Back to it: Must-haves for school, work and everything in between

One minute it’s patio season, the next it’s time to get your sh*t together. Whether you’re heading back to campus, back to the office, or just trying to rebuild some semblance of a routine—this time of year has a way of flipping the switch from summer mode to “figure it out” mode fast.

But don’t expect highlighters or locker mirrors here. We’ve graduated from novelty pens and into the world of noise-cancelling headphones, barista-level coffee machines, air purifiers, and the kind of gadgets that make dorms (or your WFH setup) feel a little less chaotic.

Call it a reset. A rebrand. A high-functioning care package—for yourself, or someone who needs one.

See also: In our carts: 15 essentials every man needs for high summer

Dyson V15 Detect Absolute Vacuum

Whether you live solo or with crumb-dropping roommates, a solid vacuum is non-negotiable—just ask your mom. This one from Dyson brings serious power, detects invisible dust, de-tangles hair, and runs for up to an hour. Bonus: it’s got 99.99% HEPA filtration, so it’s not just clean—it’s air purifier clean. Quiet flex: it’s stronger than any other cordless out there.

Available at Dyson.

Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Whether you’re tuning out your roommate, plugging into a team call, or just trying to stay focused on the walk to class—these are the headphones that actually show up. The Beats Solo 4 bring powerful, re-engineered sound, a snug fit, and Personalized Spatial Audio that makes even your Monday morning meeting sound (almost) cinematic.

Available at Staples.

Apple iPad Pro 11″ Ultra Retina XDR Display

We get it: lugging a laptop from lecture halls to team meetings isn’t always ideal. But when you still need power, speed and reliability? Don’t sleep on the iPad Pro. With its ultra-crisp XDR display and performance that rivals most laptops, it’s the kind of device that makes you wonder why you ever carried anything heavier.

Available at Staples.

LOJEL SEMO Laptop Sleeve

Minimalist on the outside, padded and practical on the inside. This sleeve protects your laptop, keeps your extras tucked away in a hidden zip pocket, and has an easy-grip handle that makes running between lectures, cafés, or coworking spots feel a little more put-together and secure.

Available at LOJEL.

Hemlock & Oak Weekly Planner

For the keener who loves a plan and actually sticks to it—this one’s for you. A streamlined, portable weekly layout with less fluff and more function. 192 pages of 120gsm bright-white paper that play nice with all your favourite pens and highlighters. Just enough structure to get it together, without the pressure of becoming that journaling person.

Available at Hemlock & Oak.

Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag

Brown bagging it is back—but only if it looks like this. Calpak’s insulated lunch bag keeps your food hot (or cold), has a wipe-clean interior, and enough pockets for snacks, utensils, and whatever else you need to get through the day. Just pack it, cinch it, and go. Zero soggy sandwiches, zero shame.

Available at Calpak.

Curves Inflatable Ego Chair

Is it furniture? Is it a statement? Is it a cry for help? Maybe all three. Stress about homework in it, nod off between client calls, or just sit dramatically and reflect on your life choices. Indoor, outdoor, inflated or not—this chair gets it.

Available at Curves.

Pomello Portable Lamp

Never use the big light again—even if you’re studying. This portable, mushroom-shaped lamp works like a high-tech candle, giving off just the right glow without frying your eyes. Wireless and easy to carry from room to room, it’s the kind of vibe-setting essential you didn’t know you needed.

Available at Lampboy.

Obakki Brushed Cotton Duvet Cover

Nothing sets the tone for a productive week like a good night’s sleep—literally. Handwoven on a pedal loom by craftswomen in Pátzcuaro, Mexico, this duvet cover is made from ultra-soft organic cotton and feels like an upgrade in every sense. Comes with a matching storage bag. Dreams (and sleep schedules) pending.

Available at Obakki.

Mila Air Mini

If you’re sharing air with roommates, neighbours or just general chaos, the Mila Air Mini belongs on your back-to-school radar. It’s compact but mighty, with real-time air quality tracking, four filter options, and five colours to match your space. Small in size, big on clean air—and peace of mind.

Available at Mila.

Branch Duo Standing Desk

Truth be told, I was anti–standing desk… until I met this one. The Duo fits nearly any space or budget, with a sleek, frameless design that doesn’t scream “office furniture.” Its 19.3″ adjustment range, programmable stand reminders, and whisper-quiet motor make it a productivity game-changer—without compromising on style or stability.

Available at Branch.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine

Spending hundreds a month on café coffee? Not ideal—student or not. The fix: make it at home, make it look good, and make it with a Nespresso. The Vertuo Next brews five cup sizes with rich crema, full-bodied flavour, and zero coffee shop small talk. Bonus points if you grab their Samra Origins collab with The Weeknd and complete the look with a sleek tumbler or travel mug. Coffee game: upgraded and on budget.

Available at Nespresso.

Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1

Compact dorm, full-sized cravings? This air fryer’s got you. The Ninja Air Fryer Pro fits perfectly on cramped counters and handles everything from late-night fries to roasted veggies in one sleek unit. With air fry, roast, reheat and dehydrate modes, it’s basically your entire kitchen—just smaller.

Available a Best Buy.

Philips i9000 Prestige Ultra

No one tells you this, but looking put-together starts with a good shave. This one gets close—like, root-level close—and somehow doesn’t wreck your skin in the process. With five customizable modes and tech that adapts to your face, it’s the kind of grooming essential that makes everything else you wear hit just a little harder.

Available at Amazon.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Back to school, back to work, back to looking like you’ve got it all together—starting with your hair. The Dyson Supersonic dries fast, fights frizz, and doesn’t fry your ends. Whether you’re running late to class or squeezing in a Zoom, this is your secret weapon for best-hair energy, even on your messiest mornings.

Available at Dyson.