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As September fast approaches, it’s time to shake off those summer cobwebs and start thinking about school again. Whether they’re heading back to their alma mater, starting fresh on a new campus, or even just taking a few classes online, now’s a great time to show the students in your life that you have their back.
Below, we’ve rounded up some back to school essentials students will actually enjoy, including upgraded gear, unique school supplies, dorm room decorations, and just fun stuff to help them relax between classes and make new friends.
What are you looking for?
Subscriptions Gear Devices Games Swag Decorations Books
How much do you want to spend?
$ $$ $$$
Earth Break
Survive an apocalypse-themed escape room without leaving your dorm room (and listen to the tie-in podcast starring Jenny Slate.) $30/month
Sn30 Pro+ Switch gamepad
8Bitdo's latest wireless controller combines retro style with modern tech — and a real D-pad. $49.99
Scuf Vantage Controller
Scuf’s customizable PS4 controllers are favored by none other than avid gamer Aubrey Drake Graham. Starts at $169.95
Nintendo Switch Lite
Pre-orders are open for the long-awaited handheld-only Switch console, which will launch on Sept. 20. $199.99
Masks: A New Generation
This RPG about teen superheroes is a ton of fun even if you're not a teen and don't have super powers. $29.99
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Microsoft's new subscription combines Xbox Game Pass with Xbox Live Gold. $14.99/month
Toshiba 4K TV - Fire TV Edition
An entry level 4K TV with built-in Fire TV is perfect for dorm rooms. $249.99
Pink PC accessories
Razer's Quartz line of pink PC accessories includes a highly instagrammable headset with cat ears. Starts at $19.99
Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon's thinner, lighter, waterproof Kindle Paperwhite can be tossed in any backpack. $129.99
Vaporwave Nintendo hoodies
LA-based company Public Space is known for its Vaporwave-style designs; its retro gaming line features some super cute Nintendo and PlayStation hoodies.
Bionik Audio Sync Bluetooth adapter
One of the few solutions for using wireless headsets with the Nintendo Switch. $39.99
Screenprinted film posters
Mondo's hand numbered screenprinted film posters are way more interesting dorm decor than another Scarface poster. Starts at $40
Acer Predator Helios 300
Acer's Predator Helios 300 is powerful enough for gaming but slim and lightweight enough to take to class. $999.99
Stranger Things Polaroid camera
Stranger Things marketing brought back the best parts of the 80s. $142.19
The Unofficial Harry Potter Joke Book: Great Guffaws for Gryffindor
Amuse your friends with such gems as: What do you call a student in Professor Sprout's class? "Herb" $7.99
Game On!: Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More
Game developer Dustin Hansen wrote this YA book about the history of gaming. $8.10
Logitech K400 Plus wireless TV keyboard
Watching TV from your PC is made a lot easier with a wireless keyboard. $24.99
Pokémon Build-A-Bear
It's the closest you can get to being a real Pokémon trainer — for now. Starts at $55
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion Hero's Edition
The deluxe slipcase edition of the Breath of the Wild art book would be a welcome addition to any bookshelf. $60.10
Bewildered Psyduck varsity jacket
You don't need to be the captain of any team to rock this adorable varsity jacket. $54.99
Aggretsuko mouse pad
Depending on how your day's going, it might be nice to channel Aggretsuko at your desk every now and then. $10.45
Waterfield Switchpack
A fancy Switch case is the perfect gift if you're going for a mix of classy and fun. $129
SpongeBob SquarePants lunch sack
Unfortunately your lunch will probably not be as delicious as a Krabby Patty, but one can dream. $15.92
Harry Potter duvet cover
Pottery Barn's duvet cover printed with patronuses is a little bit more subtle than typical character sheets. $69
Dr. Seuss Moleskine planner
More useful than that Dr. Seuss book everyone gets at graduation, but equally sweet. $27.95
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Bluetooth speaker
Liven up any party with this small-but-powerful speaker. $149.94
FreezerBoy dry-erase refrigerator magnets
Turn your mini-fridge into a GameBoy minus, you know, the games. $19.99
Super Mario Chess
Challenge your roommates to a game of chess — if you lose, move on to Smash Bros. $46.23