to clothing and accessories with embroidery kits from DMC.
Custom Phone Cases: Protect and personalize your phone with cases from Casetify.
Sticker Packs: Decorate laptops and water bottles with unique stickers from Sticker Mule.

8. Cool Style Tips

Looking good can boost confidence and make the school year more enjoyable. Here are some style tips for 2024.

Layering: Mix and match different layers for a versatile and trendy look. Hoodies under blazers or flannels over tees are always a hit.
Bold Colors and Patterns: Don’t be afraid to stand out with bright colors and bold patterns. Brands like H&M offer affordable options.
Vintage Vibes: Thrift stores and vintage shops can provide unique pieces that add character to your wardrobe.

Additional Style Ideas

Graphic Tees: Express your personality with graphic tees from Urban Outfitters.
Statement Sneakers: You can never go wrong with cool sneakers from Converse but we are loving this latest review on You Tube on cool sneaker picks for 2024
Denim Jackets: A classic denim jacket from Levi’s can be customized with pins and patches for a personalized touch.

Conclusion

Going back to school in 2024 is about more than just books and backpacks. Equip yourself with these unexpected must-haves to ensure a productive, stylish, and enjoyable school year. From tech accessories to eco-friendly supplies, and health essentials to creative tools, these items will set you up for success. Personalize your gear to reflect your unique style, stay organized with practical tools, and keep your health and wellness in check with essential items. Happy back-to-school shopping!

Get excited!

Madpax