As the curtains of summer come to a close, it’s a telltale sign that the annual back-to-school shopping spree is upon us. We’ve all experienced the frenzy. The anticipation and thrill of strolling through malls and bustling shopping districts, snagging those coveted items from your carefully curated wishlist. But for many, the excitement of returning to the school halls can quickly wane when faced with the practicality of having to research and track down every item on their list.
See also: Gent’s Approved: Keep your home in order with Dyson
19 must-have essentials every Gent needs this fall
Fear not, folks. From the latest fashion, grooming, and tech gadgets to home decor, our ‘Gent’s Approved’ list of back-to-school essentials will arm you with everything you need to kickstart your new beginning.
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1. A/G x Geneticboi – no.1 (limited edition)
If you’re on the hunt for a leather bag that boasts sophistication and edge, then you’ve got to check out the Persephone Bag designed by Article & Goods in collaboration with content creator @geneticboi. With its mint-smooth nappa cowhide, sturdy cotton canvas, impeccably oiled lacquered edges, and abundant pockets, this is the ultimate bag no matter the outfit or occasion.
2. Super scrubber by Dotti
If you didn’t have a new sponge on your back-to-school list before, you will now. The ‘Super Scrubber’ by Dotti has been coined as the modern way to scrub. That’s thanks to its all-in-one antibacterial, odour-free silicone dish, surface scrubber and sleek design. Not only is it durable, but it’s long-lasting and sustainable replacing up to six regular sponges.
3. Nothing ear 2 earphones by Nothing
There are many things to love about university, but noisy roommates are not one of them. Featuring personalized active noise cancellation, precise bass control, an advanced equalizer app, seamless touch controls, 36 hours of battery life, and an iconic transparent design, Nothing’s cutting-edge earphones redefine your listening experience like never before.
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4. Stagg ekg pro electric kettle
There’s no easier way to elevate your dorm room than with some updated appliances. Enter the Stagg EKG Pro Electric Kettle. Thanks to its complete customization of brew settings, precise temperature and pouring control, and the convenience of Wi-Fi-enabled updates, this kettle is a masterclass in pour-over brewing for coffee, tea, and everything in between.
5. Figure eight candle by Vigyl
Now, this is a candle you’ll want to get a whiff of. Handcrafted in Montreal, The Figure Eight Candle by Vigyl infuses your surroundings with enchanting notes of sweet fig, citrus, orange blossom, and sandalwood. Made from clean-burning, non-toxic soy wax with a natural cotton wick, this candle is both vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it comes in a reusable embossed ceramic vessel, making it an eco-conscious choice that indulges the senses. We also can’t stop sniffing their other scents like Daddy and Passage.
6. Always pan 2.0 by Our place
Multifunctional and the ultimate kitchen companion for any dorm room dweller who likes to cook. The Always Pan 2.0 by Our Place does it all — a 10.5-inch pan that braises, sears, steams, strains, sautés, fries, boils, bakes, serves, stores – you name it. Perfect for dorm rooms and compact kitchens with minimal storage.
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7. Stonewashed linen duvet cover by Envello
There is no better feeling than slipping into a set of fresh new sheets. Made from 100% Oeko-Tex certified eco-friendly flax, the stonewashed linen duvet cover by envello not only gets softer with every wash, but it also regulates body temperature, keeping you cozy and cool all year round. Choose from colours like sand, white, and light gray to go with any colour palette. The brand also offers a premium Percale Cotton version, cocooning you in unmatched luxury.
8. Food storage set by Caraway
If you’re aiming to trim your expenses and be more budget-conscious, meal-prepping could be a smart choice. Caraway’s Food Storage Set proves to be a valuable tool for achieving this goal with its array of 14 stylish containers. Made from glass and coated with ceramic, they offer not only a refined appearance but also feature Air Release Technology, ensuring your food stays fresh for longer. An added bonus: they’re non-toxic and entirely free from BPA, PTFEs, and PFAs.
9. Ceramic reusable bottle by Frank green
You might’ve seen this bold and stylish water bottle popping up all over your ‘For You Page’ and believe us, it’s worth the hype. Delivering your complete daily hydration in one go, this ceramic beauty features an award-winning spill-proof design, a triple wall vacuum insulated to retain heat or cold and an unbreakable base.
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10. Adjustable laptop stand by Lamicall
Elevate your back-to-school experience with Lamicall’s premium laptop stand. Designed with students in mind, this sleek and sturdy stand is the perfect companion for your laptop, providing ergonomic comfort and enhancing your productivity. Say goodbye to uncomfortable hunching and neck strain as you study.
Price: $39.95
Available at Amazon
11. Tote bag from Baggu
Admit it, living on a student budget seldom permits the luxury of ordering groceries through Instacart. Thankfully, Baggu’s standard bag simplifies the task of carrying up to 50 pounds of groceries back from the store. These reusable nylon bags are also conveniently collapsible and offer a delightful array of patterns, setting them apart from the mundane brown bags typically provided at the store and saving you from those pesky eco-fees.
Price: $14
Available at Baggu
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12. Boom 3 bluetooth speaker by Ultimate ears
While there may be larger and more powerful Bluetooth speakers out there, none can quite compare to the sheer enjoyment and practicality of the Boom 3. This compact wonder, standing at just a little over 7 inches in height, delivers some of the most delightful and well-balanced sounds in its class. Not only that, but it also boasts the volume to transform any space into an instant dance party.
Price: $179.99
Available at Best Buy
Dylan clog by Crocs
If you’re the type who prefers maximizing every last minute of sleep, then you’ll appreciate something cozy, effortless, and easy to slip into. The Dylan Clog offers a classic aesthetic paired with comfort that’s akin to walking on clouds, thanks to Crocs’ renowned Iconic Crocs Comfort™ and its lightweight, flexible, 360-degree design.
Price: $64.99
Available at Crocs
14. Forså desk lamp by Ikea
The FORSÅ lamp from IKEA is a student’s dream come true. With its adjustable light, energy efficiency, and compact design, it’s perfect for small study spaces. Plus, its modern aesthetics add style to any dorm room or home office, all at an affordable price.
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Price: $34.99
Available at IKEA
15. Kobo elipsa 2e
Kick old school (pun intended) and transport yourself back to the days of taking notes on paper – kind of. The Kobo Elipsa is one of our top picks due to its impressive 10.3-inch design, enabling you to annotate digital books with the same ease as physical ones. Our favourite part: it offers the capability to craft digital notebooks and compose handwritten drafts before seamlessly converting them into typed text—a priceless feature in today’s digital era.
Price: $499.99
Available at Kobo Books
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16. Techloom zipline running shoe by APL
If you’re going to be sprinting to and from class, you’re probably going to need an elite sneaker to get you there. APL’s Techloom Zipline sneakers feature a seamless TechLoom for breathability, flexible ribbing, and lightweight hollow cord APL Ziplines that keep the weight low and the shoe balanced to help you perform your best. The brand’s all-new proprietary Soufflé sock liner provides a final layer of long-lasting, superior cushioning that’ll help you zoom through the halls in comfort and style.
Price: $525
Available at APL
16. Cargo joe pants by Buffalo
While skinny jeans might have fallen out of fashion, you can opt for a style that is in season by embracing a new pair of cargo pants. Buffalo’s Cargo Joe Pants are meticulously crafted with a comfortably slim leg, featuring soft twill fabric made from a luxurious cotton blend, and equipped with six generously sized pockets to carry what your backpack can’t.
Price: $99
Available at Buffalo
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17. Wunder puff vest
Elevate your campus style and stay comfortably warm throughout the year with Lululemon’s Wunder Puff Vest Tech Canvas. This versatile, water-resistant vest is a valuable addition to any student’s wardrobe, making it an ideal pick for all students – no matter the climate. Our favourite part: it’s crafted with 100% responsible down and equipped with an abrasion-resistant fabric for added durability.
Price: $268
Available at Lululemon
18. The lawn mower™ 4.0 by Manscaped
Look and feel your best with the Lawn Mower 4.0 by Manscaped. This precision grooming tool ensures a well-groomed appearance without the worry of nicks or cuts, thanks to its SkinSafe technology — perfect for the groin and other sensitive areas. With a long-lasting rechargeable battery and a portable design, it’s the perfect addition to your back-to-school essentials. Stay confident and well-groomed all year long.
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Price: $119.99
Available at Manscaped
19. Cast iron braising set by Le Creuset
Let’s face it, if you’re going off on your own for the first time, and whether you’re a natural born cook or learning to cook for yourself… you need a reliable sturdy new cookware set. What better than cast iron, and Le Creuset just launched their new colour way, Agave, that we’re obsessed with.
