Everyday Shortcuts

  • Recipes
  • DIY Projects
  • Travel
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • DIY Projects
  • Travel
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • DIY Projects
    • Travel
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Gift Guides

    Back to School Shopping Guide

    Modified: Aug 3, 2026 · Published: Aug 3, 2026 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
    SharePin

    This Back to School Shopping Guide features must-have and often overlooked essentials needed for college and dorm room that you wish you would of packed.

    College Must Haves collage of clothes, shoes and hygiene items
    Disclosure: Items were received at no cost for the purpose of this gift guide. All opinions are my own.

    Heading off to college is an exciting milestone, and having the right essentials can make the year go smoothly.

    Our college must-haves guide is filled with everything you didn’t know you needed from teas and refreshers for late-night study sessions to comfy shoes and clothes, plus dental care essentials for life on the go.

    Whether you’re moving in for the first time or heading back for another year, this list has practical finds for every college student. Happy Shopping!

    Need help packing? Be sure to grab our printable dorm room checklist to make move-in day simple and stress-free.

    Back to School Must Haves

    Image for SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush

    SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush

    Photo Credit: www.trysuri.com

    SURI 2.0: Our most advanced brush yet. More powerful, intuitive and effortless than ever. A deeper yet gentle clean, with a built-in pressure sensor guides every stroke.

    Image for Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan Sweater

    Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan Sweater

    Photo Credit: quince.com

    Meet the Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Boxy Cropped Cardigan Sweater – a stylish twist on our Mongolian Cashmere Oversized Boyfriend Cardigan Sweater. Crafted from premium Mongolian cashmere, this sweater boasts the same luxurious softness and warmth as its predecessor. The cropped design adds a contemporary touch, making it the perfect addition to your fashion-forward wardrobe.

    Image for Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans

    Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans

    Photo Credit: quince.com

    Our Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans redefine everyday denim with a high-rise fit that hugs your waist and a structured barrel leg that makes a statement. Our premium comfort stretch denim is crafted with organic cotton and designed to stretch just enough for a comfortable fit you’ll want to wear on repeat.

    Image for Everyday Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt

    Everyday Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt

    Photo Credit: quince.com

    The Everyday Fleece Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt brings a timeless twist to our signature cozy fleece. The brushed interior delivers a warm, irresistibly soft feel, and the quarter-zip front makes it easy to layer and style your way. Comfortable, versatile, and endlessly wearable — it’s the everyday essential you’ll keep reaching for. This style is true to size, we recommend sizing up for an oversized fit.

    Image for Everyday Fleece Joggers

    Everyday Fleece Joggers

    Photo Credit: quince.com

    The Everyday Fleece Joggers are the definition of laid-back luxury. Made from an extra-soft, brushed fleece, it offers all-day comfort with a clean, elevated look. Designed with an elasticated waistband and adjustable drawcord for your perfect fit. Cozy relaxed fit, this jogger moves with you — whether you’re lounging at home, running errands, or pairing it with your favorite fleece top for a head-to-toe comfort moment.

    Image for Vibe 2

    Vibe 2

    Photo Credit: usa.freetbarefoot.com

    About Vibe 2 Flyknit upper with comfy lining for all day comfort with or without socks ReBound energy return insole plus UrbanGrip outsole gives excellent ground feel with shock absorption Highly breathable for when the tempo speeds up

    Image for Refreshers Variety – Strawberry Raspberry, Peach Mango & Blueberry Lemon

    Refreshers Variety – Strawberry Raspberry, Peach Mango & Blueberry Lemon

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    pour. stir. whoa. That’s all it takes to unlock a moment of pure refreshment.  Meet Twinings® Refreshers - a premium line of delicious herbal tea instant beverages crafted by Twinings Master Blenders and Herbalists to uplift your mood with every sip. Refreshers deliver vibrant fruit flavour in a naturally caffeine-free herbal treat you can make at home.

    Image for Classics Collection Gift Box: Black, Green & Herbal Teas

    Classics Collection Gift Box: Black, Green & Herbal Teas

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    Enjoy this hand-selected assortment of delicious Classic Tea offerings from the Master Blenders of Twinings. At Twinings, we believe there is possibility in every moment to live well and enjoy life, from the way we move to how we connect to what we eat and drink.

