Although many of us have transitioned into parenthood of back-to-school shopping, we’re still students at heart. The days of covering books with paper are long gone, but this time will always feel like a season of new beginnings. With that in mind, here is our “come back” wish list: Whatever your job, we think some of these picks will inspire your work essentials, too.
Emily L. Foley, freelance journalist and trends expert
As a mom who runs a home office, back to school for my kids has a very different ‘back to work’ flow and schedule, and I absolutely love that routine!
Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm Deep Plum
I’m going to keep this in my desk drawer as a quick ‘refreshment’ before a video call!
price: $24 on Amazon
Silk and Sonder Daily Self-Care Journal
I decided to start journaling and personal vision casting, and this awesome guided journal is definitely the way to do it!
price: $35 on Amazon
Briotech pure hypochlorous acid water spray
I travel a lot for work, and I’m ready to upgrade my basic disinfectant wipes.
price: $18.99 on Amazon
Olivia Henn, in-house content creator
Being a full-time content creator doesn’t just mean you have to have every ring light known to man (that’s right). This also means constantly balancing tiny home square footage with productivity and making the most of kids’ discount prices!
Vhorilix walking pad treadmill for home use
It fits perfectly under your standing desk so you can work 10,000 steps while editing.
price: $89.98 on Amazon (originally $119.99)
Sterilite 66 Quart Latching Underbed Wheeled Storage Box
Since my office doubles as a guest bedroom, I can stash all my extra gear in this room in seconds.
price: $17.97 at Walmart (originally $21.98)
Pink New Balance 530s
If you wear a youth size 5.5, you can get a big back-to-school discount on these classic sneakers!
price: $49.99 at Keds (originally $85)
Nick Friend, Content Creative Director
As an adult, I had a deep fascination with notebooks and stationery, especially pens. That is, a good fountain pen and a high-quality notebook.
Lamy Safari fountain pen
price: $40.49 at Staples
Moleskine Kaié Pocket Laptop
price: $13.69 at Staples
Maddie Hanses, SEO Manager
As someone who works from home, I’m always looking for simple upgrades to make my day go a little more smoothly. From drinking better-tasting coffee to finally remembering to drink enough water. If my daily life becomes a little more cozy and a little easier, I’m all in!
Owala Water Bottle
To help you stay hydrated (and I’m jealous of everyone who already has an Owala water bottle) 
price: $29.99 on Amazon
essential oil diffuser
Since I work from home, I want to create a nice scent in my home office by adding my favorite scents, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
price: $19.99 at Amazon (originally $26.99)
July milk frother
To make a better coffee to start your day (goodbye honey cinnamon latte)
price: $9.49 at Amazon (originally $16.99)
Crystal Nunez, Marketing Solutions Manager
Being a busy mom of a two-year-old means my days are a constant game of musical chairs. I’m looking for a product that can double as anything from gym duties to client calls to quick gym sessions. Here’s what’s on my list to keep me looking organized and organized right away:
Beis Commuter Tote
We love that it’s sleek enough to take to the office, spacious enough to stow exercise gear, and perfectly organized to double as a baby bag on the go.
price: $138 at Beis Travel
adidas special
These are the perfect sneakers that go well with any outfit. It’s also comfortable enough to chase your toddler around the park, to the office, or for a walk around the block with your dog.
price: $110 at Adidas
Road Highlight Milk
My secret weapon for a quick, dewy glow. It gives you a organized look in no time without much effort in the morning.
price: $28 on the load
Ingrid Alt, Senior Commerce Editor
This back-to-school season, we’ve added a few non-toxic, eco-friendly products to our daily routine.
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Most dishwasher tablets are packaged in plastic, but these are 100% plastic-free and they actually work!
price: $29.99 on Amazon
Cleanomic Composting Bags
I’m switching to sandwich and storage bags to help reduce single-use plastic.
price: $59.99 on Amazon
Swedish Reusable Dish Towels
The Airbnb I stayed at in Paris had something like this and it was really convenient. Now I’m using it at home to save on paper towels.
price: $19.99 on Amazon
Mackenzie Shand, Editor-in-Chief
Back-to-school season is synonymous with fall to me, so I love finding items that feel like a little lift to help me overcome the end-of-summer blues.
Rifle Paper Co. porcelain pencil mug
A cute mug of hot coffee or an oat latte always brightens my morning. This has a lovely back to school vibe.
price: $24 at Anthropologie
Forvencer To Do List Notepad
Very simple, cheap and very useful! Checking off your personal and professional to-do list every day can be distracting. Writing down my main priorities helps tremendously.
price: $5.99 on Amazon
Stuart Weitzman Lottie loafers
While I work from home, I occasionally enjoy working in a coffee shop, and I like to look somewhat presentable when I go to daycare. With that in mind, I’ve been eyeing new loafers for fall.
price: $329.99 at Nordstrom (originally $495)
The post Back to School ≠ Back to Work: Our Wishlist appeared first on The Real Deal on RetailMeNot.
