Best Basics Back to School List 2023
Your Ultimate Guide
It’s that time of year again – back to school season! Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a teacher, getting prepared for the upcoming school year is essential. In this blog, we will cover all the basics you need to know to make your back to school experience a breeze in 2023. From organizing tips and the importance of having the right supplies, to must-have items like a big capacity pencil case and a vintage laptop backpack. We’ll also dive into stationery essentials, notebooks and planners to keep you organized, and other items like stain removers and phone cases that can make your school life easier. Plus, we’ll share the best brands for school essentials in 2023, including a comprehensive school shopping list, and what else you should consider before heading back to school. Get ready for a successful school year with our ultimate best basics list!
Preparing for Back to School: The Basics
Preparing for the upcoming school year involves several key steps. First, create a comprehensive list of school supplies, including notebooks, pens, and backpacks. Additionally, check with your child’s school for any specific requirements or recommendations. Ensure you have essential clothing items like uniforms and comfortable outfits. Don’t overlook technology needs such as laptops and calculators. Stay organized with tools like planners and folders. Lastly, plan ahead for lunch and snack options, whether it’s packing lunches or coordinating meal plans with the school.
Importance of Organizing for School
Being organized is crucial for students as it helps them stay focused, reduces stress, and improves productivity. A well-organized backpack and study area make it easier to find school supplies and save time. Developing organizational skills early on lays the foundation for academic success during the academic year. Teaching students to be organized promotes independence and responsibility. So, encourage your child to start organizing their school materials to set them up for a successful school year.
Big Capacity Pencil Case
A big capacity pencil case provides ample storage space for all your school supplies, keeping them organized and easily accessible. It can accommodate not just pencils and pens, but also erasers, rulers, highlighters, and other essential stationery items. With a larger pencil case, you can avoid the hassle of carrying multiple smaller cases or having loose items rolling around in your backpack. This is especially useful for students who have multiple classes and need to carry a wide range of supplies throughout the day. Look for a pencil case with compartments or dividers to further organize your supplies and prevent them from getting mixed up or damaged. A quick refresh of your pencil case at the end of each day can help you stay organized and ready for the next day’s classes.
EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case Office College School Large Storage High Capacity Bag Pouch Holder Box Organizer
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Vintage Laptop Backpack from Fjallraven
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
The vintage laptop backpack from fjällräven is a stylish and trendy option for back to school. It provides ample storage space for books, notebooks, and a laptop, including the best macbooks, with multiple pockets and compartments to keep belongings organized. Made from durable materials, it can withstand daily wear and tear. The vintage design adds a unique and retro touch to any outfit, while the adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit for all-day use. There are many to choose from!
Essential Items in Your Backpack
In order to stay prepared for the school year, make sure your backpack is stocked with all the essential items, including basic supplies. Pens, pencils, and highlighters are necessary for taking notes and completing assignments. Keep your class materials organized with notebooks or binders, and track your assignments with a planner or calendar. Don’t forget to pack your calculator for math and science classes, and a USB drive or external hard drive for saving and transferring files. Make sure your backpack has plenty of space for all these school supplies and more.
The Right Backpack for 2023
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When it comes to choosing the right backpack for the school year, durability is key. Look for a backpack with a sturdy construction that can withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, consider a backpack with multiple compartments to keep school supplies organized and easily accessible, including dorm room essentials. Don’t forget about comfort too – opt for a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a back panel. Adjustable straps are essential for ensuring a proper fit and distributing the weight evenly. Lastly, choose a backpack size that can accommodate all necessary school supplies without being too bulky or overwhelming.
Stationery Essentials
Stock up on a variety of pens, pencils, and highlighters for note-taking and studying. Choose notebooks with different ruling options and loose-leaf paper for assignments and projects. Keep your papers organized with binders and folders for each subject. Find a durable and comfortable backpack or tote bag to carry your supplies and books. Invest in a advanced calculator for math and science classes. Use sticky notes and flags to mark important pages or jot down reminders from your school supplies list.
For Canadian Shoppers: please click on the provided links to the following products:
pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, loose-leaf paper, binders, folders, advanced calculators, sticky notes, and flags.
Choosing the Right Kind of Pens & Pencils
When it comes to choosing the right pens and pencils for your school supplies, there are several options to consider. Ballpoint pens are reliable and great for everyday writing tasks. Gel pens, on the other hand, offer a smooth and vibrant writing experience, making them perfect for creative projects and note-taking. Mechanical pencils are convenient and refillable, ideal for precise and neat writing. If you prefer the classic feel of wooden pencils, they are versatile and suitable for drawing and shading. And if you want to add a splash of colour to your notes and drawings, coloured pencils, including those used in kindergarten, are the way to go.
For Canadian Shoppers: please click on the provided links to the following products:
Ballpoint pens, Gel pens, Mechanical pencils, Wooden pencils, Coloured pencils.
FriXion Clicker Retractable Erasable Gel Pens
FriXion Clicker retractable erasable gel pens offer a smooth writing experience with their gel ink. The retractable feature eliminates the need for pen caps and prevents ink leakage, while the quick-drying gel ink reduces smudging and creates clean, crisp lines. With their erasable ink, mistakes can be easily corrected without leaving a trace. Plus, these pens come in a variety of vibrant colours, making note-taking and organization fun. You can find these pens on Amazon.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE for a pack of 7.
Ibayam Journal Planner Pens
Journal planner pens are an essential addition to your school supplies. With their versatile use, you can colour-code, take notes, and add creative touches to your planner. These pens come in various colours, tip sizes, and ink types, offering a wide range of options. The smooth ink flow ensures a seamless writing experience, and the quick-drying ink prevents smudging on your planner pages. Journal planner pens often feature a comfortable grip, making them perfect for long study or planning sessions.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Wood-Cased, Pre-Sharpened Pencils
Wood-cased pencils, a classic choice for students, offer a smooth writing experience. Conveniently pre-sharpened, they are ready to use right out of the box. Made with high-quality wood, these pencils ensure durability and longevity. With their graphite core, they provide excellent lead strength for precise and neat writing. Additionally, wood-cased pencils offer an eco-friendly option as they can be sharpened and reused in lunch bags.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Retractable Click Pocket White Latex-Free Eraser
The retractable click pocket white latex-free eraser is designed for convenience, eliminating the need for a separate eraser cap. With its click mechanism, accessing and retracting the eraser is quick and easy. Its pocket-sized design makes it portable for use on-the-go. Made from latex-free material, it ensures safe and allergen-free erasing. This versatile eraser can be used on both pencil and ink, making it a valuable tool for all your writing needs, including note-taking with a rocketbook.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Getting Organized with Notebooks and Planners
Having a designated notebook and planner for each subject or class is crucial for staying organized. Organize and label your notebooks and planners for easy reference. Consider using a digital planner or app for added convenience. Label makers can also keep things organized and tidy. Effectively utilize your notebooks and planners to stay on top of assignments, due dates, and study schedules. Check out the best ring binder notebooks and planners available for students.
For Canadian Shoppers: please click on the provided links to the following products:
Planners, Labels, Digital Planners, Label makers, and Best ring binder notebooks.
Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook | Innovative, Eco-Friendly, Digitally Connected Notebook with Cloud Sharing Capabilities
The erasable reusable wirebound notebook is a convenient and sustainable option for students. It helps reduce paper waste and allows for easy editing, thanks to the use of erasable pens or markers. The wirebound design ensures that pages stay securely in place, preventing them from getting lost or damaged. This notebook is perfect for those who prefer a neat and organized system for their class notes and assignments. Plus, the reusable feature saves money in the long run by eliminating the need to constantly purchase new notebooks.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Why You Need a Good Planner in 2023
A good planner is essential for staying organized, managing time effectively, and prioritizing tasks during the school year. It helps you set goals, track progress, and stay motivated. With a planner, you can plan ahead, schedule appointments, and manage your commitments. It also reduces stress and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Plus, a planner can serve as a creative outlet for personalization and self-expression. Stay organized and on top of your school year with a good planner!