    Image for Lemon & Ginger

    Lemon & Ginger

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    Soothe your digestion and awaken your senses with every sip. Bright citrus notes of lemon meet the spicy warmth of ginger for a vibrant, full-bodied infusion.

    Image for English Breakfast

    English Breakfast

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    English Breakfast is our most popular tea. To create this well-balanced blend, we select some of the finest teas, each with its own unique characteristics. The combination yields a complex, full-bodied, lively cup of tea that is perfect any time of day.

    Image for Immune Support+ Vitamin C

    Immune Support+ Vitamin C

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    Brilliantly blended by our Master Blenders to support a healthy immune system. We uniquely combined the flavours of apples and oranges with green tea for an exhilarating blend you will crave every day. This blend provides energizing benefits with the addition of Vitamin B6.

    Image for Camomile, Honey & Vanilla

    Camomile, Honey & Vanilla

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    Herbs have a long history of documented use tracing back to Ancient Egypt, Ancient China and to the beginning of Ayurveda science in India. Herbal teas can be made from any combination of flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, citrus or berry fruits herbs and spices-which is why the number of unique blends available.

    Image for Nightly Calm™

    Nightly Calm™

    Photo Credit: twiningsusa.com

    Herbs have a long history of documented use tracing back to Ancient Egypt, Ancient China and to the beginning of Ayurveda science in India. Herbal teas can be made from any combination of flowers, leaves, seeds, roots, citrus or berry fruits herbs and spices-which is why the number of unique blends available.

    Image for The Classic - Nail Reformation x Janice Joostema Press On Nails

    The Classic - Nail Reformation x Janice Joostema Press On Nails

    Photo Credit: www.nailreformation.com

    Part of the exclusive Nail Reformation x Janice Joostema collection, a modern take on the iconic French manicure—refined, feminine, and forever in style.

    Image for Iced Guava - Short Round Press-Ons | Nail Reformation

    Iced Guava - Short Round Press-Ons | Nail Reformation

    Photo Credit: www.nailreformation.com

    Short Round Iced Guava nails by Nail Reformation feature a refreshing, translucent jelly pink finish. Shop this cool, cutesy look now.

    Image for Ballet Pink - Extra Short Round Press-Ons | Nail Reformation

    Ballet Pink - Extra Short Round Press-Ons | Nail Reformation

    Photo Credit: www.nailreformation.com

    Extra short Round Glossy Ballet Pink press-ons by Nail Reformation feature a shimmering pink base and tonal light pink French tips.

    Image for Blush Tone – Short Round Press-On Nails | Nail Reformation

    Blush Tone – Short Round Press-On Nails | Nail Reformation

    Photo Credit: www.nailreformation.com

    The perfect tone to make you blush. Nail Reformation's Blush Tone press-on nails bring a soft matte finish in a rosy shade that’s endlessly wearable.

    Image for Thunder Gray – Short Round Press-Ons | Nail Reformation

    Thunder Gray – Short Round Press-Ons | Nail Reformation

    Photo Credit: www.nailreformation.com

    Short Round Glossy Thunder Gray press-ons by Nail Reformation pair muted gray hues with soft shine and subtle depth.

    College Shopping Tips

    • Wait until you know your dorm size before buying.
    • Check your college’s prohibited items list.
    • Coordinate with your roommate so you don’t bring the same items.
    • Take advantage of student discounts from retailers.
    • Don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once. Start with essentials, then wait a few weeks to see what else you may need.

    More Gift Guides

    • Summer Fun Guide
    • Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas of 2026
    • Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2026
    • Best Valentine’s Day Gifts 2026

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

    More about me →

    Popular

    • 8 Easy Chicken Freezer Meals in One Hour
    • Crock Pot Coca-Cola Baby Back Ribs
    • My 3 Day Egg Fast Experience and Weight Loss
    • Copycat White Castle Sliders

    Holiday Recipes

    • Halloween Oreo Eyeball Cake
    • Bald Eagle Cupcakes
    • American Flag Cupcake Cake
    • Easter Bread

    Footer

    Everyday shortcuts as seen on logos

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • About Me

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Press & Media
    • PR Friendly

    Alison McFadden is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    Copyright © 2026 Everyday Shortcuts. All Rights Reserved

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT