13 Back-to-School Essentials (Even if You're Learning From Home)

Going back to school will look and feel a little different this year, especially when your commute is just a 45-second sprint from the bed to the kitchen table or basement couch. (Or maybe you’re not even leaving the bed at all.)

While pants are now optional, school is still in session—even if you do have The Office or Hamilton playing on loop in the background—so you’ll definitely still need some key essentials to get you through the day.

Whether you’re a teacher gearing up for another year of remote learning or a college student preparing for another semester at Zoom University, these 13 handy items will help make the transition a bit easier.

1. Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair; $80

In search of a comfy yet firm office chair that won’t leave your butt asleep after 15 minutes? Look no further than this mesh office chair, which offers lumbar support to help you sit upright and comfortably for hours on end, sans the back pain. Bonus: The breathable padded mesh cushion is designed to prevent sweat stains.

Buy it: Amazon

2. Sony Noise-Canceling Headphones; $78

Block out the sounds of neighbors, roommates, fighting family members, or annoying siblings with these noise-canceling headphones from Sony. The adjustable metal sliders ensure a secure yet comfortable fit, and you can also connect them to your Amazon Alexa to make listening to music and podcasts even easier. They'll also hold up to 35 hours of battery life, so they’ll last you through (almost) the entire week.

Buy it: Amazon

3. VIVO Adjustable Standing Desk; $180

If you get tired of sitting for hours on end, this adjustable and easy-to-assemble standing desk was designed with you in mind. And with 36 inches of surface space, you have plenty of room to fit not one, but two screens along with a keyboard, mouse, a few snacks, and some coffee. If you'd rather learn while lounging, swap the desk for a comfy laptop tray ($35) so you can couch surf through your lectures.

Buy it: Amazon

4. SIIG 10-Port USB Charging Station; $49

Keep all of your gadgets fully charged—and within arm’s reach—with this functional yet efficient charging station, which can be used for smartphones, Kindles, iPads, and other tech devices. This one from SIIG features 10 USB ports and eight individual slots to help you stay organized and keep your wires untangled.

Buy it: Amazon

5. Shakespeare Insult Pencil Pouch; $13

We all know Shakespeare had a way with words, especially when it came to insults. This pencil pouch is adorned with some of the Bard's best jabs, so you won't have to think of your own killer comeback the next time your honor's been besmirched. The compact pouch can easily fit in your backpack or purse—otherwise, display it proudly on your desk for all to see.

Buy it: Amazon

6. To-Do List Sticky Notes; $8

Keep track of all of your chores and responsibilities—and make sure none of them slip through the cracks—with this adorable assortment of sticky notes from Hot Topic. What sets these notes apart is that they're color-coded by the level of urgency, so you can easily tell the difference between your drop-dead deadlines and what you're free to procrastinate on.

Buy it: Hot Topic

7. Cactus-Shaped Ceramic Diffuser for Essential Oils; $21

While potted plants don’t actually improve air quality, this cactus-shaped oil diffuser will certainly help you to breathe easier by reducing stress and transforming your workspace into a Zen oasis. And, it doesn’t require any electricity, heat, or batteries. (TL;DR it’s a lot less work than having to water your succulents every week.) All you need is your favorite essential oil, and you’re good to go.

Buy it: Amazon

8. Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Case; $47-$65

This sturdy, durable case from Fjallraven will protect your precious laptop from any unexpected spillage, mishaps, or accidents. It features all-around foam padding to prevent any bumps or scratches, and there's an outside pocket to hold any important documents, worksheets, or notes. Choose from four different colors: black, navy, green, or pink.

Buy it: Amazon

9. The Office Kevin’s Chili Floating Pen; $10

The only thing better than Kevin’s famous chili (or The Office in general) is this Office-themed pen, which is complete with an illustration of the famous (spilled) chili and an angry-looking Kevin. If you need a break from school or work, simply tilt the pen to watch the pot of chili magically slip through Kevin’s hands. Just try not to laugh out loud every time you use it.

Buy it: Hot Topic

10. Dwight Schrute Journal; $15

Stay ahead of the curve, take notes, and keep organized using this Dwight Schrute-inspired journal featuring tabs adorned with icons of a beet, a stapler in gelatin, and even nunchucks.

Buy it: Hot Topic

11. Dustin from Stranger Things Chia Pet; $17

Remember Chia Pets? Of course you do. These nostalgia-inducing novelty items are officially back in style. This one, which is shaped like Dustin from Stranger Things, is the perfect desk decoration to give a little life to your home classroom. The kit includes a planter, a drip tray, and chia seed packets. Dustin’s luscious locks will achieve maximum growth in just one to two weeks and can be replanted indefinitely.

Buy it: Amazon

12. LEVOIT Air Purifier; $90

This compact air purifier from LEVOIT works hard to keep your air clean and eliminate pollen, smoke, pet dander, mold, or dust. It essentially makes zero noise while it's on, so you can catch up on your work or hop on a video lecture without any distractions. The display light can turn on and off at your convenience, and you can always opt to set a timer for one to 12 hours.

Buy it: Amazon

13. Hamilton “Write My Way Out” Spiral Notebook; $13

Write your way out of almost any dilemma with this 120-page, A.Ham-approved notebook. The back cover is complete with a slot for you to stash away any important letters, essays, or doodles. For an incredibly productive brainstorming or study session, blast the Hamilton soundtrack in the background and let it serve as inspiration.

Buy it: Redbubble