Art Supplies: Not Just for Art Class
Art supplies aren’t limited to just art class; they can be useful for various subjects. Drawing and colouring promote creativity and problem-solving skills. Additionally, art supplies can be used for note-taking and organizing study materials. Creating visual aids with them can enhance presentations and projects. Plus, using art supplies offers a break from traditional studying methods, promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
The Versatility of Highlighters
Highlighters go beyond their primary function of highlighting text. They can be utilized for colour-coding and organizing notes, making studying more engaging with their vibrant colours. Additionally, they can create visual cues and emphasis in presentations or posters. Highlighters are also handy for marking important dates or events in planners or calendars. With different tip sizes and styles available, they offer both precise highlighting and broader strokes.
Take Note! Erasable Highlighters
Erasable highlighters are a great tool for students who want to mark important information without worrying about permanent markings. With erasable highlighters, students can easily correct and adjust their highlighting, reducing the risk of mistakes or damage to textbooks. These highlighters are perfect for colour-coding and organizing study materials, making it easier to review and retain information. Plus, students can confidently highlight key points during lectures without the fear of leaving irreversible marks. Erasable highlighters are incredibly versatile, useful not only for taking notes but also for various subjects and activities beyond the classroom.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
The Digital Tools You Need
When preparing for the upcoming school year, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right digital tools. Laptops and tablets are a must-have, ensuring you have enough processing power and storage. Invest in productivity software like Microsoft Office or Google Suite for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Explore note-taking apps such as Evernote or OneNote for organized and searchable notes. Utilize online storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive for easy access to your files. Research and familiarize yourself with e-learning platforms commonly used by schools. Install communication tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to stay connected with classmates and teachers.
Top Laptops for 2023:
MacBook Air (M2, 2022): Voted best laptop overall. 13 inch MacBook Air with a thinner design, bigger screen and M2 chip.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Lenovo Idea Pad Duet: Voted best budget laptop. The 2-in-1 Chromebook offers incredible value for the money, while also proving to be a versatile device that is perfect for students.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
MacBook Air (M1, 2020): Voted best value laptop. This laptop remains a firm favourite and an obvious choice if you want a top-end portable laptop for less than the MacBook Air M2.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Acer Swift 3: Voted the best budget laptop in the world. If you are after a budget Windows 11 laptop then this is the one to get. It offers good performance, a stylish design and a low price.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Top Tablets for 2023
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 (2021):With its compact 8.7” screen, slim design and sturdy metal frame, Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tablet is perfectly sized for entertainment on the go; Easy for everyone to carry and travel with, especially kids. Technology: TFT. up to 1TB, almost 2x as much as the previous model.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8 HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, designed for portable use.
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Android Tablet Blackview Tab 6 Wifi Tablet 7 (4+3) GB RAM 64 GB ROM up to 1TB 6580mAh.
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YOTOPT 2023 10 Inch Android 12 Tablet, Octa Core 4GB+64GB 1TB Expand Android Tableta, 10.1 inch IPS HD Display, 8MP Dual Camera, WiFi, GPS, BT Tablets with Keyboard Mouse Case Stylus
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE, Slightly different model.
Tablets and Keyboards: A Necessity in 2023
Tablets offer convenient access to educational resources while providing portability and versatility. Combining a tablet with a keyboard enhances productivity and typing comfort for schoolwork. The seamless transition between note-taking and typing tasks makes it easier for students to adapt to different assignments. Tablets with detachable keyboards offer flexibility for both touchscreen and traditional typing. Investing in a tablet and keyboard setup ensures students are equipped for digital learning in 2023.
Links to detachable keyboards to various tablets: amazon.com, and amazon.ca
Keeping Your Space Organized with Pushpins and Folder Sets
Keeping your school and study spaces organized is crucial for academic success. One way to achieve this is by utilizing pushpins and folder sets. Pushpins are not only functional but also offer a creative way to display notes and important information. Folder sets, on the other hand, can help you categorize different subjects or assignments for easy access. Personalize your study space by using pushpins and folder sets to add flair and make it your own. Stay organized and motivated throughout the school year with these essential tools.
For Canadian Shoppers: please click on the provided links to the following products:
Pushpins and Folder sets
The Magic of Post-Its in Organizing Your Studies
Post-Its are a versatile tool for organizing studies, allowing easy marking of important pages or jotting down reminders. They come in various sizes and colours, enabling colour coding of notes and creating visual cues for different subjects. The adhesive backing makes them easily applicable and removable without leaving residue. They can also be used to create study aids like post-it flashcards or to-do lists, keeping students organized and on top of their schoolwork. Post-Its are a simple yet effective tool for maintaining an organized space for studying, whether at home or in the classroom. Regular Flashcards can also come in handy as a studying tool.
For Canadian Shoppers: please click on the provided links to the following products:
Post-its, Sticky Flashcards, Regular Flashcards
The Relevance of Reusable Water Bottles in 2023
Reusable water bottles have become increasingly relevant in 2023 due to their positive impact on the environment. With a focus on reducing waste and protecting our planet, using a reusable water bottle is a simple yet effective step we can all take. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also help you save money in the long run compared to buying bottled water. Additionally, many reusable water bottles are designed to keep your drink at the desired temperature for extended periods of time. With a wide variety of styles and designs available, there is a reusable water bottle to suit everyone’s taste. By encouraging hydration and making it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day, reusable water bottles have become an essential item in the school year of 2023.
Which are the best brands for school essentials in 2023?
Some top brands for school essentials in 2023 are Crayola, Five Star, and JanSport. Crayola is known for its high-quality art supplies like crayons and markers. Five Star offers notebooks and organizational tools. JanSport provides durable backpacks in various styles.
How to choose the right brand for your school supplies?
Consider your budget when selecting a brand for school supplies. Look for reputable brands with good reviews and ratings. Take into account factors like warranty, customer support, and eco-friendliness. Choose a brand that offers quality products within your price range.
What else should you consider before going back to school in 2023?
Consider your academic goals and the courses or programs that will help you achieve them. Also, think about financial considerations like tuition costs and scholarships. Plan your living arrangements, whether on-campus or off-campus. Lastly, make sure to create a schedule that allows time for studying, extracurricular activities, and self-care.
Binder Ring Flash Cards
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Binder ring flash cards are a versatile study tool for students of all ages. They are portable, allowing students to carry them easily in their backpacks or pockets. These flash cards can be used for various subjects, such as vocabulary, math facts, and historical dates. With a hands-on approach to learning, students can quickly flip through the cards for review. To make studying more engaging, students can personalize their binder ring flash cards with colourful markers or stickers.
Locker Organizer Shelf
Maximize storage space in your school locker with a locker organizer shelf. This essential back-to-school item provides separate compartments for school supplies like books, notebooks, and folders. It’s easy to install and adjustable to fit different locker sizes. Keep your items organized, preventing damage or misplacement throughout the school year. Stay on top of your organizational game with a locker organizer shelf.
Canadian Shoppers: CLICK HERE
Conclusion
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation with the best basics. From organizing your supplies to selecting the right backpack and stationery essentials, being prepared ensures a smooth transition back to school. Don’t forget to consider the best brands for school essentials in 2023 and other important factors like stain removers, bookmarks, and phone cases. Additionally, investing in helpful tools like binder ring flash cards and locker organizer shelves can enhance your productivity and convenience. So, make sure you have everything you need to start the school year off right.
